🔁 Your South Metro Fall Adventure Guide is Here!

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Good morning, South Metro!

What's inside:

Apple picking hot spots and corn maze adventures
Scenic hikes with stunning fall colors
Museums, art studios, and family-friendly indoor fun
A gorgeous new construction home on 8+ acres

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Trivia

Dakota County was established in which year?

1849

1858

1862

1890

Top Events for October

October 1st-4th

River Valley Craft Fair
Ten years running means they've figured out how to do this right - lots of vendors plus food trucks. Simple weekend browsing with that satisfying craft fair energy.

October 5th-11th

Hastings Fall Fest
Free crafts, eats, and local arts all in one spot... what's not to love? Perfect weekend browsing with zero pressure on your wallet.

Moms Unhinged Comedy Show | Burnsville
Clean-ish comedy about motherhood, midlife, and everything that makes us want to scream into pillows. Grab your girlfriends (or book club... or drinking club) for some much-needed laughs.

Viking Lakes Fall Festival
Craft beer, live music, and college football playing all day while kids explore hay mazes and pet llamas. Classic autumn Saturday vibes with something for literally everyone.

October 12th-18th

Mansion of Dreams Magic Show | Burnsville
Mind-bending illusions that'll make you question everything you think you know about reality. This isn't your typical magic show - it's a full fantasy experience right in Burnsville.

October 19th-25th

Hastings Community Halloween Party
Over 30 activity stations, costume contests, and an inflatable obstacle course - basically Halloween heaven for families with little ones. The food truck's serving up comfort food while kids burn off all that candy energy.

Sourdough at the Vineyard | Hastings
Learn to knead dough with a glass of wine in hand at this cozy vineyard workshop. Two hours of hands-on baking in a gorgeous setting (and honestly, that combo sounds pretty perfect).

Downtown Lakeville Halloween Event
Little ghouls and goblins get treats from local businesses during this sweet 2-hour downtown crawl. Simple, classic trick-or-treating without the door-to-door hustle.

The Seasonal Collective Sip N Shop | Lakeville
Fifteen vendors, complimentary drinks, and early access to holiday finds - it's like a mini holiday market with a social twist. Get your shopping done while actually having fun for once.

Apple Valley Police Halloween Event
Fifth annual trick-or-treating with the police department... safe, fun, and the kids get to see officers in a totally different light. Two hours of community connection that feels good all around.

Epoxy Charcuterie Board Workshop | Burnsville
Craft your own black walnut charcuterie board with colorful epoxy accents while sipping craft beer. Two hours of hands-on creating something you'll actually use at home.

Hmong New Year Celebration | Bloomington
Seven hours of performances, art, and cultural celebration featuring dance, music, and live art at Mall of America. Free event showcasing incredible talent and rich traditions.

How to Enjoy Fall in the South Metro

Outdoor Activities

If apple picking is on the fall bucket list, the South Metro has popular u-pick destinations like Afton Apple Orchard in Hastings and Brand Farms in Farmington. Both give a classic orchard experience—u-pick apples, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and hot cider stands most weekends through October. Their orchard websites keep updated lists of ready-to-pick apple varieties, and visitors frequently mention the many photo-worthy spots and fun play zones for kids.

If apples aren’t the main event, there’s plenty of scenic hiking and leaf peeping to do this season. Vermillion Falls Park in Hastings is a favorite for its striking 35-foot waterfall, limestone cliffs, and wooded walking trails dressed in some of the most vibrant fall color around. Interested in a longer trek? Spring Lake Park Reserve just west of town features hiking, bison viewing, and overlooks that are gorgeous in autumn.

Of course, local fall festivals are already in full swing! Don’t miss Sever’s Fall Festival in Shakopee (one of the best corn mazes in the country), with its iconic corn maze, pumpkin blasters, live music, and food trucks—a South Metro tradition for families. Pahl’s Market in Apple Valley also hosts a festive fall event full of seasonal games, pumpkin picking, and autumn treats. October brings even more outdoor markets, harvest celebrations, and pop-up events, so keep an eye on local listings as the month ramps up.

Whether it’s orchard outings, leaf-crunching hikes, or festive pumpkin patches, fall in the South Metro is made for crisp-air adventure and autumn color close to home.

Indoor Activities

Perhaps braving the chill isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay—there’s plenty to do inside throughout the South Metro this fall.

The area’s many museums and galleries are wonderful places to explore. When was the last time Hastings’ LeDuc Historic Estate or the Dakota County Historical Society made it onto an autumn itinerary? Discover local history exhibits, art collections, and seasonal programming at these sites and more from the Scott County Historical Society in Shakopee to rotating art spaces in Burnsville. While some spaces require tickets, many public libraries offer free or discounted museum passes, so a visit to the local Hastings or Dakota County library could unlock an array of cultural experiences.

Have a family with cabin fever and seeking a creative outlet? Several area community centers and gyms offer open play spaces, trampoline parks, and sports courts perfect for energetic children. Try out the climbing walls at Vertical Endeavors in Bloomington, bowl a few frames at local alleys like Bogart’s Entertainment Center in Apple Valley, or discover the indoor play zones and STEM-based activities frequently set up at rec centers and libraries in the fall.

Indoor art studios and craft workshops also fill up their calendars this season with pottery, painting, and themed crafting nights for all ages. The local culinary schools and shops often host fall baking or cooking demonstrations for anyone eager to warm up with new skills. If relaxation or entertainment is in order, catch a play or concert at the Ames Center in Burnsville or the Lakeville Area Arts Center, both known for autumn shows and family-friendly performances.

Whether it’s a museum day, a craft session, or a cozy evening show, the South Metro is packed with inviting indoor options all fall long.

Share What’s Happening in the South Metro

Planning an event? Have exciting news to share? We want to hear from you!

The South Metro Scoop is your platform to connect with neighbors and showcase what makes our community special.

Whether it's a grand opening, community gathering, or local achievement - we're here to help spread the word.

Send any event info, or media links to brady@southmetroscoop.com or reply to this email!

Home of the Week

935 Lakewood Hills Rd, Eagan

➡️ 5 bed, 4.5 bath on an 8.65 acre lot

➡️ Surrounded by ponds

➡️ New construction

➡️ 2 story finished barn

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— Brady Greenbush
Publisher & Editor

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🔁 Your South Metro Fall Adventure Guide is Here!

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