Fall Fun
Tim Spitzack
Editor
October brings warm days, cool nights and a whisper on the breeze reminding us that winter is looming ahead. With the heat of summer behind us, now is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. This guide offers ample opportunities for nature lovers, as well as those who enjoy closing out the month with some spooky fun.
Leaf-peeping – With the Mississippi river in our backyard, it’s not hard to find fall foliage bursting with color. The gorge between St. Paul and Minneapolis is particularly stunning this time of year and features several overlooks for prime leaf viewing. Hike, bike or picnic at one of the many regional parks along the river or spend an afternoon driving the Great River Road as it winds through the Twin Cities and beyond.
To view the leaves from a different vantage point, book passage on one of the Padleford Riverboats’ fall sightseeing tours. The narrated public excursions depart from Harriet Island in St. Paul and pass by the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye Cave, the Minnesota River mouth and Pike Island. Tickets are $21 for adults and $10.50 for ages 3-7. For more information, visit riverrides.com or call 651-369-6184.
Fresh apples – Nothing exemplifies autumn more than a fresh, juicy apple, and you don’t have to go far to find one. Several varieties grown on-site are available 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday at Orchard Hill, 131 Wentworth Ave., West St. Paul. All apples are picked and bagged for purchase.
Dodge Nature Center
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors at Dodge Nature Center. Many events and guided activities are offered at the 110-acre property at 365 Marie Ave. W., West St. Paul. You’ll also find several miles of hiking trails through prairies, woodlands and wetlands, and a working farm with animals, raptor mews (birdhouse) and bee apiary. Trails are free to explore daily, sunrise to sunset. Visit dodgenaturecenter.org for the full schedule of events, and for more information on the following activities held at Dodge’s Shepard Farm property at 8946 70th St. S., Cottage Grove.
Apple Pie Baking, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Sept. 28. You’ll visit the on-site orchard to learn how apples grow, pick some fruit then step into the center’s teaching kitchen to make homemade pie filling and dough, roll out and shape the crust, and bake a pie to take home. This is an adult-child program open to participants of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $30.
Apple Pie Date Night, 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3. Guided by a naturalist, you’ll stroll through the orchard to learn about apples, pick fruit, then make a pie and sample farm-fresh apple cider. $60 for two people.
Halloween Extravaganza, noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26. Trick-or-treat through the woods, ride on the hay wagon to look for ghosts and goblins and meet slithery creatures. Try your luck at field games to win extra treats, then settle in for some silly science skits that will educate and entertain. Food will be available for purchase. $8 online before noon, October 25. $10 at the gate. Ages 2 and under are free.
Locally Grown Theatre presents “Frankenstein/Monster” 5:30-7:30 p.m., October 11-13. Seeking love and acceptance from his creator, Victor Frankenstein’s nameless monster shines a light on Frankenstein’s inability to see with his heart rather than his eyes. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Free, but tips and donations are accepted after the show. Bring a blanket or chair.
Booya
Looking for some good, stick-to-your bones stew? Find it at The Booya World Championship on October 5 during South St. Paul’s On the Road Again festival. Serving begins at 11 a.m. and goes until the last ladle is dished out. Community chefs use secret recipes to prepare a combined 700-800 gallons of stew as they compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. Sample their concoctions then cast your vote. Judging begins at noon. The festival is held along Southview Boulevard and nearby side streets and features craft and food vendors, flea market, chalk art contest, pickle contest, inflatables, beer garden, duck races, live music and a raffle.
Ghost Tours
Gangster Ghost Tour, 6-9 p.m., Wed., Oct. 30 at Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., St. Paul. One night a year, the rumors of Landmark Center’s haunting come alive, and the building is filled with spirits of days gone by. Cross paths with the ghosts of gangsters, G-men and judges long since departed, and see Landmark Center through the eyes of St. Paul’s most famous and infamous inhabitants. Ages 12 and older. Hour-long tours begin at 6 p.m. and depart every 15 minutes. The last tour is at 8:30 p.m. $10. Tickets go on sale October 1 and must be purchased in advance at landmarkcenter.org or by calling 651-292-3063.
CynCity Tours offers several ways to explore St. Paul’s dark side. Tours include Union Depot Ghost Tour, Ghosts and Gables Haunted Summit Avenue and Dayton’s Bluff Ghost Trolley. For dates and tickets, visit cyncitytours.com or call 651-357-4053.
Halloween events
Mystery on the Mississippi – Fearless Comedy Productions presents “Monsters of the Mississippi: Monsters and Myths of the Mighty River,” 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, and 2:30-5:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12 at Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul. Learn about mythical monsters on and near the Mississippi and a cold case murder believed to have been committed by local legend Catfish McGee. Was the victim killed by a giant walking catfish or is the culprit a little less sensational? The mystery will unfold as you walk through Crosby Farm and help figure out who was responsible. $35.
Barktober, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5 at Mendota Heights Dog Park, 1360 Acacia Blvd., Mendota Heights. The event will feature a pup costume contest, photo booth, puppy playtime and business booths. For more information, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/barktober. Free.
Trick-or-Teeing, 4-6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19 at Par 3 golf course, 1695 Dodd Rd., Mendota Heights. Come in costume and sink your putt for treats and prizes. This is a family friendly event. For more information, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/TrickorTeeing.
Spooky Sampler, 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24 at Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St. W., West St. Paul. Ages 8-12 are invited to enjoy fall-themed crafts inspired by the spookiest time of the year. $20.
Great Pumpkin Halloween celebration, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27 at Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., St. Paul. Enjoy crafts, treats, a costume parade and other Halloween festivities. Free.
Boonion Depot, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27 at Union Depot, 214 4th St. E., St. Paul. This free event features crafts, a DJ and dance zone with prizes, Halloween-themed entertainment, face painting, a balloon artist, hero and Disney characters, and more. Halloween costumes encouraged.
Halloween at Harmon Park, 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31 at Harmon Park, 230 Bernard St. W., West St. Paul. Stop by for a treat, photos with a themed backdrop and a bonfire.
The Great Halloween Get Together, 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31 on Marie Avenue between 4th and 7th avenues in South St. Paul. There will be music, fun activities, and lots of treats provided by local businesses and organizations.
For more October events, see Sample St. Paul!