ST. PAUL, Minnesota (KELO.com) -- Thinking about fall leaf peeping in Minnesota?
The Gopher State just made it easier for you. Every Thursday this fall, they'll update a website with an update on where the best fall colars are.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, rainfall and sunshine throughout the summer months determine the depth of color each fall in Minnesota. Kao Thao, a naturalist with Fort Snelling State Park, said that temperatures also come into play. An early freezing frost, for example, cuts short fall color.
“A light frost at the start of the color season actually helps produce vivid color,” Thao said. “During those summers when we experience a severe drought, colors are dulled somewhat. But we had plenty of rain and there’s always plenty of sunlight, so the leaf season at Fort Snelling State Park should be beautiful.”
Elsewhere, the MDNR says the west-central and northwestern parts of the state saw less rain this summer than the Minneapolis metro area. They say that sometimes less rain, but not drought conditions, actually increase the color display.
The link: www.mndnr.gov/fallcolors
The tool comes fromthe DNR’s Parks and Trails Division and features:
- A map that shows peak color across Minnesota.
- A link to fall color programs and events.
- A slideshow.
- A photo uploader that provides a great way for sharing fall photos.