Fall Color Hotspots in the Alexandria Lakes Area

August 16, 2023    //    Joe Korkowski

LCSP Oct 2016 james feist

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!

1. Lake Carlos State Park

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.

fall carlos cove Photo by James Feist
Path leading into a cove of trees along the Maple-Basswood Trail. Photo : James Feist
The colorful view of the Lakeview Group Camp & Day Use Area can be seen as you exit the east side of the Hidden Lake Trail. Photo : James Feist
Lake Carlos trail Photo by James Feist
Getting up close to the younger sugar maples growing in the rolling hills between the Maple-Basswood Trail and the Forestry Trail. Photo : James Feist
Lake Carlos Trail photo by James Feist
The eastern section of the Forestry Trail has a large population of sugar maples that make your surroundings glow with the hues of autumn! Photo : James Feist
Lake Carlos State Park photo by James Feist
Getting out on the water gives you a beautiful look of the colors along the shoreline.  Photo : James Feist
Lake Carlos State Park 2015 Photo by James Feist
Another good look at the Maple-Basswood Trail. Photo : James Feist

2. Central Lakes Trail

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.

bike fall kripa Photo by James Feist
Nothing invigorates the autumn senses like crunchy leaves under your tires on crisp, sunny fall day! You’ll find lots of blaze red sumac along the trail to add to the scenery. Photo : James Feist
Aerial CLT Photo by Aerial Optics
There’s a beautiful stretch of trail 3-5 miles west of Alexandria’s Downtown. This photo shows a stretch of trail that passes by Lake Brophy, North Union Lake and Lake Stony. Photo : Aerial Optics
union fall pass maple Photo by James Feist
You can cover a lot of scenery on your bike in just a 5-mile radius of the trailhead. Photo : James Feist

3. Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway

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!)

Glacial Trail Photo by James Feist
Photo : James Feist
Glacial Ridge Trail photo by James Feist
A great area for a cruise on the scenic byway is Highway 27 west of Alexandria. This is the route on your way to Kensington Runestone Park, another great spot for fall colors (more details on that park ahead). Photo : James Feist

4. Chain of Lakes (large)

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 DarlingLake Le Homme Dieu, Lake Geneva, and Lake Victoria.

Lake Carlos reflection - Photo by James Feist
The colorful shoreline near the beach at Lake Carlos State Park. Photo : James Feist
Lake Carlos Fog Shore - Photo by James Feist
If you get up early enough, you might catch the glory of morning fog against the colorful autumn backdrop. This photo was taken on an early pontoon excursion at Lake Carlos Marina. Photo : James Feist
Le Homme Dieu dock - photo by James Feist
Taking a fall colors tour on the large Chain of Lakes is inherently wonderful, but the ability to dock up to a lakeside restaurant puts icing on the cake! Grab some food and drinks at Arrowwood, Lure Lakebar or Zorbaz. Photo : James Feist

5. Chain of Lakes (small)

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.

fall fish cowdry - Photo by James Feist
A view off the Central Lakes Trail of Lake Cowdry on the small lake chain. Photo : James Feist
Fall Canoe. Photo by James Feist
Coming out of a channel connection on North Union Lake. Photo : James Feist

6.  Kensington Runestone Park

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!

Runestone Trail Fall Hike - Photo by James Feist
Lots of hiking trails get you all over the park into various wooded areas. Photo : James Feist
Runestone Star Lake Kayak. Photo by James Feist
The trails get you to Star Lake, secluded among a dense forest. A nice spot to cart-in your canoe or kayak! Photo : James Feist
Runestone Park fall 2 - Photo by James Feist
Kensington Runestone Park has a ton of sugar maples that typically show hues from yellow, orange to blaze red! Photo : James Feist
Maple Forest Runestone Park. Photo by James Feist
The trails Northeast of Star Lake go directly through a large forest of maples. This is a great spot for colors as the section glows yellow and orange as the sunlight shines through all the leaves! Photo : James Feist
Runestone Horse Fall - Photo by James Feist
There’s more than one way to enjoy the park! There are trails for horseback riding as well as special designated single track trails for mountain biking. Photo : James Feist

7. Inspiration Peak

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.”

inspriation peak - Photo by James Feist
This park is located 25 miles northwest of town, and is a relatively easy 1/4 mile hike to the top. Photo : James Feist

8. Lake Brophy Wayside Park

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.

lake brophy wayside - Photo by James Feist
Photo : James Feist
lake brophy wayside2 - Photo by James Feist
A surprisingly beautiful park for fall colors right off a main county road. Great views of Lake Brophy all along the shore as well as a drive-up overlook. Photo : James Feist

9. Explore within the City

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!

Jefferson Street - Photo by James Feist
Photo : James Feist
Downtown fall - Photo by James Feist
Photo : James Feist

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