How to Scout for Morels Before They’re Up: Finding Morel Mushrooms in Minnesota

Morchella americana, the yellow morel most people hunt for in Minnesota

Because the hunt starts long before the mushrooms do.

Early spring in Minnesota still feels like winter, especially in the shaded areas. However, it’s never too early to get your boots muddy. Morel season begins well before you find your first mushroom. It starts in your mind when the map of potential locations starts coming back to life.

Finding morels requires preparation, not just luck. If you're waiting until someone posts their first haul on Facebook, you’re already behind. If you’re wondering how to find morel mushrooms in Minnesota, it begins with scouting.

Elm Tree to Scout for Morels. A tree holds the key!

1. How to Find Morel Mushrooms in Minnesota: Start by Scouting the Right Trees

It’s too early for morels to be up yet, but that doesn’t stop me from looking. This time of year, scouting trees is vital. If you're roughly in the southern half of Minnesota, focus on dead or dying elms. Spotting an elm before it has leaves isn’t as easy as it sounds. If you’re in the northern areas, you might be looking for black morels, often labeled Morchella septentrionalis, which typically associate with younger aspen trees.

The majority of mushroom hunters here pursue yellow morels, typically Morchella americana. Let's concentrate on these "yellows." Knowing which species of morels grow in different regions of the state is essential for success.

I've become adept at identifying elms by their shape. They possess tall, clean trunks that shoot straight up, resembling an upside-down vase with a broomstick-shaped crown at the top. But it's not foolproof. I've confused black walnuts and even young basswoods during rushes. Elm bark is light gray and flaky, while black walnut bark has darker, deeper ridges. After enough time tromping through wet woods, you start to appreciate these subtle differences.

When I spot a good candidate—an elm that appears recently dead or is showing stress—I drop a pin in my map app. Avoid trees that have been dead for too long. Once the bark has completely fallen off, exposing bare wood, your window might be closed. But if the bark is just starting to slip off in large patches, particularly down low, that’s what you want. I've revisited these spots later in the spring to find morels hiding in plain sight, seemingly just waiting for me to return.

Early Morel Mushroom in Spring Sun

2. Pay Attention to the Sun

When hunting for morels, timing is crucial. I usually wait for lilacs to bloom or dandelions to go to seed—these signs indicate that the soil is warm enough for morels to begin appearing. Until those signs appear, I resist the urge to head out; any mushrooms I find too early are often disappointingly small. I also wish to avoid trampling young primordia, the earliest stages of mushroom development.

Once those indicators are present, revisit the spots you've marked. Consider how the sun moves: south-facing slopes warm up faster. Areas that receive good sun exposure and where leaf litter decomposes quickly lead to warmer soils sooner. By focusing on these sunnier areas, you're more likely to discover early-season morels at their peak. Patience is key—by the time you head out, many hunters will have given up, leaving the best finds for you.

3. Soil Temperature vs. Air Temperature

Morels generally start fruiting when the soil temperature reaches about 52 to 53 degrees. It’s not enough to only monitor the air temp; here’s a helpful rule of thumb: I look for a week where nighttime lows don’t drop below 50 and daytime highs hover at 70 or above. Once those conditions are met, you can expect lilacs to bloom, dandelions to go to seed, and morels to be ready.

For extra assurance, carry a soil thermometer. Stick it about three inches down and take readings in different locations. You're looking for consistent temperatures, not just a single warm day. If the soil maintains that 'sweet spot,' it’s time to head out. This trick is one of the most reliable when you’re learning how to find morel mushrooms in Minnesota, especially in unpredictable spring weather.

4. Old Burn Sites and Other Disturbances

While burn morels are popular out West, they're rare in Minnesota. There’s only one documented case of true burn morels here—linked to a northeastern fire in the early 1900s. However, disturbed ground is not entirely useless.

Clear-cut areas, especially in northern Minnesota, can be promising. Black morels (Morchella septentrionalis) and occasionally yellows will appear in recently logged sections—mainly where young aspens are regenerating. Approximately 5% of these locations yield heavy flushes for a year or two. Although it's not an easy trek—thick underbrush and downed limbs abound—if you find a good spot, it’s often worth the journey for the harvest.

Forager Discovering Morel Patch

5. Leaf Litter and Moisture

Leaf litter offers more than just a surface to step on. It insulates the ground and retains moisture, allowing the soil to warm gradually while remaining damp—two essential conditions for morels. As this layer begins to decompose in early spring, it indicates that the forest floor is awakening.

However, morels don’t thrive in overly dry or soggy conditions. If it’s bone dry beneath the leaves, it could mean you’re too early or overdue for rain. Conversely, if the area is swampy, any growth might stall or be consumed by other fungi. You want that happy medium: damp, soft soil with leaf litter just starting to decompose. That combination can be golden for finding morels.

Pheasant Back Growing on Elm Tree

6. Look for the Warm-Up Crew

Early spring plants can signal that morels are near. When you start noticing trout lilies, bloodroot, spring beauty, or trillium, it's an excellent sign that conditions are ripe for morels.

Keep an eye out for pheasant backs (dryad's saddle), too. They often emerge just before morels, preferring dead elm trees as well—similar to morels. So, if you encounter a pheasant back, it’s a good indication of the right temperatures and moisture levels. Pheasant backs can be delicious in spring, but only if they are young and tender—preferably no larger than your hand. If you find larger samples, they tend to become tough and increasingly bitter as they mature. Be selective and aim for younger specimens.

7. Mark Your Calendar—Then Ignore It

Yes, there is a "typical" morel season in Minnesota, occurring from late April to mid-May. However, it’s not the calendar that matters; it’s the conditions.

The key factor? Rainfall. Morels thrive in consistent moisture. If we receive rainfall every 2 to 4 days during April and May, it's likely to be a promising season. If there's a long dry spell followed by just one shower, don’t expect fruitful finds. Keep track of weather conditions and soil temperatures; you'll gain a significant advantage over those merely relying on the calendar.

Successful Morel Hunt in Minnesota!

Final Thoughts on Finding Morel Mushrooms in Minnesota

Scouting for morels is not solely about the thrill of the hunt; it immerses you in the rhythm of the forest. For me, it's a chance to shake off the sluggishness of winter and regain some fitness. I prefer outdoor exercise over a gym, so those early spring walks through the woods are a great way to prepare for the rest of mushroom season. The anticipation and careful observation make the ultimate discovery much more rewarding.

So, lace up your boots, gather your gear, and venture into the woods—the forest is coming alive, and those coveted morels won’t find themselves.

And if you're as excited about morel season as I am, consider joining us at the Black Morel Hootenanny in Grand Rapids this May. It’s anticipated to be Minnesota's largest morel celebration. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow foragers, share stories, and learn new tricks. Whether you're an experienced hunter or just discovering how to find morel mushrooms in Minnesota, you will feel right at home.