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Aamodt’s Apple Farm
6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater 651-439-3127
www.aamodtsapplefarm.com
Open first week in August through the holiday season. Open daily with U-pick and picked apples, petting zoo, wagon rides, pony rides, bakery and many more wonderful events and attractions for the fall season.
Afton Apple
14421 S. 90th St., Hastings 651-436-8385
www.aftonapple.com
Open 7 days/wk 10am-6pm
Apples, fall raspberries, pumpkins, gourds, squash, ornamental corn and more. Hayrides start on Labor Day weekend, then available Sat & Sun, 10-6, Mon-Fri, 3-6. Family fun for all with a large playground and petting zoo, plus the huge corn maze opening Sept. 13 and the annual Apple Festival on Oct. 4-5 and 11-12.
Alexis Bailly Vineyard
18200 Kirby Ave., Hastings 651-437-1413
www.abvwines.com
Summer: May until Thanksgiving Fri/Sat/Sun 11 am-5:30 pm Winter: Saturdays only 11am-4 pm from Thanksgiving until Christmas Christmas to May: tasting room is closed
Enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s own award-winning vineyard while sampling outstanding wines. Wine tastings are $2-5 per person and groups of 15 or more are by appointment only. September features pick-your-own grapes and November brings the Nouveau Celebration and annual Autumn Open House. Call for dates and times.
Bauer Berry Farm
10830 French Lake Rd, Champlin 763-421-4384
www.bauerberry.com
Offering the finest in strawberries, blueberries, and sweet corn, available in season, 30 minutes north/northwest of Minneapolis... pick your own, or purchase picked fruit fresh from the field! Sweet corn picked daily at 6 am – ready for you by 9:30 am.
Bittersweet Farm
2500 Manning Avenue, Lake Elmo 651-330-2606
Open daily late Sept. through Oct. from 11am-6 pm.
Pick your own pumpkin plus, fall decorations, squash, sweet corn, popcorn and more.
Bob’s Bluebird Orchard and Craft Barn
26205 Fairlawn Ave., Webster 952-461-3143
Sat. and Sun., 10 am-6 pm, Labor Day weekend-Late Nov.
Family owned and operated orchard featuring over 47 varieties of apples, fresh and frozen cider, and caramel apples. Also pumpkins, squash, onions, Indian corn, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies and much more. Plus, over 25 vendors feature all kinds of craft items.
Deer Lake Orchard
1903 10th St SW (Cty Rd 108), Buffalo 763-682-6159
www.deerlakeorchard.com
Aug. 15–Oct. 19: Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm & Sun Noon-6 pm.
Fall Festival Weekends are great family fun - apples, petting zoo, rides and entertainment, plus treats from the food shack and homemade cider. Find 26 varieties of apples grown on 35 acres of rolling hills with two ponds and a maple woods that is phenomenal at the height of fall color! Senior Citizen Mondays: 15% off gift shop items and $1.50 off peck size bags (not good with other coupons). Christmas tree sales begin Thanksgiving weekend. Featuring Wagon Rides, Petting Zoo, and Pumpkin Patch!
Emma Krumbees
US Hwy 169 – 501 E. South St., Belle Plaine 952-873-3006
www.emmakrumbees.com
Open daily, 10 am-6 pm. Orchard open through Oct.
Featuring U-Pick Apples and pumpkins. Plus, Wagon Rides, Petting Zoo, Haystack, Giant Slide, Pony and Camel Rides, Live Music, Corn Maze and Kid Games. Annual Scarecrow Festival (Sept 12-Oct 31)and General Store with apple pie & desserts, caramel apples, apple cider and more!
Fall Harvest Orchard
345 County Rd. 30 SE, Montrose 763-972-3894
www.fallharvestorchard.com
Open Aug. 21-late Oct. daily 10 am-6 pm
Family-oriented orchard on a working farm; eighteen apple varieties, pre-picked or U-pick. In season: squash, brown eggs, pumpkins, gourds, calico corn, popcorn and corn bundles. Children will enjoy the farm animals (cows with calves, goats with kids, chickens, turkeys and pigs) in an actual farm setting. Apple House features snacks, gifts and crafts. Wagon rides available and picnicking welcome. Located 5 miles west of Delano on County Rd 30.
Fischer’s Croix Farm Orchard
County Rd 21, 1 mile north of US Hwy 10, Hastings 651-437-7126
www.FischersCroixFarmOrchard.com
Open daily Sept-Nov. 9:30 am-6 pm.
Over 20 varieties of apples pre-picked or pick-your-own, plus cider, honey and maple syrup, PYO fall raspberries, pumpkins and other fall vegetables. Mid-Sept through Oct 31 enjoy our corn maze, weekend hayrides, petting animals, fall gardens and picnic facilities. Call for harvest dates, weekend activities & directions. Visit for Good ‘Ol Country Fun!
Kopischke’s Pumpkinland
13824 US Hwy 169, Vernon Center 507-549-3313
Aug-Oct, Mon-Sat 9 am-7pm and Sun 11am-7 pm.
