6 Twin Cities Autumn Day Trips

MN trees start to change color in mid September & October. Hope in your car & take a day trip to one of these places for a great Autumn day.

1) Red Wing, MN. One of the oldest towns in Minnesota, and located in a historic bluff country, Red Wing is a good place to start a tour of lovely fall scenery. In addition to the historic downtown, you can drive around the countryside, hike up to Barn Bluff or go for a walk in Memorial Park. http://www.red-wing.org/

2) Bluff Country, Scenic Byways & Trails; Wabasha, MN. Bluff Country is the gorgeous stretch of countryside following the Mississippi River south from Red Wing. The terrain gets hillier and prettier the further south you go and if you time it right, the fall color will be spectacular.

https://www.wabasha.org/

3) Cannon Falls, Biking & Paddling. Rent a bike & travel the 20-mile Cannon Valley Bike Trail, which follows the Cannon River. Or paddle the river itself. While biking, stop by a variety of coffee houses, shops, & the Cannon River Winery.

4) Stillwater, St Croix River Scenery & Jazz; Stillwater, MN - Stillwater is surrounded by lovely scenery & has been voted one of the Best American Towns for Fall Colors. You can attend the Fall Colors & Jazz Festival in early October as well. http://rb.gy/qpfbrd

5) Taylors Falls; Paddling, Fall Foliage & Geology. Taylors Falls, MN. Visit Interstate Park, for short hikes and interesting geological features—high cliffs and deep "potholes" carved in the rock during the ice ages. There’s also evidence of ancient lava flows and traces of old river beds. Stop at The Drive-In, the iconic burger and shake joint of the 50s. Grab a burger and a root beer float & relax on a picnic table outside. Taylor Falls is surrounded by scenic drives - take the route from the Twin Cities along the St Croix instead of driving on I-35. https://www.ci.taylors-falls.mn.us/

6) Bloomington; See the Fall Colors from the Chairlift. The Hyland Hills Ski Area runs annual Fall Color chairlift rides on select weekends. Along with the chairlift, you may also find stargazing, a campfire, live music & great views. http://rb.gy/3gfskx

Trip Savvy - http://rb.gy/zb2li86

Jessie Bryan