10 Things Every Minnesotan Must Do This Fall

10 Things Every Minnesotan Must Do During The Fall

There’s a lot of things that Minnesotans do better; Juicy Lucys, kind people, 10,000 lakes, The Mall of freakin’ America…. Need I say more?

But, one of the best things about Minnesota is that we do the fall season better than anyone else. It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, but it’s just right. Fresh lake air, breathtaking fall colors and endless supplies of apples make Minnesota the perfect place to be during autumn.

With such limited time before the winter hits (oof-da!), Minnesotans must use their precious time in the autumn wisely. There are tons of activities to choose from in the Great Lakes state, but here are the best 10 that everyone will enjoy:

#1: Take a hike at Jay Cooke State Park.

Just a couple hours outside of the Twin Cities, Jay Cooke State Park is the ideal location for a weekend trip. With crisp, cool, colors and plenty of lively Duluth restaurants right around the corner, take a break from the cities and enjoy the last couple of weeks that don’t require a parka.

#2: Grab a chai latte at Uncommon Grounds Cafe.

This repurposed Victorian home in Uptown, Minneapolis boasts soft green velvet couches, lighting that wraps you like a hug, and a wide menu of chai teas that simply go unmatched. With everything from lavender to Orgasmic (their speciality!), Uncommon Grounds provides an authentic coffee house experience in a truly unreplicable ambiance.

#3: Cuddle up with a good book at the Minneapolis Public Library.

With stunning views of downtown Minneapolis, it’s easy to see why the library is such a popular place. Whether you’re reading Moby Dick or the latest Vogue, the library has something for everyone. Choose a good book, find a seat by the fire, kick your feet up and relax.

#4: Pick your own apples at Aamodt’s Apple Farm.

Doesn’t a honey crisp sound good? It tastes even better when you pick it yourself. Grab a bag at the checkout to go pick your own apples at this one-of-a-kind apple farm just 30 minutes outside the city. After, try the apple brat as a snack and sit on the porch to enjoy the scenic views of fields, goats and the farm.

#5: Enjoy a glass of wine at the Alexis Bailly Vineyard.

This rustic vineyard has the atmosphere of simpler times- but with more wine. Cleverly noted as, “The Place Where Grapes Can Suffer,” the Alexis Bailly Vineyard provides a darn good glass of wine even though the fields are frozen most of the year. Hop down 52 and take just a couple of turns off the highway, and you’ll find this hidden gem right in Hastings.

#6: Take in the spectacular fall colors along the Superior Scenic Byway.

Enjoy a leisurely car ride with views of the vibrant trees and glimpses of Lake Superior’s fresh, clear water. With 4 different byways to choose from, you can drive around all day to see the diverse types of nature and enjoy the lively colors of Northern MN’s thick forest. Make sure to keep your eyes open for wild animals such as wolves, moose, and bears…. Oh my!

#7: Stroll along the gleaming pumpkin trail at the Minnesota Zoo.

This spooky and educational Halloween attraction is making its debut at the Minnesota Zoo this year. With over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins lining the trails, this is a sight that you will not want to miss. There are pumpkins to illustrate different eras in time with elaborate and detailed carving art as well as creative faces of all shapes and sizes. Make sure to remember your camera!

#8: Bike along the Minneapolis skyline.

Take in the stunning skyline of Minneapolis while biking along the trails of the River Parkways. Known consistently as the top biking city in America (see here), Minneapolis has some of the safest and most scenic trails in the entire country. Bike alongside the Stone Arch Bridge, breathe in the clean Minnesotan air, and be thankful that you get to experience America’s best state.

#9: Catch a thriller at the historic Heights Movie Theater.

Remember when going to the movies was a more formal occasion? Well, picture that except with all of the glitz and none of the stiff clothes. At Heights Theater in Columbia Heights, dimly lit chandeliers and a red velvet curtain allow you to step back in time and enjoy a uniquely glamorous movie experience. Catch one of the theater’s “Ha-Ha Halloween” films such as “Clue”, “Topper Returns”, or “Beetlejuice.” Tickets run about $10.

#10: Change how you see corn at Sever’s Fall Festival.

You get to basically swim in a giant bucket of corn. Need I say more?

If that's not enough, with bright pumpkins, fun hayrides, a huge corn maze and plenty of snacks, no one will get bored at Sever's Fall Festival! Located in Shakopee, this fall festival will provide you with a true midwestern experience.

Please share and comment if you tried out any of these experiences! Have a happy fall, and enjoy the last few weekends of warmth!