Mississippi River, Minneapolis–St. Paulfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. It usually peaks Sep 24–Oct 7.
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 84% chanceTuesday, Tuesday Night, Wednesday
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 10:52 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area through the year
- Heron nesting, Marshall Terrace ParkMar–Jul
- Prairie wildflowers, Coldwater SpringJul
- Usual peak fall colorNowSep–Oct
Best spots around Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
- Winchell Trail5 miles round trip on the Minneapolis bank of the Mississippi Gorge, Franklin Avenue to 44th Street; maples in scarlet and gold, stairs down the bluff
- Battle Creek Regional ParkPark by the creek at 2300 Upper Afton Road (Maplewood/St. Paul) and walk upstream
- Coldwater SpringPrairie in tans, golds and russets; an easy path to the springhouse
- Minnehaha Regional ParkNext to Coldwater Spring: paved paths around the gorge, or stairs down to Minnehaha Creek
Around Minnesota this week
- Chippewa National Forest186 mi · usually Sep 17–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Superior National Forest216 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todaydry and calmTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Voyageurs244 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
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) · National Park Service, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in fall (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area hours (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area birds and wildlife (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, What is in bloom at Coldwater Spring (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Sep 24–Oct 7. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Mississippi National River and Recreation Area right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
When do the leaves peak along the Mississippi in the Twin Cities?
The park says peak color changes from year to year but usually comes around the end of September to the first weekend in October.Source: National Park Service, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in fall ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the park open?
The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Coldwater Spring is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; partner parks inside the area set their own hours.Source: National Park Service, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area hours ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What else is there to see in the fall?
Deer watching is especially good in the fall on Picnic and Pike Islands in Fort Snelling State Park, and eagles can be seen there all year. The park also runs fall programs such as Paddle With a Ranger: Fall Colors.Sources: National Park Service, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area birds and wildlife ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in fall ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Mississippi National River and Recreation Area?
Winchell Trail: 5 miles round trip on the Minneapolis bank of the Mississippi Gorge, Franklin Avenue to 44th Street; maples in scarlet and gold, stairs down the bluff; Battle Creek Regional Park: park by the creek at 2300 Upper Afton Road (Maplewood/St. Paul) and walk upstream; Coldwater Spring: prairie in tans, golds and russets; an easy path to the springhouse; Minnehaha Regional Park: next to Coldwater Spring: paved paths around the gorge, or stairs down to Minnehaha Creek.
What is Mississippi National River and Recreation Area like through the year?
Heron nesting, Marshall Terrace Park (Mar–Jul), Prairie wildflowers, Coldwater Spring (Jul) and Usual peak fall color (Sep–Oct).