The Fall Color Finder Map is Live

MN DNR Fall Color Finder Map
A fan favorite for timing the perfect fall adventures.
The Fall Color Finder map is your go-to guide for chasing the rainbow in Minnesota’s woodlands and prairies. Updated weekly throughout the season, the map shows where colors are just starting, near peak, or at their most vibrant. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip or a weekend getaway, the map is a great tool for choosing a colorful location. Keep reading to learn more about how the map is made and lesser known features!

Powered by Park Staff
Minnesota state parks and trails staff report the color changes they see from September through October. The reports are compiled and updated on our Fall Color Finder map every week. If you love following along with the map, give any park staff you see an extra smile, wave, or ‘thanks’—they help make it all possible!

Not an Exact Science
The Fall Color Finder map is based on reports made by people (not satellites or computers). What looks like 50% color to one person might only be 25% to you! Changes in landscape and tree species can also cause color variations within an area. Using the map to plan a trip is a great tool, but it should not be relied upon as an exact timing indicator.

Alternate Color Scheme Map
Did you know the Fall Color Finder map can be toggled to an alternative color scheme? The alternate map was developed for people who have difficulty seeing red or green (deuteranomaly). Check it out on our Fall Color website! The alternate color scheme can be toggled on and off with buttons near the top of the page.

As we move into fall, bright sunshine and small temperature swings will bring out the best colors possible. We are more likely to see brilliant colors when the days are sunny and the nights are cool (between 32-45°F). While every fall is different, peak color typically rolls across Minnesota from late-September through the end of October, beginning in the northwest and sweeping southeast.

Information from the MN Department of Natural Resources/Minnesota State Parks and Trails Weekly Newsletter