With the advent of each autumn season, there is a reoccurring thought entertained by many Minnesotans to alter the state nickname to the "Land of 10,000 Lakes and Infinite Colors." And rightfully so. Although home to the state tree of the red (Norway) pine, Minnesota is also home to extensive forests of maple, basswood, birch, popular, oak, elm, cedar and aspen; each offering its most dramatic shades of autumn.

During the season of autumn, the brilliance of colors is never more poignant than in the protected forests, woodlands and prairies of Minnesota; 55 state forests and 66 state parks, occupying an area of over 226,000 acres. When my love affair with Minnesota blossomed in my early high school days, I made the personal commitment to experience as many - if not, all - of the state parks that Minnesota has to offer. And this is no easy task, as the 66 state parks span from northern Grand Marais to southern Worthington. To date, I have experienced the sacredness of 47 of the 66 Minnesota state parks. And of those 47 parks, I have had the pleasure and privilege of experiencing 42 of these parks during the autumn season. Of those 42 parks, I present to you Minnesota's Gold: my personal top ten statewide gems in which to experience a unique fall season of changing hues.

Northwest Minnesota

Maplewood- Situated within Ottertail County, which is comprised of one-tenth of Minnesota's lakes and streams, Maplewood State Park is home to one of the largest protected maple forests in Minnesota. Because of the richness of its maple, the park becomes a celebratory explosion of brilliant reds, oranges and yellows in the fall season, so take time to walk and rest under the park's wonderful canopy. In addition to its colors, the park hosts approximately 150 species of birds and 50 species of mammals. Finally, regardless of whether you exit east or west from Maplewood State Park, treat yourself to a relaxing autumn drive along State Highway 108 - sometimes some of the best autumn scenery is simply roadside. Park Attraction: Excellent hiking trails and fishing; 25 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Pelican Rapids, MN. The park entrance is located seven miles east of Pelican Rapids on State Highway 108.

Zippel Bay- If it is changing colors among a lake environment for which you are searching,you will find your refuge at Zippel Bay State Park,near the northern city of Baudette. Located on the shores of the one of the world's largest lakes, Lake of the Woods, the park displays phenomenal stands of autumn shades of birch. And should you be in the area when the Aurora Borealis is present (as I once was), spend the evening enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience among these pristine woods. Complete your experience; treat yourself to a casual autumn drive south on Highways 72 and 71 through the Bemidji and Itasca State Park area. Park Attraction: Beach recreation and camping;9 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Williams, MN. From the west end of Baudette, take Highway 172, ten miles north to County Road 8. Go west on County Road 8 for seven miles to the park entrance.

Northeast Minnesota

Bear Head Lake- Located just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Bear Head Lake State Park is a haven for moose, timber wolves, and black bears. Although the majority of the park is comprised of fir, spruce and tamarack, take the time to enjoy the subtle crispness of autumn among these grand pines. It will refresh your very soul. And if so tempted, spend the evening among the pines; on a clear night, you will never experience a greater exhibit of the cosmos. If you are in no great hurry, take the afternoon to drive east on Highway 169 through Ely, and then onto County Road 1 for a very scenic and casual drive to the North Shore. Park Attraction: 17 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Ely, MN. From the town of Tower, go east on U.S.Highway 169 for nine miles to County Highway 128. Take Highway 128. Go south seven miles to the park.

Temperance River- If you are searching for the perfect photograph that includes rivers or waterfalls amidst the autumn colors, then Temperance River State Park is your ideal location. The contrast of the changing white and yellow birch amidst the spruce and fir is striking. In addition, the river ways will leave you relaxed while the waterfalls will leave you breathless. Be sure to take time along State Highway 61 to visit area establishments such as the Coho Café, Cascade Lodge Restaurant or Betty's Pies for wonderful local cuisine and hospitality and Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse and Cascade River State Parks for exquisite North Shore scenery. Park Attraction: Phenomenal photo opportunities of scenic areas along the river and lake; 22 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Schroeder, MN. Entrance to the park is one mile north of the town of Schroeder on State Highway 61.

