August 16, 2023    //    Joe Korkowski
By mid-September the landscape really begins to change around the Alexandria Lakes Area. I encourage you to book your stay now at one of our local hotels, resorts, B & B’s or VRBO’s and take a few days to discover some the area’s fall beauty. Former Executive Director James Feist gives us his recommendations for the best fall color locations (below video):
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” — Albert Camus
The Autumn Season is arriving in Minnesota, and it’s one of the best times of the year to get out and explore the Alexandria Lakes Area! Not only are there tons of things to do and great places to stay, the colorful hues from the diverse tree species makes for spectacular displays to accompany your favorite activities! Here is a list of the best places to catch fall colors in the Alexandria Lakes Area. Make sure to check our website throughout the season for updates on the progression of colors. Have fun, stay connected and keep Exploring!
Lake Carlos State Park has over 14 miles of hiking trails that will get you deep in the woods, out to some grasslands and along the shores of Lake Carlos. One of the best trails in the park to see great fall colors is the Maple-Basswood Interpretive Trail (pictured above) where you will find brilliant colors on the maples, basswoods and aspens.
Meandering through glacial hills, lakeside views, diverse woods and open prairie, the Central Lakes Trail provides 55 miles of paved adventure. Whether it’s biking, blading, running or walking, this trail is a must-do in the fall.
Whether it’s a cruise in your vehicle or a motorcycle tour, you’ll cover a lot of beautiful scenery to hunt for spectacular autumn hues. Spanning a total route of 220 miles, the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway takes you through multiple communities, lakes, woods, state parks and farmlands. The Byway takes you through areas of great fall colors, as well as Kensington Runestone Park and Lake Carlos State Park (two other fall color hotspots!)
One of the best features of viewing fall colors on a lake is the double color view you get from the reflection on the water. Luckily the area has over 350 lakes to enjoy! It’s breathtaking whether you are gandering from shore or on a boat. Many of these lakes are connected by channels to form large chains of lakes, so you can go from lake to lake without getting out of the water! An autumn tour on a boat or pontoon would be excellent on the larger chain around the city that includes Lake Carlos,Lake Darling, Lake Le Homme Dieu, Lake Geneva, and Lake Victoria.
A smaller chain just west of town is perfect for canoes, kayaks and other paddle sports which includes Lake Cowdry, Lake Jessie, North Union Lake, Lake Taylor, Lake Stony and Lake Brophy. If you are looking for a watercraft to rent, click here.
Kensington Runestone Park consists of 304 acres of wooded, gently rolling land which has shelters for picnicking, outdoor game fields, trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding! There is also a playground along with the opportunity to visit the actual discovery spot of the famous Kensington Runestone!
If you are looking for a bird’s eye view of fall colors Inspiration Peak is the place to see it! As one of highest points in Minnesota, the peak rises 400 feet over the surrounding countryside to an elevation of 1,750 ft. A quote by the well-known regional author Sinclair Lewis sums up Inspiration Peak : “there’s to be seen a glorious 20-mile circle of some 50 lakes scattered among fields and pastures, like sequins fallen on an old paisley shawl.”
Located west of Alexandria along County Rd 82, Lake Brophy Wayside Park has 1200 feet of pristine shoreline and trees that display great fall colors! This 6 acre park also has a playground, picnic shelter, grills and a large fire pit.
When looking for great fall colors, it’s not only the many public parks around the city to explore, there are also wonderful residential streets with beautiful canopies of trees along the boulevards. You’ll be amazed at the myriad of hues from red, orange, purple, yellow and various browns!