5 Leaf-Peeping Road Trips In Minnesota: When Foliage Peaks

MINNESOTA — Fall foliage is approaching brilliance in Minnesota. The 2023 Fall Foliage Prediction Map indicates leaves are peaking this week.

The predictive map, from the travel site Smokymountains.com, uses a refined data model based on historical and forecast temperatures and precipitation, the types of trees prominent in specific geographic areas, and real-time user reports.

The map is easy to use. The slider at the bottom resets weekly to include the latest data. To see when leaves are expected to peak, move the slider to the right. Leaves haven’t started changing yet in green areas, and the brown color means foliage has passed its peak.

As with any meteorological forecast dependent upon weather variables, leaf predictions aren’t always 100 percent accurate, but the map does give Minnesota leaf-peepers a pretty good shot at seeing autumn leaves when they turn their most blazing reds, vibrant orange, and sunny yellows.

Explore Minnesota recommends these routes to see the colorful fall foliage:

• Parkways around Minneapolis and St. Paul lakes, plus the Minnehaha Creek, Mississippi River, and Summit Avenue
• Highway 61 from Duluth to Grand Portage
• Highway 169 from Virginia to Tower, Highway 135 through Biwabik back
• Highway 38, Grand Rapids to Bigfork
• Highway 95 from Taylors Falls to Afton