The Best Fall Activities in & Around Minneapolis
Summer is winding down, which means that travelers planning trips to Minneapolis can look forward to one of our most colorful and delicious seasons. From indulging in fried foods at local football games to apple picking at nearby orchards, checking out recent exhibits, and more — there’s a ton of fun stuff happening here throughout autumn. For more specifics, here’s our guide to the best fall activities in and around Minneapolis.
Book a Room at Rand Tower Hotel
On top of being a short drive or even walk from the city’s major football stadiums, and within an easy commute of gardens, parks, and even orchards, the Rand Tower Hotel is an ideal launching pad for fall travel in Minneapolis. On top of the luxurious rooms and suites, you can also enjoy dinner and drinks at our newly opened French bistro and lobby lounge, Bar Rufus, and enjoy dining by beloved local chef, Daniel del Pardo.
Vikings & Gophers Football
The football in Minneapolis is serious and storied. While in town for the fall season, we recommend checking out either a college or professional football game. Across the river from the Rand Tower Hotel Minneapolis, is the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and the home of its football team at Huntington Bank Stadium. Also nearby and on our side of the Mississippi, U.S. Bank Stadium plays home to our NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings.
Apple Picking
Minnesota is filled with fantastic farms and orchards. For autumn travelers who love a crisp apple, some cider, and of course some pie, there are a number of fantastic places to go within driving distance of the hotel. Apple Jack Orchard is well-liked and just a half-hour drive away. Victoria Valley Orchard is another popular option in Shoreview, and it’s only an 18-minute drive.
Check out a Museum
Minneapolis has great museums and cultural institutions, and if you find the fall air getting a bit too chilly, indoor entertainment might be nice. This fall, the family-friendly Bakken Museum will feature exhibits on electricity, Benjamin Franklin, and tours of the gorgeous property. The Minneapolis Institute of Art will kick off the highly anticipated exhibition Revolution à la Mode, a focus on fashion and music in 18th-century France that will run from September 10th, 2022 through March 5th, 2023. At the Walker Art Museum, September also marks travelers’ last chance to play the artist-designed Skylife Mini Golf Course on the Walker rooftop.
Check Out Great Live Music
Minneapolis is a music town and it plays host to world-class acts throughout the year. This fall promises to continue that tradition with a Chris Stapleton & Elle King concert at the Xcel Energy Center on October 7th, and a Keith Urban and Ingrid Andress show at the same venue on November 5th. To discover acts that are new and exciting, you can find live music most nights of the week at The Armory, which is also the former home of the Minneapolis Lakers, and where Prince shot the music video for “1999.”
Visit a Minneapolis Garden
With the cool crisp breeze of autumn air, walking around in the fall in Minneapolis can be really nice. To make those walks extra pretty, take some time to visit one of the city’s many gardens. You can start with the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, or the Bryn Mawr Garden. We also love the Peace Rock Garden at Lake Harriet Bandshell Park.