If you're looking for a place to bring the kids or grandkids or you just want to spend a few nostalgic minutes thinking about your Minnesotan childhood, playgrounds are an obvious but often forgotten choice. Way cheaper (free, usually) than a show or an amusement park and providing hours of fun, here are some of the top playgrounds to stop at in Minnesota.
There's nothing quite like admiring the snowy playground. Snowy playgrounds make the kids nostalgic for the pre-snow play days and adults nostalgic for the old days. And when the snow melts, the fun begins! Let's start with swings...
9. Playfront Park in Duluth is Duluth's largest playground. It has this amazing new structure that, besides being super cool to play on, actually enhances balance, coordination and strength!
Bonus - If you're planning a family road trip, try to plan stops every so often at a place with an awesome playground to give your legs a stretch and let the kids burn off some unused energy!
Autumn is a wonderful time of year in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The temperatures are a little cooler, the air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the mosquitoes have largely disappeared. It's also a great time to get out and enjoy all the season has to offer. These are some of our favorite things to do in Minnesota in the fall.
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Minnesota Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Minnesota For Fall Foliage
Our state is blessed with an abundance of forested land. This makes Minnesota a marvelous place to be when autumn takes over and the leaves start to sport their seasonal colors. This usually begins around mid-September in the north and can last until early November in the far southeastern part of the state. Early to mid-October is the sweet spot for leaf-peeping in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Here are a few of our favorite places to enjoy fall foliage in Minnesota.
Need to Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day.
Frontenac State Park is located between Red Wing and Lake City, perched on the bluffs above the Mississippi River. With expansive down the valley, over Lake Pepin, and of the forested bluffs on both sides of the river, you'll enjoy some wonderful autumn views at this park. Moreover, the park's trails thread its hardwood forests, so it's the perfect spot for some fall tree bathing, as well. Aim for a mid-October visit to enjoy the best of the season.
Location: MN Hwy. 61 from Duluth to Grand Portage, Minnesota.
Need to Know: Admission to most of the North Shore's state parks by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day. Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche, and Grand Portage have visitor centers and park amenities that you can visit without a permit.
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With seven state parks, five state waysides, the Superior National Forest, and Grand Portage National Monument, this stretch of Minnesota Hwy. 61 is home to incredible natural beauty - all of it within view of the rugged Lake Superior shoreline. Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, birches, aspens, and tamaracks take on golden hues starting in mid-September, making this a wonderful place to experience autumn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The view pictured is from the Oberg Mountain Loop, near Tofte.
Need to Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day.
The name Maplewood State Park hints at how spectacular this place becomes in the fall. Its namesake trees, along with fiery oaks and golden basswood burst into beautiful foliage from late September through October. With eight lakes and miles of trails, Maplewood is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the all the awesomeness of autumn.
Need to Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day.
Itasca State Park, home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, was the first Minnesota State Park, and it's one of our favorites for enjoying some early-season fall foliage. You can expect to see colors starting to change here by mid-September. By early October, the park's Northwoods species - birch, aspen, tamarack - will be cloaked in a mantle of gold. Another advantage to visiting Itasca at this time of year is that this popular park is far less busy than it is in the summer months.
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Best Pumpkin Patches in Minnesota
What is fall without pumpkins? And in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, choosing a pumpkin can be an event unto itself. That's why there are so many farms that offer all manner of additional activities for folks who venture out to choose their pumpkins. Here are a few of our favorite pumpkin patches in Minnesota.
Need to Know: The patch is open September 20 - October 31, seven days a week, during daylight hours. There is no charge for admission or parking at Barten Pumpkins.
Barten Pumpkins, near New Prague, is home to one of - if not the - largest pumpkin patches in Minnesota. With, literally, thousands of pumpkins on offer every season, you're sure to find what you're looking for here, whether its seasonal decor or the perfect jack-o-lantern. Weekends at Barten Pumpkins often see live music, food vendors, and other entertainment, so it's a fun day trip destination, as well. Visit the farm on the web for information.
Need to Know: Retail center will be open seven days a week, September 25 through the end of October. Activities are open on weekends through the season, as well as M.E.A. break. The cost varies per activity.
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One of the Metro Area's more popular agritainment destinations, Country Sun Farm is a wonderful place near St. Paul for a family to spend an autumn afternoon before picking out their pumpkins and calling it a day. It was always my kids' favorite fall destination because of all the attractions, including hay rides, food vendors, a corn maze, a petting zoo, and inflatable bounce attractions. For hours and pricing, visit Country Sun Farm on the web.
Need to Know: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The play area is free of charge.
Located just north of Mankato, The Little Green Wagon Pumpkin Patch and Farm is my favorite new discovery in the pumpkin patch category. This sweet little farm/farm stand is super family friendly, offering a small play area with a corn pit, a straw bale maze, a slide and other fun features at no cost to visitors. There are picnic tables where the adults can enjoy a coffee while the little ones play or set up a picnic lunch after they've worked up an appetite.
Need to Know: Open on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from September 21 to October 27. The patch will also be open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on October 17 and 18 during M.E.A. break. There is a $7 admission fee, and there may be additional charges for certain activities.
Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch is one of the most pumpkin patches near the Fargo-Moorhead area in northwestern Minnesota. In addition to, of course, pumpkins, you'll find all manner of attractions, including horse-drawn rides, a petting zoo, and a game area. The only difficulty you may face is getting the youngsters away from all the fun so they can pick out their pumpkins.
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Best Fall Festivals in Minnesota
One of my favorite things about autumn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is all the fantastic festivals that occur during this time of year. Whether you want to admire gigantic gourds or simply heft a pint of ale in the air, you'll have your chance at one of these fun fall festivals in Minnesota.
