Lookout Mountain along the North Shore in northern Minnesota.
(FOX 9) - About half of Minnesota is currently experiencing peak fall color, according to the latest report from the state Department of Natural Resources.
The DNR’s weekly fall color update shows the leaves are starting to change in all parts of the state. Some far northern portions of the state are now past peak, but many areas of northwest and northeast Minnesota are still in peak fall color.
Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota. (FOX 9)
Parts of central Minnesota and the Twin Cities are quickly approaching peak fall color. Southern Minnesota will reach peak fall color in another week or so.
The DNR says fall colors are ahead of schedule this year, with some areas peaking 10 days to two weeks ahead of what we usually see compared to the past two years.
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Minnesota DNR confirms fall colors ahead of schedule
A Minnesota DNR official confirms that those fall colors you're seeing are indeed ahead of schedule.
Here are the best places to see fall colors in each part of the state right now, according to the DNR:
Northeast Minnesota
- St. Croix State Park, Hinckley
- St. Croix State Park, Hinckley
- Gitchi-Gami State Trail, Tofte to Ski Hill Road
Northwest Minnesota
- La Salle Lake State Recreation Area, Solway
- Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji
- Paul Bunyan State Trail, Walker to Lake Bemidji State Park
Central Minnesota
- Glacial Lakes State Park, Starbuck
- Glacial Lakes State Trail, Willmar to Cold Spring (38.5 miles)
- Lake Carlos State Park, Carlos
Minneapolis-St. Paul area
- Gateway State Trail, St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park
- Three Rivers Park District, parks throughout the Metro area
- Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Southern Minnesota
- Camden State Park, Lynd
- John A. Latsch State Park, Altura
- Rice Lake State Park, Owatonna
The DNR’s Fall Color Finder, which is updated weekly through October, can also help you find areas with peak fall color.