Maplewood State Park – Pelican Rapids

The colorful prairie grasses are spectacular! Gold, rust and purple colors cover the rolling topography of Maplewood. The sumacs are showing vibrant patches of red and orange. The abundant sugar maples are starting to display vibrant orange and red leaves, and the ash trees bordering the park fields and meadows are contributing some early golds and yellows. One favorite site to visit is the Hallaway Hill Overlook which offers outstanding vistas of clear blue lakes, a mix of hardwood forest, and colorful prairies. Another favorite is the 4.5-mile Scenic Park Drive which winds through a mix prairies, wooded knolls and shady hollows. Red, orange and gold trees are also visible on a hike along Bass Lake. Celebrate the fall colors at Maplewood State Park during Leaf Days, and enjoy spectacular fall colors, birding, a variety of other activities, food and fun, September 28 & 29 and October 5 & 6.

Glendalough State Park – Battle Lake

Head to Sunset Lake for views of the bright red sumac, the lovely purple, brown and orange prairie grasses, and the many migrating waterfowl. Annie Battle Lake Trail offers scattered maples turning red, orange and yellow, and views of color change along the lakeshore. A new paved bike trail is now open within the park, and cabins are usually available on weekdays. Fall color change is estimated at 10-25 percent. Peak fall color is expected to occur in 2 weeks.