Need to Know: The festival begins with community decorations from September 16 - October 13.
I'm pretty sure SeptOberfest, in the charming and historic Mississippi River town of Wabasha, is the state's longest fall celebration. Beginning in mid-September, the streets and town are bedecked with seasonal decorations. They'll be up through mid-October. In the middle, from September 28 through October 6, the town offers eight days of activities and events. There's already plenty to do in Wabasha, and this fall festival just makes a visit to the town a little more special.
Need to Know: Weekends, August 17 - September 29, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. General pricing is $27.95 for adults and children 13 and over. Discounts are available for children under 13, seniors, and advance purchase tickets. On-site parking is $15, if purchased in advance, or $30 on the day you attend.
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Although not dedicated to pumpkins, pilsner, or harvests, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is an early-autumn rite of passage in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It's one of the largest festivals of its kind, and attending is a wonderful way to step out of everyday life and become somebody else - even if it's just a gawking tourist, like me - for a day. For daily schedules of events, themes, and a list of vendors, visit the festival's website.
Need to Know: October 12 and 13. Most events are free of charge. A shuttle is available for those who choose a remote parking lot.
Maybe it's the giant pumpkins, themselves. Or the live music. Or the general silliness of some the events, like the pumpkin regatta on the St. Croix River or the giant pumpkin smash, but Stillwater Harvest Fest is one of my favorite festivals of the year. This two-day event takes place on one weekend every October, and it is absolutely dominated by pumpkin themed events and activities, most of which are free of charge and fun for the whole family. Visit the Stillwater Harvest Fest website for more info.
Need to Know: The festival takes place October 18 and 19, over M.E.A. break.
Another fun fall event to consider is the annual Moose Madness Family Festival. Geared heavily toward fun activities for children, this festival in the beautiful town of Grand Marais celebrates the season when Minnesota's moose are feeling most amorous. Scavenger hunts, games, live music, and appearances from Murray the Moose are festival highlights. For more information about the event, check out the Visit Cook County website. If you plan on attending, you'll definitely want to reserve a stay well in advance, as M.E.A. break brings the crowds to Grand Marais.
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Free & Cheap Minnesota Fall Activities
The best part about many of the fun things to do in fall in Minnesota is that most of them are free or relatively cheap. But there are also any number of other things that you can do during autumn in the Bold North that won't set you back much at all - and you can do them on your own schedule.
Need to Know: The cost of apple picking varies from orchard to orchard.
Visiting an apple orchard in Minnesota is a popular fall activity. There are plenty of orchards that charge admission and offer all the raucous autumn agritainment that has become such a thing at many orchards and pumpkin patches. But there are also many low-key orchards that are more concerned with the fruit they produce than entertainment. These types of orchards generally don't charge an admission, and you can pick apples for a reasonable cost. It's really a wonderful way to spend a weekend day in the fall in Minnesota.
14. Enjoy Colorful Foliage, Lake Superior Views, and Migrating Raptors in Duluth
Need to Know: Fall migration starts in late August and continues through December, peaking in September and October.
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is a spot that's renowned for its location on a major flyway for migrating raptors - hawks, eagles, falcons, etc. - in North America. At peak migration, observers may witness thousands of birds fly over in a single day. What's extra cool, though, is that the fall migration season peaks at about the same time as the foliage does in this part of the state. So, if you head up to Hawk Ridge in late September or early October, you can enjoy raptors, foliage, and beautiful views of Lake Superior. Visit the Hawk Ridge website to see migration numbers and predictions.
Need to Know: You can find waterfalls throughout our beautiful state.
There are waterfalls all across Minnesota - in the extreme southeast and southwest, and all points north from there. That means there's probably one near where you live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. And as beautiful as waterfalls inherently are, if you ask me, they look even better when wreathed in gorgeous fall colors. So, why not pack yourself a lunch (or breakfast or dinner), find a waterfall, and enjoy just being outside in the lovely autumn air?
With so many things to do in Minnesota in the fall, I don't think you'll find yourself wanting for activities this autumn season. Which of these autumn experiences have you enjoyed? Be sure to let us know, and tell us about your own favorite things to do in Minnesota in the fall.
Don’t let the fickle Minnesota weather deter you from having an epic day of fun. We found a great spot that has something for everyone. Nickelodeon Universe is an incredible indoor amusement park in Minnesota where you can spend the day enjoying thrilling rides, special events, and maybe even an appearance from your favorite character. Come with us to Bloomington to experience the largest indoor theme park in the country. Check it out:
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Nickelodeon Universe is located in the Mall of America.
The 7-acre indoor amusement park is one of two in the country. American Dream, Nickelodeon’s other amusement park is located in New Jersey, but this location is Nickelodeon’s first and only indoor amusement park.
From the moment you walk in until the second you leave, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.
No one likes to be rushed! Be sure to check the Nickelodeon Universe website for hours of operation before you head over, they can vary from day to day!
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There are several rides for thrill-seekers and families to enjoy.
No matter your age, there's a ride here with your name on it. Nickelodeon Universe has rides for the youngest fans and families as well as adrenaline-pumping, thrill-seeking rides.
The Ferris Wheel is always a popular ride, and for good reason!
You'll have a wonderful view of the entire park below you. Of course, you can always enjoy blacklight mini golf, or the adventure course where you can put your own body to the test and complete a fun obstacle course.
You never know when your favorite characters will show up.
So, the next time you’re searching for a place where the entire family can let loose and have some fun, head to Nickelodeon Universe, the best indoor amusement park in Minnesota.
For more information about this massive indoor amusement park, including tickets and hours of operation, visit the Nickelodeon Universe website. For even more family fun, check out this park in Minnesota with a zoo, waterfalls, hiking trails, and more.