Call ahead for U-pick tomatoes. Also melons, squash, pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, apples, peppers, sweet corn, cabbage, beans, onions. Fall Festival every weekend in October: Sat 11-5, Sun 1-5. Hayrides to pumpkin patch, face painting, and other children’s activities.
McDougall’s Apple Junction
14325 110th St., Hastings 651-480-4701
www.apple-junction.com
Opens September 9 - December, 10 am-6 pm daily
Apples, honey, pick-your-own pumpkins, jams and jellies, fall vegetables, chrysanthemums, dried flowers, and crafts. Lunch wagon with apple brats, apple donuts and more. Plus 5-acre corn maze, straw mountain play area, petting zoo, weekend hayrides. Apple Fest Oct. 4-5 & Oct. 11-12 (10am6pm) and Pumpkin Fest Oct. 18-19.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum AppleHouse
State Hwy 5 & Rolling Acres Rd, Chanhassen 952-443-1409 – Apple Hotline
www.arboretum.umn.edu/applehouse.aspx
Sept. 8 - Nov. 1, open daily, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Sample and purchase apples from a changing inventory of 50 varieties throughout the season – from long-time favorites to recent University of Minnesota introductions. Also sample promising apple varieties currently being tested in the Arboretum’s Fruit Research Program.
Minnetonka Orchards
6530 County Rd. 26, Minnetrista 763-479-3191 Apple Info Line 763-479-6530 Orchard
www.minnetonkaorchards.com
Open daily through Nov 9, 9 am-7 pm.
U-pick and pre-picked apples, pumpkins, fresh goodies and Gift Barn. Hay rides, corn maze, giant train, hay mountain, corn fort and much more! Live music and special events on weekends. See web for details.
Nelson’s Apple Farm
1 mile north on County Rd. 86, Webster 952-461-3355
www.nelsonsapplefarm.com
Open Daily Sept-Oct, Monday-Friday 1 pm-6 pm, Saturday - Sundays 10 am-6 pm.
Re-open day after Thanksgiving for pre-cut and cut-your-own Christmas trees. Pick your own apples - 20 different varieties! Apple barn with pre-picked apples and cider. Weekend wagon rides, corn maze and farm animals. School and senior citizen tours by appointment. U-pick pumpkins in October. Gift shop
Pinehaven Farm
28186 Kettle River Blvd., Wyoming 651-462-1704
www.pinehavenfarm.com
Daily 12 noon-6:30 pm, weekends 10 am- 6:30 pm, Sept. 20-Oct. 31.
Antique Farm and Harvest Festival. Enjoy live music, food, and fun. Also available are farm tours with trips to the pumpkin patch, the pumpkin cannon, and the Kritter Korral.
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
450 Apple Orchard Rd., White Bear Lake 651-429-7202
www.pinetreeappleorchard.com
Open Aug 14- Feb daily.
Picturesque orchard offers a variety of apples, homemade apple bakery/desserts, caramel apples, fresh cider and more. Great for family outings with a corn maze, U-pick pumpkins, live music, a quilting exhibition, Run or Walk for the Apples–Oct. 17 at 9am, wagon rides (Sept. 6-Oct 25), and pony rides (Sept. 19-Oct 11).
Pleasant Valley Orchard
17325 Pleasant Valley Rd., Taylors Falls 651-257-9159
www.pleasantvalleyorchard.com
Open Daily 10am-6 pm. Closed Mondays.
Family-friendly orchard overlooking the scenic St. Croix Valley, features all your favorite Minnesota apple varieties. Gift shop offers pre-picked apples, cider, pumpkins, squash, fall decor, candles, baskets and more Come for Music in the Orchards & Hayrides! Be sure to try our Homemade Apple Pie; the best pie you'll ever have! Picnic tables, nature trail, farm animals, Kids Korral and weekend hayrides. Tours are available by reservation. Located south of Taylors Falls on Pleasant Valley Road (Cty. 26) off US Hwy 8 or 95. Look for signs.
Saint Croix Vineyards
6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater (1/2 mile north of Hwy 36) 651-430-3310
www.scvwines.com
Open mid-April - Dec., Fri & Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 12 noon-6 pm
Our award-wining wines range from barrel-aged reds to semi-sweet whites. Be sure to try our famous Raspberry Infusion desert wine. Our rustic tasting room is in a restored century-old barn. Be sure to visit for the Cheese and Chocolate weekend Nov 21-22nd. For some "messy fun" try the annual Grape Stomp event on September 12th and 13th Come for the public wine tours as well! Located next to Aamodt’s Orchard.
Sever’s Corn Maze & Fall Festival
1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee (just west of Canterbury Park) 952-974-5000
www.severscornmaze.com
Open every Sat & Sun, Sept. 19-Nov. 1, 11am-6 pm
Test your skills in the 14 acre corn maze, plus the world’s largest straw bale maze, exotic animal petting zoo, a pumpkin slinger, hay rides, pig races, pony & camel rides, “Spooky Chambers,” a family-friendly haunted house, live music, food and much more! . Check web for $1 off coupon.