Metro Minnesota

Afton- Nestled on the St.Croix River, Afton State Park is one of the Twin Cities' best-kept secrets. It is the ideal autumn location for a brief getaway from the Twin Cities, with trails for both the novice and experienced hiker. Trails wind through wonderful stands of oak while the lulling sound of the St. Croix River is never far away. As an added bonus, take advantage of the various apple farms and sales scattered along your way to the park's gateway, as well drive north on Highway 95 to visit the cordial town of Lakeland. An afternoon at Afton State Park and leisurely drive along Highway 95 is just the medicine for a weary spirit. Park Attraction: Wonderful hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty that take you through bluffs and restored prairies; 20 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Hastings, MN. From St. Paul, go eight miles east on I-94, seven miles south on Highway 95 (old County Road 15), then three miles east on County Road 20.

Lake Maria- It is this state park that houses one of the few remaining large stands in Minnesota of basswood, maple, elm and oak, which combine for a wonderful tapestry of autumn hues. If seclusion among the metropolitan hustle-and-bustle interests you, then enjoy the solitude of the rolling terrain of Lake Maria State Park, site of one of Minnesota's oldest moraines. This is also a park where stargazing around a campfire is a memorable experience. Park Attraction: Secluded backpack campsites and remote camper cabins; 14 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Monticello, MN. The park is accessible from the south via Highway 39 and Wright County Road 111 or from the north via County State Highway 8 to Highway 39 and County Road 111.

Southeast Minnesota

Frontenac- Frontenac State Park remains one of Minnesota's premiere birdwatcher's paradises, with more than 260 species of birds recorded within the park's perimeter. While viewing the infinite hues of autumn in this natural utopia of floodplain and hardwood forests, be sure to keep your eyes open for the occasional bald eagles that frequent the park in fall, winter and spring. I saw my first bald eagle in this very park. Park Attraction: Camping and great hiking/skiing trails that will take you through diverse landscapes along the Mississippi River; 13.5 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Frontenac, MN. The park is located approximately ten miles southeast of Red Wing on Highway 61 or seven miles northwest of Lake City,then one mile north on County Road 2.

Sakatah Lake- Should you find yourself canoeing along the Cannon River in southern Minnesota, be sure to take a break when the river intersects with Sakatah Lake. You can also reach Sakatah Lake State Park by bicycle or car as well. Sakatah Lake State Park is home to a myriad of refreshing autumn colors, sponsored by the local bur oak, aspen, basswood, elm, butternut, and ash. When you've finished with your visit to Sakatah Lake State Park, add to your experience by driving east to State Highway 60 and continue north along the Mississippi River. Your afternoon will be filled with wonderful small town hospitality and memorable autumn vistas. Park Attraction: The paved Sakatah-Singing Hills State Trail, which runs through the park, spans 39 miles from Faribault to Mankato; 5 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Waterville, MN. The park entrance is located off State Highway 60, one mile east of the intersection on State Highway 13 and 60 at Waterville,or fourteen miles west of Faribault.

Southwest Minnesota

Split Rock Creek- It has been many years since I experienced a late fall walk and rain shower in Split Rock Creek State Park, but it is a memory I will cherish. Take time at this park to enjoy the panoramic view of fall prairie colors of wildflowers and grasses. You will get your best view of the park and Split Rock Lake from the Beach Side Trail Center. Some of the freshest aromas of a Minnesota autumn can be found in this park, so feel free to camp and enjoy it for a second day. Park Attraction: Camping and wildlife/waterfowl observation; 4.5 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Jasper, MN. The park is located seven miles southwest of Pipestone just off of State Highway 23.

Blue Mounds- Standing 100 feet above the landscape on the Sioux quartzite cliff, you will understand the subtle attractiveness of the Blue Mounds State Park in autumn. You will be treated to the fall transition of hundreds of different wildflowers and grasses, as well as one of few locations in Minnesota that houses prickly pear cactus. Also treat yourself to a rare observation of the Blue Mounds' herd of 45 bison. If you are so inclined, stay through the evening and witness the splendor of a Minnesota prairie sunset; these are sunsets found only in the movies. Park Attraction: Buffalo herd and prairie wildflowers/grasses; 13 miles of hiking trails. Directions: Luverne, MN. From the town of Luverne, go north four miles on Minnesota Highway 75. Turn east on County Road 20 and go one mile to the park entrance.

Take the time during a late September or early October afternoon to explore one of these parks (or any of the remaining 56 state parks) in your area. Make it an adventure and a celebration of one of Minnesota's gems, but be sure to also make it an annual tradition.

By Lee Hoedl