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.

Minneopa State Park (Mankato)

Known for its waterfall and resident bison herd, both surrounded by fall foliage.

Typical peak
Oct 11
Mid October
Best Viewing Window
Oct 6 – Oct 16
Early October to Mid October
Latest color reading
Peak color
The newest satellite reading was 4 days old at the latest update.
19 sample points · about 11 clear looks per point.
The most recent reading we have, not a forecast; color may have moved since.

Forest Composition

Elm Ash dominant
Maple / Beech / Birch18%
Oak / Hickory25%
100% deciduous canopy (forest survey)

Conditions & 5-Day Forecast

Fetching forecast...

Nearby Towns

Chaska68 mi1 hr 42 minBloomington76 mi1 hr 47 minEagan84 mi1 hr 54 min
© OpenStreetMap contributors · Esri, Garmin, USGS, NPS, HERE · Terrain data: USGS, NOAA; contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada; source: INEGI, Continental relief, 2016Powered by Esri

Field notes · 2026 estimate

When to see peak color at Minneopa State Park (Mankato)

Peak fall color is predicted around October 11. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 6 to October 16.

Predicted peakOctober 11
Best windowOctober 6 – October 16
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 South Bend Township and across Minnesota.

That is 2 days later than usual (October 9): the six weeks to October 1 ran 1.5°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.

Nearby locales

Other places to see color near Minneopa State Park (Mankato)

1 to 2 hours

2 to 3 hours

Over 3 hours