Lakes Country is beautiful at all time so the year, but the changing colors of leaves in autumn make for a particularly unique and spectacular show. Here are a few of the top places to view this natural changing of the guard.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Roughly 800 miles, or a little more than one-sixth of the 4,600-mile long North County National Scenic Trail, passes through Minnesota. Some of those 800 miles are located in Otter Tail County.
The heavily wooded North Country Trail has its fair share of red, orange and yellow leaves, but there is much more to explore than just the pine and hardwood trees. The non-motorized trail has multiple paths for walking and hiking as well as bicycling. These trails thread around numerous lakes and wetlands, and up and down glacial hills. It’s common to see guests on horseback and, come winter, cross-country skies and snowshoes. Bring a pair of binoculars and try to spot some of the wildlife, including bald eagles and many waterfowl.
Primitive campsites are available along the trail. For more information, visit exploreminnesota.com.
Glendalough State Park
24869 Whitetail Lane, Battle Lake
The best to take in the fall colors here may be via bike, as the Glendalough Trail Loop provides incredible views of the 1,931-acre park. Other ways to explore the park come in the form of boating, kayaking and canoeing. Wildlife that call the park home including white-tailed deer, Canada geese, red foxes and snakes.
Campers can stay in cabins with electricity and propane fireplaces, or rough it by staying at campsites. Check out the park’s Historic Lodge, where Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon both stayed while visiting Glendalough. For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us.
The Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail
This trail features several stops in Otter Tail County and during the fall bird migration the trail is an ideal spot for birding. Known as the inaugural birding trail in Minnesota, the Pine to Prairie is home to several unique residents including the ruffed grouse, red and white-winged crossbills and the boreal chickadee. The pine forests, deciduous woodlands, native tallgrass prairies, sand dunes, bogs, lakes and rivers attract more than 275 species of birds.
Visit mnbirdtrail.com/ for more information.
Phelps Mill County Park
29029 County Highway 45, Underwood
Phelps Mill is a great place to drop the kayak in the water and enjoy the autumn beauty of Otter Tail County. Anglers can try their luck in the Otter Tail River and guests can view the historic Phelps Mill, which was constructed in 1889.
The park features a children’s play area and numerous picnic tables for those interested in packing a lunch and taking in the sights and sounds.
Learn more by visiting ottertailcountymn.us/building/phelps-mill/
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center
602 State Highway 210E, Fergus Falls
At nearly 330 acres of prairie lands and another 28 of wetlands, the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center is a spot to see popping fall colors and abundant wildlife. The center has four miles of non-strenuous trails.
The Prairie Wetlands is the origin of the Minnesota River Birding Trail, a 10.7-mile out-and-back trail that is home to several birds including the America robin, American goldfinch and red-winged blackbird. Head to the center in the late fall and be on the lookout for reptiles and amphibians burrowing in the mud or gathering for group hibernation.
The visitor center is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and houses an exhibit area and a number of staff-led programs. For more information, visit fws.gov.
Otter Tail River
At 192 miles, the Otter Tail River is the third longest river in Minnesota and one of the best places to enjoy autumn. The slow-flowing and easily navigable river is an ideal spot for novice kayakers. Canoeing is also a popular activity and a relaxing way to view the pine, spruce, fir, oak, elm and ironwood trees that line the river and produce breathtaking colors in the fall.
The many dams on the river act as a roadblock for fish migrating upstream, and anglers are known to take advantage and reel in smallmouth bass and sturgeon. Loons and bald eagles are just a few of the birds who live along the river.
Visit dnr.state.mn.us for more information.
God’s Acres
Located just off County Highway 1 in Battle Lake, God’s Acres is a wellness spot for the body, mind and soul. Free and open to the public, the park offers a plethora of activities for the entire family. Those seeking to soak up the beauty of fall may want to explore the Masters Mile Walk for a peaceful hike around the property. The Prayer Garden is a place to reflect while surrounded by the beauty of nature. A play area featuring multiple slides, swings and a climbing apparatus are a hit with the children, and adults enjoy conversing under the covered shelter. Other activities include disc golf and an obstacle course.
Visit zionamor.org/god-s-acres for more information.
