10 Days Until Fall: Autumn Activities for Mavs to enjoy
September is here but fall hasn’t arrived quite yet. And Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are still months away.
The temperatures don’t seem to drop anytime soon but I guarantee the days will start to get shorter and the weather will be a lot more chilly.
And when everyone starts to pull out their sweaters and hoodies, it means fall fun is upon us and there are so many activities around Mankato to enjoy.
Go on walks. The leaves are crunching under our feet already and those autumn colors will be transforming trees soon. Go to one of MSU’s trails around campus or, if you’ve got a car, Minneopa State Park and take in the beautiful scenery. Take photos of your surroundings, embrace the fall breeze. There is nothing more ethereal in this world than nature itself.
Go to a pumpkin patch. Autumn Acres Farm in Janesville is the best pumpkin patch for anyone who wishes to pick out the perfect pumpkin. They were voted BEST OF MANKATO FAMILY FUN for 2024 by the city. And even if October isn’t here yet, pick a pumpkin and paint it! It’s a great fall DIY activity to do with friends and if you want more autumn fun, Autumn Acres offers more activities such as hayrides and fests.
Relax at a cafe. I don’t know about you but nothing gives fall vibes quite like sitting in a cafe and sipping a warm cup of coffee while staring out into the open town. There’s a popular selection of cafes that many MSU students go to for studying or to hangout with friends. Sure, you can get a beverage from Starbucks or Caribou quick and easy but if you really want to enjoy it, go to River Rock Coffee & Tea or the Coffee Hag.
Visit an apple orchard. Welsh Heritage Farms in Lake Crystal has myriad apple varieties that everyone can pick from and either eat on the spot or save to make a sweet treat. Imagine all the fall favorite desserts that can come out of that classic fruit. Apple pie, apple dumplings, apple cider, candy apples and so much more deliciousness. Go apple picking and create a dish to share with close friends and loved ones.
Go to a football game. I’m not a sports fan myself but I know the one thing that the student community and the people of Mankato look forward to is football season at MSU. Everyone gets pumped up for games and the energy radiating from the stands makes even me cheer despite not having any knowledge of the game. The games have begun, everyone, so attend and cheer on our fellow Mavericks.
Make a bonfire. When the weather cools, especially at night, my family and I like to make a bonfire filled with classic S’mores and coffee. It sounds like the perfect combo and, to top it off, my dad loves to put on 80s music that we all listen to as we wrap ourselves in fluffy blankets. Now that’s a peaceful fall night everyone can enjoy.
There are many activities to do in Mankato for the upcoming season. If in need of a break from college work, go see what the city has to offer and remember that fall won’t be over anytime soon.
Write to Anahi Zuniga at anahi.zuniga@mnsu.edu