Halloween in Minnesota is the best! With the chill in the air the children likely have to wear a jacket or coat over their costume which also means the weather is right for pumpkins being picked right off the vine. Tree leaves are a vibrant red, orange and yellow, and apple cider is made the same day the apples are plucked from the tree. Best of all, Minnesota offers so many fabulous fall events and activities. There is no better time for a short day trip either.
The leaves are already beginning to change here in the Twin Cities which means Halloween is right around the corner and fall festivals are starting to pop up. If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Minnesota this Halloween and autumn season here are some fun ideas:
Corn mazes are a classic Midwest fall event. Sever’s Corn Maze in Shakopee, Minnesota, changes themes annually and has a great reputation. MinnieMom from TravelsWithChildren.com visited this Minnestoa maze last year and seemed to have a good time.
Pumpkin and apple picking is what completes this time of year for me. There is nothing like taking the kids out to find that perfect pumpkin or returning home with bags of Honeycrisp apples. Pumpkin season usually starts in late September and runs through October. Unfortunately, some frost and a wild 15-minute hail storm this past July damaged some apple crops, so not all orchards are open to apple picking this year. However, many orchards are still selling apples from other orchards and the pumpkins are just fine.
One of our favorite places to spend an afternoon is at Afton Apples in Hastings which offers a handful of family-friendly activities this time of year.
Haunted houses are always a spooky way to enjoy a good an evening. Deadview Cemetery in Cottage Grove kicks off their spooky season October 7. This outdoor “cemetery” has been creeping people out for over a decade. Scream Town in Chaska seems to get better each year. Its website boasts the location has over 350,000 square-feet of haunted fun, five haunted attractions and 60 hardcore actors. Plus, 2010 is bringing a new bonfire, heated tent, food, scenes and effects.
The Haunting Experience 3D is a long-time local Twin Cities attraction. It’s located at Zywiec’s Garden Center in Cottage Grove, Minnesota on 70 acres of farmland and wooded terrain. The experience begins in the 3 D haunted house, glasses are provided. The haunted mansion has over 20 rooms. The haunted house experience is followed by a hayride, a bonfire and even free nightly movies.
No matter how you celebrate Halloween or what events you like to partake in, Minnesota isn’t lacking in fall events or attractions. If you have a favorite local attraction please share below in the comments.
