Discover North America's New Autumn Secret

Minnesota’s North Shore is recognized as an expansive, peaceful and budget-friendly alternative to New England fall colors for international travelers.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Oct. 22, 2026) - As autumn foliage reaches its peak across North America, global travel authority Lonely Planet has named Northeastern Minnesota one of the world’s top 50 destinations in its prestigious 2027 “Best in Travel” list and book. The online feature and best-selling book highlight the journey up the North Shore of Lake Superior as a singular experience with enduring, worldwide appeal. The region — spanning the pristine shores of Lake Superior and vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — is being hailed as North America’s premier destination for deliberate, peaceful and scenic exploration.

For international travelers seeking breathtaking fall foliage away from the overcrowded roads of traditional North American autumn routes, Northeastern Minnesota offers a magnificent, spacious alternative. Reaching Minnesota’s famous North Shore is easier than ever, with direct, nonstop transatlantic flights connecting Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to most major European hubs — including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Paris and Rome. From the gateway of Minneapolis-St. Paul, a scenic drive north along Highway 61 leads travelers through vibrant boreal forests that frame Lake Superior — the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. In Cook County, at the far Northeastern tip of Minnesota, dramatic cliffs, quiet harbor towns like Grand Marais, and vibrant crimson maple trees create an autumn landscape that rivals established U.S. East Coast fall foliage.

“This global recognition from Lonely Planet is a testament to the quiet majesty of our northern landscapes,” said Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, the state’s tourism promotion agency. “When European travelers look for authentic American road trips, they want open space, pristine nature and warm local hospitality. Minnesota — and Northeastern Minnesota in particular — delivers an unforgettable autumn experience where visitors can trade traffic jams for tranquil forest drives, lakeside harbors and acclaimed dark sky stargazing.”

Highlights of Autumn Travel in Northeastern Minnesota:

• National Scenic Byway Road Trip: The North Shore All-American Scenic Drive along Highway 61 — a drive made famous by Minnesota native Bob Dylan’s song — traces 241 kilometers of Lake Superior coastline, offering jaw-dropping views of cascading waterfalls, red and orange maple canopies and iconic stops like historic Split Rock Lighthouse.
• The Boundary Waters Experience: More than one million acres of preserved, motor-free wilderness waterways provide unmatched canoeing, hiking, camping and quiet connection with nature.
• Hygge-Inspired Hospitality: Harbor towns offer cozy lakeside lodging, local craft breweries, sauna culture and farm-to-table culinary experiences.

About Explore Minnesota

Explore Minnesota is the marketing and promotion agency for the State of Minnesota. Our mission is to support and help Minnesota's economy grow sustainably through innovative marketing, industry partnerships and authentic storytelling, showcasing Minnesota as the premier state for travel, quality of life and economic opportunity.

Trade and Media Resources

To plan an itinerary, explore routes or book fall and year-round travel accommodations in Northeastern Minnesota, visit exploreminnesota.com or find us on Instagram at @exploreminnesota. Images and other international media resources are available at exploreminnesota.com/media/international.