Donald Hiscock | Articles | Essentially America
Minnesota Fall Tour
When the first chills of autumn are felt in the Great lakes region the locals get ready for the leaf peeping season. Many hit the road and follow the numerous marked routes where the spectacular fall foliage can be seen in all its glory. Local news stations post alerts, so that when the leaves hit maximum colour you can go take a look. Serious leaf peepers will work their way south from Minnesota to Illinois, extending the season from September through to November.
So to catch a glimpse of what the locals have been enjoying all to themselves for so long try Minnesota, a state probably more vibrant than any other when it comes to a great autumn show. The state has designated over 2,000 miles of road as scenic byways. The beautiful North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior is also a nationally designated All-American Road, and is certainly the place to start your fall tour of the state.
The full day's drive along highway 61 is I54 miles long, linking downtown Duluth with Grand Portage on the Ontario border. This is the road made famous by local singer Bob Dylan. Its stunning views as it skirts tall cliffs make it a truly memorable trip.
Brighton Beach in Kitchi Gammi Park is known as the gateway to the spectacular roadside scenery. This is a good place for a picnic and provides access to Lake Superior. In the vicinity are waterfalls and hiking trails if the urge to stretch your legs takes its hold. Grand Marais is a good place to spend some time. Its attractive harbour and restaurants make it a place to linger.
There's something really magical about having rows blazing foliage on your right and the open expanse of the world's largest freshwater lake on your left as you drive the route. But mind out you keep your eyes on the road.
To the west is the shorter Edge of the Wilderness scenic drive. This runs 47 miles from Grand Rapids along highway 38 to a small town called Effie. A three-hour drive will wind its way along the shores of thirty-six lakes, through meadows and rolling hills that remind you that Minnesota was carved out by retreating glaciers.
The fall scenery is spectacular, with the vivid reds of the maples joined by the bronze oaks and gold aspen and birch. There are plenty of opportunities to stop at marked Discovery Sites, explaining the natural and cultural history of northern Minnesota. And finding your way couldn't be easier, as green reference markers are planted at mile intervals to alert you of points of interest up ahead.
The 22 mile section through Chippewa National Forest is also a national Forest Scenic byway in its own right. Look out for beaver, white-tailed deer, osprey and eagles. For those who like to fish, the many lakes along the route are excellent for muskie, walleye and bass.
These are just two of many fall foliage routes you can take in Minnesota, the Land of the Lakes. For further information visit www.exploreminnesota.com. Here you can find up-to-date information on autumn colour tours and when areas are at their peak.
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