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With midterms and finals looming in the next week before fall break, you might find yourself needing a little study break or just something fun to do. Check out these exciting fall activities at Northwestern and in the surrounding community!

Get into the Halloween spirit early when you go to ValleySCARE with UNW CORE this Friday, October 8, from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am. Every fall, Valley Fair, a popular Minnesota amusement park, transforms into a terrifying experience with haunted mazes, rides, monsters, and scare zones. Grab a group of friends and get ready for a thrilling time. Tickets are still available at the UNW ticket office for only $10.

Hang out at the Hartill Harvest Bash on Saturday, October 9, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Enjoy festive fall treats and activities. Located at the Robertson Student Center, this could be the perfect study break.

Many exciting fall activities are happening off-campus too. The Minnesota Zoo is hosting its third annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Beginning at 7:00 pm every night from October 1 through November 7, you can stroll through thousands of intricately and artistically designed pumpkins, enjoying time outside and the breathtaking displays. Tickets are available on the Minnesota Zoo’s website.

The perfect place to catch the fall colors is the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. While this is a bit of a drive from campus, the beautiful colors, walks, and three-mile drive through nature are definitely worth it. The Arboretum has also developed some well known apple varieties, including the Haralson and Honeycrisp, so stop by their AppleHouse to pick up some for yourself.


Whether you need a study break or just a change of pace, these fall activities are the perfect way to get outdoors, enjoy the cooler temperatures, and take a moment to relax.