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.
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Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Peak fall color is predicted around October 18. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 13 to October 23.
Predicted peakOctober 18
Best windowOctober 13 – October 23
Confidence range±5 days
The prediction comes from 24 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 Chaska and across Minnesota.
That is 2 days later than usual (October 15): the six weeks to October 8 ran 2.0°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
30 to 60 minutes
1 to 2 hours
- Interstate State Park78 mi · 1 hr 39 minPeak: Oct 10Status: High color
- Taylors Falls79 mi · 1 hr 41 minPeak: Oct 10Status: High color
- Minneopa State Park (Mankato)67 mi · 1 hr 43 minPeak: Oct 11Status: Peak color
- Wild River State Park82 mi · 1 hr 50 minPeak: Oct 11Status: Peak color
- Southern Minnesota82 mi · 1 hr 54 minPeak: Sep 24Status: Fading