The autumn season is short but sweet — and jam-packed with fun things to do for all ages. If you’re visiting a loved one in the North Star State during this time, there are a number of things you won’t want to miss out on.
Our care communities are proud to serve MN locals, but if you’re new to the area, take the time to look through our best suggestions to get out this fall!
From good old-fashioned apple picking to once-a-season local events, below are 9 Minnesota fall activities the whole family can enjoy together.
1. Visit the Apple Orchards 🍎
Did you know that Minnesota is home to the sweet and refreshing honey crisp apple? Pick your own apples — honey crisp or otherwise — straight from the tree at one of the many apple orchards the state has to offer.
There are tons of orchards throughout the state, but one of the top picks is Apple Jack Orchards. Here you’ll get to not only pick your own apples but enjoy shopping for local produce from the farm, walking through the giant corn maze, and even wagon rides.
Address: 4875 37th St SE, Delano, MN 55328
Phone: (763) 972-6673
2. Twin Cities Fall Festival and Maze 🍂
If you’re going to be in or near the famous Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul), you won’t want to miss out on the Twin Cities Fall Festival and Maze.
The event takes place every weekend in Brooklyn Park between September 23 and October 29, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Here you’ll find all kinds of fun, from inflatable decorations to a corn maze, tons of vendors, pumpkin carving stations, and much more. Tickets are required for entry; however, the festival includes a free car show for all.
Address: 8001 109th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN
Phone: (952) 992-9326
3. Explore the Rainbow Routes 🌈
One of the most unique things you can do during a Minnesota fall is take a road trip that will allow you to admire the vibrant fall colors. The state’s rainbow routes are a set of 10 roads showcasing the vibrant colors of the changing leaves and scenery.
The best time to drive down these roads is from early September into mid-October, ideally starting in the north and making your way south to enjoy the fall colors at their peak. If you are planning a road trip that includes one of these 10 routes, you’ll want to download a pack of Road-Trip’n Bingo cards to play on the way!
4. Visit a Pumpkin Patch 🎃
Just like visiting an apple orchard, visiting one of the many pumpkin patches and picking your own pumpkins is a popular fall activity throughout the state. It’s great for all ages, especially children, as it provides the opportunity to spend the day in the sun while enjoying festive activities like corn mazes and hayrides and purchasing freshly baked pies and brewed ciders to take home (or eat while you’re there).
As you can imagine, there’s more than one pumpkin patch throughout the state. If you’re near Shakopee (which is just southwest of Minneapolis) Peter’s Pumpkins is highly recommended.
Address: 12860 Old Brick Yard Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: (952) 906-0247
6. Ride the Gondola at Lutsen Mountains 🚡
If you’re interested in the breathtaking views of Lake Superior and its surrounding colorful treetops, you’ll want to think about taking a gondola ride over the Lutsen Mountains.
You can choose to take just a gondola ride (for around $29 per person), or you can enjoy the many hiking trails around the mountain and hop on the gondola instead of walking back to your car. There’s plenty more you can do while you’re there, especially if you’re a family that loves camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Address: 445 Ski Hill Rd, Lutsen, MN 55612
Phone: (218) 663-7281
7. Check Out the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum 🌳
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre garden and arboretum just outside of Chanhassen. While the arboretum is a great place to see all year round, it’s especially wonderful during the fall months as there are pumpkin and scarecrow displays, fall hiking trails, and much more.
There’s also an AppleHouse where you can purchase apple cider donuts, pies, mums, and other fun stuff.
Address: 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Phone: (612) 624-2200
8. Celebrate Oktoberfest 🍻
New Ulm is Minnesota’s “German town” as it’s considered the country’s most German town due to the fact that most of the residents here can trace their lineage back to their German ancestors who settled in the area during the nineteenth century.
Additionally, New Ulm goes all out to celebrate Oktoberfest, and many of the surrounding cities join in the celebration, making it even greater every fall season. The Bavarian beer festival is everything you would expect — live music, parades, marching bands, grape stomping, vendors selling German goods and foods, and of course, lots of beer!
Believe it or not, New Ulm’s Oktoberfest is very much kid-friendly as it is adult-friendly. There are horse-drawn trolley rides, a puppet wagon, a corn pit, and plenty of yard games.
Address: 1 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, MN 56073
Phone: (507) 233-4300
9. Join in on Halloween Fun 👻
Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly or frightening Halloween celebrations, Anoka is the place to go. Anoka considers itself the Halloween capital of the world, celebrating the holiday with festivities all month long.
The Anoka Halloween events include walking ghost tours, a kid’s fall festival, haunted houses, scavenger hunts, daytime and nighttime parades, Halloween vendors, pumpkin carving contests, house decorating contests, the unveiling of the big pumpkin, horror movie screenings, and much, much more.
Regardless of when you choose to visit during the month of October, you’ll make some once-in-a-lifetime memories!
We Hope You Enjoy Our Local Guide
No matter where you go or what you do during the fall in Minnesota, you won’t be disappointed. From the sights to the fall festivals to the many apple orchards, you’ll have endless opportunities to spend quality time with your family and friends.
Here at Sunflower Communities, we firmly believe that strong bonds are the key to a healthy and happy life. That’s why we encourage all of your residents to engage in social activities outside of the facilities by planning special events for friends and families.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our senior living offerings and how we’ll provide opportunities for healthy social engagement for your loved one.