Minnesota Fall Foliage Train Rides: A Complete Guide
Last revised: January 30, 2024
By: Adam Burns
If you're interested in catching a train ride in Minnesota to view the fall foliage you really need to visit the North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth. They host trips specifically designed to view the autumn colors. In fact, their trip, which runs along the north shore of Lake Superior, has been rated has one of the best fall foliage rides in the nation!
Minnesota's wide range of landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests, provides a stunning backdrop for the season's rich fall colors. The peak time to view the foliage typically occurs from mid-September to mid-October, although it can vary depending on weather conditions and the location within the state. In northern Minnesota, peak fall colors usually occur earlier in the season, around late September to early October, while in southern Minnesota, peak colors may occur a bit later, around mid-October.
The state's notable trees to see include Sugar Maples (which turn shades of red, orange and yellow, their leaves often stay on the tree longer than other deciduous trees), Red Maples, various oaks, birch, and tamarack.
Other Fall Foliage Attractions
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a pristine wilderness area located in the northeastern part of Minnesota. This untouched landscape is the perfect location for a canoe trip, and during the fall, the forests come alive with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Take a leisurely paddle along the lakes and rivers while taking in the breathtaking views of the changing leaves.
North Shore Scenic Drive
The North Shore Scenic Drive is one of Minnesota's most popular destinations, and for good reason. Located along Lake Superior, the North Shore offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests. The area is known for its vibrant fall colors, which can be seen in full display along the Superior Hiking Trail. The trail offers hikers stunning views of the lake, as well as access to several state parks and waterfalls.
Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park is one of Minnesota's oldest and most beloved state parks. Home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Itasca State Park offers visitors the chance to witness the fall foliage in a unique setting. The park's 32,000 acres are filled with lakes, forests, and wetlands, all of which provide a stunning backdrop for the changing leaves.
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota and offers visitors a unique opportunity to view the fall foliage from a boat. The park is home to four large lakes and several smaller ones, all of which can be navigated by boat. The park's fall colors are particularly stunning when reflected in the calm waters of the lakes.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is located just outside of the Twin Cities and offers visitors a chance to view the fall foliage in a more urban setting. The refuge is home to several hiking trails, including the Minnesota Valley State Trail, which winds through wooded areas and offers views of the Minnesota River.
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
Located in the south-central part of the state, the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area is home to more than 5,000 acres of rolling hills, forests, and wetlands. The park is located along the Minnesota River, and during the fall, the trees lining the riverbanks burst into shades of gold, red, and orange. Take a hike on one of the many trails or rent a kayak to explore the river up close.
The Gunflint Trail
The Gunflint Trail is a scenic drive that winds through northern Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The trail offers visitors stunning views of the fall foliage and access to several hiking trails and lakes. The area is known for its vibrant fall colors, which are particularly striking against the backdrop of the wilderness.
Overview
North Shore Scenic Railroad
(Duluth): Based in Duluth and part of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum this excursion hosts a wide range of special trains throughout the year along a 27-mile route that features both steam and diesel locomotives.
Beginning in late September it offers the Fall Colors Tour which, "CNN named the... 'Top 5 of the Top 10 in America!'" Indeed, this trip cannot be missed if you want to experience one of the best fall foliage train rides in the nation.
Beyond the colors, the ride is spectacular as the train skirts the shores of Lake Superior along the old Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range between Two Harbors and Duluth. Once out of town you are immersed in beautiful scenes of trees and woodland with occasional glimpses of the lake.
At the community of Knife River you will cross waterway for which it is named as you continue north towards Two Harbors where the trip concludes. Here you can see massive ore docks and preserved locomotives, notably DM&IR 2-8-8-4 #229.
Recent Articles
-
West Pointe Route Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 08:23 PM
Included here is the complete West Point Route timetables, including the Georgia Railroad, from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Virginian Railway Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 04:27 PM
Included here is the Virginian Railway's complete system map and brief timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
RF&P Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 02:21 PM
Featured here is the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Missouri 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:20 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:19 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Alabama - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:14 PM
With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie. -
Washington 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:11 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Nevada 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:09 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
Kentucky 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:06 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Original Norfolk Southern Timetables (January, 1930)
May 11, 26 10:06 AM
Featured here is the complete timetable listing of the original Norfolk Southern Railway from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Atlantic and Danville Railway: Serving Southern VA
May 11, 26 09:50 AM
The Atlantic and Danville Railway (reporting mark AD), often referred to in its early years as the Atlantic & Danville Railroad, stands as a quintessential example of late-19th-century American railro… -
Interstate Railroad Timetables (January, 1910)
May 11, 26 09:25 AM
Featured here is the Interstate Railroad's very brief timetable listing from the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Virginia "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides
May 10, 26 01:01 PM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley wit… -
Tennessee 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:58 PM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
New York 'Dinner Train' Rides In The Adirondacks
May 10, 26 12:51 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
West Virginia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:45 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:26 PM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:21 PM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida East Coast Timetables (January, 1930)
May 09, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Florida East Coast Railway's listing in the "Official Guide" from January, 1930 when the system still reached Key West. -
Clinchfield Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 09, 26 01:28 PM
Featured here is the Clinchfield's brief listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
California 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:58 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:49 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
New Hampshire 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:32 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
North Carolina 'Dinner Train' Rides At Spencer
May 09, 26 10:26 AM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee 'Dinner Train' Rides At TVRM
May 09, 26 10:16 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
Pennsylvania 'Dinner Train' Rides At Boyertown
May 09, 26 10:02 AM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
New York 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 09:54 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Central of Georgia Timetables (August, 1952)
May 08, 26 11:51 PM
Featured is the Central of Georgia Railway's complete timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Pittsburgh & West Virginia Timetables (September, 1937)
May 08, 26 11:30 PM
Presented here is the Pittsburgh & West Virginia's public timetables listed in the September, 1937 issue of the "Official Guide." -
Brightline Florida Faces Debt Crisis and Future Uncertainty
May 08, 26 02:50 PM
Florida’s pioneering private high-speed passenger rail service, Brightline, is confronting a severe liquidity crunch that has triggered auditor warnings of “substantial doubt” about its ability to con… -
Reading & Northern Launches Its Own Coffee Brand
May 08, 26 02:28 PM
The Reading & Northern Railroad is thrilled to announce the launch of its very own coffee brand, Iron Horse Coffee Company. It will soon be served on all scenic train rides and in the café car located… -
Reading 4-8-4 2100 To Be Under Steam This June
May 08, 26 02:11 PM
fter more than a decade of intensive restoration by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), the legendary Reading Company 4-8-4 Northern-type steam locomotive No. 2100 will make it… -
Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:52 PM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Beer Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:43 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train.
