As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall in the Twin Cities brings with it a magical charm. Whether you're looking for family-friendly outings, nature walks, or spooky events, this season has something for everyone! Here's a roundup of the best fall activities to enjoy this year.
🍁 1. Visit the Fall Colors at Local Parks
There’s no better way to take in the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn than by visiting the Twin Cities' many parks and trails. Some local favorites include:
Minnehaha Falls Park: With the waterfall surrounded by golden trees, this spot is perfect for a scenic stroll or picnic.
Afton State Park: Hike along the bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River for panoramic views of fall colors.
Como Park: A gem for nature lovers, offering stunning views and photo-worthy fall foliage.
Take a drive to the North Shore: Duluth, Brainer, and beyond are great spots for a little weekend retreat and escape from the hustle of city life.
Pro Tip: Check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ website for weekly fall color updates to see the peak times to visit each area. (Put link in)
🎃 2. Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards
Fall wouldn't be complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Pick your own apples, sip on warm cider, and let the kids enjoy hayrides and corn mazes.
Apple Jack Orchards (Delano, MN): A scenic orchard with plenty of fall treats, apple-picking, and fun family activities.
Aamodt's Apple Farm (Stillwater, MN): With a goat farm and a vineyard nearby, it’s a full day of fall fun.
Sever's Fall Festival (Shakopee, MN): Famous for its corn maze, pumpkin patch, and petting zoo. This fall festival is a must-visit for families.
Crazy Legs Farm & Pumpkins (Farmington, MN): Famous for it’s canon shooting of apples, corn maze, pumpkin patch, food trucks, and shop full of goodies.
👻 3. Spooky Fun for Halloween Lovers
If you’re a fan of spooky events, Twin Cities has some thrilling options to get your heart racing!
The Haunted Basement: Located in Northeast Minneapolis, this immersive horror experience is a Twin Cities Halloween staple. Not for the faint-hearted!
ValleySCARE: Head over to Valleyfair for their annual ValleySCARE event, complete with haunted houses, scary mazes, and thrilling rides.
Nowhere Entertainment Haunted House: Get ready for the ultimate fright night with brand-new set designs eliciting spine-tingling terror!
Anoka Halloween Festival: Known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka hosts one of the biggest parades and Halloween events in the state.
🌽 4. Get Lost in a Corn Maze
For a fun challenge, try your luck at a local corn maze! These are great for families or groups of friends looking for an afternoon adventure.
Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze: This spot in Brooklyn Park boasts one of the largest corn mazes in the state. This year's theme celebrates Minnesota’s rich agricultural history.
Pine Tree Apple Orchard (White Bear Lake, MN): After tackling the corn maze, enjoy some fresh cider and apple donuts.
🎨 5. Arts and Culture Events
Fall is a great time to immerse yourself in the arts scene. As temperatures cool, indoor activities like gallery visits and craft fairs become more inviting.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s “Scarecrows in the Garden”: Take a stroll through the arboretum while viewing creative scarecrow displays throughout the gardens. It’s perfect for a family-friendly, fall-inspired day out.
🛍️ 6. Fall Farmers Markets & Craft Fairs
Wrap up your fall fun with a visit to one of the many farmers markets or craft fairs. Stock up on fresh produce, unique gifts, and seasonal goods:
Farmers Market: A perfect place to pick up pumpkins, squashes, and other fall produce.
Eagan Fall Craft and Gift Show: Shop for handmade crafts, gifts, and fall decorations to bring a bit of autumn into your home or just get your Christmas shopping started. Located at the Eagan Community Center on October 12, 2024 from 10:00am-4:00pm.
🍂 Final Thoughts
From scenic hikes to spooky scares, the Twin Cities are filled with exciting fall adventures. Whether you're planning a cozy weekend with family or a spooky night out with friends, there's no shortage of things to do. Embrace the season, enjoy the vibrant colors, and make the most of everything this autumn has to offer!
Get in Touch Let us know which fall activities you’re most excited to try, or share your favorite Twin Cities fall traditions with us by posting and tagging us on our socials @health1stchiros!
Happy Fall! 🍂
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