Where to Find the Most Jaw-Dropping Fall Colors Around SE Minnesota This Season

Fall colors are starting to come in throughout Southeast Minnesota, slowly but surely. It feels like it's been a little slow this year, but that's ok. I love fall, so we can extend this season as long as we can.

But here and there, I'm starting to see the colors change around Rochester and the surrounding area.

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According to the Minnesota DNR's Fall Color Finder map, SE Minnesota should hit peak fall colors in the next week or so. So now is the time to get out and enjoy the colors!

As I'm writing this, it's raining and gloomy outside. Not the best leaf peeping weather. But now is the perfect time to plan a little day trip for this weekend or something, so when the weather clears up again, you're ready to go.

Let's take a look at the best places around SE Minnesota to see some stunning fall colors.

(Hat tip to Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and the Minnesota Reddit for some of these ideas.)

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Altura

The small town east of Rochester is home to one of my favorite state parks, Whitewater State Park! The hiking trails can lead you to some incredible views above the trees, so being there for the fall colors would be incredible.

Lanesboro

Another small town in the area, Lanesboro, is always featured for being a great little spot to visit. Visiting in the fall would be an amazing time to go. They've got cute shops and restaurants, plus the Root River Trail. The leaf peeping would be amazing.

Red Wing

Right on the Mississippi River, seeing the fall colors would be beautiful here. Red Wing also has some great shops and restaurants. Red Wing is also home to Memorial Park, where you can get some beautiful views of town and the Mississippi.

Winona

Another town right on the Mississippi that's a for sure stop in the fall is Winona. Winona also has Sugar Loaf Bluff where you can get some insane views of the Mississippi and all of the fall colors.