Explore vibrant foliage, winding roads and outdoor adventures across 4.2 million acres of public land
Minnesota’s 60 state forests span 4.2 million acres and offer some of the most scenic fall color drives in the Midwest. From the boreal beauty of Finland State Forest in the northeast to the hardwood hills of Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in the southeast, each forest offers a unique experience. Depending on the destination, visitors will see a spectacular mix of dark evergreen and vivid broadleaf trees set against a backdrop of bluffs, lakes or winding rivers.
Striking fall colors can be found in all of Minnesota’s state forests, but here are a few suggestions:
What visitors will see: This is north country! A boreal forest north of Lake Superior, Finland State Forest features a mixture of conifers and deciduous trees, dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops, interwoven with myriad lakes, bogs and streams.
Visitors should bring a fishing pole — this forest is full of lakes and streams. Visitors can also explore part of the Superior Hiking Trail that runs through this forest. Or consider bringing a bike. With 25 miles of trails designated for mountain biking, it’s a great spot to ride.
Where to go: Head northeast along County Road 7 from Finland.
St. Croix State Forest and Nemadji State Forest Loop
What visitors will see: Hardwood forests dominate this landscape with a mixture of conifers for added interest. Numerous small streams wind through the forests, and visitors will also spot vast spruce bogs along the way. Visitors may want to plan a picnic at the Hay Creek Flowage in the St. Croix State Forest (on Markville Road).
Where to go: For this scenic state forest drive, from I-35, take Hinckley exit #183 and head east on State Highway 48 for 19 miles. Head north (left) on gravel County Road 24 (Tamarack Road & Tamarack River Road), and follow as it curves east and north for 7 miles. Turn right on County Road 25 (Mallard Lake Road) and head east for 9.5 miles to Markville.
At Markville, head north on the gravel County Road 31(Cloverton Road), for about 5.3 miles to Cloverton. From Cloverton, continue traveling north on County Road 31 (Kingsdale Road), for 5.3 miles until you reach a "T" in the road junction of Kingsdale, Rocky Blvd and Rash Roads). At the "T" in the road, head west (left), onto the Rash Road. Continue traveling north on the Rash Road (also known as Gandy Dancer Trail).
Travel north 1.2 miles to the Rash/Park Forest Road (Park Truck Trail), and head west (left) for 13 miles. Turn north (right) on County Road 171 for 2 miles. Head west (left) on County Road 154/Kerrick Road for 5 miles. At Kerrick, head south on State Highway 23 for 18 miles to I-35 exit #195.
Visitors can extend their day in the great outdoors by visiting St. Croix State Park, which is within the St. Croix State Forest. Those planning to visit the state park will need to purchase a day or annual park vehicle permit on the DNR website before arriving.
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
What visitors will see: Drive past a variety of hardwoods and hike to the top of Barn Bluff on the south end of Red Wing for a dramatic view of the city and the Mississippi River.
Visitors also might want to bring a bike. The Goodhue-Pioneer State Trail offers four miles of paved bike trail from Red Wing to Hay Creek Forestry Unit. Visitors can access the trailhead from the intersection of Hay Creek Trail/Twin Bluff Road and Pioneer Road.
Where to go: At Frontenac, turn onto County Road 2 to head west for 9 miles. Take a right onto County 3 to head east for 4 miles. Take a right onto State Highway 58 to head north for 1.5 miles. Take a left onto Hay Creek Trail to head north for about 4.5 miles. Hay Creek Trail turns into Twin Bluff Road at Pioneer Trail. Continue on Twin Bluff Road for 1.5 miles and turn left on East Ave to return to downtown Red Wing.
More information
Downloading a georeferenced map can help guide visitors on a state forest drive. Visit the state forest webpage for more information about visiting a state forest. There is no fee to use and enjoy state forests, or to dispersed camp. State forest campground campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $17 a night.
Visit DNR's Fall Color Finder to find areas of the state with peak fall color. The Fall Color Finder is updated every Thursday through the end of October. People can also sign up to receive mobile updates.