The best season of the year is here! Part of what makes this season so magical is the leaves changing colors. If you’re wondering where you can get the best views of fall beauty, check out our list of parks to view fall colors in Fargo and within a two-hour drive.
The peak time to go is late September to early October, so don’t blink or you’ll miss it!
You can find fall foliage maps for North Dakota HERE and for Minnesota HERE!
LOCAL PARKS
Forest River Park: 500 Forest River Drive (Fargo)
Once an old housing development by the river, this park offers lots of trails and beautiful trees to catch the leaves changing colors. There’s even a kayak/canoe launch right on the Red River.
Gooseberry Mound Park: 100 22nd Ave S. (Moorhead)
Gooseberry may have the best views, but Moorhead has over 40 parks with miles of sidewalk and trails to enjoy! Check out this interactive map to find more!
Lindenwood Park: 1805 Roger Maris Drive (Fargo)
As the largest multi-use park in Fargo, it’s no wonder they have an entire walking tour dedicated to identifying different tree species!
Lions Conservancy Park: 1221 El Cano Drive S (Fargo)
This park is along the river in south Fargo and has plenty of trails to get your fall foliage fill! It’s a great place to see fall colors in Fargo.
North Elmwood & South Elmwood Park 500 13th Ave W. (West Fargo)
With a trail right along the Sheyenne River, South Elmwood is a perfect spot to appreciate the leaves changing colors. The tree canopies continue as you cross 13th towards North Elmwood.
Orchard Glen Park: 76th Ave S & Orchard Park Drive (Fargo)
Also home to a community orchard, this park is along the river in south Fargo and has beautiful trails to walk and catch the leaves changing.
M.B. Johnson Park: 3601 11th St N (Moorhead)
This hidden gem in North Moorhead is a great spot to take a break and catch some beautiful fall colors. While there, be sure to check out the Fruit Forest planted in 2021.
FALL COLORS WITHIN 1 HOUR
Buffalo River State Park: 25 minutes (Click for map)
This state park boasts 12 miles of flat terrain trails winding through riverine forests that’s sure to give you beautiful views of not only changing trees, but colorful wildflowers too!
Maplewood State Park: One hour (Click for map)
If the idea of unleashing your littles into nature scares you a bit, Maplewood has a scenic 5-mile drive through the park where you can experience shady hallows and wooded knolls from the comfort of your car.
FALL COLORS WITHIN 2 HOURS
Fort Ransom State Park, ND: 1 hour 20 minutes (Click for map)
Tamarac Wildlife Refuge, MN (east of Detroit Lakes): 1 hour 20 minutes (Click for map)
Glendalough State Park, MN: 1 hour 25 minutes (Click for map)
Turtle River State Park, ND: 1 hour 30 minutes (Click for map)
Sica Hollow State Park, SD: 1 hour 40 minutes (Click for map)
Itasca State Park, MN: 1 hour 50 minutes (Click for map)
Lake Carlos State Park, MN: 1 hour 50 minutes (Click for map)
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area, MN: 2 hours (Click for map)
If you want to create your own “Fall Foliage Finder,” Minnesota has a specific website completely dedicated to following the changing of the leaves around the state! There’s also a Tree Inventory that shows and lists all the species of trees planted around Moorhead!
Did we miss a great local spot to view fall leaves changing color? Contact us and let us know!
More Fall Fun to Check Out!
