Five Must-do Fall Activities in the Mankato Area!

I love fall, but in all fairness, I love all of the seasons. Yet, there is something about the beauty of the colors in the trees, the allure of pumpkins and apples, and the uniqueness of the activities you do in the fall versus all of the other seasons. Something about this time of year really makes the memories special. My kids love making our fall Bucket list and always have a ton of ideas of ways to fill it with things we’ve done in the past and future hopes of activities. Here are five things you’ll want to check out this fall with your family within the Mankato area.

1.Make a fall bouquet at Valley Veggies & Flowers in Mankato. This farmers market welcomes you with organic, delicious market finds while also, offering stunning flowers. At the beginning of September, I took my mom here to build a bouquet. Only $20, you can fill a huge cup with all the orange, yellow, and red flowers you can fit in to arrange the perfect bouquet of autumn hues. A plethora of butterflies will dance around you and the pollinator garden while you pick and arrange. My youngest daughter was thrilled to find a little play area and photo opportunities to entertain herself with. Bring cash or check to pay.

2. Find your way out of Bradley’s corn maze in Mountain Lake. We love visiting this corn maze, which offers this opportunity free. Donations are accepted. Not only is it a corn maze, but there are random, fun items tucked into each dead end. My kids love finding them almost as much as following the maze. The pieces make for great conversation, picture opportunities, and giggles as the kids run to the next spot. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet the owner who loves sharing about the field and is extremely kind.

3. Visit Autumn Acres Farm in Janesville. A family friendly pumpkin patch that has so much to offer and continues to grow each year! Not only does my family love this spot, but we love their mission. The owners are such kind people and are visible working incredibly hard during your time at the farm. We love playing in the “fun zone”, picking our own pumpkins, and seeing the old schoolhouse they restored. Your whole family is bound to enjoy their time here and make it a tradition.

4. Take a walk at Bluff Park in North Mankato. Walking this time of year with leaves gliding down around you, ever-changing colors, and the crisp sound of footsteps on crunchy leaves is my happy spot. I can’t wait to experience it each year. It’s very common for our family to take many walks at Bluff Park during the fall just to ensure that we hit peak foliage. Out of all the hiking spots we’ve done in the Mankato area, Bluff Park is by far my favorite spot for fall colors. Not only do you get the colors in the woods, but you get the overlooks that showcase the beauty of the Mankato area in full fall time. If you only take one walk in the fall, make it happen at Bluff Park.

5. Grab a famous pumpkin cookie at Schmidt’s Bakery in St. James. These might be the same cookies that they make all year round, but now in pumpkin shape and with orange frosting, yet these are the best ones to get! They are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Once you get started, it’s hard to stop eating them. If you haven’t been to Schmidt’s Bakery, it’s a staple in the town of St. James. Boasting 100 years of service, this bakery was rated 14th best bakery in the nation and definitely lives up to the standard. Bring cash or check to get your sweet treats from this spot.

Overall, fall is a wonderful time of year to make sweet memories with those you love and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation in the falling leaves. Tell me in the comments what your favorite traditions in the Mankato area are in the fall?

Until my next adventure,

Allie