Although the weather is acting like the summer we didn’t have… autumn is here. One of my favorite activities to do in the fall, is taking day trips to view the great fall colors as the leaves change. The window is short, as there are already leaves on the ground, so to make it easy for you, I am providing a guide to scenic locations in the Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding areas.

Itasca State Park – According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, the leaves at Itasca are at a 0-10% change, while the flower colors are between 75%-100%. The ash trees are turning a lemon-yellow color, while the Red and Sugar maples continue to turn yellow, orange, and a deep red. The forest floor is also showing color as a variety of plant species turn color. Peak Color Projections for the maples/basswoods/ash is typically the last week of September, however some are progressing fast than normal. I love bringing my children to Itasca in the fall, because you can still rent bikes and non-motorized watercraft, walk across the Headwaters of the Mississippi, and take advantage of the science center.

Buffalo River State Park – Only 15 minutes from the Fargo-Moorhead community, the leaf color at Buffalo State Park is at 25 – 50%. This park boasts 12 miles of hiking trail. In winter, the park maintains 6 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, 6 miles of winter hiking trail and one mile of snowshoe trail. There are winter trail shelters that are heated on the weekends. Teachers, the park has many learning opportunities for classes all year round.

Maplewood State Park – As of September 16, maples are showing a little fringe of color, ash and elm are 15%-20%. Sumac is about 75% color and the prairie grasses and flowers are showing good color now. The area south of the main campground and above Bass Lake has a wonderful amount of blue asters that are in full bloom. The park entrance is 7 miles east of Pelican Rapids on State Highway 108.

Bemidji State Park – Leaf color is at 25 – 50%. Many birch and basswood trees have yellow tones and a blanket of leaves at their base. A few sugar maples and red oaks now have red leaves as well. Red is also found in a few Virginia creeper vines hanging from trees. Both red and white pine this week now have an orange tone as the three year old needles dry and fall to the ground. The ring billed gulls are resting around the lake in large groups while wooly bear caterpillars have begun to make their move to wintering spots. The entrance to the park is off County State Aid Highway 20.

If anyone has other favorite places to view the changing colors… please share. With the beautiful weather, it would be great to have some more places to explore and take pictures.

For more information regarding the Fargo-Moorhead area, click here.