Get into the seasonal spirit with a color wheel of fun. Minnesota is about to hit its peak fall foliage season, which means it’s time for autumn-loving families to pack up the kids and hit the road.
Whether making the most of the peak season this year or planning early for next, here’s a colorful list of ways to take in the stunning natural beauty of the Gopher State.
First things first, check out Explore Minnesota’s tourism site for the weekly fall color reports — this is the best way to get updates and in-the-know information about the state’s vibrant changing colors, where to spot them and when to visit.
Stick to the state’s northern border in the earlier fall months, like September, and travel south with the changing leaves through October. Check out the full 2019 forecast and predictions here, with more details online.
So now you have the timing plotted, you just need to plan how best to explore the fall foliage. For families who bike, hike and nature walk together, Minnesota is a minefield of activity.
For Hikers
Beginning with the most obvious way to explore, head to Hike MN for 10 different state-specific trail suggestions, all designed to encourage everyone from novice hikers to expert climbers to get outside. The site breaks down trail by difficulty, duration and more to make the wild adventure accessible for all ages and skill levels. Explore the stunning trails and states parks while taking in the fleeting fall colors and mild temperatures.
Hit the Open Road
If hiking isn’t really your family’s thing or you just need a well-deserved break, Minnesota boasts plenty of stunning fall color drives. Cruise through a flame of colors and natural wonders lining the road, all from the comfort of your car or RV. You’ll pass many stunners from lakes and thick forests to cascading waterfalls and prairies. Check out a few state parks along the way or keep going south to your accommodations. Either way, your family is about to get an eye-full of fall foliage.
For Festival Seekers
‘Tis the season for beer fests, apple picking and pumpkin everything, and Minnesota is no stranger to a fall festival. Head to any number of Oktoberfests and craft fairs with this list of seasonal fun. You’ll get your fall foliage and fun all in one place with pumpkin weighing competitions and good, old-fashioned activities for all ages with this list of events.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Apr 17, 2024Dine on the Ocean Floor in New Brunswick, Canada
The astonishing tides of the Bay of Fundy offer plenty of experiences for family travelers in Maritime Canada. The newest of these is the chance to eat dinner on the floor of the ocean, seated beneath towering cliffs and tide-carved sea stacks. Return the next day to see your former “dining room” under 40 feet of ocean.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Destinations
Apr 17, 2024Your 2024 Mother’s Day Spa Gift Guide
This Mother’s Day, treat the special lady in your life to a fabulous spa treatment at one of these resorts around the country.
North America
Apr 17, 2024A New, Family-Friendly Hotel Opens on Orlando’s Universal Boulevard
Family travelers to Orlando have a new option for family- and pet-friendly accommodations thanks to the recent opening of Hotel Landy, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located on Universal Boulevard and minutes from theme parks, the convention center and the airport, Hotel Landy takes over the former Hotel Kinetic, joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio collection.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Destinations / Middle East
Apr 16, 2024Introduce the Family to Saudi Culture at the AlUla Camel Cup
Visiting Saudi Arabia means introducing the family to a country rich in culture and history, giving the kids experiences they won’t get anywhere else in the world. I spent several years living as an expat in this desert kingdom, and the experiences I had were not only completely unique but also helped shape my perspective on the world today.
ShareThis