Chipmunks in Minnesota in October
Yes, October is a good month to see chipmunks in Minnesota. It is the 6th busiest month of the year, with 1,618 of the 19,270 sightings logged across the year (8.4%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for chipmunks in Minnesota
8.4%
of yearly sightings
1,618
records in October
#6
busiest month of 12
19,270
verified records a year
September 10.1%, October 8.4%, November 5%. Busiest month is May at 14.2%.
19,270 verified observations of chipmunks in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When chipmunks are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
May
2,736 records (14.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 984 | 5.1% |
| February | 994 | 5.2% |
| March | 1,170 | 6.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 2,426 | 12.6% |
| Maypeak | 2,736 | 14.2% |
| Junepeak | 2,179 | 11.3% |
| July | 1,761 | 9.1% |
| August | 1,498 | 7.8% |
| September | 1,952 | 10.1% |
| October | 1,618 | 8.4% |
| November | 963 | 5% |
| December | 989 | 5.1% |
Chipmunks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | 7,624 |
| American Red Squirrel | 4,447 |
| Eastern Chipmunk | 3,325 |
| Groundhog | 977 |
| Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel | 966 |
| Franklin's Ground Squirrel | 754 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 271 |
| Least Chipmunk | 151 |
In Minnesota, October carries 8.4% of the year's chipmunks sightings, about 0.1 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 6th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from September (10.1%) into October, and it heads toward November (5%) after. The busiest month is May (14.2%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The chipmunks most often recorded in Minnesota are Eastern Gray Squirrel, American Red Squirrel and Eastern Chipmunk. Those counts are annual totals rather than a October split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in October itself.
Which chipmunks you are most likely to see
- Eastern Gray Squirrel7,624 records
- American Red Squirrel4,447 records
- Eastern Chipmunk3,325 records
- Groundhog977 records
- Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel966 records
- Franklin's Ground Squirrel754 records
Plan your chipmunk trip in Minnesota
Start with live tours near Grand Portage National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Grand Portage National Monument
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main chipmunk viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Grand Portage National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best chipmunk viewing area in Minnesota.
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Broader backupBook a chipmunk tour in Minnesota
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see chipmunks in Minnesota in October?+
Yes. October accounts for 1,618 of the 19,270 verified chipmunks sightings logged in Minnesota across the year, which is 8.4% of the annual total.
Is October a good time to see chipmunks in Minnesota?+
October is the 6th busiest month. It is workable, though May and April is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for chipmunks in Minnesota?+
May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, April and June, based on 19,270 verified observations.
Which chipmunks are you most likely to see in Minnesota?+
The most-recorded species in Minnesota are Eastern Gray Squirrel, American Red Squirrel and Eastern Chipmunk, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See chipmunks in Minnesota in other months
More wildlife in Minnesota