When the clouds roll in and the downpour starts, try one of these fun activities rather than staying in the house. They're all guaranteed to provide some fun for the whole family, and keep you dry!
1. Play at an indoor park. MN is made for bad weather, so try an indoor park like Edinborough.
12. Visit a conservatory. The Walker Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis and the McNealy Conservatory in Como Park are great ways to take in nature without getting rained on!
20. Enjoy the beautiful Minnesota outdoors, but with an umbrella. Because if it's raining, it's probably summer and you won't be cold even if you catch a few drops!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Autumn is a wonderful time of year in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The temperatures are a little cooler, the air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the mosquitoes have largely disappeared. It's also a great time to get out and enjoy all the season has to offer. These are some of our favorite things to do in Minnesota in the fall.
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Minnesota Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Minnesota For Fall Foliage
Our state is blessed with an abundance of forested land. This makes Minnesota a marvelous place to be when autumn takes over and the leaves start to sport their seasonal colors. This usually begins around mid-September in the north and can last until early November in the far southeastern part of the state. Early to mid-October is the sweet spot for leaf-peeping in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Here are a few of our favorite places to enjoy fall foliage in Minnesota.
Need to Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day.
Frontenac State Park is located between Red Wing and Lake City, perched on the bluffs above the Mississippi River. With expansive down the valley, over Lake Pepin, and of the forested bluffs on both sides of the river, you'll enjoy some wonderful autumn views at this park. Moreover, the park's trails thread its hardwood forests, so it's the perfect spot for some fall tree bathing, as well. Aim for a mid-October visit to enjoy the best of the season.
Location: MN Hwy. 61 from Duluth to Grand Portage, Minnesota.
Need to Know: Admission to most of the North Shore's state parks by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day. Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche, and Grand Portage have visitor centers and park amenities that you can visit without a permit.
With seven state parks, five state waysides, the Superior National Forest, and Grand Portage National Monument, this stretch of Minnesota Hwy. 61 is home to incredible natural beauty - all of it within view of the rugged Lake Superior shoreline. Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, birches, aspens, and tamaracks take on golden hues starting in mid-September, making this a wonderful place to experience autumn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The view pictured is from the Oberg Mountain Loop, near Tofte.
Need to Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day.
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The name Maplewood State Park hints at how spectacular this place becomes in the fall. Its namesake trees, along with fiery oaks and golden basswood burst into beautiful foliage from late September through October. With eight lakes and miles of trails, Maplewood is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the all the awesomeness of autumn.
Need to Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day.
Itasca State Park, home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, was the first Minnesota State Park, and it's one of our favorites for enjoying some early-season fall foliage. You can expect to see colors starting to change here by mid-September. By early October, the park's Northwoods species - birch, aspen, tamarack - will be cloaked in a mantle of gold. Another advantage to visiting Itasca at this time of year is that this popular park is far less busy than it is in the summer months.
Best Pumpkin Patches in Minnesota
What is fall without pumpkins? And in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, choosing a pumpkin can be an event unto itself. That's why there are so many farms that offer all manner of additional activities for folks who venture out to choose their pumpkins. Here are a few of our favorite pumpkin patches in Minnesota.
Need to Know: The patch is open September 20 - October 31, seven days a week, during daylight hours. There is no charge for admission or parking at Barten Pumpkins.
Barten Pumpkins, near New Prague, is home to one of - if not the - largest pumpkin patches in Minnesota. With, literally, thousands of pumpkins on offer every season, you're sure to find what you're looking for here, whether its seasonal decor or the perfect jack-o-lantern. Weekends at Barten Pumpkins often see live music, food vendors, and other entertainment, so it's a fun day trip destination, as well. Visit the farm on the web for information.
Need to Know: Retail center will be open seven days a week, September 25 through the end of October. Activities are open on weekends through the season, as well as M.E.A. break. The cost varies per activity.
One of the Metro Area's more popular agritainment destinations, Country Sun Farm is a wonderful place near St. Paul for a family to spend an autumn afternoon before picking out their pumpkins and calling it a day. It was always my kids' favorite fall destination because of all the attractions, including hay rides, food vendors, a corn maze, a petting zoo, and inflatable bounce attractions. For hours and pricing, visit Country Sun Farm on the web.
Need to Know: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The play area is free of charge.
Located just north of Mankato, The Little Green Wagon Pumpkin Patch and Farm is my favorite new discovery in the pumpkin patch category. This sweet little farm/farm stand is super family friendly, offering a small play area with a corn pit, a straw bale maze, a slide and other fun features at no cost to visitors. There are picnic tables where the adults can enjoy a coffee while the little ones play or set up a picnic lunch after they've worked up an appetite.
Need to Know: Open on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from September 21 to October 27. The patch will also be open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on October 17 and 18 during M.E.A. break. There is a $7 admission fee, and there may be additional charges for certain activities.
Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch is one of the most pumpkin patches near the Fargo-Moorhead area in northwestern Minnesota. In addition to, of course, pumpkins, you'll find all manner of attractions, including horse-drawn rides, a petting zoo, and a game area. The only difficulty you may face is getting the youngsters away from all the fun so they can pick out their pumpkins.
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Best Fall Festivals in Minnesota
One of my favorite things about autumn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is all the fantastic festivals that occur during this time of year. Whether you want to admire gigantic gourds or simply heft a pint of ale in the air, you'll have your chance at one of these fun fall festivals in Minnesota.
Need to Know: The festival begins with community decorations from September 16 - October 13.
I'm pretty sure SeptOberfest, in the charming and historic Mississippi River town of Wabasha, is the state's longest fall celebration. Beginning in mid-September, the streets and town are bedecked with seasonal decorations. They'll be up through mid-October. In the middle, from September 28 through October 6, the town offers eight days of activities and events. There's already plenty to do in Wabasha, and this fall festival just makes a visit to the town a little more special.
Need to Know: Weekends, August 17 - September 29, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. General pricing is $27.95 for adults and children 13 and over. Discounts are available for children under 13, seniors, and advance purchase tickets. On-site parking is $15, if purchased in advance, or $30 on the day you attend.
Although not dedicated to pumpkins, pilsner, or harvests, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is an early-autumn rite of passage in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It's one of the largest festivals of its kind, and attending is a wonderful way to step out of everyday life and become somebody else - even if it's just a gawking tourist, like me - for a day. For daily schedules of events, themes, and a list of vendors, visit the festival's website.
Need to Know: October 12 and 13. Most events are free of charge. A shuttle is available for those who choose a remote parking lot.
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Maybe it's the giant pumpkins, themselves. Or the live music. Or the general silliness of some the events, like the pumpkin regatta on the St. Croix River or the giant pumpkin smash, but Stillwater Harvest Fest is one of my favorite festivals of the year. This two-day event takes place on one weekend every October, and it is absolutely dominated by pumpkin themed events and activities, most of which are free of charge and fun for the whole family. Visit the Stillwater Harvest Fest website for more info.
Need to Know: The festival takes place October 18 and 19, over M.E.A. break.
Another fun fall event to consider is the annual Moose Madness Family Festival. Geared heavily toward fun activities for children, this festival in the beautiful town of Grand Marais celebrates the season when Minnesota's moose are feeling most amorous. Scavenger hunts, games, live music, and appearances from Murray the Moose are festival highlights. For more information about the event, check out the Visit Cook County website. If you plan on attending, you'll definitely want to reserve a stay well in advance, as M.E.A. break brings the crowds to Grand Marais.
Free & Cheap Minnesota Fall Activities
The best part about many of the fun things to do in fall in Minnesota is that most of them are free or relatively cheap. But there are also any number of other things that you can do during autumn in the Bold North that won't set you back much at all - and you can do them on your own schedule.
Need to Know: The cost of apple picking varies from orchard to orchard.
Visiting an apple orchard in Minnesota is a popular fall activity. There are plenty of orchards that charge admission and offer all the raucous autumn agritainment that has become such a thing at many orchards and pumpkin patches. But there are also many low-key orchards that are more concerned with the fruit they produce than entertainment. These types of orchards generally don't charge an admission, and you can pick apples for a reasonable cost. It's really a wonderful way to spend a weekend day in the fall in Minnesota.
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14. Enjoy Colorful Foliage, Lake Superior Views, and Migrating Raptors in Duluth
Need to Know: Fall migration starts in late August and continues through December, peaking in September and October.
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is a spot that's renowned for its location on a major flyway for migrating raptors - hawks, eagles, falcons, etc. - in North America. At peak migration, observers may witness thousands of birds fly over in a single day. What's extra cool, though, is that the fall migration season peaks at about the same time as the foliage does in this part of the state. So, if you head up to Hawk Ridge in late September or early October, you can enjoy raptors, foliage, and beautiful views of Lake Superior. Visit the Hawk Ridge website to see migration numbers and predictions.
Need to Know: You can find waterfalls throughout our beautiful state.
There are waterfalls all across Minnesota - in the extreme southeast and southwest, and all points north from there. That means there's probably one near where you live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. And as beautiful as waterfalls inherently are, if you ask me, they look even better when wreathed in gorgeous fall colors. So, why not pack yourself a lunch (or breakfast or dinner), find a waterfall, and enjoy just being outside in the lovely autumn air?
With so many things to do in Minnesota in the fall, I don't think you'll find yourself wanting for activities this autumn season. Which of these autumn experiences have you enjoyed? Be sure to let us know, and tell us about your own favorite things to do in Minnesota in the fall.
