Autumn is a much-adored season for many reasons…cool nights around a campfire, pumpkin patches, cozy sweatshirts, and of course the beautiful vibrant colors of foliage during a Minnesota fall. Couple all that with some fun activities in the heart of lakes country and you have the recipe of a perfect Autumn Getaway! Here is a list of some activities and events not-to-miss in the Alexandria Lakes Area this fall. So grab your pumpkin latte and hit the road!
1. Fall Colors
You can’t let the autumn season pass you by without enjoying fall colors. To help you find some of the best areas, we have an entire article for the Fall Color Hotspots in the Alexandria Lakes Area! You can find the Fall Color Hotspots HERE.
A visit to an orchard and pumpkin patch is a must!Country Blossom Farmwill fill your fall senses with all their fun activities. Guests enjoy their bakery, apple orchard, corn maze, pumpkin patch, woodland walk, outdoor fall activities and more! Special Flashlight Corn Mazes will be held throughout the season as well!
Have fun getting lost in the corn maze! Photo : John MagnoskiEverything from delicious treats from their bakery to plenty of outside family fun! Photo : John MagnoskiPick out your perfect pumpkin! Photo : John MagnoskiWho can jump the highest?! Photo : John Magnoski
3. Visit to a Park
The Alexandria Lakes Area has many parks to enjoy with playgrounds, picnic shelters, grills, fire pits and more! You can see all our park listings HERE.
Jumping in a pile of leaves….a fall favorite! Photo : John MagnoskiNoonan Park is a landmark for all seasons, which surrounds a little lake in the middle of the city. Walking paths go through the park along with picnic tables, grills and beautiful flower beds.
4. Grape Stomp Festival
Come experience the Grape Stomp and Fall Festivalheld annually at Carlos Creek Winery! The three day 2023 festival is September 15-17. The festival is full of excitement including 4 stages of live music, over 150 juried art, food and marketplace vendors, Carlos Creek wine and craft beer from 22 Northmen Brewery, and of course Grape Stomping!! More info, tickets and full schedule can be found HERE.
Wine, entertainment and FUN!
Grape Stomping at Carlos Creek Winery during their annual festival.
5. Bike & Hike
The crisp, cool undertones of the weather accompanied by the heat of a sunny day makes autumn the perfect time for outdoor excursions! Find all the biking and hiking destinations HERE.
A must-do bike destination is the 55-mile Central Lakes Trail. This paved trail passes by multiple lakes within a 5 mile radius of Alexandria’s trailhead at Big Ole Park. Photo : James FeistHiking trails of various lengths can be found at numerous area parks. Grab your camera and enjoy the autumn beauty! Photo : John Magnoski
6. Lake Carlos State Park
Enjoy the rich colors of fall and tons of activities at Lake Carlos State Park! The park has over 14 miles of hiking trails that will get you deep in the woods, out to some grasslands and along the shores of Lake Carlos.
Photo : John MagnoskiThe simple pleasures of playing in the leaves! Photo : John Magnoski
7. Get on a Lake
With more than 350 lakes in the Alexandria Area, you’ll certainly find one that is perfect to enjoy your favorite activity! Watercraft rentals can be found HERE.
Lakes are fun all year around, but there’s something special about fall colors on the water. Photo : James FeistWant to know a little secret? The fishing around here is outstanding! From lots of walleye, bass, sunfish and massive muskies… the Alexandria lakes area has it all! Photo : Joe SceguraA small lake chain west of Alexandria is a great place for paddling! Photo : James Feist
8. Chain of Links Golf Trail
Fore! When the slightly cooler weather comes alongside the beautiful fall colors, there’s no doubt it’s a perfect time to hit the links. With more than 150 holes to play at area courses on the Chain of Links, you’ll be busy for quite a while!
You can cover a lot of ground, or shall we say water, on the Long Prairie State Water Trail. Beginning at Lake Carlos, the river gently flows 96 miles through woods and farmlands east until it merges with the Crow Wing River near Motley, MN.
Paddling down the Long Prairie River. Photo : Lisa HurlenIf it’s warm enough, its a great place to float your tube! Photo : Aerial Optics
A One-Day Festival celebrating from 11a-7p at 22 Northmen Brewery on October 23rd! Oktoberfest is a German style celebration featuring many activities like stein relays, stein holding contest, a Trebuchet Pumpkin Tossing demonstration, Hammer-Schlagen, Hot Dog eating contest, keg carrying race, Bean bag Toss, Pumpkin Throwing, Live Music, Bonfires, Cider, Beer, Wine, Food trucks available for purchase and more. Kids are welcome, but activities are geared toward adults.
Pumpkin catapult…how fun is that!
12. Ericksons Petting Zoo & Pumpkin Patch
Grab the family and head to the farm! Erickson’s Petting Zoo is home to dozens of animals to pet and feed, pony rides, corn maze and pumpkin patches.
Smiles are contagious at the Petting Zoo! Photo : James FeistTake home a giant pumpkin and be the envy of the neighborhood! Photo : James Feist
13. Visit a Haunted House
The autumn season means Halloween is right around the corner! Will you dare to go through Fright Nights Haunted House in Glenwood? The frights are every Friday and Saturday night from Sept 29th through Oct. 28th, PLUS Halloween Night.
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