Sponsel’s Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard
8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd., Jordan 952-492-2785
www.minnesotaharvest.net
Open 7 days/wk: 9 am-7 pm
Pre-picked and u-pick apples, 45 varieties – many unusual. Orchard-made caramel, apple butter, honey, jellies, BBQ sauce, pumpkins, pies & delicious bakery selections. Hot lunches, snacks, desserts. Wagon rides, hiking trails, petting farm, pony rides, corn maze. Extended hours on Sat & Sun nights for horseback riding and Campfires with all you can eat BBQ $7 and other food options. Holiday lights display Nov 28.-Dec 28th., Fri, Sat, Sun. Call 952-492-7753 for ticket information.
Whistling Well Farm
8973 St. Croix Trail S., Afton 651-998-0301
www.whistlingwellfarm.com
Seasonal hours: Sept-Oct., 9 am-dark. Apple Fest Oct. 4-5 & 11-12 (9am-6pm)
Located 2 miles south of Afton Alps/Afton State Park on County Rd 21 (St. Croix Trail) and County Rd 76 (90th St). Pick your own pumpkins, fall raspberries and apples. Also fall mums, ornamental corn, corn stalks, straw bales, squash, gourds, honey, dried flowers, caramel apples, gifts and other assorted vegetables. Farm animals for the kids. Live music, children’s activities, farm animals, and more at the Apple Fest!
Return to top Fall Events
6th Annual Wild Rice Festival
Harriet Alexander Nature Center 2520 N. Dale Street, Roseville 651-765-4262
www.CityofRoseville.com/Parks
September 19, 8 am-4 pm.
A celebration of wild rice, Native American culture, and the Minnesota fall season begins with a wild rice pancake breakfast at 8 am, followed by free demonstrations of wild rice harvesting; performances by Native American storyteller and dancers; wild rice sausages and other foods for sale; plus a silent auction.
Annual Johnny Appleseed Bash
Utley Park, Edina (corner of W 50th & Wooddale Ave) 952-920-0595
www.ststephens.com
Saturday, Oct 3, 11 am-4 pm.
Old fashioned outdoor festival for families. There will be live music, pony rides, games for kids, food, and a silent auction. Proceeds for this event benefit St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
Autumn Woods Classic
Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove 763-559-9000
www.threeriversparks.org
Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 am-12 pm.
Family-friendly running event includes 10K run/walk, 10K wheelchair race, 5K run/walk, 1K kids’ run and kids’ dash. Musical entertainment, climbing wall, kids’ obstacle course, face painting, parachute games, nature crafts and displays. Free pumpkins for the first 500 1K runners. Call or visit web to pre-register.
Baker Boo!
Baker Park Reserve Campgrond 2309 County Road 19, Maple Plain 763-559-6700 for reservations. www.threeriversparks.org
Oct 24 at 1pm– Oct 25th Noon.
Enjoy an afternoon of ghoulish games, pumpkin decorating, and scarecrow making. Try out the climbing wall and meet a live owl. Join in the costume parade, decorate your campsite, trick-or-treat around the campground, and visit with costumed characters. Evening family musical entertainment.
Barnyard Boogie
Crystal Community Center 4800 Douglas Dr. N, Crystal 763-531-0052
www.ci.crystal.mn.us/
Friday, October 2, 7-8:30pm.
Parents and children 7 years old and younger come kick up your heels to some fun and crazy songs. A full size petting zoo and refreshments too.
Bayfield Apple Festival
Bayfield, Wisconsin 800-447-4094 – visitor bureau
www.bayfield.org
October 2-4, 10 am-5 pm.
Caramel apple sundaes, apple pie on a stick, dumplings, apple brats, and more along with traditional festival food, plus live entertainment, a full blown carnival, a huge arts & crafts show, and a grand parade.
Boo Bash
Grand Ave, St. Paul 651-699-0029
www.grandave.com
October 25.
Families can enjoy meandering the avenue by foot or by horse drawn hay rides. There will trick-or-treating, fall food samples, costume contests, pumpkin patch, harvest picture taking, sidewalk sales and more.
Build Your Own Scarecrow
All Bachman’s locations 612-861-7311
www.bachmans.com
Sept 19-20 & 26-27.
Build-your-own Scarecrow and register to win door prizes like a family 4-pack to the Twins game on 10/3, Sun Country tickets, and free birdseed for a year. You bring the scarecrow's clothes and we'll take care of the rest (including pole, head and stuffing). Children's petting zoo, at Bachman's Cedar Acres, Farmington, Sept 19 and 20 only, 11 am-4 pm.
Cheese & Apple Festival
Midtown Global Market
E. Lake St & 10th Ave S, Minneapolis 612-872-4041
www.midtownglobalmarket.org
Oct 17, 1-4 pm.
Local growers present their products in a celebration of cheese, apples and autumn produce. There will be recipes, sampling, cooking demonstrations, and more.
Children’s Day at Grimm Farm
Lowry Nature Center 7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria 763-559-6700 for reservations.
www.threeriversparks.org
Sept. 19, Noon-4 p.m.,
Lowry. Come join us for an afternoon on the farm filled with traditional farm life activities, games, crafts, music, horse-drawn wagon rides and food. Discover apple cider making, wood carving, gardening, and more.
Eagle Creek Harvest Fair
The Landing, Shakopee 763-559-6700
www.threeriversparks.org
Sept 5 & 7, 10 am-5 pm, Sept 6, Noon-5 pm.
