Minnesota is famed for its natural beauty. It is renowned for its gorgeous setting, from its thick forests to its blue lakes. Every season brings a different element to Minnesota’s appeal. Summer is an ideal time to explore Minnesota’s lakes and hike along its many trails. However, the best time to see Minnesota may be in the fall.
Fall in Minnesota brings leaves of many colors and a crisp temperature that is ideal sweater weather. It is an excellent time for hiking, enjoying local festivals, and admiring the gorgeous foliage of the state. Let’s look at some of Minnesota’s different cities and towns that make for excellent destinations to explore this fall.
Sartell
Sartell brings a small-town charm to its residents. This city is home to around 18,000, and while it is a peaceful and quiet community, there is much for residents to explore. It is popular amongst families for its affordable real estate, excellent school system, and safe environment, and it is also a top-notch fall destination. There are many scenic outdoor areas to hike in and around Sartell, including Watab Creek Park, Sauk River Regional Park, and Sauk Rapids Municipal Park. These areas are all made more beautiful by their red, orange, and yellow leaves in the fall.
The town also hosts many events that provide seasonal fun for its residents. The Arc Midstate Freaky 5K is a Halloween-themed race where residents run three miles in their funkiest costumes. Sartell additionally hosts a farmers’ market that provides a taste of the delicious produce of the area.
Red Wing
If you’re looking for a picturesque city with a scenic waterfront and many trails to explore, Red Wing may be for you. This small town is home to 16,000 and is situated along the Mississippi River. The water flowing through this city is a big part of its appeal. Seeing Red Wing in the fall when the leaves have changed is a highly recommended experience. Walking along a trail leading to Barn Bluff, which overlooks the city and river, is a great way to take in this view. Another excellent nearby natural area is Frontenac State Park.
Red Wing also has engaging attractions and events to explore. It has a highly walkable downtown and features many museums and galleries. The town has high-quality restaurants serving various cuisines and popular breweries.
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is a city with a rustic charm. Home to just over 11,000 residents, this scenic town is surrounded by lakes and rivers. The town’s name is inspired by the rapids of the Mississippi River that pass through it. Grand Rapids is famous for its natural scenery, which draws in many tourists. There are thousands of acres of nearby trails, including the Tioga Trails and Legion Trail. Many enjoy hiking through the forests of Grand Rapids, and fishing and boating are still popular leisure activities here in the fall.
While outdoor exploration might draw most people to Grand Rapids, the city has much to do. There are excellent restaurant options, busy commercial areas, and craft breweries that serve fall flavors. The city also has a thriving theater and arts scene and has various related events that run throughout the year. It is a small town with a lot to offer, particularly in the fall.
