Hey there! For all my local followers, or people visiting MN in October, here’s list of places you should check out that scream ~Fall~! I plan on sharing my adventures as I go to them this month! All of these places are great for having a fun time & soaking up the nice fall weather before it becomes a frozen tundra here in MN 🙂
Pinehaven Farm
It’s ranked one of the best pumpkin patches in all of Minnesota! Pinehaven Farm is in Wyoming, MN – about 30 minutes north of the Twin Cities and it has so many activities for people of all ages!! The general admission cost depends on which day you decide to visit, but is never over $14 and kids under 2 get free admission! A few fun things to at the farm include: Trolley rides & pick your own pumpkins/gourds ($5 each!), and included with general admission is the Corn Maze, Charley’s corn pit, pumpkin cannon, jumbo jumping pillow & more! Plus, they have some really great snacks & treats – including my favorite kettle corn!
The Dead End Hayride @ Pinehaven Farm
So, Pinehaven Farm is not only the best pumpkin patch, they also have an awesome scary attraction at night! If you love the spookiness of Halloween and also want to go on a hayride – here’s a way to do both at the same time!! I’ve been going on the Dead End Hayride for many years now – unfortunately I don’t have any pictures – but it’s seriously so fun and scary at the same time! It’s open now through November 2nd! For my friends over 21, they are now serving alcohol for the first time this year. Keep in mind, children must be 10 & they recommend 13 years of age on their website! Price also varies depending on which day you decide to attend! Let me know if you end up going this year!
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
I love apple orchards – and this one is awesome because the apples are high quality and the apple orchard has so many activities! Pine Tree Apple Orchard is located in White Bear Lake, northeast of the cities! They have a corn maze, pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkins, variety of apples throughout the fall season – my favorite being honey crisp which should be ready to pick right now – bakery items, fresh cider & caramel apples! I’ll definitely be checking this one out this fall!
Aamodt’s Apple Farm
Another great apple orchard to visit – especially on the weekends! Aamodt’s Apple Farm is in Stillwater, MN. It’s dog friendly & they also have a vineyard so yay for wine tasting! You can pick your own apples but make sure to check their website to see which apples are in season! Wagon rides & apple picking hours go from 10am-5pm on Saturday & Sunday and are $3 per person (kids under 3 are free!) Make sure to check out the barn for fresh apple pie, local honey, maple syrup & more apples!
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
This will be the second year that the Minnesota Zoo is hosting a Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular which has over 5,000 carved pumpkins!!! Last year the theme was Decades – so there were pumpkins and whole set ups of all the decades starting in the 1920’s! Tickets must be bought online and you should arrive about an hour before your entry time! The spectacular is from October 1st – November 3rd so make sure to get your tickets soon! Tickets are $20 at the most and it’s so much fun – Stuart & I went last year!
Twin Cities Oktoberfest
This upcoming weekend (October 4-5) there will be the Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the Historic Progress Center building on the MN State Fair Grounds! There will be beverage options from Summit Brewing company, Sociable cider works, and Saint Croix Vineyards – plus a blueberry Mead from Sociable Cider Works made specifically for the event! Entry to Oktoberfest is $10 and you can buy tickets online! I’ll be out of town, but it sounds like a fun time so let me know if you end up attending – I’ll make sure to add it to the list for next year!
Nordeast Big River Brew Fest
If you don’t feel like going to the Twin Cities Oktoberfest, there is also the Nordeast Big River Brew Fest on October 5th from 1-4pm!! Plenty of vendors including a few of my favorites – Able Seedhouse & Brewery, Lakes & Legends Brewing Company, Castle Danger Brewery, August Schell Brewing Company & more! Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time so you save $5! – dogs are also welcome! Will also be missing this event – so I’m totally bummed but hope you can go!
Anoka Halloween Parade
If you’re new to Minnesota, here’s a fun fact you probably didn’t know. Anoka, MN – just north of the twin cities – is known as the Halloween Capital of the WORLD!!! It’s the 99th year of being the best at Halloween, so you should definitely check out the largest parade in MN! It’s October 26 from 1-3:30pm and absolutely free! I’ll be going to the parade this year so let me know if you’ll be going, too!
Have any other recommendations of things to do or places to go this fall? I love exploring new places! Drop a comment below or send me an email at genuinelygabbi@gmail.com!
