While fall does not officially begin until Sept. 22, the process of the trees changing color has already begun in Minnesota.
“There should be plenty of beautiful foliage to enjoy” this fall, according to a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources news release.
“Fall in Minnesota is truly something special,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “Cool, crisp air, brilliant bursts of color, and picturesque landscapes make it the perfect season to get outside. … Autumn is an ideal time to experience the beauty and colors of Minnesota.”
In contrast to 2024’s extremely wet spring and prior years’ severe droughts, this year brought a relatively dry May with decent precipitation from June through August to Minnesota, according to the DNR news release, resulting in more leaves staying on trees than in recent years. Barring any extreme cold snaps, this bodes well for great colors this fall.
“Brilliant fall color occurs when early fall days are sunny, nights are chilly and there is adequate rainfall throughout the growing season,” said Brian Schwingle, DNR forest health program consultant. “An earlier, lighter frost will shift peak fall color earlier in the fall color window, so pay attention to the forecast if you can be flexible with your travel timing.”
The DNR has released its 2025 Fall Color Finder on the webpage, dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors, and its weekly newsletter for tips to help Minnesotans view fall colors. Both resources help the public track leaf, wildflower and grass color progression across Minnesota.
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