Minnesota knows how to do fall right. There’s a snap in the air, cider in the cup, and 100 ways to stretch your legs—or simply put your feet up. From scenic shoreline hikes and cozy cabins to cheese tastings and yarn shops, we’ve rounded up four different ways to embrace the season. Choose your fall personality—outdoor explorer, cozy creative, culinary nomad, or small-town seeker—and let the leaves lead the way. Your autumn adventure starts here.
Photo by Ben Threinen
The Outdoor Explorer
The onset of fall in Minnesota is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream—cooler temperatures for camping and long hikes, endless opportunities for scenic views of the changing foliage, and best of all, no mosquitoes. If the first 50-degree day of the season has you eager to lace up your boots and hit the trail, the North Shore should be your go-to destination this fall. –M.H.
Situated just north of Duluth, Two Harbors is a great entry point for all the North Shore has to offer. Don’t miss the city’s crown jewels—Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park—for hiking paired with stunning views of waterfalls, foliage, and Lake Superior. Pack a picnic and head out on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail on foot or bike, or shred the rocky mountain bike terrain at Split Rock Wilds.
Courtesy of Explore Minnesota
Slightly northeast of Duluth, the city of Silver Bay is enveloped in dramatic cliffs and dense forests waiting to be explored. Start in Tettegouche State Park, where day hikers and backpackers alike will find a variety of treks overlooking the stunning tree canopy. The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT)’s 6.8-mile Bean and Bear Lake Loop is also popular, yet moderately challenging. Pull off Highway 61 to marvel at the sweeping views from Palisade Head, a 300-foot-tall rock formation towering over Lake Superior, or head to Black Beach and stroll, kayak, or paddleboard along the dark, sandy shoreline.
Photo by Alyssa Hei
Inching a bit further northeast, the small, side-by-side towns of Schroeder and Tofte are great for outdoor adventures without the crowds. Hike along the impressive river gorge, fish for trout, or rock climb at Temperance River State Park, or opt to take the SHT’s spur trail to the top of Carlton Peak for bird’s-eye views of the colorful maple forest. Head up the Sawbill Trail to find single-track mountain biking at the Britton Peak Trailhead.
Lastly, nestled within the Sawtooth Mountains, Lutsen bursts to life with vibrant hues every fall—a perfect playground for nature lovers. The 1,000-acre Lutsen Mountains ski area is home to several miles of hiking trails that feature sprawling vistas and leaf-peeping views, including a popular and dramatic section of the SHT and the scenic Moose Mountain Ridgeline Trail. Pro tip: Ride the aerial Summit Express Gondola to the top of Moose Mountain for an unmatched vantage point of the surrounding mountain range and Lake Superior coastline.
Photo by Melissa Teng
The Cozy Creative
We all know that one person. The one whose ideal Saturday night is spent cozying up by the fireplace as they etch away at a new craft—FOMO (the fear of missing out) is not in their vocabulary, and their desired form of socializing is a rejuvenating sauna session. If this sounds like you, these lesser-known gems might just offer you the perfect cocoon of warmth, creativity, and relaxation. Don your coziest outerwear, pack a book or two, and get ready to traverse the most artful and Zen-like corners of our diverse state. –E.E.
With autumnal river views, charming small-town bakeries, waterside art museums, and even a yarn-centric craft shop, Winona lures art lovers and peace seekers alike. Here, nestle into the historic charm of one of area’s most lavish stays—the Alexander Mansion Bed & Breakfast, a turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion that has been converted into an oasis-like getaway for visitors. It’s the perfect home base for a weekend full of museum and cafe hopping—start at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum on the banks of the Mississippi, which houses a collection of contemporary and historic artworks inspired by water.
Photo by Bailey Bolton
Nearby, revel in the gourmet history of Watkins—a 157-year-old baking product manufacturer—at the Watkins Museum & Store, where you can shop a delightful array of baking extracts as you dive into archival advertisements, products, photographs, and memorabilia. Craft lovers come alive at Winona’s Yarnology, where cozy is not just a state of mind, but a way of being. Explore shelves lined with diverse yarns, needles and notions, hand-knitted merchandise, and beginner bundles and kits.
For some cozy caffeination, consider bringing your new needlework to Blooming Grounds Coffee House, a relaxed downtown coffee shop that offers occasional in-house craft classes. Before your adventure ends, make sure to pop into Paperbacks and Pieces—Winona’s oldest and largest used bookstore—to browse over 40,000 titles. You’re sure to leave with a little extra inspiration, a finished craft, and most importantly, a new reason to stay in next weekend.
Photo by Laura Muus Photography
Up north, take in the breadth of Minnesota’s artistic excellence by heading north to Cook County’s annual Art Along the Lake Fall Studio Tour (Sept. 26-Oct. 5), where you can wander through the open artist studios that dot Lake Superior’s rugged coastline and marvel at finished and in-progress masterpieces.
Nestled in the harbor village of Grand Marais, you’ll also find Sisu + Löyly Nordic Sauna, a Scandinavian-style floating sauna that rests upon the rocky waters of Lake Superior. The sweeping, oceanic views offer a much-needed escape from reality, as you transition between the steamy sauna and the frigid open water—a cycle proven to boost moods and enhance mental clarity. With your senses restored, head to Drury Lane Books to connect with fellow like-minded literary lovers. The shop’s dreamy blue-and-purple painted exterior feels like a storybook in itself.
