Whether it's a weekend getaway or just a lazy Sunday drive, Minnesotan's love to explore the fall colors across the state -- and these ten towns are perfect for Autumn stops.

No other state in America offers the fall foliage that you'll find in Minnesota, paired with our lakes, bluffs, rivers, and North Shore. When we're on the road, we're often looking for a nice spot to grab a latte, stop for lunch, or to spend the weekend.

These ten Minnesota towns fit the bill for whatever you're looking for this fall season. From from dining and lodging, to hiking and exploring -- these are my top-ten places to put on your itinerary this fall in Minnesota.

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Minnesota's Top-10 'Fall Towns' for 2025

Detroit Lakes

Located in Becker County in northwest Minnesota, Detroit Lakes is a playground for all seasons. In addition to beautiful fall colors that mix nicely with all the open water of the area -- Detroit Lakes boasts a multitude of lodging options, from resorts and hotels, to bed & breakfasts and vacation rentals. Great restaurants, wineries & breweries, and coffee & cafes await.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais is located on the North Shore, about 110 miles north of Duluth. It's your basecamp for exploring the Gunflint Trail, the Voyagers Highway north to Grand Portage, and all that Lake Superior has to offer. Grand Marais is frequently listed as one of the best small towns in America.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a small town with lots of charm, surrounded by Minnesota’s nature. Stay, dine, shop, and hike -- all while taking in the breathtaking fall colors. Located in Itasca County on Pokegama Lake, Grand Rapids is a premier fall outdoor recreation destination with over 2000 miles of trails.

Lanesboro

Like Grand Marais, Lanesboro keeps popping up on lists boasting the best small towns in America. Lanesboro's scenic beauty, arts scene, and cozy lodging options are great additions to the fall colors, and miles of hiking & biking trails.

New Ulm

New Ulm is located in Brown County in southwestern Minnesota, and is well-known for it's annual Oktoberfest celebration. Located in the scenic Minnesota River valley, New Ulm boasts stunning views of Minnesota's fall colors. Eat, drink, be merry (and stay the night) in New Ulm.

Northfield

Home to both St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges, Northfield is a special small town, college town, river town that often finds itself on 'best places to live' lists. With its 150 years of history, art, and culture -- Northfield is a perfect destination on your personal fall color tour.

Red Wing

When it comes to fall colors in Minnesota, its hard to beat the bluffs of the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota. Red Wing offers outdoor adventure, live entertainment, unique dining experiences and a whole lot of creative vibes. Oh yeah, and amazing fall colors.

Stillwater

Another beautiful spot on your fall colors tour is the St. Croix River in eastern Minnesota. The historical city of Stillwater offers all kinds of lodging opportunities, along with great dining, shopping, and fall color peeping.

Taylors Falls

Few parts of Minnesota offer as much natural fall beauty as Taylors Falls on the St. Croix River. In fact, there's a Minnesota state park on one side of the river, and a Wisconsin state park on the other. There's no shortage of ways to play outside, or cozy up for the night.

Winona

Back to the river bluffs along the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota. The fall colors along with the bright blues of the mighty Mississippi create a kaleidoscope of fall colors. There's no shortage of places to stay, things to do, food and dining and shopping in Winona.