The predicted color stage on the selected date, modelled from years of fall color records. A forecast, not a live observation.When each area's color is predicted to peak this season. The date doesn't change this view.

Jay Cooke State Park

Known for its swinging bridge and river valley views framed by fall color.

Typical peak
Oct 6
Early October
Best Viewing Window
Oct 1 – Oct 11
Early October to Mid October
Latest color reading
High color
The newest satellite reading was 4 days old at the latest update.
18 sample points · about 9 clear looks per point.
The most recent reading we have, not a forecast; color may have moved since.

Forest Composition

Aspen Birch dominant
Maple / Beech / Birch14%
Oak / Hickory5%
Aspen / Birch52%
83% deciduous canopy (forest survey)

Conditions & 5-Day Forecast

Fetching forecast...

Field notes · 2026 estimate

When to see peak color at Jay Cooke State Park

Peak fall color is predicted around October 6. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 1 to October 11.

Predicted peakOctober 6
Best windowOctober 1 – October 11
Confidence range±5 days

The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Thomson Township and across Minnesota.

This year's weather here has run close to normal, so the date is the usual October 6.

Nearby locales

Other places to see color near Jay Cooke State Park