After an unseasonably warm stretch of heat and high humidity, the temperature in the Twin Cities has dropped like a dying leaf.

Autumn’s colorful embrace has already manifested in a dazzling array of orange, red, and gold on many treetops in the Twin Cities.

If you enjoy drinking in the fall foliage each season, you’re in luck. “This fall’s overall color display should be vivid and travel-worthy,” said Val Cervenka, the forest health program consultant in the DNR’s Forestry Division.

If you want to plan out your fall viewing, see Explore Minnesota and Minnesota State Parks and Trails’ handy Minnesota Fall Colors Index (above) and check back for weekly updates.

If you live in the metro, you don’t have to travel far to take in the exquisite beauty of the season. From the many parks, lakes, and riverside roads and pathways to structured activities like the Summit Avenue Walking Tour, the Highland Park Water Tower fall open house on Oct 12-13 or fall train rides, there are many ways to get out and enjoy the sights.