Fall color in portions of state at 10-25%

Fall color is already visible in parts of the state, per the latest update from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

According to the DNR’s fall color finder map, as of Monday, portions of the state are displaying seasonal color change at 10-25%. Most areas are reporting a mix of yellow and green color, with some areas—such as Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northern Minnesota—displaying red leaves.

To update the map each week, state park staff check the trees, wildflowers and grasses in their area.

Those observations are used to create the color-coded map that shows the approximate percentage of fall color that can be seen.

Certain factors this year could affect the way fall color appears in the state.

DNR Forest Health Program Coordinator Val Cervenka said dry conditions throughout the state are "absolutely" going to affect leaves’ seasonal color changes.

Cervenka noted many trees have already dropped their leaves due to stress amid extended drought conditions. She added drought also tends to wash out leaf colors.

Even if it might not be a typical year for the fall color that’s anticipated in Minnesota, Cervenka said "people should still get out and be surprised."

Those interested can sign up for weekly email updates on where to find peak fall color here. You can also find more route directions and details on the fall color drives here.