Once the ice and snow finally leave for good, spring is the time to get out the bikes, roller blades, walking shoes and begin to explore Minnesota's wonderful vistas anew.
Minnesota Summer
Summer is when most people plan a visit to Minnesota. They are making a good choice, of course, as summer days and summer activities in Minnesota are glorious.
Temperatures are usually around 80 degrees though they can soar much higher and cooler days are to be expected. This is the season Minnesotans load up the family and head for the cabins "up north."
We take full advantage of our thousands of lakes and rivers to fish, swim, and enjoy a multitude of water sports. Not all of our water-based life happens in the northern part of the state. There are lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota; some of the best are right in the metro area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Some of our favorite events and festivals take place in summer: the Aquatennial, Taste of Minnesota, Festival of Nations, Minnesota State Fair and fairs and festivals by the hundreds in the towns and cites across the state.
In summer we garden, visit farmers markets and "pick your own" orchards and gardens. We have developed some famous varieties of fruits and vegetables including our own Honeycrisp apple. Yummm!
Minnesota Fall
Most Minnesotans, and visitors to Minnesota, love autumn. The changing leaves spark anticipation of fall festivals, holidays and celebrations. The cool temperatures and changing vistas entice us from our homes to walk, bike or drive the paths and roads through the newly tinted woodlands.
The fall season in Minnesota can last from early September until mid-November. There are years when, even in early December, fall weather persists.
This enchanting season has so much to offer.. Leaf-looking of course as the leaves turn color, "in their turn," in progression from far north to far south. Not only is the weather ideal for excursions, it is a time when there are fewer visitors to Minnesota, our legendary mosquitos are gone and you will find off-season discounts for lodging and more.
Typical Fall color peak dates in Minnesota:
International Falls and Ely---September 25
Bemidji and Walker---September 26
Duluth (inland )---September 27
Duluth (along the lake )---October 1
Detroit Lakes and Brainerd---October 1
Alexandria and St.Cloud---October 5
Metro and Mankato---October 10
Rochester and Winona---October 15
Some fall color even lingers into late October along the Mississippi River from Red Wing to La Crosse, WI.
Often, some of the nicest fall color can be found at Camden, Gooseberry Falls, Lake Maria and Wild River state parks.
On average, peak fall color arrives in the northern one-third of the state the middle of September to early October. The central third of the state is most colorful between late September and early October. Southern Minnesota trees reach the height of their fall color late September to mid-October.
One exception is the North Shore Drive, where trees along Lake Superior turn color a week later than inland trees due to the warming effect of the lake.
Please note that fall color conditions can change rapidly due to wind, rain and frost.
Minnesota Winter
Experience Winter - Don't Escape It!
Minnesota is a beautiful destination in winter. Visitors to Minnesota will experience a winter vacation paradise.
Minnesota State Parks are busy this time of year, thanks in part to frequently mild weather and the variety of unique activities offered.
If you ski, snowboard, snowmobile or snowshoe, the colder, drier climate in Northern Minnesota, virtually guarantees lots of fluffy white snow the entire season.
Or just come to enjoy one of our great winter events. The Saint Paul Winter Carnical is the most famous of our winter festivals. Many other towns hold winter celebrations, ice-fishing contests, snowmobile races, dogsled trips and so much more!
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