Best Fall Festivals In Minnesota

Minnesota's continental climate is a factor of its location in the upper midwest of the United States. In Minnesota, we enjoy cold winters and hot summers and all of the temperatures in between. Because of the climate, we also enjoy beautiful fall colors throughout the state and along the many lakes in the area. Minnesota offers almost 100 different fall events and festivals throughout the state to celebrate the season. Read on to discover some of the best.

Stillwater Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Weigh-off
Lowell Park
101 Water St S
Stillwater, MN 55082
harvestfeststillwater.com

Date: October 13-14

Celebrate the fall colors along the St. Croix River in historic Stillwater, Minnesota. Family activities include pumpkin baking and decorating, a chili cook off, bluegrass music and haunted cave tours. The pumpkin weigh-off features pumpkins grown around the state and last year's pumpkin set a world record at 1,810.5 pounds. Kids' activities are also found at the Harvest festival this year.

Farmamerica's Haunted Corn Maze and Mill
Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center
7367 360th Ave
Waseca, MN 56093
(507) 835-2052
farmamerica.org

Date: October 12-13 and 19-20

The corn maze is a popular fall event in Minnesota and although many can be found throughout the state during the fall, the one at Farmamerica is the most popular. This annual Halloween event is geared toward older kids and can be a bit scary for little ones. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult. However, if you're up for the fright, this is a maze you will not want to miss.

Related: Best Book Clubs To Join In The Twin Cities

Johnny Appleseed Days Festival
Throughout Lake City, Minnesota
Most kids' activities and events will be at:
Patton Park
100 High St
Lake City, MN 55041
(651) 345-4123
lakecity.org/johnnyappleseed.html

Date: October 6

Lake City, Minnesota is not only the birthplace of water skiing but also home to some of the best apples harvested in the country. Celebrate fall with the fruit that symbolizes all things autumn and enjoy the beautiful parks and scenery along the Mississippi River and throughout southern Minnesota. Johnny Appleseed himself will be attending this year's festival along with many events throughout the city including an arts and crafts fair, a book sale, a farmers' market, apple pie bake sales and activities for the kids.

Oktoberfest
Bayfront Festival Park
S 5th Ave W and Railroad St
Duluth, MN 55803
oktoberfestduluth.com

Date: September 21-22

What is a fall without an Oktoberfest celebration? Oktoberfest started in Germany over 200 years ago to celebrate a royal marriage and continues to be a festive and joyful celebration throughout the world. In Minnesota, many Oktoberfest celebrations can be found during the fall months and even into November. One great celebration is held at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth Minnesota. The 3rd annual Oktoberfest celebration features live polka bands, German foods and many fun activities. Competitions range from bier pong and keg tossing to more family-oriented fun such as the Oompa 5K and fun run.

Fall Colors Fine Art & Jazz Festival
Lowell Park
101 Water St S
Stillwater, MN 55082
stillwaterfallartfair.com

Date: October 6-7

Celebrate fall with unique art, jazz music, children's activities and good food. This fine arts show along the St. Croix River is located in a historic area of Stillwater, Minnesota with picturesque views of the fall foliage. The art show contains works ranging from glass sculpture to beadwork and is a popular attraction for many fine arts vendors in the area and around the country.

Related: Best Historical Sites In Minnesota

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.