The last few months (and dare we say weeks?) of snowless scenery are upon us here in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which means we have to make the most of every minute we have! Luckily, fall in the Twin Cities offers plenty of opportunities to get outside, enjoy the crisp air, jump in some leaves, warm up with a delicious drink, and get out with family and friends.
There are a ton of family-friendly fall activities throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin that we always look forward to every year. From seeing beautiful fall colors to tasting delicious fall-themed drinks, we have compiled a list of the best fall activities to check out this season, before the chill sets in for good.
Visit State Parks
We are truly blessed to live among some of the most beautiful natural scenery and landscapes the area has to offer. Minnesota alone offers 64 state parks to visit and enjoy all year round, and Wisconsin adds another 50 to the list. As the leaves start to change colors along rivers and lakes, it is the perfect time to get out into nature, get a last good hike in, and enjoy the views.
Some of our favorite local state parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin aren’t even that far, making them perfect for day trips!
Minnesota state parks to check out:
Interstate State Park - nestled along the beautiful St. Croix River in Taylors Falls, straddling Minnesota and Wisconsin, this scenic state park offers plenty of hiking opportunities, park areas, and stunning fall views
For Snelling - a state park with rich history, Fort Snelling in St. Paul gives families a chance to have a history lesson, get their steps in, and enjoy a unique fall day
Wisconsin state parks you can’t miss:
Willow River State Park - Hudson’s Willow River state park is flowing with beautiful views (waterfalls!), fall camping opportunities, and a full day of adventure for families, couples, and even soloists looking for a day out of the house
Kinnickinnic State Park - Rivers converge in River Falls, offering visitors to Kinnickinnic state park exciting views and opportunities to explore nature differently. Of course, in the fall, the scenery becomes even more stunning, making this local state park a can’t-miss
How About Them Apples in Afton?
You didn’t think we’d get away without a bad pun here, did you? (We’re just surprised it took us this long!)
The Afton Apple Orchard is an absolute must-visit for the fall. Located in Hastings, MN, the orchard offers pick-your-own apples, raspberries, pumpkins, sweet corn, and more — making for the perfect fall harvest! Plus, they also offer plenty of other family-friendly fall activities, including a corn maze, hay rides, and a petting zoo. You can’t go wrong with this perfect fall visit.
Pumpkins at the Zoo
Need a date night with your pumpkin? Take your boo to the Minnesota Zoo during October for their annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! This is an always-popular event every fall, and for good reason. Talented artists take to the gourds to carve some of the most intricate, beautiful designs that light up the night throughout the Minnesota Zoo.
Walking through this stunning display gives couples, friends, and families a new way to experience one of Minnesota’s favorite zoos. The pumpkins light the path and leave visitors wide-eyed and in awe of their intricate designs and incredible details. You may just want to try your hand at carving pumpkins like this yourself this fall!
Visit Local Pumpkin Patches
Speaking of pumpkins, if you’re feeling inspired from the Minnesota Zoo or just want to carve a classic triangle-eyed Jack-O-Lantern, there are plenty of local pumpkin patches that we highly recommend you visit this season!
Leisen Family Farm in River Falls, Wisconsin, is a cozy destination for your family’s favorite fall festivities. With pumpkins, fresh vegetables, giant bounce houses, and a petting zoo, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Leisen Family Farm! Take the kids or yourself for a fun day out and make lasting memories.
Axdahl Farms is a locally owned farm and greenhouse in Stillwater that provides fresh produce, pick-your-own pumpkins, and even a corn maze! We know Stillwater already has so much to offer, and Axdahl Farms makes it that much better.
White Pine Berry Farm, also in River Falls, is the perfect fall day wrapped up into one location. From a corn maze to wagon rides, pumpkin picking to family fun zones, White Pine Berry Farm offers entertainment for the whole family. Check them out when you have a free day this fall!
There are plenty of other area farms and pumpkin patches that we highly recommend you visit. Supporting local farmers and business owners is important (as we know!), plus you can have a fun day out while you’re at it.
