Fall in love with nature all over again
Geese are migrating, fall colors are peaking and pine cones are plopping onto the deck.
Fall chores may have to wait until you return from the north woods where you can still hike, bike or ride miles of ATV trails and take in the comforting scent of crisp fall air. Afterward enjoy a bonfire, hot apple cider and spectacular sunsets. Some hunters have headed to the woods and water, anglers are catching fish and lakes offer reflections of fall’s red, orange and gold.
Itasca State Park still welcomes visitors and offers some naturalist programs and nature walks. You just need to check the park’s website ahead of time to prepare. To learn about the progression of fall colors, go to https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html.
ATV riders will want to explore the trails in one of the Heartland Lakes’ state forests: Paul Bunyan, Smoky HIlls, Two Inlets, Huntersville and others. To download a map, go to https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/az.html or stop by the Chamber Visitor Center and pick one up.
The Fall Festival and Pumpkin Parties at Carter’s Red Wagon Farm will continue Saturdays through Oct. 31 as well as Thursday and Friday, Oct. 15 and 16 (Teacher Association weekend). The festival offers everything to love about fall and includes Medieval-themed wagon rides; corn, hay bale and straw bale mazes; a Scarecrow Band, Nerf Wars, giant pumpkin boats, a play barn-silo with a super slide and tree deck and bridge with a curly slide, hay bale castle, games and many more activities as well as great food. Stock up on pumpkins for fall decorating, too.
With Halloween on the October calendar, it’s expected traditional door to door trick or treating will be replaced with other, safer alternatives this year.
Fall beckons us to stay safe and spend time outdoors. The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable stay. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.