September 2022
It’s not too late to plan fun fall adventures
Some fall harvesting is underway with new ag, round hay bails punctuating the landscape of green fields. Golden rod, purple asters and other fall flowers decorate the roadways. Sumac are bearing bright red berries, but their leaves are still bright green. The northern landscape will soon advance into fall colors so breathtaking you won’t be able to resist a drive, bike ride or walk to take them all in. Or jump on an ATV trail and explore the back country. Tubing on the Crow Wing River remains a great way to celebrate the waning days of summer.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ fall color finder – https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html – will help you plan your trip to see the dramatic changes roll across the Heartland Lakes area.
A highlight of Labor Day weekend is the annual Nimrod Bull Bash Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday and Sunday events start at 8 a.m. with breakfast and end with live music. The schedule Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday includes barrel racing, bronc riding, sheep riding and lots of bull riding action. Grab your cowboy hat and kids and celebrate the end of summer.
The Headwaters 100 bike ride returns Saturday, Sept. 24 welcoming hundreds of cyclists to tour the spectacular fall colors. The ride will depart from Century School for 100-mile, 75-mile and 45-mile rides departing starting at 7 a.m. The Headwaters 100 provides an opportunity to ride in a well-organized event, sponsored by the Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club.
Art Leap, an “open studio event” featuring artists’ studios and culturally rich destinations, will offer 23 sites serving approximately 90 artists. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. Hop from studio to studio, learn process, appreciate skill and support the artists. Let fall’s natural beauty as you pass lakes and travel country roads inspire you as it does the artists. Event guides with maps, descriptions and other information are available at the Chamber Visitor Center.
Of course while you’re here, you won’t want to miss a trip to Itasca State Park where fall colors form the backdrop for breathtaking views and photo opps.
Or just head north for a stay and enjoy listening to the pine cones plopping to the ground below, the scent of the fall afternoon air, the sight of early morning fog on lakes and fields and the feel of a warm campfire.
The Chamber website offers information on other events happening during the week and on weekends as well as all the information you need to put together a memorable vacation or weekend visit. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 218-732-4111 to learn more.
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