Local Fall Fests
The Twin Cities metro area has so many different fall festivals around. Just about every town in the area hosts some sort of harvest festival or fall activities that are perfect for families, couples, friends, and individuals.
While there are many different fall fests around St. Paul and Western Wisconsin, there are two in particular that we highly recommend. First is the Stillwater Harvest Fest. This annual fall get-together is one of the biggest in the state (and some even say in the Midwest!), drawing people in from all around the area.
Held in the second weekend in October, Stillwater Harvest Fest is the ultimate pumpkin celebration. There is the famous 100-foot pumpkin drop, giant pumpkin weigh-off, a thrilling pumpkin regatta, a vendor market, and of course, plenty of beer, wine, and other goodies to eat!
Secondly, the Twin Cities Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Park, MN is another perfect way to spend the day getting into the fall spirit! Open every weekend from September 21 - October 27 (and MEA), Twin Cities Harvest Festival hosts one of the largest corn mazes in the state, with different themes every year. In 2024, the corn maze is paying tribute to first responders, fire fighters, police officers, and EMTs.
Plus, families can enjoy plenty of other activities, including inflatables, tractor rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and plenty of food trucks and delicious treats. Bring the family out to Brooklyn Park this fall (and then head over to Anoka for our next fall activity idea!).
Spend a Day in the Halloween Capital of the World
That’s right — Anoka, Minnesota claims the title of being the Halloween Capital of the World! Every fall, the city of Anoka (just a few short minutes away from Twin Cities Harvest Festival) goes all out for Halloween, with parades, Halloween-themed activities, shop-decorating contests, and decorations strewn about the city.
Anoka has plenty to offer for visitors all year round, but you definitely want to experience the charm this time of year. Han’s Bakery is one of the best local donut shops, with treats bigger than your face! Main Street in Anoka is lined with cute boutiques, antique shops, and of course Lyric Arts Theater. Plus, you can get some of the best wings at Serum’s, or book a reservation for afternoon tea at the Mad Hatter.
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Style
Both Twin Cities Oktoberfest and St. Paul Oktoberfest are fun, unique fall activities that are definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something different to try in the cities this year.
Traditionally, Oktoberfest is a two-week German celebration that ends on the first Sunday of October. In the Twin Cities, Oktoberfest is spread out to allow everyone to keep the celebrations going all season long!
St. Paul Oktoberfest kicks off the festivities, held September 13-14, 2024 at the Germanic-American Institute. The two-day celebration offers educational vendors, Germanic entertainment, and plenty of food and beer to try.
Then, from October 4-5, head on over to Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Ranked the fourth best Oktoberfest in America, this weekend celebration is almost an extension of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, and should definitely be on your list of fall activities to try this year.
Stomp Grapes at Carlos Creek Winery
Okay, we admit, this one is a little bit out of our territory. Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, Minnesota is a 2-hour drive from St. Paul, but is worth every minute of the trip. Every fall, they host their famous grape stomp, a two-day festival held September 13-15, 2024.
The Grape Stomp is quite the event, with 12 bands playing on 4 stages throughout the weekend, along with costume contests, 100+ food and merchandise vendors, and shuttles to get you to and from the winery. Make sure to dress comfortably and bring your stompin’ boots! Plus, while you’re out there, make sure to enjoy all the other shops, lakes, and unbeatable views that west-central Minnesota has to offer.
Enjoy Fall in Minnesota and Wisconsin
From September through November, the area is bustling with different fun fall activities perfect for families of all sizes and ages. The great thing about this time of year where we live is that you can have a jam-packed, exciting schedule, or you can just relax and enjoy the beautiful views.
While you’re looking for family-friendly activities to do this fall, we hope this list gives you some ideas and inspiration. We tried to compile as many activities, local businesses, farms, and festivals to check out, but this is definitely not a comprehensive list for the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin! Use this guide to fall in the Twin Cities as a start, and make sure to go exploring on your own and see what you can find this season!
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