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As the end of quad one approaches and students study for and take midterms, the promise of fall break encourages them to finish strong. After midterm and final project craziness, taking advantage of the four-day weekend gives students time to rest and prepare for quad two. Enjoy this time off by doing things that aren’t usually possible while in school.

You could visit a state park. Minnesota is home to numerous state parks, and with the beautiful fall weather this weekend, it’s the perfect time to go on a hike, see some fall colors, and spend time away from homework. While they may be a bit of a drive, here are some amazing state parks in Minnesota: Interstate State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Banning State Park, and Tettegouche State Park.

Maybe you want to get out of the cities, but hiking and time outdoors isn’t really your thing. Instead, consider visiting one of the many small towns in Minnesota. Places like Red Wing, Stillwater, Nisswa, and Cross Lake could all be fun day trips, each with lots of restaurants, shopping, and their own unique small-town feel. 

If you will be enjoying time at home over the weekend, picking up a favorite book could be a great way to unwind. Maybe it’s an old favorite, or maybe it’s that new book you have wanted to get into but just haven’t had the time for. Either way, reading something you want to read can be a great way to enjoy break. 

While there aren’t many events at Northwestern this weekend, there is still a lot to do around the Twin Cities. If you’re a fan of art, the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit is here in Minneapolis. You can wander through Van Gogh’s paintings and experience art in a totally new way. Or explore one of the Saint Paul farmers’ markets. With many locations open this weekend and numerous vendors, you could pick up some unique finds.

Fall break is short, but it can be a time of resting, relaxing, and enjoying some time away from the daily grind. Finding something out of the ordinary to do and spending time with friends and family can be a great way to spend the long weekend.