Fall Activities In MN (DISCOVER THE OTHER SIDE OF MINNESOTA)

Let’s start this blog, with the little information that is a must if you are visiting Minnesota State and then look at the best fun fall activities in mn that you should not miss when you are here. You can even watch the virtual tour of some places, that will give you an idea of how this place looks like.

Minnesota

Minnesota is a state in the upper midwestern united states. It has 17 cities to explore and stay, with over 5.7 million residents. This state ranks 10th for income and 22nd for the most popular state. It is also the 12th largest state in the United States.

This state is almost forested which means it has more forest areas than resident areas. The nickname of Minnesota is ‘Land of 10,000 lakes’ only because it has 10 acres of land with freshwater bodies. You will find many lakes while driving through the offside roads of Minnesota.

The most popular city is Minneapolis Saint Paul, also known as Twin cities and this city is the main political, economic & cultural hub. There are a total of 9 spoken languages in Minnesota I.e English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, other Scandinavian languages.

In the 11th century, this place was occupied by the indigenous people of America. Minnesota has some of the earth’s oldest rocks and they are about 3.6 billion years old which is 80% as old as the planet.

The state highest point is Eagle Mountain at 2301 feet and the lowest point is lake superior at 601 feet below. The first state park is Itasca state park and it was established in the year 1891. It is also a source of the Mississippi River.

Fall Activities In MN

In this list of fun activities to do in MN, you will find everything that is family-friendly and events and festivals that you should not miss. And all of the places that are below are suggested by the local people and the travellers who had experienced the beauty of the fall season in MN

1, North Shore Scenic Drive

The drive starts from Canal Park and ends in Grand Portage, it is a total of 142 miles of drive and it has some of the best things through the roads to see. It is a family-friendly thing to do and tourists love to experience this scenic drive here.

You will witness breathtaking views of the world’s largest freshwater lake. This road is calm and relaxing. There are the top 3 spots where you should definitely take your stop and visit there. Minnesota Highway 61 was originally a part of US 61 from 1926-1991 and after 1991 it was signed in as MN Highway 61.

The first place is Duluth’s Lake Superior Harbor, it is a proper vacation destination itself. Many things to see here such as whales, a lift bridge, North Pier Lighthouse and a free Maritime Museum. There is also a chance to see 1000ft cargo ship. It is one of the famous places in Two harbours. You can also check our post for things to do in two harbours

The second place that is recommended for you is the Great Lake Candy kitchen. It is a sweet shop next to knife river, which is again a tourist spot itself. This sweet shop has homemade candy, turtles and chocolates which are very delicious. You can also explore the knife river which has a waterfall and with this, you can enjoy two places with only one stop.

The third place is Gooseberry falls in two harbours During the scenic drive it is the first nature-filled stop which is like a normal waterfall but still, it is famous due to lots of tourist visits. Local people also love this place, it is a perfect spot for short hiking. Kids, as well as adults, can interact with the waterfall. It also has awesome climbing rocks.

Details of the place

Site: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/11185

Call: +1 800-429-9297

2, Minnesota Marine art museum

With the name, you can understand that this museum is based on water and marine life. You won’t be seeing any kind of water activity so don’t expect that. All the collection they have is related to Marine art. Also, the artist who has made these art pieces are very famous in such fields.

You will be thankful for yourself if you visit here. And if you have any kind of interest in artwork then this place is heaven for you. It is located in a unique historical building on the banks of the Mississippi River. This museum also organises events and exhibit which is only related to marine and maritime art as it is the primary focus of this museum.

The staff of this place is friendly and they have too much knowledge about everything present in the museum. You can ask them all your doubts and they are very happy that people are interested in their collection and artworks. The environment is also wonderful and clean.

It will cost you just 9$ per adult and if you are a student then the entry fees are just 3$ per head. At this price, you won’t get so much to see and that is why this place is a favourite of the tourist.

It is truly a hidden gem of Minnesota and it is a little small in size but has effective things to show. It will not take you too much time to explore this place entirely.

Details of the place

Site: https://www.mmam.org/

Address: 800 Riverview Dr, Winona, MN 55987, United States

Call: +1 507-474-6626

3, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

It is the largest public garden in the upper midwest. The area of this place is more than 1100 acres which have 3 miles of driving with scenic views. There are more than 5000 plant varieties which include different kinds of trees, plants & grasses Which are wonderful to watch. And it is the only beautiful garden in the town.

You can also do activities such as hiking and cross country skiing on trails. There is also an option for guided tours which include 3 miles of driving under which you can see all the highlights of the park. This park is very peaceful and quiet you can hear the birds sound and butterflies all over the park.

There is also a separate sculpture section where you can see different kinds of sculptures. This park includes an indoor bathroom, gift shop, cafe and free parking. The cafe is sometimes open and closes so make sure you carry your food and water.

It is a perfect place for a picnic with your family and friends and if don’t want to visit here in your car there is an option for 3 miles walk which is beautifully breathtaking. This park is for all and if you are a nature lover then this place is heaven for you.

Details of the place

Site: https://www.arboretum.umn.edu/

Address: 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318, United States

Call: +1 612-624-2200

4, Mill City Museum

This museum theme is related to the flour industry, the role of rivers and the city of Minnesota. It was one of the world’s largest flour mills, but it got fired and now it is a museum related to all the stuff which is present their. Some originally small machinery and a small bakery kitchen are still present here.

You will find many activities to do here which are rare and first-time experiences. The best ride here is a freight elevator tour and St Paul from the top floor, these rides are highly recommended by the local people. The only things are that this place is small and it will not take too much time to explore.

There is a restaurant and gift shop here, which sells local items and historical books. You will get a lot more things to know if you read the history book of Minnesota. This place is also good for weddings and engagements.

The staff here are very informative and they like to share with the visitors about the things that are available here. Ruins across the street between the museum and bridge is a bonus if you will visit here. It is a perfect place for a walk.

The entry is free if you are a Minnesota society member. Many equipments are destroyed by fire here and you can also check out that thing and click some aesthetic photos.

Details of the place

Site: https://www.mnhs.org/millcity

Address: 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, United States

Call: +1 612-341-7555

5, Minnehaha Park

This is a kind of park which is totally connected to nature and you can relax here after reaching a certain point but the only things are you have to climb many stairs here. This park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the year 1969. And since then this park is recognised by the people also tourists have started visiting here.

Its official name is Minnehaha Regional Park and it was built in the year 1849. You can also host birthday parties here, after getting permission from the officials. This place is pet friendly and you can take your dog for a walk but if you want to take off the leash then you will have to take permission.

There is also a restaurant here and the food was also good. You can also perform various activities which is the main reason to visit here. If you want to ride a bike here you can take it on rent. Hiking trails are also well maintained and clean, the most recommended thing is fishing and you will find many people around catching fish.

There are many picnic areas all around so that you can enjoy yourself with your family and friends. Parking has both the option free and paid but it is a little difficult to get the free parking. The entry fees are just 1.5$ per hour and on weekends it is 2$ per hour.

It has many preserved historic sites related to transportation, pioneering & architectural themes. The Minnehaha princess station was built in the year the 1870s is still maintained here and it is in the middle of twincities.

Details of the place

Address: Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States

This are the best list of places that you should visit when you are in Minnesota especially in the fall. And all the places are explained in detail so that it would be easy for you to reach and understand about the place. You can also buy the tickets online with the site link given below for every place.

If you are visiting Minnesota the must-visit city is Two harbours you can check out here Things to do in two harbours

And if you want to see the virtual tour of the places that are above then do check out our YouTube video related to this topic. However, this blog is the full version for fall activities in mn.