15+ Ideas for Fall Fun in the Twin Cities

When it comes to celebrating Halloween, it’s hard to beat the Twin Cities Gateway. After all, Anoka is widely known and deservedly recognized as the Halloween Capital of the World, because locals celebrate October with over-the-top Halloween decorations, a festive sense of ghoulish pride, and numerous activities. What started in the 1920s as a way to divert youngsters from Halloween pranks has grown into a traditional month-long celebration of community fun with parades, movie nights, bonfires, costume contests, and much more. Ghost stories are spookiest when based on fact. The Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tour is full of haunted tales about early settlers and pioneers. Each October, knowledgeable guides lead a tour through the haunted spots and share stories of those who came before. Be sure to bring your own flashlights and cameras to possibly catch a ghost on film. Older children are welcome to join the tour. For ghastly fun the whole family can enjoy, don’t miss Pumpkin Night in the Park at the Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley. As nocturnal animals creep in the night, take part in pumpkin-carving activities, watch fire dancers, dance among pumpkins, play spooky bingo, or hike past more than 1,000 jack-o-lanterns along an enchanted trail.

Grown-ups sometimes need a time-out. Grab your sweetie or best friend and head to any of the Twin Cities Gateway’s award-winning breweries, taprooms and/or wine tasting rooms to sip and savor some together time. 10K Brewing in Anoka aims to make the nicest beer possible, in keeping with “Minnesota Nice” values. All beers use as many local ingredients and resources as possible and a new beer is produced each week. Alloy Brewing Company, Coon Rapids’ first brewery and taproom, produces a variety of beer styles from stouts to IPAs, European lagers, and even fruit beer. Invictus Brewing in Blaine is known for its expansive and convenient setting near the National Sports Center. Try a wide variety of craft beers, plus its apple ale and seltzers. Come hungry and enjoy a delicious variety of food at Tipsy Steer, a locally owned spot serving up sassy brew food inside Invictus. Forgotten Star Brew Co. in Fridley is a brewery and taproom fashioned from a 1940s pump company that was converted to manufacturing canon for the navy during WWII. Enjoy its refreshing line of beers in the large indoor space or out on the seasonal patio, plus come back in the inter for ice skating, broomball and curling. Willow Tree Winery in Ham Lake offers a park-like setting on a family farm. The tasting room pours wines made from cold-climate grapes and local produce like rhubarb and strawberry. Cheers!

It’s no wonder why so many people claim autumn as their favorite season since there’s arguably nothing better than a tranquil stroll through the woods on a gorgeous fall day: The crisp air, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot, the contrast of bright gold, orange and red leaves against a bright blue sky! Dozens of parks in the Twin Cities Gateway provide ample opportunity for you to enjoy fall colors, wildlife, birding, and the great outdoors, yet two stand out among the very best. Both serve the great outdoors alongside nature-based activities. Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes is a breathtaking setting that offers everyday adventures such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Nordic walking, and snowshoeing alongside special events like a fall festival, 5k run/walk, and costume party. Fall youth activities and enrichment programs include survival basics, night hikes, and an open mic campfire. Over at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley, three miles of hiking trails meander through oak and aspen forest, past prairies, and through wetlands with floating boardwalks; each environment offers a different glimpse of native plants and wildlife. Snakes, frogs, and other creatures are always on display in the Interpretive Center. Programs that celebrate nature, wildlife, and environmentalism are offered for all ages from toddler to adults.