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MPR News Staff
St. Paul

Don't stop be-leafing: Minnesota's best weekend fall color

Fall colors in southeastern Minnesota
Remaining fall colors mix with trees that have lost their leaves along the Whitewater River on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, in Whitewater State Park near Elba, Minn. This view is from the Chimney Rock Trail.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News

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The southern half of Minnesota is ablaze — in a good way!

Fall foliage is at its peak in the Twin Cities and across large swaths of southern Minnesota. Much of the state's northern half is past peak, except for a bubble of beauty around Bemidji.

Fall foliage is at its peak in the Twin Cities.
Fall foliage is at its peak in the Twin Cities.
Courtesy of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Despite last week's rainy, windy weather, there are still plenty of places to see the state's fall glory, although the Department of Natural Resources' fall color finder map makes it clear that the end is near. Go see it while you can.

Below are a few of the DNR's highlights and suggestions of where to go this weekend. You can also view the agency's entire color finder map online.

Whitewater State Park

Oaks are glowing with color. Juncos have returned to the park feeders for the winter. Waterfowl including egrets and pelicans have been coming through the wildlife management area.

Fall colors in southeastern Minnesota
Fall colors and evergreens are seen from the Chimney Rock Trail in Whitewater State Park on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, near Elba, Minn. State Highway 74 is visible as it winds among the ridges.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News

Chimney Rock and Inspiration Point are good overlook locations where you can get nice fall photos.

Lake Bemidji State Park

Tamaracks are gold and sphagnum mosses are shifting from green to a variety of reds, making for a great bog walk. Maples along the park road and the Rocky Point Trail are peaking right now with some bright reds among the yellows and golds.

Birches and aspens are shedding a golden glow throughout the picnic area and near the fishing pier.

The bird feeders near the visitor center are busy with birds preparing for their seasonal migration and are a great place for some bird watching.

Afton State Park

Maple and ash trees are yellow and golden this year. Sumac has a deep maroon color and can be seen along the entrance road.

The north trail by the St. Croix River has many oaks with rather muted colors; the south trail has many maples and aspens, which are now yellow.