Plan Now for Fall Travel to Minnesota in 2027

Fall is a fabulous time to visit Minnesota—crisp, sunny days and the smell of harvest create a festive atmosphere. Plus, autumn transforms Minnesota’s lush green foliage into a kaleidoscope of color, turning an average road trip into a stunning mosaic of eye-popping rust, red and gold tones.

While Minnesota is known for its lakes, approximately one-third of the state is covered with trees. Late summer’s shorter days and cooler nights change the oak, maple, aspen and sumac trees’ leaves—seemingly overnight—to eye-popping rust, red and gold tones. Some even say Minnesota rivals New England for autumn glory, and it can be more affordable.

The state’s 22 scenic byway drives give the road tripper plenty of options. Routes like the Great River Road along the Mississippi River and the North Shore Scenic Drive that hugs Lake Superior, match water with woods as they weave through the small towns and picturesque landscapes. We guarantee you will be wowed.

To plan for optimum leaf-peeping time, use Minnesota’s Fall Color Finder. This interactive tool predicts when the leaves will change color and shares historical data. Or check out our Top 10 Best Fall Color Drives here. Add a few fall festivals, like walking a corn maze, for an even more authentically American experience.

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