My favorite season has arrived! In its honor, I’m running down my favorite autumn adventures for this year. If you’re looking for something fun to do outdoors before the temps drop and we’re all complaining about how miserably cold we are, check out my favorites below.
Frontenac State Park
Although I usually love hiking in northern Minnesota, I thought it was about time I explore what southeast Minnesota has to offer. We spent the afternoon at Frontenac State Park, pleasantly surprised by the mix of bluffs and prairie we saw. The Hiking Club trail was a nice 3-mile loop that takes you through scenic overlooks of the river, beautiful sights of the prairie and everything in between.
Red Wing, Minnesota
When you’re done exploring Frontenac, drive 10 minutes north into the historic river town of Red Wing where you can:
- Grab a bite to eat at Oliver’s Wine Bar or Kelly’s Tap House
- See the St. Jame’s Hotel or the Red Wing Shoe Museum
- Spend all your money at the Duluth Trading Post outlet
- Try some treats at Hanisch Bakery or craft beer at Red Wing Brewery
Minnesota Harvest Orchard + Jordan, Minnesota
What’s fall without a trip to the apple orchard? I hadn’t been in so long, so this was a must for me this year! I loved my first time at Minnesota Harvest Orchard just outside of Jordan, complete with wagon rides, corn mazes, apple picking, a hard cider bar and a petting zoo. From walking through the orchard, they have a really wide selection and make it really easy to fall in love with all of the classic, cliche pieces of autumn.
If you’re looking for more fun in Jordan, you can’t go wrong with the state’s largest candy store. Yep, you read that right.
Happy fall, y’all!
Rachel Enerson 