Start Planning Your Fall Getaway in Shakopee

Activities Attractions Best of Shakopee Festivals Outdoors

While many of us will be sad to see summer come to an end, the shorter days, colder mornings and decreased sunshine is no reason to be depressed! Instead, embrace the change in season and the incoming fall weather. It’s time to think about how you can make the most of this time of year, plan your fall getaway, and take in some of the many events and festivals in Shakopee.  Here’s what you should do during your visit:

Get Scared

With Halloween on the horizon, Shakopee and the surrounding towns like to give you a scare. Whether you are after a haunted event, frightening pumpkins, or something that truly makes you scream in terror, you can take your shock level to whatever you choose:

·         Valleyfair

Choose from the family friendly Great Pumpkin Fest, filled with daytime events for the kids, live entertainment, and lots of pumpkins. Take the scarier adult option – ValleySCARE. Offering the Halloween Haunt, haunted attractions and “hair-raising mazes,” this isn’t for the faint of heart! In fact, the fair offers six scary mazes, and three scare zones, each with their own theme. You can also enjoy one of four special Halloween shows, and then end your time on the rides!

·         SCREAM Town

Just like the haunted attractions of Valleyfair, this event also isn’t for those who can’t handle a good scare! With eight attractions on offer, if you like to get spooked and haunted, this is a must see.

·         Trail of Terror

Don’t miss the largest Halloween event in the Midwest, running every weekend from Friday to Sunday, beginning October 12th. Take your pick from several attractions, including the Wicked Woods Walk and the Maze of Mayhem, or opt for the scare-free attractions, such as the Obsta-Killer Course, Karaoke, a giant game of Twister and a visit to the Shakespearean Nightmare Escape Room. Finding clues and solving the puzzle in the latter attraction is a great family activity, and you can follow it up by visiting Club Scream.

Get Seasonal

There is no better time to enjoy the beauty of Minnesota than in the fall, and it is a season filled with great things to do in the Twin Cities.  The trees are filled with gorgeous foliage and create an impeccable color scheme to experience.  Combine that with the incredible array of fall harvest foods and there is lots to take advantage of seasonally in Shakopee:

·         Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Entering its 48th season, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a unique and wonderful event to experience. One of the nation’s largest Renaissance Festivals, there 16 stages of live entertainment, 8 themed weekends, over 250 artisan booths for a unique shopping experience, and great food and drinks. The festival has something to offer to people of all ages.

·         Sever’s Fall Festival

Celebrating its 21st year, Sever’s Festival is the place to be beginning September 8th. Pick out pumpkins, find locally grown produce and take part in weekend activities. There is fun for the whole family, including the ever-popular corn maze, which this year has an under the sea theme! Not interested in getting lost in a corn maze? Opt instead to jump straight into the corn pit. Whatever you choose, the Sever’s Festival will let you experience the best of the season.

·         Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard

One of the best parts of fall – picking apples and visiting the orchard for hay rides, live events, and a petting zoo should be at the top of your list for fall activities in Shakopee. Take the whole family and enjoy one of the season’s best offerings.

·         Exploring Fall Colors in the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

The beautiful color change on the trees is short lived, so be sure to take full advantage while getting some fresh air and exercise at the same time!

Get Sporty

While Minnesota is always a place for sport lovers, fall is a particularly fun season to enjoy sporting events and support your favorite team.  Here’s how you can get in on the action:

·         Fall Baseball

A Midwest favorite, fall means harvest and apples to some, but fall activities in Minneapolis means baseball to many others.  Take part in supporting your local team, the Minnesota Twins, and book your ticket for a game at Target Field.

·         Football

If you aren’t quite into the baseball sporting side, opt for football instead and support your local team, by heading to the TCF Bank Stadium to take in a game with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Or of course, if you aren’t a Gophers fan, you can always go for the Minnesota Vikings at the US Bank Stadium.

And perhaps, most important of all, don’t miss out on visiting Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store.  With Halloween season being an ideal time of year to visit, you can choose from all the treats of your dreams and even enjoy the apple farm while you are there!

From your weekend scare, to pumpkin harvesting, apple picking, and taking in a local ball game, there are plenty of fall activities to enjoy in Shakopee and Minneapolis this season. Don’t be disheartened by the end of summer, instead, get excited and make plans for events and festivals in Shakopee to make it worth a visit this fall!