September in the Willmar Lakes Area still feels a little like summer. The days are often warm and sunny, the lakes are still calling, and the first hints of fall are beginning to appear across the landscape. By October, the countryside has taken on the rich colors of the season, bringing a whole new reason to get out and explore.
There’s no need to wait for peak color to make a weekend of it. In Willmar, wander the trails at Robbins Island Regional Park, nestled between Foot Lake and Willmar Lake. Prefer to explore on two wheels? Ride the trails at Robbins Island or the Eagle Lake Trail or follow the paved Glacial Lakes State Trail as it makes its way through Willmar, Spicer, and New London.
Back in town, Willmar’s locally owned restaurants bring an impressive variety to the table, from Mexican and Somali cuisine to classic American favorites. Two local breweries offer another reason to linger, whether you stop in after a day outside or make an evening of it.
Follow the trail—or the road—to Spicer, where Green Lake sets the scene. Early fall may still find boats cruising the lake and anglers casting a line, while the Glacial Lakes State Trail passes right through town. Grab lunch, spend some time along the water, or simply enjoy a September afternoon that hasn’t quite let go of summer.
Continue north to New London, where the Middle Fork of the Crow River winds right through town. On a warm fall day, see it from a kayak as you paddle beneath tree-lined banks beginning to show the colors of the season. Back in town, browse locally owned shops, grab something to eat, or stop for a beer at the local brewery.
From New London, it’s a short drive to Sibley State Park. This is where you may want the hiking shoes. Trails cross the park’s rolling landscape, but the view from Mount Tom is hard to pass up. Climb the observation tower and look out over lakes, farmland, and the changing colors of west central Minnesota.
The next day, take your pick. Fall is one of the best times to tee off at one of the area’s five golf courses, head back to the water, or spend a little more time exploring Willmar, Spicer, and New London.
That’s the beauty of a fall getaway here. The lakes, trails, and communities are close enough to experience together, but there’s enough to keep you from feeling like you’ve seen it all in a day.
And at just 90 minutes west of the Twin Cities, the Willmar Lakes Area is close enough for a weekend away—and worth staying an extra day.