Join the farmers and townsfolk of Eagle Creek as they celebrate the fruit of their summer labors.
Excelsior Apple Day
Downtown Excelsior 952-474-6461
www.southlake-excelsiorchamber.com
September 12, 9 am-4 pm
Apples, antiques, art, accessories, autumn harvests, awesome edibles, artful entertainment, family fun, Red Wagon and Doll Buggy Parade at Noon. Free parking all day. Used Book Sale at Excelsior Public Library: 8 am-3:30 pm. Free Admission.
Fall Color Tram Rides
Eastman Nature Center - hourly on Sept. 27, 28, Oct. 4,5,8,11, and 12. Baker Park Reserve (inc. lunch) – Sept 23, Oct 6 North Mississippi Regional Park – Oct 17 763-559-6700-reservations www.threeriversparks.org Enjoy open vistas and blazing fall colors on a tractor-drawn tram ride.
Fall Leaf Spectacular
Interstate Park & Dwntwn Taylors Falls 800-467-5717
www.taylorsfallschamber.org
Sept. 27-Oct. 12
Tour the 1855 Folsom House Museum, shop the antique and specialty shops, take the excursion boat cruise, canoe, camp and look for eagles. Bring your camera for the colors.
Farmer Ken’s Pumpkin Patch
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line Linden Hills Station, 42nd & Queen Ave, Minneapolis 952-922-1096
www.trolleyride.org
Oct 24 & 25, 1-4 pm.
Take a trolley ride to the pumpkin patch and pick out your own Halloween pumpkin. $4 fare per child includes pumpkin.
Harvest Howl
Wildlife Science Center 5463 West Broadway, Forest Lake 651-464-3993
www.wildlifesciencecenter.org
October 3, 11:00 am- 5:00 pm
A day of family fun filled with live animal demonstrations, American Indian dancing, pumpkin painting contests, kids games, raffle, demonstration booths, and harvest goods from local vendors, and more!
Lanesboro Barn Dance
Sons of Norway Hall, Lanesboro 507-498-5452
www.boveeheil.com
Sept. 12, 8 pm
This old-fashioned square dance, typical of many of the dances held in the past, in barns, homes and community halls, features live music and calling by Pop Wagner.
New Ulm’s Oktoberfest
New Ulm Holiday Inn and Downtown Toll Free: 877-359-2941
www.newulmoktoberfest.com
Oct. 2-3 and 9-10
Enjoy local, regional, and European entertainment and polka bands, plus German food and locally brewed beer. Horse-drawn trolley rides on Sat and public tours of the August Schell’s Brewery, Minnesota Music Hall of Fame and more.
Return to top Outdoor Explorations
Baker Park Reserve
4001 County Rd. 24, Maple Plain 763-559-6700 for reservations
www.threeriversparks.org
Festival of Lights
Sept. 18, Fri.evening to Sun.evening.
Pack your tents, luminaries, & flashlights! Check in Friday evening & decorate your site! Prizes awarded for best site decorations. Campsite judging begins at dusk on Saturday. Saturday family activities include: nature program, face painting, climbing wall under the stars, & more. Res. Req. Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings 651-437-4359
www.carpenternaturecenter.org
Raptor Release
Sept 26, 10 am-3 pm.
Watch in awe as raptors are returned to the wild! Enjoy hands-on children’s activities and educational displays throughout the day.
Apple Fest
Oct 10-11, 10 am-5 pm. Events planned are for all ages, including hayrides, children’s activities, live animal presentations, fall goods and apple treats galore.
Dakota County Parks
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center 860 Cliff Road, Eagan 952-891-7000
www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/
First Friday Family Nights – 7-8:30 pm, free. Sept 4: Nature Bingo – fun for all ages.
Dodge Nature Center
365 W. Marie Ave., West St. Paul 651-455-4531
www.dodgenaturecenter.org
Oct. 10, 1-2:30pm.
Family Adventures in Nature: Fall Harvest. Fall means apples and none taste better than those fresh off the tree. Visit one of Dodge's orchards and pick some apples to crank out a batch of fresh-pressed cider. Especially for grades K-3, but can be enjoyed by all ages!
Eastman Nature Center
Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton 763-559-6700-reservations
www.threeriversparks.org
Fall Color Tram Tour
Sept. 20, 26, 27, Oct. 3, 4 and 11 at 1, 2, 3 and 4 pm.
Enjoy open vistas and blazing fall colors on a tractor-drawn tram ride. Great activity for grandparents and families. Apple cidering demonstrations between 1-4 pm Sundays.
Little Folks Tram Ride
Sept 29, 10 am-noon. Grab an adult and your favorite stuffed animal and head out for a fall color tram ride, scavenger hunt, and apple cidering! Reservations required. Ages 3-6, plus adult.
Harvest Crafts
Oct 25, 1-2:30 pm.Use parts of plants to make seed art pictures, corn husk or grass dolls, milkweed pod mice and decorate a mini pumpkin to add a festive touch to fall.
