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Cathy Wurzer

Where to see fall colors this weekend

Fall color finder map
This map from the Department of Natural Resources shows the best places to see fall colors this week.
Courtesy Minnesota DNR

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You're out of luck if you head to northwestern Minnesota this weekend to go leaf peeping — it's already past peak.

Instead, head to the North Shore, where fall colors are in their prime right now. You can also enjoy the red, orange and yellow in a pocket of southwestern Minnesota.

The Department of Natural Resources' interactive color finder map is based on observations from all 75 of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas. Here are the top picks this week:

• Savanna Portage State Park: You can't go wrong anywhere you go in this park. The DNR says you'll see color everywhere, but recommends Beaver Pond Trail and Loon, Wolf and Shumway lakes. Keep an eye on the wildlife, too — a lot of eagles have been spotted in the area along with trumpeter swans.

• Tettegouche State Park: The hike into Tettegouche Camp from the Lax Lake Road parking area may be the best spot for fall colors — you'll walk through tunnels of peaking maples, oaks, basswoods and yellow birches. Don't wait too long, though. Heavy winds and rain are expected to strip the trees quickly of leaves.

• Camden State Park: Trees aren't providing the only color here. Sunflowers, asters and goldenrods are in full bloom on the prairies.

Meanwhile, the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota continue run behind schedule, at least compared to 2014. At this time last fall, most of the state was either past or at peak.