Crisp air, beautiful changing leaves, and caramel apples . . . the fall season is something to look forward to each year. Before winter hits in Minnesota, everyone loves to get out and enjoy autumn.
Looking to find fall fun in Minnesota this year but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Check out nine of our top favorite fall activities in MN that are perfect to enjoy with family, friends, or your own company.
Each year, the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley puts on the impressive Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Guests get to stroll through the zoo and view an eye-catching display of over 5,000 unique jack-o-lanterns. The trail is about a quarter-mile and takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes to walk through.
This seasonal event is perfect for families and date nights alike. Food and drinks are also available for purchase at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Tickets often sell fast so be sure to grab some when October rolls around!
As summer comes to an end, millions of people across the country anxiously await the return of pumpkin spice lattes. A great fall activity is to go on an epic quest for the best fall coffee drink in Minnesota. If pumpkin spice isn’t your favorite flavor, don’t worry—dozens of coffee shops across the state concoct yummy fall drinks in a variety of flavors. Here are some of our favorite fall drinks and coffee shops in the Twin Cities:
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Minnesota features some of the best natural beauty in the entire country. Our state has one of the best front-row seats to the stunning fall leaves each year. There are dozens of fantastic parks in Minneapolis, as well as 66 state parks across all of Minnesota!
Road trips are fantastic ways to soak in all the fall colors. Take a weekend drive along these routes to see the leaves in all their glory:
You don’t even have to worry about being too early or too late for prime fall colors with the helpful Fall Color Finder. This tool color-codes different areas of the state depending on current leave colors.
The Twin Cities have a flourishing craft beer scene, and the flavors take off in the fall. Just like coffee shops across the state, many breweries will craft seasonal flavors perfect for Oktoberfest and the colder weather.
You can try a flight of fall beer flavors inside a taproom or pick up a growler to take home.
Check out the fall drinks at these local favorites:
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The only thing better than seeing the fall colors on a hike or road trip is to see them from the sky! Thunderbird Aviation offers hour-long scenic flights around the Twin Cities area. This unique activity will allow you to see our beautiful state in a way you’ve never been able to before.
If planes aren’t your thing but you still want a birds-eye view of the bright fall leaves, try out a Summit Express gondola ride in Lutsen, MN! Be sure to grab tickets far enough in advance because spots fill up fast around peak color time.
Do you think you could make it through a giant maze without getting lost? Give it a try this fall at one of the homegrown corn mazes across Minnesota. Bring the kids or join a friend and act like kids again. Once you’ve made it out on the other side, reward yourself with a mug of cozy hot chocolate!
Explore one of these popular corn mazes:
September and early October are prime times for harvests at wineries across Minnesota. You can visit one of the many beautiful wineries across the state and go for a relaxing stroll throughout the vineyards. Plus, you’ll get to learn about the process of making wine in Minnesota.
It wouldn’t be fall in Minnesota without a trip to an apple orchard. Many apple orchards across the state allow you to pick your own apples and pumpkins. Plus, many also feature live music, seasonal drinks, autumnal baked goods, wagon rides, food trucks, and more! Bring the whole family to one of these fantastic apple orchards, and after you’ve gone apple picking you can return home and make a homemade apple pie.
While many people love watching football in fall, we’d argue that watching major league soccer (MLS) in fall is just as fun and nostalgic. Minnesota United FC’s home stadium, Allianz Field, just opened in 2019 in St. Paul. Grab a Minnesota United scarf at the stadium store when you arrive, and get ready to cheer on Minnesota’s professional soccer team. The MLS season typically runs into October, so the timing is perfect for an exciting fall outing in the Twin Cities.
The team at Bigos Management looks forward to exploring all that Minnesota has to offer every fall season. We love calling this beautiful state home, and we know you will, too! Take a look at our available apartments across the Twin Cities metro and discover the perfect place to call home this year.
