Attractions

by Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children

These crisp fall days are perfect for a fall drive and the fine spectator sport of “leaf-peeping.”  If you’re up for a tour of the fall colors in Minnesota, consider these destinations:

Split Rock State Park

The North Shore Drive, north of Duluth along the shores of Lake Superior.  The leaves were just starting to turn when we were there at the end of September.  Combined with the views of Lake Superior, there are some spectacular sights to see.  If you want to go beyond driving and see the leaves close-up, stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park or Split Rock Lighthouse and take a walk in the woods.

Fall Colors at Historic Forestville

Southeastern Minnesota. We were in the Preston area last weekend, and the colors were beautiful.  Check out the paths near Historic Forestville, or find a gravel road and wander around for a while.

The Minnesota River Valley. Follow the Minnesota Scenic Byway for some beautiful views in the river valley.  I saw a beautiful combination of green, yellow, and bright red there yesterday.  For a great lookout point, climb to the top of Hermann Monument in New Ulm (check for fall hours).

Find your own:  Check out the Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Reports to see where leaves are at their peak color.

If you have your kids along, find a park and let them play in the leaves.  Find some that are interesting.  Make a pile and jump in with them.  Then find somewhere to stop for a cup of hot chocolate on the way home.

Fall is the perfect time to get off the highways and enjoy the back roads.  The combination of blue skies, crisp fall air, and beautiful fall colors is hard to beat.

Do you have a favorite fall drive, in Minnesota or elsewhere?

Photo credits: Fall Colors at Historic Forestville by minnemom; Split Rock State Park by minnemom.