Many people consider autumn to be the most beautiful season in Duluth. In September and October, we are surrounded by vibrant colors, as our trees, grasses, and flowers begin their preparation for the long winter ahead.
While many of our species of flora and fauna remain evergreen throughout the fall season, we are also blessed with lovely shades of red, yellow, and orange. Another special treat is that rich, deep-blue autumn sky, accompanied by longer shadows during the daylight hours.
The smell of fall fills the air, too. No, not pumpkin spice, although that scent certainly has its own merits. Rather, we’re talking the earthy, musty smell of decomposing leaves. Mmmmm! If you know, you know. And nothing beats that satisfying crunch of stomping the crispy leaves under your feet.
If you’re hoping to do a little “leaf peeping” here in Duluth, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty. Here are a few tips to help guide your journey.
Species
We can’t rush Mother Nature! Like any wise woman, she handles her business in her own due time. And this includes a very particular order that the tree leaves make their transition.
For instance, Maple leaves are usually the first to change. Maples typically peak in mid-to-late September.
Aspen and Birch usually follow. These trees, which turn a vibrant yellow, usually peak in late September through October.
The Sumac shrub, with vibrant shades of crimson, comes next. (Yes, our shrubs change colors, too)!
Lastly comes the mighty Oak. While Oak leaves typically turn brown, sometimes they can be pink or even light red.
Lakewalk
While Minnesota’s North Shore is the stereotypical hot spot to peep leaves in our region, don’t sleep on Duluth. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall colors right here. We suggest doing so while enjoying a leisurely stroll or bike ride on the Lakewalk!
By Train
While taking in the views by foot or bike is a perfectly enjoyable way to enjoy the fall colors, a train ride is an extra luxurious way to leaf peep. Duluth’s North Shore Scenic Railroad offers a variety of fall color tours, perfectly timed to catch the leaves peaking.
Plan Your Visit
If you are considering a leaf peeping journey in Duluth, typical peak colors appear from mid-to-late September through early October.
And, while the North Shore is definitely a great place to go, consider Duluth’s Lakewalk. The Lakewalk provides an easy and super approachable way to see many shades of leaves on one unique path. Bonus: you can stop to enjoy all the shops, restaurants, and watering holes along the way.
To plan your trip, stay up to date by following the MN DNR Fall Color Map. Dedicated staff keep it updated daily during the season.
Life on YOUR Lakewalk is part of Destination Duluth’s “Life Up North” series, created to highlight one of the city’s most treasured public spaces. The Lakewalk stretches eight miles along the greatest of the Great Lakes, offering everything from front-row views of 1,000-foot freighters and breathtaking sunrises to quiet moments of serenity just steps from the city.
Through stories, historic insight, and photography, this series shows how the Lakewalk is far more than a path. Once an industrial wasteland, it is now a symbol of community, resilience, and pride. It reflects what Duluth values most — public access, natural beauty, history, and connection. Whether a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the Lakewalk is yours to enjoy. It is your view, your shoreline, your legacy.
