explore minnesota | minnesota explorer | festive fall | aerial view of a winding road disappearing in yellow, orange, red, and green trees

apples + pumpkins + leaves

can't talk right now, doing road trip things

September officially triggers that urge to grab your sweaters, warm your tea, and plan how you're going to see some fall leaves. We can help you with that last one! You'll find a few fave spots, along with some lesser-known gems, when you check out these top 10 fall color drives in Minnesota.

FOLLOW THE RAINBOW

Four people in fall clothing hold Oktoberfest steins while walking at a festival.

pretzels, polkas, and a glockenspiel

Oktoberfest is way bigger now than just Munich’s centuries-old origins, and there are plenty of celebrations right here in Minnesota. So grab a stein, put on some lederhosen, and shout “Prost!” the German way throughout the state.

DISCOVER TOP OKTOBERFESTS

A theater production cast in red, blue, and yellow outfits sing a song on a rusty overturned boat

bringing the house down

Yesss, Purple Rain finally steps into the Minneapolis limelight (even before Broadway!) this Fall, as do over a dozen other productions in the Twin Cities alone. Every season is theater season, but Fall 2025 is really delivering. Check out our editor’s picks for the shows you won’t want to miss!

SEE THE THEATER ROUND-UP

blurry or bokeh orange and yellow leaves in the foreground. yellow trees on a rocky cliff leading to a peachy colored lighthouse in the background.

come on baby, let's get away

When it comes to fall colors, the North Shore is just built different. If you only have time for one fall leaf escapade, the North Shore’s charming small towns, colorful art tours, and endless opportunities to explore outside make it a must-visit.

ENJOY THE NORTH SHORE

woman in knit sweater and brown knit cap walks away from camera in a green and gold grassy field towards beautiful yellow fall trees.

travel inspiration

FALL COLORS
(THAT AREN'T THE NORTH SHORE)

Vibe the fall leaves on one of Stillwater’s riverboat cruises

Explore the rust, maroon, and golden native grasses in Luverne

Get a bird’s eye view from the fire tower in Minnesota’s largest state park

FIND MORE FALL COLORS

STITCH INCOMING

Threads repost image: Hey everyone. The @mnstatefair is over. Thank you for respecting our privacy while we transition our personality to fall colors.

LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS >>

kid (and kid at heart) activities

FALL EDITION

Toddler in pink knit cap and pink & blue Minnie Mouse sweater colors on a pumpkin

pumpkin patches

Minnesota farmers grow some of the best pumpkins in the country, from awe-inspiring giant pumpkins to artisanal heirlooms, gourds and everything in between. Whether you prefer pumpkin pies, corn mazes or hay rides, here’s one thing we can all agree on: Your family will love exploring these Minnesota pumpkin patches.

FIND YOUR PATCH >>

Hand holding a perfectly red apple up in the foreground. In the background, rows of apple trees can be seen.

apple orchards

With dozens of open-to-the-public orchards around the state, you have your choice of experience from the austere (pick your apples and get out) to the theme park (apple trees in the parking lot, with the emphasis on fairground rides and extensive apple-related merchandise) and everything in between.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN APPLE >>

Parent and tween navigating a golden corn maze with a map and pen.

corn mazes

The directionally challenged can put their fears aside. While navigating a circuitous journey through 7-foot-tall stalks of corn can lead to some dead ends, most mazes offer maps and clues as guides. Often there are scavenger hunts and games to make it more interesting for the older kiddos.

GET LOST IN A-MAIZE-ING MAZES >>

fall adventures

HOW TO RENFEST

Person with a dark black mustache smizes at the camera in a curly white Renaissance wig, white face paint and red rouge.

your ultimate guide to the minnesota renaissance festival. huzzah!

EXPLORE THE REALM

fun fact corner

FOR THE MINNESOTA TRIVIA FANATIC

a whopping 29 apple varieties have been created at the university of minnesota, thanks to the apple breeding program that began in 1878.

PICK YOUR PERFECT APPLE >>

our partners

CLICK-WORTHY SPONSORED CONTENT

Paid Partner banner from Minnesota Historical Society. Arts and culture of the Ojibwe. LEARN MORE.

Paid Partner banner from Mid-America Festivals. Your Adventure Begins Here! Open weekends Aug 16-Sept 28 + Sept 1 & Sept 26

Paid Partner banner from Westopolis. Around here, life is SWEET! Let's GO!

related content

MORE FALL FUN

🌟 Find the best fall golf courses >>

🌟 Witness Minnesota's spectacular fall migration >>

🌟 Uncover one of Minnesota’s most magical attractions >>

from top to bottom: White Sky Rock trail in Lutsen, photo by Melissa Teng | Schell's Biergarten in New Ulm, photo by Paul Vincent | Once on this Island at Artistry in Bloomington, photo by Joan Marcus | Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, photo by Jared Laabs | Great River Bluffs State Park in Winona, photo by Zane Spang | Explore Minnesota Threads post | Woodbury Lakes Harvest Hop, photo by Destination Woodbury | Timberlake Orchard in Fairmont, photo by Samantha Vilendrer courtesy of Visit Fairmont | Sever's Corn Maze in Shakopee, photo by Sever's | Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, photo by Andrew Parks

Minnesota designed playing cards, and a light canvas Star of the North tote

MINNESOTA HAS GREAT LAKES & GREAT MERCH. SHOP NOW >>

YOUR TEN MUST-DO THINGS THIS FALL IN MINNESOTA >>

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