Where to see fall colors this week
Northern Minnesota is the place to be if you're in the mood for some fantastic fall foliage this weekend.
Just don't head to the northwestern corner of the state. Sorry, but it's already past peak up there, according to the Department of Natural Resources' interactive fall color finder map.
The rest of the state is slowly approaching peak color, too, though a portion of southeastern Minnesota stubbornly remains at 10 to 25 percent turned.
Here are the week's top picks for leaf-peeping:
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Itasca State Park
The DNR says color changes can be enjoyed anywhere in the park but recommends the South Entrace Road, Main Park Drive and the "tunnel of maples" between Peace Pipe Vista and the University entrance. Or, climb the fire tower for panoramic views.
Big Stone Lake
Get to the park in the morning or at dusk for the best shows — that's when the fall colors really pop, the DNR says.
Wild River State Park
Take the main park road from the entrance to the picnic shelter and you'll "journey under (a) gold and orange canopy." Afterwards, hit the Visitor Center deck for a panoramic view of the St. Croix river valley. For a closer look, park at the boat landing and step out on the dock.
Note: The annual Otter Trotter 5K is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday.