Ready or not, Minnesota fall is here. Put away your flip-flops (tear) and bring on the pumpkins, hoodies, NFL football, and crumbly apple desserts. When fall first arrives, this time of year makes you want to put on your cozy socks and watch Harry Potter with a cup of hot tea. But there is much to explore…
What is There to Do During Minnesota Fall?
Visit apple orchards, pumpkin farms, and corn mazes. Hike through colorful state parks. Grab chai lattes and enjoy sunny, fall Minnesota days. Cozying up with a blanket on the couch sounds nice, but take some time for these 10 Places to Go in Minnesota this Fall.
These are some of the top spots for fall color tours in the United States!
Keep in mind, peak colors are typically around late September and the beginning of October. Come late October, most of it is (sadly) is already gone. Use this Explore Minnesota color finder to keep tabs on the current state of the leaves.
Stillwater, Minnesota
Stillwater from Minneapolis: 32 minutes
One of the best places to be in Minnesota—the state’s birthplace. And it’s known as one of the best spots to catch the fall colors in Minnesota come September and early October. Check out the oranges, reds, and yellows along the bluffs of the St. Croix River. It’s only a short distance from the Twin Cities. Also mix in Aamodt’s Apple Farm for some apple picking, one of the local wineries and/or berweries, and some quaint, small-town shopping for the perfect fall day.
READ: DAY TRIP TO STILLWATER
Waconia, Minnesota
Waconia distance from Minneapolis: 43 Minutes
Minnesota fall is the perfect time to visit Waconia. This town, west of the cities and located on Lake Waconia, surprised me with its beauty, fun, and overall vibe. There are three wineries in the area which all have their own character and charm and help make for an easy day of planning! Wine tasting anyone? Don’t forget to make reservations. Don’t stop there, their downtown has cute shops, a great coffee shop (Mocha Monkey), and a bunch of places to eat and drink.
Read: Waconia, Minnesota: Bars, Wineries, Shops & More
Taylors Falls, Minnesota
Taylors falls from Minneapolis: 57 minutes
We’ll get started with one of the best day trips! This town feels as if you’ve left Minnesota altogether. Especially while hiking through Interstate State Park. Gorgeous views of the river with scenic overlooks, well-kept trails, glacier potholes to climb in and explore, and a day in nature you’ll want to return to as soon as you can.
There is a cute, homey downtown with options for coffee, quick bites, burgers, milkshakes, and more. This is one of my favorite Minnesota towns and a fall trip here will be one of the highlights of your year!
Read: day trip to Taylors falls
St. Peter, Minnesota
St. Peter distance from Minneapolis: 59 Minutes
I cannot leave off Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery, which is technically located in Kasota, Minnesota, though it’s only a 5-minute drive south from St. Peter. It’s beautiful with the best outdoor patio(s) overlooking the trees and little river. One of the best outdoor activities, am I right!?
And the fall colors make for a perfect setting! They offer great wines and also have a distillery attached if you’re feeling a cocktail. After the winery, make sure to hit downtown St. Peter for some shops and boutiques and a couple of bars. Oh, and stop into 3rd Street Tavern. They have great drink prices and a delicious (sounds weird) Cuban Quesadilla.
Red Wing, Minnesota
red wing distance from Minneapolis: 1 hour, 4 minutes
The ride to Red Wing is just the beginning. Scenic and fun, the beautiful drive brings you to a cute small town that’s perfect for a fall visit. Make your first stop at Hanisch Bakery for an Apple Cider Donut and then grab a chai from Mandy’s Coffee and Cafe. Don’t forget Red Wing Shoes (it’s fun to check out the store even if you aren’t buying!) and then make your way to Barn Bluff, which is a short hike to the top for a river view. Bonus: there are plenty of bars and Red Wing Brewery for (another) reward.
READ: DAY TRIP TO red wing
New Ulm, Minnesota
new Ulm distance from Minneapolis: 1 hour and 28 minutes
One word that New Ulm, Minnesota prides itself on: FUN. They know how to have it. With a wide variety of bars, breweries, and wineries, it’s a great place to have a good day. There is a ton of history throughout their little city and the people of this German town are proud of where they come from! The place is perfect for events like Oktoberfest and Christmas, but any time in the fall is fun. Don’t miss Schell’s Brewery for beers and a big pretzel. And also add in Turner Hall where you can get delicious bratwurst.
Read: Things to Do in New Ulm
Jay Cooke State Park
jay cooke state park distance from Minneapolis: 2 hours, 2 MINUTES
If you’re ready for a little drive, head to the northern part of Minnesota to a perfect place to catch the fall colors! You can spend hours hiking and exploring the area on their 50 miles of trails. Don’t miss the swinging bridge with the river gorge below. And of course, photograph all of the fall foliage. Bonus: treat yourself to a margarita and some chips and salsa at Pedro’s Grill and Cantina in Cloquet!
Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd distance from Minneapolis: 2 hours and 6 minutes
LAKES ON LAKES! Surrounded by big, colorful trees. This is a great place to get to and explore Minnesota this fall and you can catch some of the best scenery! Hundreds of lakes in the area surrounded by trees make it perfect for color tours and the miles and miles of bike paths are the best way to explore.
You can also hit The Farm on St Mathias to figure out the corn maze. And follow that up with a trip to Dennis Drummond Winery, which is absolutely beautiful with a great vibe and delicious food and wine.
READ: 11 Best Restaurants in Brainerd Lakes Area
Crosby/Cuyuna, Minnesota
CROSBY distance from Minneapolis: 2 hours And 9 minutes
Right next door in the Brainerd Lakes Area is where you will find the small towns of Crosby and Cuyuna. If you are looking for somewhere to get outside and enjoy both the cool weather and incredible views, this is your spot! And you don’t want to miss the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail. It is great for both hikers and bikers (rent from Red Raven) with great lookout points and unforgettable views of the lake.
After you’ve spent time in nature, hit downtown Crosby where you will find fun shops (do NOT skip Victual for local goods), Cuyuna Brewing, and a few great restaurant options.
READ: The Best Things to Do in CROSBY, MN
North Shore, Minnesota
north shore distance from Minneapolis: 2.5 hours +
This one, though the farthest from Minneapolis, is hard to beat! The North Shore of Lake Superior runs from Duluth, Minnesota to Thunder Bay, Ontario. You’ll drive along the famous Highway 61 and be surrounded by scenic views of rocky cliffs, beaches, and the water which makes it the perfect fall road trip.
With endless towns and stops along the way, including some of the top Minnesota State Parks, plan for at least two days (hopefully more!) in this Northern Minnesota area. Grand Marais is a great place to stay!
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Temperance River State Park
- Tettegouche State Park
- Grand Portage State Park
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- Superior National Forest and the Superior Hiking Trails—talk about vibrant colors!
And don’t forget your boots and hat for this one!
Read: Minnesota’s North Shore: 14 Road Trips Stops
Don’t miss the beauty of Minnesota Fall!
The fall season in Minnesota may feel short. But it really is a great time and get out and explore the beauty the state has to offer.
Coming Soon: Minnesota Fall in the Twin Cities
I am working on a list that will include details on places like Afton State Park, Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis-St. Paul pumpkin patches and apple orchards, different lakes with incredible views, and more. It’s sad to say goodbye to summer, but there are some beautiful places in the surrounding area we should all take advantage of this year!