Eidem Homestead
Brooklyn Park Historical Farm 4345 101 Avenue N., Brooklyn Park 763-493-8333
www.brooklynpark.org
Apple Cider Day with 1860's Baseball Exhibition
Sept. 20, 1-4 pm
Fall on the Farm
Oct. 18, 1-4 pm. Take a hayride, bob for apples, visit the farm animals, see demonstrations in quilting, and try the pumpkin carving contest and tasty treats from the kitchen's wood stove.
Gale Woods Farm
7210 CR-110 West, Minnetrista 763-694-2001
www.threeriversparks.org
Wagon Ride and Bonfires
Oct 3, 6:30-8:30 pm.
Celebrate the harvest at the farm with a tractor ride. Explore the hay maze and tour the barn. A bonfire and S'mores will warm you under the beauty of the fall moon.
Celebrate the Harvest and Fiber Arts Fair
Oct 10, 10 am-5 pm, Oct 11, 10 am-3 pm
Tour the orchard and taste the bounty. Watch the amazing skill of border collies and their trainers perform herding demonstrations. Enjoy a wagon ride, meet the farm animals, and play farm games. Plus fiber artists, local food vendors and concessions.
Halloween Farm Fun
Oct 24, 5-9:30 pm.
Take a horse-drawn wagon ride. Walk through the haunted trail. Meet a live owl and farm animals, and hear stories around the bonfire. Make a nature craft, play nature games, and have Halloween treats from the farm. Come in costume! Start time is reserved for wagon ride; other activities ongoing.
Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life
2097 W. Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights 651-646-8629
www.rchs.com
Apple Festival
Oct 3-4, noon-4 pm.
Try apple games, apple crafts, apple activities, apple food. Meet Johnny Appleseed and enjoy a hayride tour of the site.
The Landing
2187 E. Highway 101, Shakopee 763-694-7784
www.threeriversparks.org
Minnesota River Walk September 27, noon-4 pm.
Walk the scenic Minnesota River Trail and enjoy the beauty of autumn. Visitors are invited to tour several historic buildings in the Village of Eagle Creek. Enjoy an easel art activity with watercolors and a memorable view! Hear Shape Note music at the Town Hall Enter park through West Entrance.
Lowry Nature Center
7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria 763-559-6700 for reservations.
www.threeriversparks.org
Off the Beaten Path: Butterflies
Sept. 6, 1pm- 2:30pm
Explore off the beaten path in search of butterflies. Use butterfly nests to catch and release. An monarch caught will be tagged, as part of an ongoing research project.
Raptors in the Yard
Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, 2-4 p.m.
Meet a captive merlin and barred owl up close and personal and learn about these amazing birds of prey. Cameras welcome.
Walk When the Moon is Full – Falling Leaf Moon
Observe tree silhouettes by twilight and identify falling leaves. Smell the changes autumn brings, and sharpen your senses on this night hike with a naturalist.
Oct 4, 6:30-8 pm.
Walk in the Park
A naturalist-guided walk through rustling leaves. Visit a cattail marsh, boardwalk, and maple woods. Learn about nature’s preparation for winter. Make leaf art.
Sundays, 1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 4– Falling Leaf Fun. Nov. 1– Seasonal Changes
Amazing Pumpking Carving
Oct 24, 1-3 pm.
Pumpkins, carving tools, patterns and step-by-step directions provided. Children under 12 need to work alongside an adult.
Maplewood Nature Center and Neighborhood Preserves
2659 E. 7th St., Maplewood 651-249-2170 - Call to register.
www.ci.maplewood.mn.us
Going Green With Granny
Sept 12. 10-11:30am.
Hands on – outdoor cooperative learning class for kids and those who are still kids at heart!! Fine tune your senses for animal watching in the woods and pond.
Halloween Hike
Oct 16, 7-9 pm.
Participate in some “batty” activities as you hike the nature trail at night with no flashlights and meet some giant nature characters. Stories and have treats around the campfire. Ages 5-10
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska 952-443-1400
www.arboretum.umn.edu/
Family Fun: Marvelous Marsh
Weekends, Sept 5-27, noon-4 pm.
Learn all about marsh plants and make a cattail creation.
Thursday Happy Hour in the Gardens
Sept 24, Oct 1st, Oct 8th, Oct 15th 4:30-6pm.
Enjoy specially priced wines and beers on the Restaurant's Newton Terrace.
Pumpkin Palooza Weekend
October 24 & 25, 8am-6 pm.
Celebrate fall with this event-filled weekend of pumpkin-carving and screenings of "Bill's Big Pumpkins" documentary about champion pumpkin grower Bill Foss of Buffalo. Screenings at 1 and 2:30 pm each day.
Noerenberg Memorial Gardens
2865 North Shore Drive, Orono 763-559-6700
www.threeriversparks.org
Daylily Sale August 19, 8am-6:30 pm.
Visit the gardens and leave with Lilies! Choose from a large selection of varieties including fragrant, semi-evergreen, evergreen, spider, and double flower. $8 each!
North Mississippi Regional Park
4900 Mississippi Court, Mpls. 763-694-7693
www.threeriversparks.org
Heritage Days
Sept 19, 1-5 pm.
