By: Natalia Gercheva

Autumn in Minnesota is one of the best places to experience some of the most beautiful leaf colors. Luckily, there are many parks you can go to, and walks you can take to be surrounded by nature’s beauty.

In Minnesota, mid-September to mid-October is when the trees start to change color. The official first day of fall is September 23rd so if you have the chance, I highly recommend going outside to admire this annual glorious phenomenon.

1. Winchell Trail in Minneapolis
This hike is a 2-mile round trip on a mostly unpaved trail with a moderate climb. This beautiful hike goes right along the Mississippi River gorge, and it is popular with bird watchers and naturalists. There are many trees along the trail, and the lighting makes the leaves’ colors pop.

2. Lake Maria State Park
This state park has a wide variety of trails you can go on varying in distance. There are 9 trails that range from 0.5 mi- 5.3 mi long. Lake Maria is located in Minneapolis, and it is an easy drive from anywhere in the area. This would be a perfect state park to go to with your family or friends to enjoy being outside in nature.

3. Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Minnehaha Falls is one of the oldest parks in Minneapolis, where visitors can enjoy not only the autumn colors, but also a luscious 53-foot waterfall, river views, and limestone bluffs. The park is 193- acres and contains oak, elm, silver maple, basswood, hackberry and cottonwood trees. There are also native and prairie woodland wildflowers.

These parks/ trails are my personal favorites, but some other noteworthy destinations are Taylors Falls, Fort Snelling State Park, and the Hyland Hills Ski Area. Although the time is limited, and the fall colors will change quickly, it will be a memorable experience, and definitely worth it if you decide to make one of these trips.