Fall is one of the best times to adventure in the Midwest. The leaves are beautiful and the weather is perfect for active adventures.  Today I am going to go over 10 of my favorite fall activities in and around Minnesota.

1. The Pequot Lakes Fire Tower, Minnesota

This is the PERFECT spot to view fall leaves. Located in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota this is a short hike, but it obviously has a lot of elevation gain! CLICK HERE to read all the details!

2. Madeline Island, Wisconsin

Madeline Island is a dream in the fall. Your Journey will start and end with a beautiful ferry ride out of Bayfield, Wisconsin. While on Madeline Island I highly recommend hiking at Big Bay State Park. This is seriously one of the best fall spots ever!

3. Duluth & North Shore, Minnesota

Duluth has so much to do and it is so beautiful in the fall! CLICK HERE for a blog all about family fun activities in Duluth. Also, definitely head up the North Shore for more amazing beauty! CLICK HERE for my favorite North Shore Activities with kids!

4. The Stuga at Balsam Ridge Retreat, Duluth, Minnesota

This is the most amazing place I have found to stay near Duluth! It is absolutely perfect! Not only is the cabin beautiful but the grounds are super lovely, and the location is fabulous! It is right in Duluth, yet you feel much more removed from the city. CLICK HERE to read all the details and to see more photos!

5. Decorah, Iowa & Silo on the Ridge

Head to Decorah Iowa and stay at the Silo on the Ridge! Also, be sure to kayak the Upper Iowa River, it is truly breathtaking and an amazing location for fall colors! This is not the flat, boring Iowa you may expect! I LOVE Decorah! CLICK HERE to read all about the accommodations at Silo on the Ridge, and CLICK HERE for all the details on what active adventures to do during your stay!

6. Triple S. Farms, Royalton, Minnesota

Triple S Farms is a super fun pumpkin farm in Royalton, Minnesota. This place has SO MUCH to do. I think one of the highlights is the super cool hay slides and hay tunnels the kids can explore. There is also a corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, a ton of photo ops and more. Visiting is free, just buy a pumpkin if you want to show your support! CLICK HERE to read all the details and to see many more photos!

7. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Cuyuna Country is SOOO beautiful in the fall! It’s also the perfect spot for an active adventure in the crisp fall air! Hiking, biking, paddling, and more await you on this adventure! Besides the beautiful nature this is also a really fun town to hang in, CLICK HERE for all my recommendations!

 

8. Country Blossom Farm, Alexandria, Minnesota

Country Blossom Farm is a beautiful apple orchard and farm in Alexandria. We always look forward to visiting and some years go more than once! This place is kid heaven, they have all the things. My kids favorite is the bouncy pillow! They also have amazing raspberries and yummy apples! I am already looking forward to our visit this year. CLICK HERE to read all about what you can do during your visit!

9. Bean & Bear Lakes Loop, Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota

The Bean and Bear Lake hike in Tettegouche State Park is a bucket list hike for many Minnesotans, and for good reason. It is absolutely stunning! This hike has become very popular in the past few years so try to go at a time you think may not be as busy. I think fall is the perfect time, sometime in the first couple weeks of October if you want to see the spectacular colors! CLICK HERE for all the details about the hike, where to park, what to bring and more!

10. Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park is beautiful in the fall. The colors throughout the park are amazing and while still busy in the fall it is slightly better than summer! This is a great place for a day full of learning with your kids. The Mississippi is so interesting and they have great rangers and a beautiful visitor center to help you and your family learn all about it! Camp here, or just go for a day trip, either way it is worth it!

As you can see, you have plenty of choices of where to go on an adventure this fall! Where will you choose? Let me know in the comments! I hope these ideas and photos have made you excited for fall, and have hopefully given you some new ideas of where to find beauty in the Midwest!

 

Much Love & Happy Travels,

Lacey