Summer may be almost over, but that doesn't mean the end of fun on the water. Fall brings cooler temps and shorter days, but it also clears out the bugs and the lake traffic. Leaves start changing as early as Labor Day and peak four to six weeks later, a relatively narrow window to experience the blazing colors of fall. A fall boating tour is one of our favorite ways to take advantage of the many benefits of a fall day on the lake. Read on for our best tips for planning your fall leaf tour on the water. Once you’re ready, give us a call to plan your next boating project.
When and Where
Deciding where to go for your fall foliage tour is the first part of the process. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has many beautiful destinations for viewing fall colors. Many of them correspond to well-known fall color driving tours. Unfortunately, many of these destinations are well-known, so they can be crowded on weekends or late afternoons. In that case, an early morning or weekday tour is an excellent way to avoid crowds. That said, you can't go wrong with a fall day on any body of water in Minnesota.
Don't forget to keep an eye on when the colors are peaking in your chosen destination. We like to use the MN DNR's Fall Color Finder to plan the best time for our fall trips. Areas in northern Minnesota generally peak earlier in the season, but that isn't always the case. So, keep an eye on the trees so you don't miss out on the peak season.
Lastly, don't be stuck on a specific weekend. The weather isn't predictable, when a perfect Sunday afternoon comes up, don't waste it!
Fun and Games for the Younger Crowd
Anyone with kids knows that they have little appreciation for serene beauty. So, unless you are ready to be driven crazy by bored kids, plan a few fun activities for the younger crowd. This can be as simple as a fall scavenger hunt tailored for a day on the water. Otherwise, you can pair your touring with a day of fishing or even stop for some sightseeing at various waterfront towns.
The Necessities
We're sure you'll have your typical boating gear onboard, but you'll want to pack some extras for a fall day trip. The weather and the water are getting colder, so you'll want to pack extra blankets or jackets for everyone. This is especially true if you're headed out early in the morning, late afternoon, or late in the season. Make sure you update your emergency kit with some cold weather boating supplies. And don't forget the snacks and the warm drinks!
Let Someone Else do the Work
Despite everything we've said, letting someone else do all the work for you can be nice. Finding a reputable boat tour company can make fall foliage trips a breeze. Thankfully, charter boat companies have long known about the draw of fall leaves on the water, and many offer fall tours. Whether you'd like to explore one of Minnesota's rivers or stick to the lakes in the fall, you can sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the details.
Now that you’ve read our tips for planning a fall color tour, you’re ready to get out on the water. Have fun and happy boating!
Winter Storage Covers – The Green Alternative to Shrinkwrap
Once you've taken advantage of all that fall has to offer on the water, give us a call to get your boat ready for winter. Our high-quality winter storage covers, are an environmentally friendly solution to outdoor winter boat storage, and are reusable for 15+ years! We also offer canvas repair services for your travel covers, summer storage covers, boat lift canopies, and other canvas covers.
If your boat is ready for an interior upgrade, winter is the perfect time for it. Check out our marine upholstery photo gallery, then give us a call at 320-559-0165 to get started on your project.