11 Colorful Fall Hikes in the Twin Cities for Families
Fall in the Twin Cities is basically nature’s annual color extravaganza. When the leaves are showing off, it’s time to hit the trails and see them at their best. We love the feeling of crunchy leaves underfoot! And who can resist admiring golden trees reflected on the water? Luckily, Minnesota offers plenty of easy fall hikes for all ages and abilities. We’ve rounded up 11 kid-friendly hikes near Minneapolis and Saint Paul to fill your fall bucket list. Most of these Twin Cities hikes make it easy to get outside with your kids without committing to an all-day fall adventure. Families who love fall day trips will find one or two ideas on this list, too! Wondering where to see fall colors near Minneapolis and Saint Paul with kids? Lace up, grab a snack, and let’s hit the trails!
Fort Snelling State Park | Saint Paul
101 Snelling Lake Rd, Saint Paul, MN 55111
Fort Snelling State Park makes it easy to trade city streets for wooded trails (and plenty of crunchy leaves). Tucked at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, the park is also home to Historic Fort Snelling. Adding the fort to the day’s agenda makes it a two-for-one outing for families who want a little history with their hike.
We love the wide, easy-to-navigate trails here. They are some of the most kid-friendly hikes in Saint Paul to try this fall. Just know you won’t be the only family with this idea! Fort Snelling is one of Minnesota’s busiest state parks. The nearly 4-mile Pike Island Loop is our favorite trail for families looking for a longer trek. It winds through beautiful woods with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. For something shorter, try the 2.3-mile Snelling Lake Loop. If you’re looking for family-friendly fall hikes in the Twin Cities, Fort Snelling State Park is a fantastic place to start!
Please note: You’ll need a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit for this hike (if you arrive by car). Most local libraries offer these for loan.
fall hikes in the twin cities
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary | Minneapolis
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405
For easy fall hikes in the Twin Cities with kids, this peaceful pocket of nature is hard to beat. Nestled inside Theodore Wirth Park, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is the oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S. and a delightful place for explorers of all ages to wander freely.
Follow the winding, wood-chipped trails through woodland, prairie, and wetland habitats. Nearly a mile of trail is available. Kids especially love the boardwalk area! As you walk, watch for late-season butterflies and more than 130 bird species. Grab a nature checklist or binoculars and turn your stroll into a mini scavenger hunt. Encourage kids to keep an eye out for Polly the Pollinator, too! If they find her, they can win a prize at the Nature Center. This urban garden is a laid-back, free way to enjoy fall without leaving Minneapolis.
fall hikes in the twin cities
Wood Lake Nature Center | Richfield
6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield, MN 55423
Wood Lake Nature Center is a little slice of wild tucked into Richfield. It’s hard to believe you’re only minutes from Interstate 35W when you’re standing in the middle of this wetland park. If you’re looking for family-friendly fall hikes in the Twin Cities without venturing too far from Minneapolis, add this park to your fall bucket list!
The boardwalks and easy paths make it especially approachable for younger hikers. Plus, the changing leaves reflecting on the water add plenty of autumn color to the adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and turtles. Many birds nest here, so you’ll find a wide variety of local favorites, including red-winged Blackbirds. They love singing amongst the cattails! If you’re lucky, you may even spot a muskrat swimming in the marsh. For scenic fall hikes near Minneapolis, this is a win for families.
The indoor Nature Center is closed during renovations. Until then, watch the website for temporary parking and entrance updates.
fall hikes in the twin cities
Frontenac State Park | Frontenac
29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN 55026
Wondering where to see vibrant fall colors near Minneapolis with your kids? Point the car toward Frontenac State Park and embark on a fun fall day trip (we recommend creating a Fleetwood Mac playlist to complete the fall road-trip vibes). The Mississippi River and colorful bluffs make for one seriously scenic experience. Frontenac State Park is about 75 minutes from Minneapolis.
The park’s overlooks are the stars of the show. Expect sweeping views across the river and surrounding countryside. Along the trails, leaves turn brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red. Families can stretch their legs on the trails and watch for migrating raptors. We recommend Bluffside Trail (a moderate 2.9-mile loop) or Frontenac State Park Hiking Club Trail (an easy 2.5-mile loop) for the best fall foliage. Then, hop back in the car for a scenic drive along the Great River Road.
Please note: You’ll need a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit for this hike (if you arrive by car). Most local libraries offer these for loan.
fall hikes in the twin cities
Lebanon Hills Regional Park | Eagan
Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a classic fall pick for a reason when it comes to kid-friendly hikes in the Twin Cities. In September and October, this sprawling Eagan park turns its usual woods, lakes, and trails into a beautiful autumn playground.
For an easygoing family outing, choose the 2.2-mile Jensen Lake Trail. It loops around the water on mostly flat dirt paths and boardwalks. You’ll love the colorful trees reflected in the lake! Want to add more mileage? The 5.2-mile Lebanon Hills Loop adds rolling hills and wooded scenery. After your hike, swing by the Visitor Center to warm up by the fire while kids explore interactive nature displays. Check out the park’s family programs, too! They are a great way to meet other local families and enjoy the best of the season at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
fall hikes in the twin cities
Winchell Trail | Minneapolis
4357-4367 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Looking for kid-friendly fall hikes in Minneapolis with big scenery? Winchell Trail delivers river views and some seriously show-stopping fall color. You get it all without leaving the city! The full trail is about 5.5 miles out-and-back, but you can turn back at any point for a choose-your-own-adventure-style experience. You don’t need to go far to enjoy the trail’s best fall foliage.
