Whether you are a Halloween-lover or a Halloween-hater, nobody can deny the magic it holds during the fall. It goes without saying that Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States, and for good reason. It’s filled with candy, costumes, friends and cozy weather. Everyone deserves a great Halloween, which is why I put together a list of five of the best places to go during the fall season.
#1: Minnetonka Apple Orchard
This fall I had the pleasure of visiting the Minnetonka Apple Orchard. As you can tell from their name, they specialize in a pick-your-own-apple experience. This is a classic fall activity to do with your family, friends or significant other. If the idea of picking apples doesn’t excite you, they have many other fall-related activities. For example, they have tractor rides and a cozy retail hut where you can waste all of your money. Not to mention they have the most delicious apple donuts you will ever eat. After placing a single one in my mouth, I was convinced that it was the best thing I had ever eaten. The Minnetonka Apple Orchard has something for everyone and has food of all kinds. The apple orchard is the perfect place to be on a crisp fall morning, and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
#2: Screamtown
If cute fall activities aren’t your thing and you are craving something scary, Screamtown is the place for you. They have the most frightening haunted houses you will step foot in, and they seriously had me shaking by the end. But the special part about them are the themes. They have different houses based on classic horror characters — but with a twist. Houses include nuns, psychedelic clowns, a haunted forest, a Krampus themed house (which features a kidnapped Santa) and a maze filled with chainsaw-wielding killers. Although this does seem like a lot of fun, be warned, they aren’t for the faint of heart. I like to consider myself a horror fan, but Screamtown had me seriously freaked out. Not to mention they also had actors dressed in costumes outside the houses trying to scare you. They were running around with chainsaws and fake knives, so if you aren’t a fan of the scary I wouldn’t recommend this to you.
#3: Twin Cities Harvest Festival
Located in Brooklyn Park is the fall-lover’s dream, the Harvest Festival. Here lies not only Minnesota’s largest corn maze but a petting zoo, inflatables, yard games, a pumpkin patch, a giant corn pit and copious amounts of food. There is so much to do so you definitely have to dedicate a full day to the festival, but it is definitely worth it. It’s a great place to bring anyone for some quality bonding and fun. After a full day of fun you can also head over to one of their drink stands and get some hot chocolate or cider to warm your soul. Although it is an area that is full of kids, there is no age limit to the fun at the Harvest Festival. Everyone is welcome and everyone is guaranteed to have a blast.
#4: Minnesota Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
During the fall, the Minnesota Zoo hosts an evening pumpkin trail event which features beautifully carved pumpkins from local artists. This is one of my favorite spots on the list and it wouldn’t be fair to not include it. If you are a fan (or are appreciative of art in any way), I can assure that you would have fun. The trail is such a gorgeous place during the fall and it is perfect for that crisp day where all you want to do is be outside. Walking through this magical place left me with a smile on my face that lasted all evening and left my camera filled with pictures of pumpkins. Even though it is beautiful to look at, you have to consider that the trail takes 40-50 minutes to complete, so I wouldn’t recommend bringing any small children that would have a hard time with staying awake and walking. If you do want to bring your little siblings, the Minnesota Zoo has golf carts available for rent, but they are first-come, first-served. Although it might not be a spot for everyone in your family to go, I still think everyone should consider visiting this beautiful place.
#5: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The arboretum is such a beautiful place to go during the fall. With colorful trees, chilly weather and beautiful landscapes, you would be crazy not to go. Grab your best friend and spend some quality time not only walking around the trees, but admiring their scarecrow exhibit. They have unique scarecrow sculptures made by staff, locals and Bachman’s Floral. They are all beautiful and unlike anything you will have seen. You are also able to vote on your favorite, and the maker wins bragging rights and a small trophy. It’s not a huge event, but it’s a way to support your local artists and to have fun while doing so. This spot isn’t very time consuming so you won’t have to dedicate a full day like some of the other spots on this list. It’s perfect if all you want to do is have a quick walk around the garden.
