Most of Minnesota ‘past peak’ fall colors, Rochester, Albert Lea to peak this weekend

(ABC 6 News) – According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fall color report, most of Minnesota is ‘past peak’ for fall colors.

The DNR says there are a few areas that are 75-100% of their full peak including Rochester, Albert Lea, the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, and a few other places.

View the latest fall color report from the DNR below.

This weekend will be ideal to get out and view the fall colors. The ABC 6 News Weather First team says mild late October weather will settle in with high temperatures on Saturday and Sunday expected to be in the low/mid 70s, with a strong SW wind moving in on Sunday. View the latest forecast HERE.

A few places to check out in southeast Minnesota.

Whitewater State Park – Altura

• The maples have released their colorful leaves to the forest floor. Oaks are now displaying their rich colors. As forest colors fade, the hidden geology of the park is exposed. Look for caves on the cliffs above and springs seeping out of the hillsides near the river below.

John A. Latsch State Park – Altura

• Hike the Riverview Trail up to Mount Charity for fall views. “The procession of oaks is underway, with their rusty hues of maroon and gold,” the Department reports.

Carley State Park – Altura

• Most of the maples are now naked but their colorful leaves blanket the forest floor. Oaks are showing colors and scattered stands of aspen can be found with brilliant yellow hues. Many birds have shifted south for the coming winter but look for nuthatches, blue jays, crows and woodpeckers in the floodplain forest.

Frontenac State Park – Frontenac

• Maples are still turning bright orange and yellow. Oaks are mostly green, some are turning red or rusty orange. Aspens are yellow or green. Most cottonwoods, ash, and walnut have lost their leaves. The sumac is lingering red in a few spots but mostly bare.

Great River Bluffs State Park – Winona

• The King’s Bluff Trail has new interpretive signs that tell the story of the landscape. At the overlook, you can see blooming prairie wildflowers.

Myre-Big Island State Park – Albert Lea

• Follow the Hiking Club Trail as it loops through the park’s varied landscapes. Prairie grasses are past peak, but still sparkle in the sunshine.

Meanwhile, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says much of Northern and Northeastern Iowa fall colors have already reached their peaked.