From the bright colored leaves to the halloween fun, fall is many a Minnesotan’s favorite season! If you’re looking for fun fall activities, here are some of the best places to visit in Minnesota in October. 

1. Duluth/North Shore
Flickr/David Scaglione
Duluth and all of MN's North Shore is the premiere place to view the most beautiful fall foliage in the country. If you haven't taken a road trip up the shore yet this year, now is the time!
2. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318, USA
Flickr/Chad Fennell
Another wonderful place to look at foliage, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is spectacularly colored.
3. Huntington Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota
Huntington Bank Stadium, 420 23rd Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Flickr/A Syn
Not only is the University of Minnesota beautiful in the fall, but it's football season for both U of M and the Vikings at TCF this year! Tailgate away!
4. New Ulm
New Ulm, MN 56073, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
The best Oktoberfest in MN, you have to head to New Ulm for some fall festivities.
5. Anoka
Anoka, MN, USA
Facebook/City of Anoka
Anoka is the "Halloween Capital of the World", so head there for a whole month of hauntings and fun!
6. Stillwater
101 Water St S, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
Flickr/Anthony Arrigo
Stillwater Harvest Fest is always a ton of fun! Get on over there for two days packed with giant pumpkins and family fun!

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7. Valley Scare, Valleyfair, Shakopee
1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379, USA
Valleyfair, Valley Fair Drive, Shakopee, MN, USA
Facebook/Valleyfair
Valley Scare is the best event of the year at Valleyfair Amusement Park in Shakopee. It's always worth a visit - especially at night!
8. Alexandria
Alexandria, MN 56308, USA
Facebook/Carlos Creek Winery
Alexandria is another great foliage town. Don't forget your camera!
9. St. Croix River
Flickr/USFWS Midwest
Anywhere on the St. Croix makes a beautiful fall hike or drive. Some of the best colors can be found meandering north of the Twin Cities.
10. Closest MN State Park
Flickr/Stacy
If you want the fun of fall anytime, anywhere, just head to your local MN State Park for some beautiful weather and vibrant colors! This was taken at Banning State Park on the Kettle River! Need some ideas? Check out our list of the best Minnesota state parks to visit in the fall.
11. Local Apple Orchards
Facebook/Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard
It's also time for apple picking - specifically for MN's own Honeycrisp apples! We know you hear it all the time, but seriously, DO NOT SKIP APPLE PICKING! You will definitely regret it. Check out our list of the best places to pick apples in Minnesota for some ideas!
12. Local Pumpkin Patches
Facebook/Lendt’s Pumpkin Patch
And head to the nearest Minnesota Pumpkin Patch for hayrides, corn mazes, and so much more, and get carving those pumpkins! Nothing says October like the aroma of pumpkin!

What is your favorite place to visit in Minnesota in October? Share a photo of if with us on the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page for a chance to be featured in our posts!

Need more fall fun? Check out our list of the most beautiful fall destinations in Minnesota!

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Minnesota in October

Elisa Regulski | August 19, 2022

What are the best fall day trips in Minnesota?

When fall rolls around, you simply must visit Sever's Corn Maze in Shakopee. This unique destination has a new theme every year, and there are so many fun activities to enjoy. Bring the whole family and have a ball! For more fun, visit Aamodt's Apple Farm in Stillwater. Nothing beats crunching into a delicious apple that came straight off the tree. Need more ideas? Check out our list of the best fall day trips in Minnesota. 

What are the best Halloween towns in Minnesota?

Anoka is often heralded as the “best Halloween town in the United States,” and it’s easy to see why. Every year, this town flourishes into a spooky wonderland full of costume parades, haunted houses, and tasty sweets. Of course, this isn’t the only place you can visit during autumn in Minnesota. In fact, we have a whole list of the best Halloween towns in Minnesota. Now the only question is – where will you go first?

What are the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota?

Pumpkin patches are some of the best places to visit during the fall in Minnesota. For starters, head over to Waldoch Farm Garden Center located in Lino Lakes. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of exciting fall activities. We also love exploring Thea's Pumpkin Patch in Pelican Rapids. Their corn maze is always a ton of fun. For more ideas, check out our list of the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota. Each one is full of adventure and excitement.

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