The best time to see fall colors at their peak in the Twin Cities is mid- to late-October. The farther north you travel, the earlier the leaves will change. Luckily, we are located in the southern/central portion of the state, so we still have several weeks of beautiful golds, reds and oranges to enjoy. My favorite spot to see fall foliage is at Taylors Falls, which is located about an hour’s drive north of the Cities. The town is situated right on the St. Croix River and the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Pass over the Highway 8 bridge into Wisconsin to hike around Interstate State Park. You’ll traverse craggy bluffs and take in beautiful vistas overlooking the river below.

If you’re looking for something a little closer to the metro, head to Bloomington, a southwest suburb of Minneapolis. There you’ll find the Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge covers thousands of acres of wetlands, forests and prairie grasslands. Explore the miles of paved trails in this natural oasis just a hop, skip and a jump from the big city.