When the summer air across the Midwest starts to turn crisp and cool in the evenings, you know a spectacular fall color show is on the way. One of the best ways to experience Midwest fall colors is to hike, bike, or explore top-rated destinations like state parks in Minnesota. Minnesota State Parks come alive in the fall as the forests light up with fiery reds, deep golds, and rich amber hues. With 67 parks to explore, there’s no shortage of spots to take in the best fall colors in Minnesota.
Minnesota State Parks, such as Tettegouche, Itasca, and Gooseberry Falls, offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in the state, especially when framed by peak autumn foliage. Whether you’re heading north to enjoy state parks near Duluth or looking for the best state parks near Minneapolis for a weekend hike, this is the season to get outside and experience Minnesota in the fall at its most vivid and memorable. Of course, spending time in these parks is just the beginning of your couples getaway this fall.
Fall in Minnesota also brings apple orchard visits, scenic drives along the North Shore, cozy breweries, and charming small-town festivals. It’s the perfect time of year for couples to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy all the fun fall activities Minnesota has to offer, let alone the rest of the scenic Midwest region! From winery tastings to local art tours and farmers markets, you’ll find there’s no shortage of things to do in Minnesota for couples looking for something a little more unique. Don’t forget your camera either. Between the colorful trees, rushing waterfalls, and golden-hour lake views, fall colors in MN are worth capturing.
After a full day of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring, there’s no better way to relax than at one of the top-rated Bed and Breakfasts in Minnesota. The Midwest Association of Independent Inns features some of the most welcoming and thoughtfully run accommodations in the state. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a friends’ trip to see the Minnesota fall colors, these locally owned Inns offer the comfort, hospitality, and personal touches that make your stay unforgettable. Book your Midwest Weekend getaways today!
Fall Colors at the Best Minnesota State Parks
Minnesota is a wonderful state for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, including those who love to go hiking, mountain biking, paddling, or just spending time in nature. Although there are plenty of spectacular regional parks and hiking trails worth exploring in Minnesota, including the Superior Hiking Trail near Duluth, some of the best fall scenery in the state can be found at state parks in Minnesota.
Minnesota State Parks are some of the most extraordinary places to visit in the Midwest. And though they offer four exciting seasons of adventure, there’s nothing quite like Minnesota in fall. Below is a list of just a few of our favorite places to visit for Midwest fall colors.
- One of the most dramatic and popular Minnesota State Parks to visit (no matter the time of year) is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park near Duluth. Not only is the lighthouse one of the most scenic and photographed destinations in Minnesota, but it also offers easy access to a great network of hiking and biking trails, making it easily combined with a trip to other state parks near Duluth.
- Speaking of more state parks near Duluth, you can’t miss Jay Cooke State Park, where you’ll enjoy dramatic views of the St. Louis River from a swinging bridge. With more than 50 miles of hiking trails and connections to even more, this is easily one of the best Minnesota State Parks for hikers and adventurous couples.
- Tettegouche State Park is one of the best Minnesota State Parks for fall colors, with dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping views of Lake Superior framed by brilliant autumn foliage. It’s a top spot for hiking, photography, and experiencing the rugged beauty of Minnesota in the fall. Add in more fantastic waterfalls at nearby Gooseberry Falls State Park.
- If you’re heading to southern Minnesota and want to visit one of the best Minnesota State Parks, don’t miss Whitewater State Park, just east of Rochester, Minnesota. Explore the many miles of limestone bluff hiking trails, scale the top of Chimney Rock, and take in the exceptional fall colors at this top-rated state park in Minnesota.
- If you’re looking for colorful river views, one of the best Minnesota State Parks to visit is Great River Bluffs State Park. It’s beautiful year-round, but it’s truly breathtaking during the fall months. A great place to take in the views is the King’s Bluff Nature Trail. If you pack your binoculars, you’ll be treated to some of the best birdwatching in the area.
- Get two for one at Minneopa State Park, one of the best state parks near Minneapolis. It’s home to a beautiful two-tiered waterfall that’s worth seeing, as well as an American Bison Herd. It is well worth your time.
- See the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park. It’s not only the oldest of the Minnesota State Parks, but it’s also one of the most scenic places to view Minnesota’s old-growth forests and unspoiled lakes.
- Interstate State Park, located on the St. Croix River Valley, is one of the most scenic state parks in Minnesota. Here, you’ll find sensational trails along the St. Croix River as you walk through historic glacial potholes and fascinating terrain. This park is absolutely magical in the fall.
- Find one of the most unique Minnesota State Parks underground! Head to southeastern Minnesota and explore 13 miles of underground caves at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.
- Discover one of Minnesota’s last true places of untouched wilderness at Big Bog State Recreation Area. There is an incredible bird population, as well as a variety of other wildlife species, that call this area home. There is a boardwalk through the bog, and it remains open for snowshoeing during the winter months.
Where to Spend Your Fall Getaways in Minnesota
There’s nothing that beats spending a crisp fall day exploring the best Minnesota State Parks with someone you love. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls at Tettegouche State Park, hiking through golden forests at Whitewater, or stopping for photos at scenic overlooks near Duluth, fall in Minnesota is unforgettable. But when the sun dips below the horizon and the temperatures cool, the right lodging can make your getaway even better. For couples looking to relax in comfort after a day outdoors, our association of Bed and Breakfasts, Boutique hotels, Inns, and cabins offers the best places to stay near your favorite Midwest State Parks.
Our member Bed and Breakfasts are located in some of the most popular destinations throughout the Midwest, making them an ideal choice for romantic fall getaways or spontaneous weekend escapes. You’ll find warm hospitality, locally inspired breakfasts, and accommodations that strike the perfect balance of privacy and charm. Whether you’re looking for a cozy suite in a quiet town or a beautifully restored historic home near the action, these properties are thoughtfully curated for couples who want something more than a cookie-cutter hotel. They’re perfect for recharging before another day of fall adventures.
But these Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts don’t just serve as a place to sleep. They’re part of the experience, each reflecting the unique character of its region. As you wind down what’s been another fantastic summer in the Midwest and gear up to discover all the unique things to do in Minnesota in the fall, we hope you include a stay at at least one of our properties. You’ll never go back to a traditional hotel again. After all, your time in the best state parks in Minnesota deserves to be matched by equally thoughtful accommodations. Book your fall getaways here!