Celebrate the rich cultural history of the Mississippi River. Enjoy a picnic dinner, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a performance by the Workhouse Theatre Company and music by Charlie Maguire. Watch apple cidering, rope- and shingle-making demonstrations. Try building a log cabin and using a wash board and rug beater. Become a lumber Jack/Jill to saw and brand logs and test your balance. Have old-fashion fun walking on stilts, making a cornhusk dolls and running the obstacle course.
Free Family Fundays
Sundays 1-3 pm. Sept 20-Leaves & Trees.
Make special leaf art. Sept 27-Nuts About Squirrels. Find out how they operate. Oct. 4-Space Messages. Learn about deep space and hear stories of the constellations.
Richardson Nature Center
8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington 763-694-7676
www.threeriversparks.org
Canoe When the Moon Is Full
Sept 4, 6:30-8:30 pm at Lake Rebecca, Oct 4, 5:30-7:30 pm at Hyland Lake.
As the sun sets, glow sticks light up the canoes across the lake. Watch for deer, muskrats, herons, and other wildlife while being entertained with stories of the full moon.
Adult/Child Apple Cidering
Sept 10 10-11:30am
Explore learning stations related to apples, seeds, and nuts. Enjoy learning how to use a cider press. Smell and taste the sweetness of freshly pressed apple cider. Enjoy a hike to explore other fruits being harvested by wildlife. Please bring two apples per person to press. $5
Chairlift Rides
Oct 2, 5-9pm, Oct 3, 4-9 pm.
Experience the spectacular views during sunset as you ride a chairlift to the top. At the top of the hill, warm up by a campfire, look through a telescope or a spotting scope, meet a live raptor and walk down a lantern-lit hill. From 6:30-8:30 p.m. enjoy live folk music by Pigs' Eye Landing. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the view.
Adult/ Child Pumpkins
Oct 14, 10am-11:30am.
Pumpkin printing and sensory activity stations that explore seeds, fruits, and nuts. Hike in search of fall's harvest while discovering animals preparing for winter.
Springbrook Nature Center
100 85th Ave. NE, Fridley 763-572-3588
http://springbrooknaturecenter.org
Animal Feeding
Saturdays, 10-11am.
All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process. Free.
Warner Nature Center
15375 Norell Ave. N, Marine-on-St-Croix 651-433-2427 x10
www.smm.org/warnernaturecenter
Trailside Club Family Programs
Stories, puppet shows, crafts and hikes for families with children ages 3 to 9. Sept 12, 9:30-11:30 am-
Bug’s World. Oct 16, 6:30-8:30 pm-Furry Fliers.
Fall Color Blast
Oct 4, 1-5 pm. Enjoy the forests and bog, canoe on Lake Terrapin, ride on a solar-powered pontoon boat, watch a puppet show, and enjoy some tasty fall treats!.
Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 West Franklin Avenue, St. Louis Park 952/924-2544
www.stlouispark.org/westwood_programs.htm
Bug Off!
Sept 12,1-3pm.
With nets, bug boxes and magnifying glasses we’ll take to the trails. Then create your own buggy art to take home or display.
Leaf Printing
Oct. 10, 1-3 pm.
Learn how to capture the beauty of a leaf on fabric! Hike and learn about the trees. Bring a light-colored T-shirt or fabric to print on.
Scavenger Hunt & Fireside Cooking
Oct. 24, 4pm-6pm.
Engage your eyes, ears and nose and challenge yourself on this scavenger hunt then enjoy a cookout around the fire – campfire food provided, you do the cooking.
Wood Lake Nature Center
6710 Lake Shore Dr., Richfield 612-861-9365
www.woodlakenaturecenter.org
Bird Hike
Sept 24, 6-7:30 pm.
Enjoy an educational and leisurely walk through the nature center on a guided bird hike. Both amateur and advanced bird watchers are welcome! Binoculars and field guides are available for loan.
Sunday Specials
Sundays, 1-2:30 pm or 3-4:30 pm. Sept 13 & 20 – Honey Harvest. Sept 27 & Oct 4 – Apples Aplenty.
Return to top Spooky Times
All Hallows Eve
Gibbs Museum of Pioneer & Dakotah Life 2097 W. Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights 651-646-8629
www.rchs.com
October 24, 6-9:30 pm.
Spend an evening recreating the Halloween experiences of years gone by. With special lantern tour, spine-tingling tales, fortune and old-time refreshments. Tickets by reservation only. Ages 5+
Anoka Halloween Parades & Celebration
763-427-1861
www.anokahalloween.com
Oct. 24, 7 pm:
Light Up the Night Parade Oct. 30, 1:15 pm: Big Parade of Little People Oct. 31, 10am-1 pm: Spooktacular Carnival, 1pm – Grand Day Parade. The entire town goes mad for Halloween - Oct 14-31. Experience house decoration contest, children’s pumpkin carving contest, three parades, Haunted House, Pumpkin Bowl, Grey Ghost 5K Run & 1 Mile Fitness Walk and much more.
Ar-BOO-retum Halloween
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska 952-443-1400
www.arboretum.umn.edu/
Oct. 31, 8 am-4:30 pm.
Free admission for everyone arriving in costume; free apple at the Gift Store for trick or treaters and other fun activities for little ghosts and goblins.
