Fall Destinations HJ Fall Destinations 8/16

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PRESORT STANDARD ECRWSS U . S . POSTAGE PAID Herald Journal Publishing Inc .

August 29 , 2016

FALL

Destinations

Places to go for autumn fun !

Fall Destinations pages 1-2-11-12C

Classifieds page 3-7C

Going Out page 8-9C

Catching fall colors

BY IVAN RACONTEUR Editor

During the months of September and October , Minnesota ’ s forests become an artist ’ s palette of brilliant color as cooler temperatures trigger the transformation from summer greens to autumn reds , oranges , golds , and browns .

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ( DNR ) publishes information on its website about the typical peak of fall color across the state , as well as updates on the status of fall color throughout the season .

Those interested in finding the best color can even sign up to receive text or email fall color updates from the DNR by clicking the link at www . dnr . state . mn . us / fall _ colors / index . html .

Color seekers can also sign up for updates at www . exploreminnesota . com .

What causes the colors ?

According to the DNR , four main groups of biochemicals are responsible for the various yellows , oranges , reds , and browns that we see in the fall . They include :

• Chlorophyll

• Carotenoids

• Anthocyanins

• Tannins

Changes in the amount of these chemicals result in color changes from leaf to leaf and tree to tree .

There is more to it than chemistry , though .

According to Jana Albers , DNR forest health specialist in Grand Rapids , weather is the most critical factor in determining the colors displayed each fall .

She notes colors are best when high quality foliage – a product of warm , moist summer – is exposed to sunny , cool fall days .

While light frosts may help , hard freezes can ruin the display , according to Albers .

Stress placed on trees can also affect fall colors .

Temperature and moisture are important parts of the equation , as well .

Where to see the best color

The DNR provides information about the percentage of color change across the state , as well as conditions in each of the state parks .

The Explore Minnesota website provides a list of 10 “ Rainbow Routes ” that color watchers can take to see a range of fall colors . 1 . North Shore of Lake Superior Route : Hwy . 61 , Duluth to Grand Portage Peak color : mid-September to early October

Great color and great lake views , very popular with fall color fans . Several state parks with wilderness rivers , waterfalls , hiking trails and scenic overlooks . Yellow aspen and birch along shoreline , with scarlet maples inland along forest roads . Make sure you have a reservation for a place to stay , and try planning midweek trips to avoid the busiest travel periods . This has been designated as an “ All American Drive ,” one of only 15 routes in the country so noted for their outstanding scenery . For an inland view , take Hwy . 1 through the colors of the Superior National Forest to Ely . 2 . Iron Range Loop Route : Hwy . 169 from Virginia to Tower ,

Hwy . 135 through Biwabik back to Virginia Peak color : mid-September to early October

There ’ s a beautiful mix of color on this circle drive , but plenty of other highlights as well : a tour of the Soudan Underground Mine , two major golf courses at Giants Ridge – The Legend and The Quarry – and the US Hockey Hall of Fame at Eveleth . At Virginia , there ’ s an overlook of the area ’ s deepest open pit mine , and the new Mesabi Bike Trail .

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides information about typical fall color periods , as well as updates from across the state throughout the season .

IMAGE FROM THE MINNESOTA DNR

3 . Edge of the Wilderness Route : Hwy . 38 , Grand Rapids to Bigfork Peak color : mid-September to early October

Scenic byway winds over hills through the colorful mix of pine and hardwoods of Chippewa National Forest . Return via Co . Rd . 7 , and a side trip to beautiful Scenic State Park . Or , take one of the back roads through the forest , with stops at lakes and hiking trails . 4 . Mississippi Headwaters Route : Hwy . 71 between Park Rapids and Bemidji , plus numerous other roads around these towns Peak color : mid-September to early October

Itasca State Park , source of the mighty Mississippi River , is the star attraction . Lake Bemidji State Park , with its birch and pine , is another highlight . Surfaced bike trail in Itasca , and mountain bike trails in Bemidji State Park . Also , scenic biking along the nearby Heartland Trail . 5 . Otter Tail County Route : Hwys . 108 and 78 , and numerous county roads Peak color : late September to early October

The rolling countryside between Fergus Falls and Perham is a blend of wooded hills , lakes , and farmland . Highlights are Maplewood and Glendalough state parks , historic Phelps Mill , and the view from Inspiration Peak , off Co . Rd . 38 . 6 . Brainerd Lakes & Mille Lacs Route : Hwy . 371 and 6 , and the county roads between them , plus Hwy . 169 Peak color : late September to early October

Gull , Pelican , and Cross lakes and the Whitefish Chain of Lakes sparkle amid woods of maple , oak , birch , and aspen . Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is an expanse of colorful forest at the edge of Mille Lacs , and an observation tower here offers fantastic views . Fishing , boating , golfing , and biking the Paul Bunyan Trail are favorite activities in this lake country . 7 . St . Croix River Valley Route : Hwy . 95 from Taylors Falls to Afton Peak color : late September to mid-October

The scenic St . Croix River winds through wooded hillsides and sheer cliffs . Four state parks feature great river views : Interstate , Wild River , William O ’ Brien , and Afton . Charming towns of Stillwater , Taylors Falls , and Afton have numerous antique and gift shops . Boat excursions feature great fall color . This drive is very popular in the fall ; consider a midweek visit to avoid weekend traffic .

8 . Twin Cities Touring

Route : Parkways around Minneapolis lakes , along Minnehaha Creek , Mississippi , and Summit Avenue

Peak color : late September to mid-October Few major cities can boast such beautiful drives , especially pretty in the fall . Circle Lake of the Isles , Calhoun , Harriet , and Nokomis lakes , and visit Minnehaha Falls . They ’ re all along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway . The Lake Street and Ford Parkway bridges have great views of the Mississippi bordered by colorful , wooded hillsides . St . Paul ’ s tree-lined Summit Avenue is bordered by stately homes . 9 . Mississippi River Valley Route : Hwy . 61 between Red Wing and

LaCrescent Peak color : Mid-October Charming rivertowns and wooded bluffs along the Mississippi . Steep hillsides dressed in brilliant autumn hues of red , russet and gold . Several scenic overlooks , including those at Frontenac and Great River Bluffs state parks . Several roadside apple stands . This is a popular fall drive , so book your stay ahead of time . 10 . Minnesota River Drive Route : Co . Rd . 6 and Hwy . 93 from Belle Plaine to LeSueur , then Hwy . 169 to Mankato , then Hwy . 68 to New Ulm

Peak color : late September to mid-October

Follows the bend in the river , and the ribbon of yellow and gold hardwoods that borders its waters . Riverside parks in LeSueur , St . Peter , Mankato , and New Ulm , as well as blufftop overlooks in New Ulm . At Minneopa State Park , a trail follows the riverbank , and there are 45-foot double waterfalls along a creek .

Fall colors along the St . Croix River

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Fall color along the Kettle River

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OPEN SEPTEMBER 6 11893 Montgomery Ave SW , Winsted

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