TRNP foliage

Best Places to View Fall Foliage in North Dakota

In North Dakota, fall foliage begins showing up in early September and reaches its peak by the mid-October, depending on the location. Visitors use this time to tour areas of heavy forest growth like the Turtle Mountains or tree-lined river valleys.

This Fall Foliage Prediction Map displays estimated timelines for fall foliage color changes, but please keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the weather and wind can also play a role in the changes. This map can be a helpful resource for planning your trip to see the best fall colors throughout the state.

Following is a guide to some of the most beautiful, and scenic areas in North Dakota for viewing nature's array of breathtaking colors.

Fall foliage at Lindenwood Park in Fargo
Southern Red River Valley

Look for changes along the Red River, in parks and in shelterbelts through fields.

Fargo, ND
United States

Northern Red River valley
Northern Red River Valley

Look for early changes along the Red River and in shelterbelts through fields.

Grand Forks, ND
United States

Turtle River State Park area in the fall
Turtle River State Park

The heavily wooded park glows with fall colors.

Arvilla, ND
United States

Couple from @honeytrek on Instagram takes selfie with the Pembina Gorge fall foliage
Pembina Gorge

The heavily wooded Pembina Gorge displays a mosaic of color when fall arrives near the Canadian border.

Walhalla, ND
United States

Overlooking the Sheyenne River in the fall at Fort Ransom
Fort Ransom State Park

Forested hillsides at the southern end of the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway come alive with colors.

Fort Ransom, ND
United States

White Horse Hill National Game Preserve has an overlook to view the fall foliage near Devils Lake
Devils Lake

Woodlands around the lakeĀ are brightly lit with color when the leaves start to change.

Devils Lake, ND
United States

Aerial view of Lake Metigoshe in autumn
Turtle Mountains/Lake Metigoshe

One of the most colorful landscapes in North Dakota during the fall is near Lake Metigoshe in the Turtle Mountains.

Bottineau, ND
United States

Fall colors are vibrant near the Missouri River, as this shot shows at Steamboat Park in Bismarck
Bismarck

Fall brings a rich, vibrant color change to sites all along the Missouri River, especially on the hillsides and bottom lands in the Bismarck area.

Bismarck, ND
United States

Hiking at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

The hills above the Missouri River take on a colorful glow when the days turn shorter.

Mandan, ND
United States

Denbigh Forest
Denbigh Forest

This forest is located on 640 acres, and is home to thousands of trees and natural prairie habitat.


Towner, ND
United States

Vibrant fall colors offset the Little Missouri River in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park North and South Units

The Badlands of western North Dakota take on a whole new look in fall as trees along the river bottoms begin their annual change.


Medora and Watford City, ND
United States

Fall colored trees surround a road in the Trenton Wildlife Management area
Trenton Wildlife Management

A large, wooded area along Trenton Lake perfect for taking in the beauty of fall colors.


Williston, ND
United States

CRSP Fall Cottonwoods
Cross Ranch State Park

The trail system allows access to a 5,000-acre nature preserve with beautiful fall colors along the river bottom forests and woody draws.

Center, ND
United States

Biking along the Greenway
The Greenway

The Greenway is approximately 2,200 acres of natural open space in the heart of Grand Forks, ND, and East Grand Forks, MN offering ample opportunity to view the fall colors.

Grand Forks, ND
United States

State capitol grounds trees
State Capitol Arboretum Trail

This beautiful nature trail gives a unique view of the mixing of nature, art, and architecture. Along the trail posts identify approximately 75 different species of trees planted on the grounds, all displaying amazing colors in the fall.

Bismarck, ND
United States

Beaver Lake State Park
Beaver Lake State Park

Park guests will find plenty of fall colors to enjoy while discovering the plentiful natural resources, taking in the areas history, or just relaxing under a colorful American elm tree.

Wishek, ND
United States