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Best Outdoor Fall Dates In Minnesota

Fall in Minnesota is one of the best times of year. The heat waves have likely moved on, but it's not yet cold enough to have to bundle up in extra layers. Beautiful colors and crisp nights make this an exciting time of year. Why not enjoy it outside with your special someone? Check out the places listed below for some ideas for great outdoor dates.

Best Of MN: Hitting The Apple Orchard
(credit: CBS)

Minnetonka Orchards
6530 County Road 26
Minnetrista, MN 55364
(763) 479-6530
www.minnetonkaorchards.com

Cider mills are known for their warm cider and sugared donuts, but Minnetonka Orchards has so much more. Here, you can grab a burger, pick apples, take a hayride through the orchard and try to find your way through a corn maze. Located in Minnetrista, Minnetonka Orchards is the perfect place for a fun and light-hearted date. Minnetonka Orchards is a family owned and operated business and has been for more than 30 years. Check the Orchards' website to learn about the many special events that go on during the fall months.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
1750 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 375-7600
www.walkerartcenter.org/garden

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is home to the Spoonbridge and Cherry, which has long been one of the most recognizable symbols of Minneapolis. Located near the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden sits on 11 acres and showcases more than 40 pieces from many artists. And the garden is home to more than just sculptures. A walk through the park will show you through a plethora of plants and animals. The fall colors make this an ideal spot for a fall date.

Arts & Culture - Renaissance Fest - Couple
(credit: Minnesota Renaissance Festival Facebook page)

Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Shakopee, MN 55379
(952) 445-7361
www.renaissancefest.com

Filled with fun period attire, great food and exciting acts, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is the biggest in the United States. This year, it will be held from Aug. 17 through Sept. 29. The sheer number of activities, foods, presentations and shops makes this the perfect place to get to know someone a little bit better. Learn about your date's favorite 16th Century food, relax with a few drinks and enjoy a comedy show from a bawdy troupe. Revel in the unique setting and have fun taking in the outrageous language and costumes.

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Burger Jones and Lake Calhoun
3200 W. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55416
(612) 746.0800
www.burgerjones.com

Not much can compare to a stroll around Lake Calhoun on a calm fall night. After a trek around the lake in Uptown, head across the street to Burger Jones and relax on the restaurant's patio. From there, you'll still be able to see the beautiful lake and take in the fall foliage. Choose a delicious burger and take some time to get to know one another — if nothing else, you'll have a fantastic view and a great meal.

Lake Minnetonka Canoe
(credit: CBS)

Crow River State Water Trail
Stearns, Hennepin, Meeker and Wright Counties
(651) 259-5841
www.dnr.state.mn.us

Take advantage of the beautiful fall colors and plan a date to a Minnesota State Park. At many state parks, you can even jump in a kayak and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the water. Pack a lunch, some warm clothes and head out on the Crow River State Water Trail for a unique and exciting afternoon. In between paddling, you can take some time to get to know your date in a new way.

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Kristyn Gansen is a freelance writer covering all things Minneapolis. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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