Pictured above are fall views at Silverwood Park.

Cooler nights and shorter days. Get ready to look for fall colors in one or many parks within Three Rivers Park District. In this part of the country, we can see peak colors around the middle of October or earlier. Cooler temperatures make this a great time to hike and explore.

I like any tree or shrub with color but I am partial to maples because of their brilliant orange and red coloring. When I leave my work site at Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement during October, I stop at County Road 24 to go left. The view of mixed hardwoods with oak trees to the right is just spectacular. I think it’s the blend of many colors that make that spot a good one. 

Baker Park Reserve

Baker has a lot of mature maples and other trees that start turning color by the beginning of October. Try some cabin camping at the Baker Outdoor Learning Center or camp on your own this fall at the campground to really take in the colorful fall season.

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove has many mature trees as well, and again many maple trees. 

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve

One of my favorite parks during the fall is Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve. The colors are great there because of the variety of trees. It’s not just the colors though; I also like Murphy because there are fewer bugs and the hills are a challenge to climb on a hot day.

Hyland Lake Park Reserve

Hyland Lake Park Reserve has a variety of mature trees with many hiking trails and good views of fall colors. 

More Places to Explore

Check out the Three Rivers fall color updates, and get out to view the colors in a park near you!