Here’s where — and when — to see the best fall colors across Minnesota

Each fall, Minnesotans start mapping out their favorite color routes as the state turns into a patchwork of gold, crimson and orange. Planning a post-work hike or weekend getaway is a seasonal ritual.

Whether your annual tradition includes a trip to the North Shore’s Lake Superior cliffs or to quiet prairies speckled with oak and aspen, every region has its own quiet beauty, waiting to be explored.

These are a few of our tried-and-true Minnesota destinations with a front-row seat to autumn’s display — along with our guesstimates for when to find peak color in each region.

Peak color: Approximately Sept. 29 (Grand Marais) to Oct. 6 (Duluth).

The North Shore is an essential fall destination, drawing road-trippers to Lake Superior’s rocky coastline. For a classic hike, circle Oberg Mountain, where a 2.3-mile loop trail opens to overlooks of Oberg Lake and the Sawtooth Mountains. Another favorite, the Bean and Bear Lakes loop near Silver Bay, winds past two mirrored lakes ringed by maples and aspen.

If you prefer a lift, ride the Summit Express Gondola at Lutsen Mountains up to Moose Mountain’s summit for panoramic views of forest and lake. Between hikes, stop at North Shore Winery, where small-batch ciders and reds capture the season.

Make it a long weekend with a stay right on Superior’s shore. Enjoy views from the retro-modern Cliff Dweller Hotel’s lake-facing balconies, or stay in one of Bluefin Bay’s condo-style suites, with access to a cozy fireside restaurant. Keep heading north to stay at the historic Naniboujou Lodge, which charms with its 1920s heritage and brilliantly painted Cree-inspired dining hall.

Peak color: Approx. Oct. 6.

Up North, the Range is made for autumn weekends, with colorful trails and rusty red hills that inspire. In Chisholm, Redhead Mountain Bike Park draws MTB riders from across the Midwest, but its web of hiking trails is just as rewarding, weaving past deep blue mine-pit lakes that reflect the season’s bright reds and golds. On Thursdays and Saturdays, climb aboard the Minnesota Discovery Center trolley tour of a former mining village and enjoy the sights while learning local history.

At the Laurentian Divide Recreation Area near Virginia, Minn., rocky paths climb to lookouts where tamarack and maple stretch to the horizon. Continue into Superior National Forest for still more hiking and color. For sweeping overhead views, head to Giants Ridge Recreation Area in Biwabik, where you can follow the mountain trails on foot or ride the scenic chairlift, which glides above the hills.

Peak color: Approx. Oct. 13.

On the Mississippi River, Red Wing’s sweeping bluffs and small-town hospitality make fall weekends unforgettable. Start with a hike up He Mni Can (Barn Bluff), where a network of trails rewards you with views of the river valley and the historic town. The nearby Frontenac State Park provides equally spectacular overlooks plus quiet birding trails.

You can also plan your trip to coincide with the Red Wing Arts Fall Festival (Oct. 11-12), when dozens of regional artists, food vendors and musicians fill Levee Park.

Peak color: Approx. Oct. 13.

For wide-open skies and prairie vistas, head 22 miles northwest of Alexandria to Inspiration Peak, where a short but steep trail reveals a 360-degree view that influenced the writer Sinclair Lewis. The nearby Glendalough State Park has gentle hiking and biking that winds around multiple lakes, a peaceful spot for spotting migrating waterfowl. Horse lovers can join a Silver Sage horseback tour, a fun way to explore hundreds of acres and catch a glimpse of deer and birds.

Stay at Brophy Lake Resort, a family-run hideaway near Alexandria with lakeside cabins perfect for campfires and stargazing. Alexandria itself makes a pleasant base, with cozy cafes and farm-to-table dinners at La Ferme. Spend your weekend paddling on lakes or sipping a robust red at boutique wineries such as Burr Vineyards or Carlos Creek.

Peak color: Approx. Oct. 20.

Great River Bluffs State Park near Winona features a network of wooded trails, including the climb to King’s Bluff Overlook, which rises 500 feet above the Mississippi and has wide views of the river valley and the hillsides below.