Patti’s Fall Guide: Things to do Around the Twin Cities
Even though I’m all about the warm-weather, there is something nice about getting to experience all four seasons here in Minnesota. Autumn is especially beautiful. I gathered up some family fun fall things to do around the Twin Cities to make the most out of this season. See here for my general guide on things to do around the Twin Cities.
Best Apple Orchards
Tip: if you’re looking to go apple picking, make sure to go earlier in the season (mid to late September) before all the apples are gone.
Luce Line is a really beautiful and fun orchard! We went here last year and it’s super charming. It’s both family and adult-friendly. They have a pub for parents to grab drinks and a grill with burgers and brats. They have a little trail and cows on the property that was fun for the kids to explore. On the weekends they have free events with live music!
Took this photo in front of the owners’ home located right in front of all the festivities.
This is one we have not explored yet but seems to be a favorite with many of my friends. They said it’s a perfect place to go picking for fruit! You can pick raspberries, blackberries, and apples (they have 15 different types of apples!). They have a great selection of pumpkins that are perfect for carving. There is a huge playground and a 15-acre corn maze for the kids to explore!
image from Afton Apple
We visited this orchard on Sunday and had so much fun! Lots of kid-friendly activities and the view off the river is a great place for family photos. They have a cow train, tractor ride, pony ride, corn maze, corn pit, apple cannon, and of course apple and pumpkin picking. They didn’t have the u-pick apples so if you want to do this, make sure you head over earlier in the season – like around mid to late September. There’s an adorable store with lots of yummy baked goods. I bought a few things to send to friends as a fall gift. The apple donuts are a fav!
Apples, cider, and wine. What more you could ask for?! We loved sipping on their warm cider and wine. It’s not a big place to go apple picking but there’s plenty of things do for the family like their goat farm and wagon rides and large playground. Afterwards, we love to grab an early dinner in downtown Stillwater and go for a little walk before the 45 min drive back to the city.
Took Jack Jack apple picking for the first time in 2019 at Aamodt’s apple farm.
image from @aamodtsapplefarm
Oktoberfest:
Hosted at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds this is a fun-filled two-day event. They have dancing, food, prizes and of course good beer!
image from @tcoktoberfest
If you are looking for authentic Bavarian food Black Forrest Inn is the place to go! It is a Minneapolis staple that has been around for over 50 years! They have an adorable beer garden and a super cozy atmosphere.
image from Heavy Table
3) Gluek’s Bar and Restaurant Oktoberfest
Right in downtown Minneapolis Gluek’s celebrates Oktoberfest all month long! They have a special happy hour menu that includes $4.50 pints and a special menu with all the German delicacies. If you wear your lederhosen you get 20% off your bill.
image from Gluek’s Facebook
Fall Farmers Market
Tip: Make sure to check that they’re still open since some may close earlier in the season.
1) Linden Hills Farmers Market
My fav farmers’ market! I love walking with my family and checking out all the amazing vendors. Look at these beautiful flowers they have from Pluck Flower Farm. So pretty!
image from Linden Hills Farmers Market Facebook
Located by Lake Harriet United Methodist Church this market is open every Saturday from 8:30 am- 1 pm until the end of October. They have donuts, fresh produce, and flowers!! all of my favorite things.
image from Fulton Farmers Market Facebook
Love this quaint little market right by Martin Luther King Park. They have so many amazing vendors from fresh meat to yummy honey! They also have Northern Fires Pizza that is made fresh in a wood fire pizza oven.
image from Northern Fires Pizza
If you are looking for some excitement in your farmers market experience the Minneapolis Famers Market is the place to go! It is always super popping! Lots of people and amazing vendors. They have lots of food you can munch on, fresh produce, an amazing flower selection, and even a retail clothing area! They are open until October 31st and they can help you with all your pumpkin needs!
image from @mplsfarmmarket
Halloween:
1) ValleyScare
Valleyfair has a fun family-friendly event called The Great Pumpkin Fest. It is every Saturday and Sunday in the month of October. They have a costume parade, corn maze, crafts, sing-alongs, silent disco, trick or treat street, witch storytelling, a van pedal derby, and the characters of Charlie Brown!
image from ValleyFair
This is a perfect family event to go to! Our family loves going to Excelsior and this event is such a fun one to celebrate Halloween! There is Trick or Treating between the businesses, a business decoration contest, a dance party, a costume contest at Excelsior Brewing, and a scavenger hunt. It is on Saturday, October 30th at starts at 10 am!
A fun free fall event in Minnetonka! It is located at the Burwell House, which is a historic house from the 1800s. The event includes a spooky scavenger hunt, crafts, live performances, an inflatable slide, house tours, and food vendors! The event is on Friday, October 29th from 5-9 pm. It is a fun way to kick of your Halloweekend!
image from Town Planner
Neighborhood Strolls
For an easy casual fall activity, we love to simply go for walks around neighborhoods. See my guide here for the best neighborhood strolls.
Hope you enjoyed this fall guide!
