Minnesota Day Trips Fall

Now that the weather has cooled off, Minnesotans all over the state are getting excited about fall weather and activities. It’s the perfect time where it’s not too hot but not yet too cold.

Consider making the most of this season by taking a day (or weekend) trip to one of these destinations in Minnesota with family or friends.

Wild Mountain/Taylors Falls Recreation in Taylors Falls, Minnesota

Just one hour north of Inver Grove Heights is Wild Mountain/Taylors Falls Recreation. This adventure-filled retreat has something to offer for every season. Fall is the perfect time to visit the scenic St. Croix Valley for a beautiful autumn getaway.

Enjoy a ride on the water while you paddle down the stream in a canoe or kayak, take a ride on an authentic paddlewheel boat or hop aboard a romantic evening dinner cruise.

For a more adventurous time, visit their Alpine Slides and Go Karts. They are open weekends between Labor Day and the first weekend in October.

If you’re just looking for a nice view, take the chairlift up to the top of the mountain, spend some time on the summit and then ride back down.

For more information on activities and pricing, visit their website.

Niagara Cave

Two hours south of Inver Grove Heights is home to one of the top ten caves in the United States, Niagara Cave.

During the 1-hour guided tour of the cave, you will hike 1 mile underground looking at the many attractions that are hiding under the earth. See fossils that are 450 million years old as well as massive and delicate cave formations. You will also experience the underground waterfall and visit a subterranean wedding chapel that has been the site of over 400 weddings!

You can make a day out of it by taking the cave tour, panning for gemstones, picnicking on the grounds and playing 18 holes of mini golf on their new course.

Visit their website for more information about the grounds as well as important guidelines about the tour before you plan your visit.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

If you’re looking for a really close destination, head to the Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minneapolis, about 30 minutes away from Inver Grove Heights. The museum welcomes more than 700,000 visitors each year and not a single one of them pay admission. That’s right, this museum is free, all the time.

To learn more about the exhibits, tours and events, visit the Mia website.

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Just because summer is over doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Check out these nearby spots to make the most of your upcoming weekends.

What are some of your favorite fall destinations in Minnesota?