🍂 Autumn in Minnesota: Why Fall is a Favorite

Minnesota fall is short but spectacular: trees go from deep greens to bursts of gold, orange, and red; nights get chilly; pumpkin spice re-emerges; harvest festivals pop up everywhere. Whether you're a local or visiting, there’s something for every pace: adventure, cozy, cultural, or just “sit with a hot drink and enjoy the view.”

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Top Fall 2025 Activities

Here are things to do this fall, grouped by theme, plus some specific events to watch out for.

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Nature & Scenery

1. Leaf-Peeping Drives & Hikes

   • The fall colors move from north to south — by mid to late September in northern MN, early October in the southern parts. Explore Minnesota+2Meet Minneapolis+2

   • Great hikes in the Twin Cities: Fort Snelling State Park, Hidden Falls, Swede Hollow, Waḳaƞ Ṭípi (Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary) in St. Paul. Visit Saint Paul+2Meet Minneapolis+2

2. Scenic Drives

   • Use the state’s scenic byways. Drive routes through Bemidji State Park, along Lake Superior, or southeast towards the bluff country (Mississippi River valley). Explore Minnesota+1

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Harvest, Farms & Food

1. Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes

   • Go to one of ~140 pumpkin patches statewide. Many farms also have corn mazes, petting zoos, seasonal décor, photo ops, etc. Explore Minnesota+2Star Tribune+2

   • Examples: Fall Harvest Orchard in Delano; Fresh Acres Farm in Monticello. Star Tribune+1

2. Apple Picking

   • Orchards like Afton Apple Orchard (Hastings), Sweetland Orchard, Apple Jack Orchards. Great for fresh apples, cider, baked goods. Explore Minnesota

3. Seasonal Treats & Local Flavors

   • Breweries offering Oktoberfest, pumpkin ales, warm spiced drinks. Explore Minnesota+1

   • Cafés and restaurants embracing fall menus: pumpkin, squash, apples, root vegetables. Meet Minneapolis+1

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Festivals & Events

Here are some of the big festivals and happenings in fall 2025:

• Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee — ultimate fall fair with costumes, jousting, artisans; runs on weekends through September. Minnesota Monthly+1

• Sever’s Fall Festival (Shakopee) — corn maze, pumpkin blasters, pig races, obstacle courses and more. Star Tribune

• Fall Harvest Orchard (Delano) — apple & pumpkin picking, corn maze, animal feeding. Star Tribune

• Twin Cities Oktoberfest events, including Waldman Brewery & Wurstery, Saint Paul Brewing, etc. Visit Saint Paul+2Explore Minnesota+2

• Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley) — tons of carved pumpkins, trail walks, seasonal ambiance. Mpls.St.Paul Magazine+1

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City Life & Culture

If you prefer staying inside or mixing nature + culture:

• Museums: Bell Museum (St. Paul), SPAM Museum (Austin), and others are perfect when the weather is unsettled. Explore Minnesota

• Theater & Live Performances: Minneapolis & St. Paul have robust fall lineups (plays, concerts, classical & pop music). Explore Minnesota+2Star Tribune+2

• Food & Drink Scenes: find heated patios, breweries with fall selections, cozy cafes. Meet Minneapolis+1

• Halloween / Haunted Events: haunted tours, costume events, themed bars. Visit Saint Paul+2Mpls.St.Paul Magazine+2

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Sports & Outdoor Action

• Catch a Vikings game, or see Minnesota United, or attend other local sports matchups. Explore Minnesota

• Marathon weekend: Twin Cities Marathon is always a fall highlight. Meet Minneapolis+2Explore Minnesota+2

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Practical Tips

• Timing is everything: peak foliage changes depending on region. Plan hikes or scenic drives mid-September through mid-October but watch weather.

• Dress in layers: mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, evenings cold.

• Weekends fill up: popular pumpkin patches and festivals especially. Buy tickets ahead when possible.

• Check event calendars: many festivals have variable schedules and weather can affect outdoor events.

• Transportation & locations: rural areas bring longer drives; in metro area events, check parking, transit, etc.