A Big Woods Halloween
Eastman Nature Center Elm Creek Park Reserve, Dayton 763-559-6700 reservations
www.threeriversparks.org
Oct 24, For the Little Folks: 10 am-1 pm, ongoing.
Stroll a woodland trail in search of animal surprises. Fun games, craft, costumed characters and treats. For older kids: 6-9 pm. Visit with non-scary, animal-costumed characters on the trail. Floating pumpkins lead you to refreshments at the crackling bonfire. Meet a live owl, play bone bingo and other Halloween games. Be amazed by the fire spinners show.
Candlelight Ghostwalk
The Landing , 2187 E. Highway 101, Shakopee 763-694-7784
www.threeriversparks.org
Oct 23, 5-9 pm.
Listen as costumed interpreters share folk tales, legends, superstition, and history on Eagle Creek’s candlelit streets.
Children’s Museum Halloween
7th & Wabasha Sts., downtown St. Paul. 651-225-6035 to RSVP
www.mcm.org
Halloween Spooktacular Parties
Oct 24-25 & 31, 6-8:30 pm. Oct 26, 10 am-12:30 pm.
Explore Spooky Woods and more as you trick-or-treat around the Museum. Experiment with slimy, sticky and misty chemistry activities and take home your creation. Join in Halloween-themed carnival games.
Pre-Halloween Spooktacular Pizza Party
Oct. 27 & 28, 5:15-6 pm and 12:30-1:45 on Oct 26.
Gobble up pizza, carrots and lemonade. Prepaid reservations required; space limited.
Spooky Woods
Oct. 20-Nov 1, 10-12:30 pm., 9:15 am-4:45 pm, timed entrance every 15 min.
Earth World gallery becomes the Spooky Woods with spider web, eerie Ant Hill maze and swampy bog. Try a glow-in-the-dark costume! Plus creepy, crawly animal programs with spiders, cockroaches, rats or snakes.
Frightmares Halloween 2009
Buck Hill, 15400 Buck Hill Rd, Burnsville 952-435-7174
www.frightmares.com
Sept 25 & 26, Oct 2-4, 9-11, 15-18, 21-25, 28-31. 7 pm-midnight.
Four frightfully-scary haunts, including a 3D experience and a ride up Buck Hill’s “magic carpet” ski lift. Walk back through the “Haunted Hollows” graveyard. Plus bonfire and refreshments. Ages 13+.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St, St. Paul 651-292-3225
www.landmarkcenter.org
Oct 25, 1 pm.
Enjoy all things Halloween, including storytelling, music, art projects, a costume parade and more! Dress up and join in the fun, free!
Half-Haunted Halloween
Wood Lake Nature Center 6710 Lake Shore Dr., Richfield 612-861-9365
www.woodlakenaturecenter.org
Oct 17, 3-7:30pm.
Celebrate Halloween with a family friendly trick-or-treat trail and games, entertainment, and refreshments at the Nature center.
Halloween 1900 Style
Eidem Homestead 4345 101 Ave N., Brooklyn Park 763-493-8333
www.brooklynpark.org
Oct 30, 7-9pm.
There will be stories, a bonfire, barn dance, decorations and treats. Come and enjoy some old fashion Halloween fun.
Halloween Boo-tique
Arc Hennepin Value Village Thrift Stores Richfield, New Hope, Brooklyn Center, St.Paul 612-861-9550 www.arcsvaluevillage.org
Sept. 24-Oct. 31 – Annual Halloween costume sale. Costumes, accessories, and props collected all year for annual sale.
Halloween Extravaganza
Dodge Nature Center 365 W. Marie Ave., West St. Paul 651-455-4531
www.dodgenaturecenter.org
Oct, 30, 6:30-9:30 pm.
Walk the friendly trick or treat trail, or the scary trail along the ghostly pond and haunted prairie. Family fun activities include skits, face painting, music, and a costume contest for different ages.
Halloween Ghost Trolley
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line Linden Hills Station, 42nd & Queen Ave, Minneapolis 952-922-1096
www.trolleyride.org
Oct 16-17, 23-24, 30, 6-9 pm.
Have fun on a not-too-scary streetcar ride between Lakes Harriet and Calhoun.
Halloween Haunt at Valleyscare
Valleyfair Amusement Park, Shakopee 952-445-6500
www.valleyscare.com
Fri, 7-12 am, Sat, noon-12 am, Sun, 6 pm-12 pm, Sept 26-Nov 1.
Featuring indoor mazes, outdoor scare zones and more than 200 live monsters. Plus select rides and attractions will be open. Saturday days attractions and activities are suitable for all ages.
Halloween in Clay
Northern Clay Center 2424 Franklin Ave E, Minneapolis 612-339-8007
www.northernclaycenter.org
Oct 3, 9 am-noon or 1-4 pm.
Make funny, spooky, and silly masks and decorations, just in time for Halloween. Decorate with brightly colored glazes and stains. For ages 6-600.
Halloween Spooktacular
Crystal Community Center 4800 Douglas Drive N, Crystal 763-531-0052
www.ci.crystal.mn.us
Oct 24.