Winchell Trail follows the Mississippi River through the river gorge. Enjoy wooded paths and overlooks along the way. Be aware that there are some stairs and a few rugged stretches. Maple-filled forests make this especially gorgeous at peak color. The parking lot is small, and it gets busy (even mid-week) during peak fall colors. Arrive early and bring plenty of water if you plan to do the full trek. If you only choose one fall hike this season, make it this one!
fall hikes in the twin cities
William O’Brien State Park | Marine on St. Croix
16821 O’Brien Trl N, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
William O’Brien State Park is a colorful St. Croix River Valley option for families looking for scenic fall hikes near Minneapolis. This state park is beloved for its migrating birds and golden tamaracks (also called larches) in the fall. Early mornings often add a little extra magic to the experience. At this time, many fall hikers enjoy mist rising from the river and migrating raptors, like hawks and osprey, passing through.
Two great kid-friendly trail options at William O’Brien State Park are the 1.8-mile Riverside Trail and the moderate 4.8-mile Prairie Overlook Loop. The Riverside Trail follows the river through towering pines and hardwoods. Alternatively, the higher Prairie Overlook offers big views of the valley framed by golden prairie grasses and fall foliage. Most trails in William O’Brien State Park are rated easy to moderate, so you really can’t go wrong on your next visit!
Please note: You’ll need a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit for this hike (if you arrive by car). Most local libraries offer these for loan.
fall hikes in the twin cities
Mississippi Gorge Regional Park | Minneapolis
3349 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406
For fall hikes in the Twin Cities, it’s hard to beat a walk in Mississippi Gorge Regional Park with your kids. When sugar maples and hardwoods turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, the gorge feels a world away from the city (even though you’re right in the middle of it!). This is also Minnesota’s only National River & Recreation Area and part of the National Park Service.
Families can hike or bike the trails on either side of the river while keeping an eye out for birds. More than 180 species call the gorge home! Many different types of birds nest and migrate through this area. You can even make it a simple outing by visiting Mill Ruins Park or the Stone Arch Bridge. Visit the Mississippi River Visitor Center to learn more about the area and talk with our local park rangers! Kids can even earn a Junior Ranger Badge here. Finally, don’t miss the restored oak savanna near 36th Street. It is a little pocket of native prairie right inside an urban landscape. Mississippi River Gorge Regional Park is a colorful, easygoing fall outing with plenty to explore.
fall hikes in the twin cities
Lake Elmo Park Reserve | Lake Elmo
1515 Keats Avenue North, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Fall is a great excuse to wander Lake Elmo Park Reserve. With about 20 miles of trails, families can choose a route that fits their abilities and time. Select from natural-surface paths to paved options. You’ll even find a few stroller-friendly trails, making this a great choice for families looking for easy fall hikes in the Twin Cities.
Keep an eye out for deer, foxes, pheasants, and woodpeckers along the way. Many families also like the 3.8-mile Eagle Point Lake Trail, which follows almost the entire Eagle Point Lake shoreline. And when the kids declare themselves officially done with hiking, plenty of playgrounds are waiting to join the fun. The park’s largest playground is actually four play areas grouped together. Kids have plenty of room to climb, crawl, and burn off any extra energy. Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a great option if you want to pack a lunch and make a day of it!
Please note: A Washington County Parks vehicle permit is required for each vehicle.
fall hikes in the twin cities
Westwood Hills Nature Center | St. Louis Park
8300 W Franklin Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
A little bit of everything is hiding at Westwood Hills Nature Center. This West Metro nature center features prairie, forest, and marsh trails designed for families. The three miles of trails include paved paths, boardwalks, and crushed-rock surfaces, making it simple to navigate with strollers and new hikers.
Turn your walk into a nature hunt with a free scavenger hunt. You can also borrow a themed backpack packed with activities and investigation tools from the nature center. The nature center also features live ambassador animals and a few cozy exhibits. Kids will also love observing the honeybees at the apiary building. While you hike, keep watch for deer, turtles, foxes, and owls. Afterward, let the kids loose on the nature playground. It’s a great place to play together! Westwood Hills Nature Center is an easy, low-stress pick for fall hikes in the Twin Cities with kids.
fall hikes in the twin cities
Clifton E. French Regional Park | Plymouth
12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441
Fall looks right at home at Clifton E. French Regional Park. Part of the Three Rivers Park District, this park offers rolling trails, woods, wetlands, and lakes. Plenty of trails and tucked-away places let families chase colorful leaves. You can even enjoy leaves reflecting off Medicine Lake! The paved path from the playground to the lake is stunning in the fall.
French Regional Park has 10.4 miles of trails. The French Regional Park Loop is a scenic option for a family stroll in the autumn. Along the route, you can pause for lake views, snacks, and wildlife sightings. Keep the fall fun going after sunset! The Lagoon, Lakeview, and Skyline trails stay lit until 10 p.m., giving families with older kids and teens a chance to squeeze in an evening hike beneath the lights. The lights typically remain on until winter trail operations begin (usually after 2–3 inches of snow). After hiking, head to the massive playground near the visitor center. Kids will love its tower slides and net climbers. The playground is surrounded by fall foliage, making it as scenic as it is fun! French Regional Park is without question one of our favorite family-friendly fall hikes in the Twin Cities!
fall hikes in the twin cities
