Five Reasons To Visit Minnesota In The Fall
The change of seasons is special in Minnesota. Along with the outbreak of splendid color, with fall comes major sporting events and Halloween. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of it this year.
Split Rock Lighthouse
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 226-6372
www.sites.mnhs.org
Split Rock Lighthouse is open daily 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. through Oct. 19, 2014. Catch the splendor of fall color at Split Rock Lighthouse this year. Bring the kids, as the site is open through MEA weekend, Oct. 16-19. Although the lighthouse closes after that weekend, the grounds and visitor center stay open, so it is still an amazing visit through winter.
Minnesota River Boat Cruises
Padelford Riverboat
Dr Justus Ohage Blvd.
St Paul, MN 55107 (651) 227-1100
www.riverrides.com
Paradise Charter Cruise
2150 West River Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(952) 474-8058
www.twincitiescruises.com
Boat cruises are a unique way to take a look at the fall colors along the Mississippi River. Take the Padelford Riverboat through Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 or a Paradise Charter Cruise through Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014.
Anoka, Halloween Capital of the World
Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce
12 Bridge Square # 102
Anoka, MN 55303
(763) 421-7130
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014: Get fit and have fun wearing your Halloween costume at the 29th Annual Anoka Halloween Gray Ghost 5K Run & One Mile Fitness Walk. Win one of five prizes: best individual, two- to three-person teams and group costumes.
Thursday, Oct. 16 through Sunday Oct. 19, 2014: Just a 13-minute trip up U.S. Highway 10 brings you to Harvest Days at the Oliver H. Kelley Farm in Elk River. Become a farm hand and help with fieldwork and animal care. Join the family to make corn husk dolls and play 19th century games.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014: The Light up the Night Parade begins at 7 p.m. on Main Street. Watch all of the exciting floats in lights.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014: The Grand Day Parade takes place at 1 p.m. on Main Street and is the largest hometown parade in the state, with over 150 floats and several marching bands.
Related: Best Way To Spend A Fall Day With The Family In Minnesota
F. Scott Fitzgerald Walking Tours
Commodore Hotel
79 Western Ave.
Saint Paul, MN
(651) 297-2555
Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014: F. Scott Fitzgerald Walking Tours at the James J. Hill House celebrate F. Scott Fitzgerald by reliving the environment that shaped his youth. The full 75-minute guided outdoor walking tour begins in front of the Commodore Hotel at 79 Western Ave. and proceeds to where the acclaimed author wrote his first novel and his birthplace. Also learn about Fitzgerald's wife, Zelda, his association with the Hill family and how the neighborhood influenced not only Fitzgerald, but also other writers such as Garrison Keillor, August Wilson, Patricia Hampl and even Sinclair Lewis.
Minnesota Sporting Events
Minnesota Lynx
Target Center
600 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 673-1600
Sept. 2014: Watch the Minnesota Lynx in post-season play at Target Center in pursuit of their third WNBA championship. They have the top starting five in the league with All-Stars Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen combined with a winning center Janel McCarville and head coach Cheryl Reeve.
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
former HHH Metrodome
6th St near Portland Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Sunday, Oct 5, 2014: Promoted as "The Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America," Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon starts near the former HHH Metrodome on Portland Ave. in Minneapolis. The race finishes near the MN State Capitol on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in St. Paul.
Minnesota Wild
Xcel Energy Center
199 W Kellogg Blvd.
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 265-4800
October 9, 2014: The Minnesota Wild kicks off its season playing the Colorado Avalanche at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul. The season runs through April of 2015.
Be Brave 5k & Birdies for the Brave Pro-Am
TPC of the Twin Cities
11444 Tournament Players Parkway
Blaine, MN 55449
(763) 795-0800
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014: Be Brave 5k is hosted by TPC Twin Cities, as part of the TPC Network & PGATOUR military outreach initiative. The day starts with packet pick-up at 8:15 a.m.
Monday, Oct. 13, 2014: The 8th Annual Birdies for the Brave Pro-Am charitable golf event will be held at TPC Twin Cities. All net proceeds from 5k and golf Pro-Am benefit Minnesota Military Family Foundation, Golden Valley, Minn. and PGA TOUR's military outreach program Birdies for the Brave Charities. The day starts with lunch at 11 a.m., and shotgun starts at 12 p.m.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Target Center
600 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 673-1600
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014 at 7 p.m.: Cheer on The Minnesota Timberwolves as the play the Detroit Pistons, and support Coach Flip Saunders as he rebuilds a new team with new players around Ricky Rubio.
Minnesota Vikings
TCF Bank Stadium
420 SE 23rd Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 625-5000
Now through Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014: This year presents a unique opportunity to see the Vikings play their season at TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota campus, while their new stadium is being built.
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
