Some years it feels like Minnesota weather goes straight from summer to winter with hardly a week of transition in between. But on those rare occasions when they occur, a perfect autumn day in Minnesota is a beautiful thing. The skies are a bright cloudless blue, the air is crisp but not cold, and the sun makes the golden leaves glimmer. When these days happen, we have to be ready to take full advantage! Here are some fun activity ideas for the next perfect fall day.
Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin season at Afton Apple Orchard kicked off on October 1st. Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkins. Afton’s patch offers a wide variety, from medium pumpkins perfect for jack o’lanterns to small pumpkins ideal for making pumpkin pie. While you’re there, don’t miss Afton’s famous 15-acre corn maze! It’s divided into three sections according to difficulty level, so there’s fun to be had no matter what kind of challenge you seek. Pumpkin patch and corn maze open through October 31.
Iron Fork Competition
Back again after a sellout first year in 2015, the City Pages Iron Fork competition presented by Coldwell Banker Burnet will be hosted on November 3rd at the International Market Square. The 2016 Iron Fork competition theme is Taco Throwdown. Prominent Minneapolis chefs will face off in a competition to make the best taco, incorporating a secret ingredient that will be revealed by sponsor Whole Foods, while bartenders compete for the title of “Absolut Mixologist.” Guests will enjoy signature bites from over 25 reputable Twin Cities restaurants along with beer, wine, and liquor samples. General admission tickets are available from the City Pages website for $35.
Kayaking
The many lakes in Minneapolis are one of our city’s most unique and beautiful features. One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the lakes and Minnesota’s fall colors is by kayak, paddling around the Chain of Lakes. Wheel Fun Rentals at Lake Calhoun rents kayaks for $13/hour—just enough time to paddle from Lake Calhoun to Lake of the Isles and back again. The season ends on October 16th, so cross your fingers that the weather holds for this weekend so you can get some time on the water.
Como-Harriet Streetcar
Take a nostalgic ride back in time on the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line. The line operates restored historic streetcars that take passengers on a scenic route along the Chain of Lakes. The streetcars run from the Linden Hills Station to the Lake Calhoun platform continuously from 12:30-4:30pm on weekends. A round trip lasts about 15 minutes. Make an afternoon of it and explore the picturesque Linden Hills neighborhood or take a walk around Lake Harriet after your ride.
