One of the best things about Minnesota is being able to experience the seasons change. There are tons of things for everyone, for all price ranges and for different locations. Fall is here and it’s short so here’s a sweet list for you to explore the state!
1. VISIT A PUMPKIN PATCH
Whether you prefer to carve scary faces into pumpkins, bake and eat the seeds, or use them as centerpieces, locally grown pumpkins are a must-have this time of year. Minnesota Grown lists around 140 pumpkin patches statewide, some of which have rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and enough activities to fill a whole day.
2. PICK YOUR OWN APPLES
Dozens of Minnesota apple orchards are open to pickers in the fall. Home to the Honeycrisp, Minnesota is one of the best places to get fresh and juicy apples straight from the tree. Pick your own at orchards like Afton Apple Orchard in Hastings, Emma Krumbees in Belle Plaine or Apple Jack Orchards in Delano.
3. VISIT A MUSEUM
On a cold or rainy day, duck into a museum for a day’s worth of fun and learning. Minnesota’s museums showcase world-class art, rare artifacts, local history and hands-on exhibits. This fall plan a trip to the always fun Spam Museum in Austin, the new Bell Museum in St. Paul, or the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
4. SEE A SHOW
The birthplace of Bob Dylan, Prince and more artists. Minnesota has no shortage of great music. Learn more about today’s most popular homegrown music acts, and find upcoming shows on the Explore Minnesota website.
5. CHEER FOR THE HOME TEAM
The Vikings, Minnesota United soccer, The Wild, and Timberwolves are among the local teams to root for this fall. Cheer for the Vikings at their new home, U.S. Bank Stadium. Get there on the light rail, including the Green Line from St. Paul. See the Info Center for student transit passes!
6. ATTEND A HARVEST FESTIVAL
Guess the weight of the biggest pumpkin at Stillwater Harvest Fest. Pumpkin weigh-offs, scarecrow contests, and craft fairs are some of the many ways Minnesota celebrates harvest season.
7. CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST
New Ulm calls itself Minnesota’s most German town, and they do Oktoberfest in a big way. Many other cities join in the fun, too, with celebrations in Deerwood, Waconia, New London and beyond. 8. FIND HALLOWEEN FUN The new Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo From kid-friendly to frightening, Halloween celebrations of all types can be found in Minnesota. Anoka, the self-proclaimed Halloween Capital of the World, celebrates all month long. Other options include Valleyscare in Shakopee, All Hallow’s Eve in Farmington, and the new Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.
9. TAKE A SCENIC ROUTE TO FRANCONIA SCULPTURE GARDEN
Located in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, Franconia Sculpture Park is a nonprofit arts organization operating a 43-acre outdoor sculpture park, active artist residency, and community arts programming. Climb on and into giant sculptures created by local artists!
10. HOME TO ONE OF THE MOST HAUNTED SITES IN AMERICA
Forget being the most haunted site in Minnesota. The Palmer House Hotel, in Sauk Centre, is one of the most haunted sites in America. No joke. The Palmer House attracts those curious about the old hotel for a number of reasons… Explore The Palmer Haunt to learn more about the history and happenings of yesteryear, and get some insight from the experts on the paranormal past of The Palmer House Hotel.
11. VISIT MINNESOTA’S LARGEST CANDY STORE
Jordan is home of Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store! The big yellow barn sells more than 3,000 varieties of candy sectioned off by type. They have areas designated to sour candy, gumballs, licorice, gummies, European candy, hard candy, taffies, suckers, caramel, character candy and more. Let’s just say your sweet tooth will definitely be satisfied here.