Fall Color Trail Report for 10-16-25

Sibley State Park
Explore any of the hiking trails at Sibley State Park or take in the view from Mount Tom to enjoy the beginnings of the fall colors.
Leaves are 50-75%
Grasses are past peak
Flowers are past peak

Click Here for Fall Color Map of MN

Monson State Park
Leaves are 50-75%
Grasses are past peak
Flowers are past peak

The Minnesota State Parks and Trails also featured Sibley State Park & the Glacial Lakes State Trail in their weekly newsletter this week. See below…

Climb, Paddle, and Play at Sibley State Park

Sweeping views and shimmering lakes alive with color.

For a scenery sample that encompasses all things Minnesota, consider a fall visit to Sibley State Park in Kandiyohi County.  Lakes, forests, farmland, and prairies with windswept tall grass make up this classic Minnesota landscape, established as a state park in 1919.

But Sibley State Park invites more than sightseeing. How about sight climbing? That’s right, the park is home to Mount Tom, a glacial moraine 200 feet above Lake Andrew, the park’s signature lake.

If you have children with energy to burn, challenge them to climb the mountain to the observation tower! Fall is a great season to conquer the Mount Tom Trail (also known as the Hiking Club Trail) before the trail closes for the winter. It’s a moderate 3.3-mile loop over uneven pavement, and you can drive or walk to the Mount Tom parking lot.

Once at the summit, a lovely view unfolds over acres of forest. For a more leisurely stroll, take the 0.7-mile Pondview Trail through the forest habitat, past the prairie and through wetlands. That trail has minor hills but is considered stroller friendly.

The park’s new nature play area is another great spot for kids! The play area features a giant salamander along with climbing and crawling structures. Lake Andrew is visible from the play area, giving adults a chance to sit and enjoy the cool breeze and fall color.

Canoeing at the park offers a peaceful way to experience the brilliant golds and reds of autumn shorelines. Portaging is required across Henschien and Swan lakes. The park also features horse trails, and year-round naturalist-led interpretive programs which are listed on the park website. The visitor center is expected to reopen this fall following renovation. Before leaving home, always check the park website for visitor alerts.

A Trail for Every Traveler

Glacial Lakes State Trail rolls through Minnesota’s heartland.

Enjoy an enchanted adventure in central Minnesota on the Glacial Lakes State Trail this October.

Formed by ancient glaciers thousands of years ago, the rolling topography of central Minnesota gives visitors beautiful, expansive views of gentle hills, sparkling lakes, and colorful forests. This picturesque setting is a perfect backdrop for a fall outing with friends and family on the trail.

In Kandiyohi County, more than 20 miles of the Glacial Lakes State Trail follows the former Burlington Northern Railroad track. Between Willmar and Spicer, bike along the paved trail under a golden canopy of box elder, ash, elm, and willow trees, or hike the trail just past Spicer to view fall colors at Nest Lake Bridge. You’ll be surrounded by a beautiful mix of golden foliage this season. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the expansive views along the trail. Convenient parking and picnic areas are available in Willmar, Spicer, and New London along the trail.

Horseback riders will also find fall beauty along the Glacial Lakes State Trail. Ride the mowed, parallel grass treadway between Willmar and New London. Enjoy the easy terrain and scenic views of tree stands and lakes on a sunny afternoon. You’ll find longer parking spots for horse trailers at the Willmar trailhead near the Civic Center—and don’t forget to bring your Horse Pass with you.

For those visiting Sibley State Park, the Glacial Lakes State Trail offers an easy way to extend your adventure beyond the park’s borders. Start your day at the interpretive center on a paved trail that winds along the shores of Lake Andrew. You’ll transition seamlessly onto the Glacial Lakes State Trail extension as it rolls through prairie and hillsides. At the park’s border, riders can travel along County Roads 9 and 40 to connect with the New London section of the Glacial Lakes State Trail.

The Glacial Lakes State Trail is a beautiful place to experience fall colors this season. Spend an afternoon under the golden leaves of ash and elm trees and enjoy the peacefulness of nature near the sparkling lakes that dot the landscape. It’s a truly magical place to experience the season.