Fall is a great time for NDSU students to enjoy the beauty of the community and try new things.
There are many fun fall events to enjoy in the area this season. Fargo-Moorhead is often listed among the best college towns and best places to live in the country and there is plenty to see and do.
The the air is crisp and the community is warm and welcoming, so let’s get out and experience the season.
Here are 10 things to enjoy this fall:
1. Visit pumpkin patches
Lil Bitz Pumpkin Patch in Fargo has more than 25 attractions, including horse drawn wagon rides, pick your own pumpkin and a corn maze. The site is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 21 to Oct. 27.
Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch in Glyndon, Minnesota, includes a petting zoo, game area, horse drawn carriage ride, duck races, photo booth and more. It’s open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 22 to Oct. 28.
2. Walk or run the Fargo Mini Marathon
The Fargo Mini Marathon’s meandering route along the Red River is the perfect way to see Fargo’s beauty in the fall. This year marks the 11th running of the event. It includes 5K, 10K and half-marathon races.
3. Browse Red River Market
The Red River Market is a local favorite in downtown Fargo on Saturdays. Enjoy a pumpkin patch and fall festival on October 5. Stock up on fall produce and locally-made goods and crafts. Bring a friend and strike a pose in the photo booth, enjoy art demos, live music and local food.
4. Hike at Buffalo River State Park
Buffalo River State Park keeps its hiking trails open in the fall. The scenery during this time of year is extraordinary. Leaves are bright brown, orange and yellow and you can hear the rush of the Buffalo River as you make your way around River View trail. Prairie View Trail, a 2.2-mile loop near the edge of the park, has terrific views of wildlife and is one of Minnesota’s largest prairie preserves.
5. Investigate paranormal activity at Bonanzaville
Unexplainable and creepy things have been reported by visitors and Bonanzaville Museum in West Fargo. You can explore several of the site’s most haunted areas in total darkness in teams of six. Participants use EMF detectors and voice boxes to communicate with friends, just like on television.
6. Paddle in the canoe parade
Decorate your canoe and paddle with friends in a procession down a scenic section of the Red River in Moorhead. The canoe voted as the best decorated receives the “Golden Paddle Award.”
There also are several spots for spectators along the river parade route. If you want to participate on land, you can explore the scenic area on bike or on foot. Canoe Parade participants can register up to a week in advance and can sign up to borrow a canoe.
7. Visit the Haunted Farm
The Haunted Farm 10 miles outside of Moorhead, Minnesota, is a scary adventure filled with creepy clowns, scary screams and zombies. Bring a group of friends who love a good scare. The full haunted show includes a haunted house, several haunted rooms, a maze and a spine-tingling walk through a dark, wooded area.
8. Celebrate cultural diversity at Pangea
Pangea: Cultivate our Cultures is a celebration of the region’s diversity. Sample the food, music, arts and crafts and stories of people from many different countries.
9. Shop at The Big One craft show
This unique craft fair is held at the Fargodome for its fall show. You’ll find more than 350 different exhibitors showcasing their handmade items. Items include handcrafted décor, furniture, pottery, baked goods, salsa and candy. You’ll likely find something you love at The Big One.
10. Experience the Fall in Fargo Festival
This is a celebration of the changing seasons. The free event at the Rheault Farm in Fargo is Sept. 21-22 and Sept. 28-29. Enjoy a straw bale maze, carnival games, DIY caramel apples, mini golf and a pumpkin patch at the Fall in Fargo Festival.
Photos courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
