Article by Michelle Crane
Pumpkin spice is in the air and leaf blowers can be heard around campus which can only mean one thing: Fall has officially arrived at the University of Northwestern! So, if you are looking for a fun autumnal study break, look no further. Here are four fall activities to add to your bucket list this year:
Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze
With lots of fall options in one, the Twin Cities Harvest Festival is complete with free options such as a pumpkin patch, car show, game tent, yard games, live music, and more! The real star of the show though is the giant corn maze and activity area which costs only $14/person with tickets available online. Having cost-effective options and being only 20 minutes from campus, this outdoor autumnal festival is the perfect choice for a quintessential fall activity.
When: Weekends from September 21-October 27, 2024. PLUS October 17-18, 2024. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: 8001 109th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Cost: $14/person for certain activities. Police, firefighters, and EMS are free! Kids under 36” are free!
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
If you prefer apples over pumpkins, or if you can’t choose, then the Pine Tree Apple Orchard is a great option! With bushels of apples AND pumpkins, as well as a corn maze and plenty of delicious food, the orchard is a nice way to support a Minnesota family-owned business located 30 minutes from campus while enjoying some sweater weather with your friends. They also have an activity calendar full of exciting events such as wagon rides and a 5-mile run!
When: Monday-Sunday. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The corn maze and pumpkin patch are open until October 20.
Where: 450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Cost: Free entry. The prices of apples and baked goods are not available online.
Jack O Lantern Spectacular
Wanting even more pumpkins in your life, but this time in art form? Check out the Jack O Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo between September 28 and November 2 to experience the glow of thousands of beautifully crafted pumpkins! Taking place in the evenings, it is a great post-class activity at the end of a long day. Since it is an outdoor trail, make sure to bundle up! Tickets are available online and sell out quickly so make sure to get yours today.
When: September 28-November 2. 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Zoo. 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Cost: $18-26 for adults and $14-22 for children and adults over 65.
Hike at Minnehaha Falls
Needing a more cost-effective (aka free?) option for the sake of your bank account? Well, thankfully, Minnehaha Falls is beautiful in autumn and doesn’t cost a cent! Business student, Lindsay Johnson, shares: “I love taking fall hikes around the various lakes. The colors and cool breeze are really refreshing during the busy fall.” On top of the incredible views, Minnehaha also has a disc golf course, a volleyball court, and sculptures. Overall, it is a great way to enjoy God’s beautiful creation during this time of year!
When: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: 4801 S Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Cost: Free!
Whether it is simply a nice fall walk or a planned jack-o-lantern experience, make sure to get off campus during this beautiful season and take advantage of all the exciting activities in the area! You won’t regret checking some more items off your fall bucket list.
