How to Plan Your Fall Visit to the Lanesboro Area Around Fall Colors
September 2, 2025
Fall in the Lanesboro area is more than just a week of peak color—it’s a whole season of changing scenery and small-town charm. From the first hints of gold in September to the warm, lingering tones of oak and hickory in late October, Bluff Country offers weeks of beauty to build your trip around. With help from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), you can track the colors and plan your getaway to match the season.
Track the Colors with the MN DNR
The MN DNR Fall Color Finder is updated weekly during the season and shows how the colors are changing across the state. It includes the whole area of Bluff Country, so you can see what stage the leaves are at before you visit the Lanesboro area.
Whether you’re chasing the fiery reds of maples, the golden hues of aspen and birch, or the deep bronze of oaks, the Fall Color Finder helps you plan the right weekend to match the palette you want to experience.
How the Season Typically Unfolds in the Lanesboro Area
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Mid to Late September: Early pops of color begin on the ridges and along the Root River, signaling the start of fall.
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Early to Mid-October: The countryside comes alive with its most vibrant mix of colors—bluffs, valleys, and trails glowing in reds, yellows, and oranges.
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Mid to Late October: Oak and hickory woodlands extend the season with warm, golden tones that linger into November.
Every stage has its own character, making the Lanesboro area worth visiting throughout the fall, not just during peak.
Best Ways to Experience Our Fall Colors Up Close
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Scenic Drives: Highway 16, the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway, winds through river valleys and rolling bluffs that showcase fall’s progression.
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Bike the Root River State Trail: Ride from Lanesboro to Whalan or Preston, immersed in color on both sides of the trail.
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Paddle the Root River: A canoe or kayak offers a peaceful view of fall reflected in the water.
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Explore Local Trails: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center features wooded hiking paths and overlooks with sweeping views of the Root River Valley. For a more rugged outing, the Isinours trail system near Preston offers a quiet, scenic escape surrounded by Bluff Country’s fall colors.
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Stay Overnight: Lanesboro area B&Bs, inns, and cabins let you wake up surrounded by fall charm.
No matter what you choose to do while you’re here—whether it’s a trail adventure, a river paddle, or simply sitting on a porch with a cup of coffee—you’ll find yourself soaking in the colors, breathing in the crisp, fresh autumn air, and not only experiencing peak fall colors, but also peak relaxation.
Celebrate the Season with Local Events
Fall in the Lanesboro area also brings unique community traditions:
- Friday–Sunday, September 19–21 & October 17–18, 2025
🎨 Lanesboro Area Art Trail — Meet local artists in their studios, see demonstrations, and shop for unique, handmade works while enjoying the fall backdrop. -
Saturday, September 20, 2025
🍂 Fall Boutique & Business Crawl — Shop local stores and seasonal specials while taking in the early autumn color.
🍷 Fall Craft Beer & Wine Fest — Sample regional brews and wines, paired with live music and small-town hospitality. -
Saturday, October 4, 2025
🍁 Fall into Lanesboro — Celebrate the heart of autumn with music, food, shopping, and seasonal activities downtown.
🎉 Whalan’s Fall Finale — Close out the season with one last celebration of Bluff Country charm, complete with community fun and crisp fall beauty. - Saturday, October 11, 2025
🚴 Filthy 50 Gravel Bike Race — A challenging and scenic 50-mile ride through Bluff Country’s gravel roads, timed perfectly with peak fall colors.
These events stretch across the season, making the Lanesboro area a destination for both early and late fall getaways.
Plan Your Fall Around the Colors
No matter when you come—whether for the first signs of September change, the full brilliance of October, or the golden fade of late fall—the Lanesboro area offers something special. Use the MN DNR Fall Color Finder to match your visit to the stage of the season that speaks to you. Each week of fall brings a new perspective, and every trip is worth the journey.