Leaf Peeping in the Peace Garden State: North Dakota’s Top Fall Foliage Destinations

As summer bows out and autumn takes center stage, North Dakota transforms into a vibrant palette of fall colors. The Peace Garden State is known for its vast open spaces, but in autumn, the landscape becomes a breathtaking display of red, orange, yellow, and purple. According to the ND Tourism website, these are some of the best spots you’ll find to enjoy the fall foliage from mid-September through October.

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One top spot is Beaver Lake State Park (#16), near Wishek. You can soak up fall colors while relaxing under a golden American elm tree. In Bismarck, State Capitol Arboretum Trail (#15) offers a unique blend of nature and art, with around 75 species of trees showing off their brilliant hues. Over in Grand Forks, The Greenway (#14) boasts 2,200 acres of colorful natural beauty.

If you're near Williston, head to Trenton Wildlife Management (#12), where the wooded area around Trenton Lake is perfect for leaf-peeping. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (#9), near Mandan, offers vibrant hillsides above the Missouri River for a dash of history and tons of fall views. For some of the most stunning views, don’t miss Turtle Mountains/Lake Metigoshe (#7) or the breathtaking woodlands around Devils Lake (#6).

And for the ultimate fall foliage? It’s hard to beat the Southern Red River Valley (#1), where the trees lining the Red River in Fargo create an autumn masterpiece.

North Dakota’s rustic scenery and vivid fall colors create a season worth celebrating, and these spots offer the perfect backdrop for your autumn adventures. So, grab your favorite pumpkin-spiced drink, and head out to enjoy Fall in North Dakota!