Twin Cities Fall Activities
This time of year is just so pretty, isn't it? We love the colors of the leaves and how cozy everything feels. The Twin Cities seems to just thrive off of the cooler weather. People are out at pumpkin patches or football games and enjoying it all before we all hunker down for winter!
One of the great benefits about living in a metro area like the Twin Cities is there is certainly plenty to keep you busy in your free time! If you are looking for something fun to do in the next few weekends that will make you feel nostalgia with the season, or to build new traditions, we've got you covered.
Here are some great things you can do in the cities while it's still Fall!
Football Games
Nothing really says Fall like a football game. I don't know about you, but we've always found college games to be the most fun. We love going to see the Minnesota Gophers in action at the TCF Stadium on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon. If you haven't gone to a game yet, we highly recommend checking them out! Visit the website for their schedule and links to buy tickets.
If it's already a little too cold for you, but you want to go experience a Fall game, go check out the Vikings at the US Bank stadium. The energy will blow you away! Not to mention, you can always explore Downtown while you're there. Look for games and tickets, here.
Hockey Games
Yes, it's starting already! Wild Games at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul are always a good time! Plan ahead and stop at a few of the few staple bars and restaurants on 7th Street. We love The Liffey, McGoverns, and Eagle Street Grille for a pre or post game snack and beer! You can find their schedule and tickets, here.
Pumpkin Patches or Orchards
This is an obvious favorite for us. Enjoy hot apple cider, snack on a caramel apple, and pick some fresh apples with your friends or the kiddos. Don't forget to get your pumpkin for Halloween there if you haven't carved one yet! We shared a post last Fall with some great spots around the Twin Cities that you can visit. You can read that post here.
Visit the Zoo!
Do this before the outdoor exhibits close! If it's a cooler day, enjoy the tropical feel in the botanical gardens at Como Zoo. They are peaceful and gorgeous! At Como, entry is free, however, try to remember a donation if you can to help support it!
The Minnesota Zoo is also having a Jack-o-Latern exhibit until Halloween and it looks spook-tacular! Bring the kids or make it a date night and walk around the zoo in the evening and enjoy thousands (literally) of carved pumpkins to get you in the mood for Halloween! You can buy tickets here.
Day Trip for a Hike
Enjoy a drive further up north to see the gorgeous leaves, or just find a great spot for a hike. We love crunching in the leaves or going for hikes along the river to enjoy just how beautiful the colors are with the flow of the waters below. We love going to Stillwater to walk around the city and view the trees across the river, or hiking at Afton Park. You can find a list of other Day Trips we've recommended in the past for you to check out here!
If you don't feel like making a day trip, try visiting one of your local city parks just to get out and play with the family or take a stroll. The crisp air will make you feel energized!
Haunted Mazes & Valley Scare
This is another limited time activity! We know some of you really enjoy being spooked, or your kiddos will enjoy a haunted maze, hayride, or a trip to Valley Scare to enjoy the rides at night. They also have a Great Pumpkin fest going on through the 28th if you don't think your little ones (or you) want to be quite so scared. You can find out more details here.
Winery or Brewery Hop
This really is something you can do year round, however, it's still nice enough to enjoy some of the outdoor spaces at these places! Check out Northeast Minneapolis for PLENTY of brewery options. Some of our favorite stops are 612 Brewing, Dangerous Man, Bauhaus, and Surly if you're sticking to the Minneapolis side. St. Paul has a great selection as well, however, we advise planning for a bit more driving with that one. Don't forget to snack if you're jumping from place to place!
There are lots of wineries to visit as well. Last year we did a day in Waconia to enjoy the wineries there, which we would highly recommend. We LOVED Schram Winery & Brewery, and The Winery at Sovereign Estate. Otherwise, New Prague has the Next Chapter winery or you can make your way to Mankato for the Chankaska Winery. Both places are gorgeous and you might even be lucky enough to witness a fall wedding happening as they are popular destinations!
The most important thing is that you have a fun Fall! Try something new, or go on a little adventure. The Twin Cities, and just Minnesota in general, is full of opportunity to create new memories.