Chippewa National Forest, Minnesotafall foliage
No reports yet this season for Chippewa National Forest. It usually peaks Sep 17–30.
Next 7 days
- Frost possible · low 33°FThursday Night, Sunday Night
- Rain likely · up to 78% chanceTonight, Tuesday
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:12 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Chippewa National Forest
First frost usually arrives this week
Oct 2Average first fall frost
May 14Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Marcell 5ne station (3.2 mi away, 1,387 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Chippewa National Forest through the year
- Campgrounds openNowMay–Sep
- Wild blueberriesJul–Aug
- Wild rice ripensAug
- Bog cranberriesNowSep–Oct
Best spots around Chippewa National Forest
- Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway47 miles from Grand Rapids north to Bigfork
- Marcell areaMaple-birch and aspen; noted for its fall colors
- Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway17 miles from Lake Winnie north to S. Lake
- Lost FortyA one-mile self-guided trail through old pines
Around Minnesota this week
- Voyageurs66 mi · National Park Service says color starts to show in mid-September, varying year to yearTodayrain likelyTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Superior National Forest133 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todaydry and calmTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Mississippi River, Minneapolis–St. Paul186 mi · usually Sep 24–Oct 7Todaydry and calmTuerain likelyWedrain likelyThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Upper Midwest, river birch is ahead of a typical year; American elm is behind. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Chippewa National Forest FAQs (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Chippewa National Forest scenic drives (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Chippewa National Forest in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Sep 17–30. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Chippewa National Forest right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Where is the fall color best on the Chippewa?
The Forest Service names the Marcell and Walker areas, where maple-birch and aspen grow together. Gold tamaracks and red maples are part of the show.Sources: US Forest Service, Chippewa National Forest FAQs ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Chippewa National Forest scenic drives ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I camp during the fall color season?
Most campgrounds are open mid-May to mid-September, and some developed campgrounds stay open through mid-October.Source: US Forest Service, Chippewa National Forest FAQs ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Chippewa National Forest?
Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway: 47 miles from Grand Rapids north to Bigfork; Marcell area: maple-birch and aspen; noted for its fall colors; Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway: 17 miles from Lake Winnie north to S. Lake; Lost Forty: a one-mile self-guided trail through old pines.
What is Chippewa National Forest like through the year?
Campgrounds open (May–Sep), Wild blueberries (Jul–Aug), Wild rice ripens (Aug) and Bog cranberries (Sep–Oct).