How to Plan a Perfect Autumn Trip to Central Minnesota
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Central Minnesota, where you can experience the beauty and charm of the season. Central Minnesota is a region that encompasses several counties, including Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, and Meeker. It is home to many lakes, rivers, forests, farms, and towns that offer plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in Central Minnesota. Here are some tips and suggestions for planning a perfect autumn trip to Central Minnesota.
Choose Your Accommodation
Central Minnesota has a variety of accommodation options for travelers, ranging from hotels and motels to bed and breakfasts and cabins. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can choose the one that best fits your style and budget. Some of the factors to consider when choosing your accommodation are:
The location of your accommodation. Do you want to stay near a lake, a forest, a town, or a highway? Do you want to be close to the attractions and activities you plan to visit, or do you prefer a more secluded and quiet place?
The amenities and services offered by your accommodation. Do you need a kitchen, a fireplace, a hot tub, or a pool? Do you want free breakfast, Wi-Fi, or parking? Do you need pet-friendly or kid-friendly facilities?
The price and availability of your accommodation.
Plan Your Activities
Central Minnesota has plenty of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. You can enjoy the outdoors, explore the history and culture, or have some fun and entertainment. Some of the activities and attractions you can plan for your autumn trip are:
Hiking or biking on the many trails in Central Minnesota. You can admire the fall colors, breathe the fresh air, and spot some wildlife along the way. Some of the best trails in Central Minnesota are:
The Lake Wobegon Trail, which is a 65-mile paved trail that runs from St. Joseph to Osakis. This trail passes through several towns and villages that inspired the fictional Lake Wobegon from Garrison Keillor’s stories.
The Soo Line Trail, which is a 114-mile gravel trail that runs from Royalton to Cass Lake. This trail follows an old railroad grade and crosses several rivers and lakes.
The Glacial Lakes State Trail, which is a 29-mile paved trail that runs from Willmar to Richmond. This trail traverses through farmland, prairie, wetland, and woodland.
Fishing or boating on the many lakes and rivers in Central Minnesota. You can catch some fish, enjoy the water views, or relax on the shore. Some of the best lakes and rivers in Central Minnesota are:
The Mississippi River, which flows through several towns in Central Minnesota. You can fish for walleye, bass, catfish, or sturgeon on the river, or take a cruise on a paddleboat or a pontoon.
The Mille Lacs Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota. You can fish for walleye, muskie, northern pike, or perch on the lake, or visit the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, which showcases the history and culture of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
The Sauk River, which is a tributary of the Mississippi River that flows through Central Minnesota. You can fish for trout, bass, or panfish on the river, or kayak or canoe on the rapids and calm sections.
Visiting some of the museums, historic sites, or cultural attractions in Central Minnesota. You can learn about the history, heritage, and art of the region and its people. Some of the museums, historic sites, and cultural attractions in Central Minnesota are:
The Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud, which is a museum that features exhibits, artifacts, and archives that tell the story of Stearns County and its residents. It also has a children’s gallery, a research center, and a nature park.
The Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site in Little Falls, which is a historic site that preserves the childhood home and farm of Charles A. Lindbergh, the famous aviator who made the first solo transatlantic flight in 1927. It also has a visitor center, a museum, and a gift shop.
The Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud, which is a cultural center that hosts performances, exhibitions, and events in various genres of art. It also has a theater, a gallery, and a studio.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
One of the most fun and festive things to do in autumn is to visit a pumpkin patch. You can pick your own pumpkins, carve them into jack-o-lanterns, or make them into pies. You can also enjoy other activities at a pumpkin patch, such as hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, or cider tasting. Some of the best pumpkin patches in Central Minnesota are:
The Nelson Farm in Litchfield, which is a family-owned farm that offers over 25 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, and squash. It also has attractions such as a corn maze, a straw maze, a haunted house, a giant slide, a pumpkin cannon, and more.
The Collegeville Orchards in St. Joseph, which is an orchard that offers over 30 varieties of apples, pumpkins, and other fruits. It also has attractions such as a corn maze, a hayride, a petting zoo, a playground, and more.
The Axdahl’s Garden Farm & Greenhouse in Stillwater, which is a farm that offers pumpkins, apples, corn stalks, straw bales, and other fall decorations. It also has attractions such as a hayride, a corn pit, a bounce house, a giant slide, and more.
Central Minnesota is an ideal destination for an autumn trip. You can find plenty of accommodation options to suit your needs and budget. You can also find plenty of activities and attractions to suit your interests and preferences. Whether you want to enjoy nature, culture, or fun, you’ll find it in Central Minnesota. So don’t wait any longer. Plan your perfect autumn trip to Central Minnesota today and have an unforgettable experience!