Come in costume for games, prizes, music and treats. Space is limited. Ages 4-6: Check-in begins 9:40 am; program ends 11:30 am. Must be accompanied by an adult Ages 7-9: Check-in begins 12:40 pm; program ends 2:30 pm. Oct. 23, 7-9:30 pm. Monster Mash Dance - Music, contests, prizes, and fun with a DJ. Concessions will be sold. Costume contest – winners will receive a Target gift card! For kids in grades 5-7.
HallZOOween
Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley 952-431-9500
www.mnzoo.org
Oct 27-28, 9 am-4 pm.
Come to the Zoo for a day of music, crafts, and safe trick or treating! Even the animals will enjoy some pumpkin action.
Howl-O-Ween
Wildlife Science Center 5463 West Broadway, Forest Lake 651-464-3993
www.wildlifesciencecenter.org
Oct, 24, Noon-4 pm.
Trick-or-treat among owls, wolves and bears. Walk through a haunted barn or sip apple cider by a campfire. Show off your costume, decorate a trick-or-treat bag. Lots of fabulous treats and spooky fun.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River 763-441-6896
www.mnhs.org
Oct 23, 8 pm, Oct 24, 6:30 pm & 8 pm.
Costumed actors perform a reader’s theatre of Washington Irving’s horror classic in the barn. Refreshments served. Not recommended for under age 10. Dress for the weather.
Minneapolis Horror–Tales from the Night Shift
Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd St, Mpls. 612-341-7555
www.millcitymuseum.org
Oct. 26-28, at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 pm.
Take a tour of Washburn A Mill featuring costumed actors and dramatized readings about the dangers of working the night shift and the horrific disasters that have befallen the mill over the years.
The Nature of Halloween
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings
651-437-4359
www.carpenternaturecenter.org
Oct. 30, 6:30–8 pm.
Why do pumpkins scare away the evil spirits? Follow storyteller Roy Edward Power as he takes you about the grounds in search of Halloween. Dress for weather.
Nightmare Halloween Hayride & Haunted House
Pinehaven Farms 30 min N of St. Paul, frontage road off I-35, Exit 135
www.NightmareHalloween.com
651-462-7279 Oct 2-3, 9-11, 15-18, 21-31, weeknites 7-9 pm, Fri/Sat 7-11 pm.
Get a fright on the mile-long haunted hayride deep into the forest. Enter the Haunted House, if you dare! New – Family Witching Hour is 7-8 pm.
Old Fashioned Trick or Treat
The Landing 2187 E. Highway 101, Shakopee 763-694-7784
www.threeriversparks.org
October 24, 4-8 pm
Enjoy a horse-drawn trolley ride, then walk to twenty historic buildings along candle lit paths. Collect a variety of traditional treats and toys. Finish your celebration with cider, cookies and stories. Call for reservations.
Pumpkin Night in the Park
Springbrook Nature Center 100 85th Ave. NE, Fridley 763-572-3588
www.springbrooknaturecenter.org
Oct 17, 6 pm-10 pm.
Indoor Trail of Spooky Delights, Pumpkin Patch Dance with DJ, Enchanted Outdoor Trail, Hundreds of Carved Pumpkins, and Roadkill Café.
Shadows and Spirits of the State Capitol
Minnesota State Capitol Building 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul 651-296-2881
www.mnhs.org
Oct. 15-17, 22,-24, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm.
View the eerily lit, shadowy building on special evening tours. Meet historical “spirits” who will tell tales of the Capitol’s early years. Not recommended for small children. Call for reservations.
Trail of Terror
3 miles south of Shakopee on Hwy 169 952-445-7361
www.trailofterrorfest.com
October 10-12 16-19, 23-26, 30-31 & Nov 1, 7-11 pm
Scream with horror in the frightening halls of a 3/4-mile indoor maze, on the ghoul-infested trails on the haunted hayride. Plus bonfire, music, contests, games, and food! Lil Monster Matinee- Oct 26, 5-7pm. Trick or Treating, Pumpkin Decorating, Bonfire, Storytelling & other family friendly events.
Victorian Ghost Stories
James J. Hill House 240 Summit Ave, St. Paul
651-297-2555 Reservations
www.mnhs.org
Oct. 18, 25, Nov 1, 6 & 7:30 pm.
Costumed actors will perform a readers’ theater of ghost stories from Edgar Allan Poe, Edith Wharton, O. Henry and others in the dimly lit Hill House. Iincludes tour and hot cider. Not recommended for children under 10.
Wabasha Street Caves Ghosts and Graves Tour
215 Wabasha St S Saint Paul 651-224-1191
www.wabashastreetcaves.com
Weekend evenings in October – call for hours.A one and a half hour deluxe motor coach tour of St. Paul, with a costumed guide sharing stories of haunted sites, historic murders, and a tour of the St. Paul Cemetery.
Zoo Boo
Como Zoo, St. Paul 651-487-8226
www.comozooconservatory.org
Oct 17-18, & 23-25, 4:30-7:30 pm.
A safe and spook-tacular trick or treating alternative! Over 200 costumed characters to hand out special treats in a world of fairytales Advance tickets: $6 per person after Oct 1 at Cub Foods. Night of the event: $7 per person.
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