It's official, the fall color watch is underway! Temps are dropping, dew is in the air, and the fall colors are starting to occur. Tune in weekly to see the highlights from the week summarized right here. 

Of course, you can always check out our social media feeds for more or check out the MN DNR's Fall Color Map to see where we are in the season. 

Find additional fall planning tips and content on our Current Conditions: Fall Colors page. 

Week of September 26 - October 2, 2026:

If brilliant color is what you are seeking, this is your week! It is a full spectrum of color from above, below, and everything in between. Some pockets of trees have the tops blown off but the vibrant color still illuminates well beyond the treetops. All photos in the post below are from this past week.

Week of September 21-25, 2026:

Fall colors are visible from SPACE! Those orange markings on the photo below are from the maple topped ridgelines on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Brilliantly visible via the MODIS NOAA coast watch satellites. Also visible this year are some of the burn marks from this summer's forest fires in the Boundary Waters and Quetico wilderness. The photo captured below is from September 22, 2026. 

Fall color captured by space satellite on 9.22.26

Week of September 12-20, 2026:

Peak is on the horizon - at least peak treetop views! 

Week of September 7-11, 2026:

We’ve only just begun. This past week has started to feel autumnal. Evenings and mornings are cool, the morning dew has arrived and a few ambitious trees are starting to pop!
The summer green is waning and you can see the underlying brilliance of the next shade on the distant hillsides. It’s a good time to finish making your fall adventure plans, because peak is on the horizon soon.
All photos posted are from the past 24-hours in the Lutsen area.

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