Autumn Colors in the Driftless

By Craig Johnson, Renée Bergstrom and John Gaddo, November 10, 2025

Autumn arrives in rich golden hues in the Root River Valley. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

Under overcast autumn skies, the subdued shades of the fall harvest are set against surrounding blufflands during cornstalk baling on this Houston County acreage near the Root River. (Panoramic photo by John Gaddo)

Inviting trails lure hikers deeper into the region’s forestlands. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

Local storefronts reflect the warmth of the season as we approach the holidays. (Photo by Renee Bergstrom)

“Deer Friends” – Area wildlife are increasingly blending into their natural surroundings as winter – and hunting season – approach. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

Sunlit foliage along the Root River Trail near Lanesboro. (Photo by Renee Bergstrom)

The mesmerizing magic of an autumn campfire. (Photo by Craig Johnson)

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Contributors

Craig Johnson

When not otherwise drumming with area musicians or assisting customers at Rushford’s Ace Hardware, Craig Johnson’s photographer’s eye focuses on the region’s picturesque scenery and its sports teams. Look for his work in a variety of regional publications.

Renée Bergstrom

Renée Bergstrom is a photographer, weaver and painter whose artwork is available at Lanesboro Arts. Renée loves to dig in the dirt so you may see her in her garden along the Root River Trail. She is currently a Public Voices Fellow on Advancing the Rights of Women and Girls with the OpEd Project and Equality Now. The cohort of twenty women is publishing thought provoking articles.

John Gaddo

John Gaddo is co-publisher of Root River Current. His professional career has included stints as a public media manager, journalist and audio producer.