gorgeous north shore mn fall colors
Autumn on the North Shore is glorious. Nights cool down making for crisp mornings and warm days. As days shorten, leaves quit producing chlorophyll and the latent colors – red, orange, burgundy, yellow, gold – emerge. North Shore MN fall colors are amazing along Lake Superior’s North Shore. The dense forests blanketing the hillsides are covered with both hardwoods – maples – and softwoods – birch, aspen, poplar. This makes for two fall color seasons.
the best time to see fall colors
Typically maples begin to turn along the ridge lines a few miles inland after Labor Day. The best time to see fall colors begins the third week/end of September through about October 10th when maple colors are at peak.
The next best time is the first few weeks of October when the birch and poplar closer to Lake Superior start to turn yellow and the second season starts.
Any weather works for viewing fall colors. On grey, misty days, the colors vibrate while the contrast of bright blue on a sunny day can be glorious. Plan on layering clothes to offset cool morning [in the 40s].Â
Weather has a major impact on the colors of the season – if the trees have been stressed due to lack of rain or a cold summer, colors can be subdued and the season shorter.Â
north shore mn fall color map
Venture out by foot, by car, by bike, or by boat. The choice is yours and the rewards are spectacular. Maple fall colors cannot typically be seen from the lakeshore; they require the warmer inland temperatures of the valleys and south-facing secondary hillsides.
Fore better viewing, travel with the sun at your back – to the west in the morning and to the east in the afternoon.Â
Our recommendations for the best fall color routes on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior.
Attractions & Tours
mile 26.0
mile 36.8
mile 39.0
mile 46.0
mile 51.0
mile 58.5
mile 58.9
mile 58.9
mile 66.0
mile 80.4
mile 83.4
mile 83.4
mile 86.1
mile 90.5
mile 92.8
mile 101.3
gunflint mile 4.5
gunflint mile 2.5
gunflint mile 11.0
gunflint mile 24.0
gunflint mile 29.5
mile 128.7
mile 146.6
Attractions
Check out these North Shore Favorites