Courtesy of Sisu + Löyly Nordic Sauna
Bundle up by the fire and enjoy the Scandinavian-style kos (a Norwegian term for cozy, peaceful, and warm) during a stay at The Minne Stuga, a cedar-clad cabin nestled in the quiet North Woods. Listen to the wind whistle through the pines as you disconnect from the world and enjoy the unique serenity of the North Shore’s starry sky—a canvas that is occasionally painted by the rare and beautiful phenomenon of the northern lights. (Pro tip: Download the My Aurora Forecast mobile app.)
Photo by Dustin Winterowd/Tiffany Nobello
The Small-Town Seeker
Craving crisp air, changing leaves, and a quieter pace? These small towns offer the perfect antidote to city noise and calendar chaos. Each one is rich in charm, with cozy cafes, scenic views, and unexpected treasures that invite you to wander, unwind, and soak up the season. Whether you’re planning a fall getaway or simply looking for your next Saturday drive, these destinations are made for slowing down and savoring autumn in all its golden glory. –M.C.
Where can you find small-town charm with a big dose of nature? Detroit Lakes. With more than 400 lakes in the region, plus scenic drives, downtown shops, and vibrant local restaurants (many with water views), there’s something for every pace. Bird-watch along the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail, stroll the Sucker Creek Preserve, pedal or jog the Heartland State Trail (the region’s first multiuse path), or drop a line in one of myriad fishing holes. Rest your head at Fair Hills Resort or The Hideaway.
Just south of the Twin Cities, New Prague offers a refreshing dose of hometown warmth with a rich Czech heritage woven into daily life. Explore local boutiques and cafes (or a delicious glass of wine at Next Chapter Winery). Enjoy a picnic with lake views at nearby Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park. The Gopher State Railway Museum welcomes visitors May through October on the first Saturday of each month, with bonus stops during special events like New Prague’s Dozinky Days in September and the festive Pumpkin Express in October.
Tucked away in the Root River Valley, Lanesboro is the perfect under-the-radar spot for seeing incredible fall foliage, biking the lush Root River State Trail, and driving along the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway. (An added bonus? Along the way, quaint towns like Whalan tempt travelers with cozy cafes and legendary sweet treats.) Lanesboro is also a designated Arts Campus, and the community prides itself on its wide variety of art and cultural offerings, such as the Lanesboro Art Gallery, Commonweal Theatre Co., and St. Mane Theatre.
Photo by Sarah Peterson
Sharing a border with Wisconsin, Lake City is a picturesque river town on Lake Pepin. The town boasts Ferguson’s Pepin Heights Store, known for its 400,000-tree apple orchard, plenty of breweries and restaurants, and Lake City’s premier fall festival: Johnny Appleseed Days (Oct. 4). Lake Pepin is Lake City’s marquee attraction, and its calm waters make it ideal for lakeside walks or casting a line. Adventure lovers can camp by the water, while weekend travelers can enjoy a stay at one of Lake City’s quaint hotels or vacation rentals.
Courtesy of Visit Detroit Lakes
The Culinary Nomad
Looking for flavorful fall stops beyond the usual? From barnyard brie to sky-high pizza dreams, these northwestern Minnesota towns serve up quirky charm, culinary craftsmanship, and unforgettable eats—perfect for your next road trip detour. –A.T.
In the heart of Barnesville (about three hours northwest of the Twin Cities), Purple Goose Eatery & Drinkery brings big-city flair to small-town dining. With its classic look, warm staff, and crave-worthy weekly specials—like $5 off pizzas on Mondays and BOGO burger deals on Wednesdays—this spot blends elevated comfort food with hometown hospitality.
Down the road, Hangar 54 Pizza was born from founder Shawn Burcham’s lifelong need for speed—and a bold “I will” attitude. Once a quiet kid chasing thrills on four-wheelers and go-karts, he’s now a pilot and entrepreneur channeling that same energy into a pizza joint with serious altitude. Hangar 54 serves up fast, flavorful pies loaded with premium toppings, like five-cheese blend, bacon, or Italian sausage. First-class specialties like BBQ Chicken, Chicken Bacon Ranch, and the fully loaded “You’re the Pilot” let your cravings take the wheel.
Set among 88 serene acres near the shores of Alexandria’s Lake Ida, Ida Graves Distillery offers a reflective and flavorful stop on any fall road trip. The land, rich with native grasses and pollinator plants, borders the historic Lake Ida Cemetery—a quiet reminder of the past that deepens the sense of place. Inside the newly opened Cocktail Room, guests can sip seasonal craft cocktails made with Ida Graves’ signature spirits, all while soaking in crisp autumn views. Another hidden gem in Alexandria? The Downtown Diner. This greasy spoon only serves breakfast and lunch—and the caramel rolls are worth the drive alone.
At Redhead Creamery in Brooten, Minnesota, cheese isn’t just a product—it’s a story of grit, family, and flavor. Nestled on Jer-Lindy Farms, this working dairy farm and creamery invites visitors to step behind the scenes of award-winning cheese making. What started as a dream in 2013 has grown into a thriving artisan operation, offering rich cheddars, creamy brie, and bold Havarti crafted just feet from where the cows are milked. With guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays, an on-site cheese shop, and a firsthand look at the cheesemaking process, Redhead Creamery delivers a deliciously immersive farm-to-fork experience. Less than 10 minutes away, the Greenwald Pub has been a local favorite since 1995—serving up daily specials (think deep-fried, walleye-breaded chicken gizzards) and genuine hospitality.
Courtesy of Ida Graves Distillery
