A Guide to Enjoying the Fall Season in Nisswa Lakes Area
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there's a magical transformation happening in Nisswa, Minnesota and the surrounding lakes area. The leaves are trading their summer green for a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, and it's the perfect time to get outdoors and immerse yourself in the beauty of fall. To help you make the most of this season, we've put together a list of exciting fall activities and events in the Nisswa Lakes Area.
1. Copper Creek Fall Festival Days - September 14 - October 27, 2024
Join in the family fun at Copper Creek with activities like a Hay Bale Maze, Corn Pit Sandbox, Kids Activities, Face Painting, Pumpkin Carving, and more. Explore fall-themed classes and shop for seasonal goodies while enjoying the autumn ambiance.
2. Celebrate Paul Bunyan Fest at Cragun's Resort - September 20-22, 2024
Experience the spirit of the Northwoods at Paul Bunyan Fest, hosted by Cragun's Resort Golf & Conference Center from September 20-22, 2024. This inaugural event honors the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, with a variety of family-friendly activities, including log-rolling contests, axe-throwing, and a flannel and beard competition. Enjoy Oktoberfest-inspired food and drinks, live music, lumberjack demonstrations, and a bonfire with s'mores for a fun-filled weekend in Minnesota's Brainerd Lakes Area.
3. Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin' Hot BBQ - September 21, 2024
Head to Downtown Nisswa on September 21 for the Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin' Hot BBQ. Start your day with a mouthwatering pancake breakfast courtesy of the Nisswa Fire Department. Take part in the medallion hunt and test your skills in the bean bag tournament. The air will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of barbecued ribs as teams compete in the Smokin' Hot BBQ Challenge, and you'll have the chance to savor these delicious creations. The festivities continue with live music throughout the day and into the evening with a live outdoor concert. Don't forget to explore the Fall Artisan & Crafters Market at the Nisswa Area Historical Society's Pioneer Village during the festival.
4. Celebrate 50 Years at the Northland Arboretum - Plaid Festival - September 21, 2024
Join the Northland Arboretum on September 21, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Baxter, MN, for their 50th Anniversary Plaid Festival. The celebration features local vendors, live bands, a silent auction, food trucks, a bean bags tournament, history presentations, and the grand opening of a nature playscape.
5. Wildflower Chocolate Workshops at Jack Pine Brewery
Join Wildflower Chocolate at Jack Pine Brewery for two hands-on workshops this fall. On September 26th, craft your own artisan chocolate bark with a variety of inclusions. On October 30th, create spooky dark chocolate bars with autumnal shapes. Both events include chocolate, packaging, and a beverage from the brewery.
6. Craft Beer and Oktoberfests
Fall and beer go hand in hand, and the Nisswa Lakes Area has its fair share of Oktoberfest events. Check out these Oktoberfests and mark your calendars for their fall festivities:
Madden's on Gull Lake (Brainerd, MN) - Family Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 15, 2024
Roundhouse Brewery (Nisswa, MN) - Oktoberfest on September 20 & 21, 2024
Cuyuna Brewing Co. (Crosby, MN) - Oktoberfest from Saturday, September 21, 2024
Snarky Loon (Jenkins, MN) - Snarktoberfest on Saturday, September 28, 2024
Jack Pine Brewery (Baxter, MN) - Jacktoberfest on Saturday, September 28, 2024
Lakes Tavern (Pequot Lakes, MN) - Lakestober Fest on Saturday, October 5, 2024
Gull Lake Events Pub Crawl - Oktoberfest on October 5, 2024
Big Axe Brewing (Nisswa, MN) - Axetoberfest on Saturday, October 5, 2024
Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort (Deerwood, MN) - Oktoberfest on October 18-19, 2024
7. Crosslake Days - September 26-38, 2024
Crosslake Days is an annual fall event filled with family-friendly activities. From the Hunt for the Lost Chili Pepper to a Chili Cook-off, Corn Hole Tournament, and more, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the Arts & Crafts Fair with over 70 vendors offering unique handmade items.
8. Annual Hackensack Chainsaw Event - September 27 to 29, 2024
Every September, Hackensack, Minnesota, hosts the annual Chainsaw Event, where chainsaw artists from across the nation gather to transform raw logs into stunning works of art. From September 27 to 29, 2024, the town will resonate with the sound of chainsaws and the vibrant energy of creativity, as artists carve mesmerizing sculptures before an awe-inspired audience.
9. Celebrate The SPOT -371-'s 1st Anniversary - October 5, 2024
Join The SPOT -371- on October 5, 2024, for its 1st anniversary celebration featuring a pig roast, live music by Seth Doud, games, giveaways, an outdoor movie, and more. Indulge in delicious ice cream and signature bubble waffles to make the day even sweeter!
10. 2024 Mount Ski Gull Fall Fundraiser - October 10, 2024
Celebrate Mount Ski Gull's 62nd anniversary at Paul’s Picnic, a retro-themed ski party on October 10th. Enjoy a catered meal from Sunshine Summerhouse, live music from 1 x LF, sunset chairlift rides with photos by Chelsie Elizabeth Photography, and a Ski Retro-Themed Costume Contest. The event also features an online silent auction and the 5th Annual Babe’s Great Pumpkin Race.
11. The Babinski Foundation Haunted Trail - October 18 & 19, 2024
Dare to enter the Babinski Foundation's Haunted Trail on October 18th and 19th from 7-10 PM! Experience a spine-chilling adventure while supporting a great cause—proceeds benefit shelter animals, helping them find loving homes.
12. The Babinski Foundation Fall Festival - October 19, 2024
Make your way to The Babinski Foundation Animal Shelter for a family-friendly Fall Festival taking place from 12 PM to 4 PM on October 14th. This event promises fun for both kids and adults! Enjoy carnival games, delectable food trucks, a delightful petting zoo, live music by Eric Whitson, and much more!
13. Nisswa Christmas Home Tour - October 17-19, 2024
Get a head start on the holiday season by taking part in the Nisswa Christmas Home Tour. Explore beautifully decorated private homes and support a good cause, as all proceeds from this event are donated to Lakes Area Food Shelf.
14. Fall Fest at Northern Pacific Center - October 27, 2024
Fall Fest at Northern Pacific Center is on October 27th from 11 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy Trunk or Treat with over 30 trunks, followed by the Kids Zone featuring mini horses, bouncy houses, and carnival games. Trunk or Treat is $5 per child, and the Kids Zone is an additional $5. Children 2 and under are free.
15. Grand Brewfest Weekend - November 22-24, 2024
Don't miss the Grand Brewfest Weekend at Grand View Lodge in November. This event celebrates Minnesota's craft beer scene with a beer run/walk, brewery mastermind meetings, and a Grand Tasting featuring a wide range of MN brews.
16. Guided Nature Hikes at Northland Arboretum
Connect with nature by joining a guided nature hike at the Northland Arboretum in Baxter, MN. Some events may require an RSVP and may have a fee. Additionally, don't miss other fall events like the Scarecrow Contest, Haunted Trail, and Trunk or Treat.
17. Haunted Hidden Hollows at Paul Bunyan Land
Get into the spooky spirit by visiting Haunted Hidden Hollows at Paul Bunyan Land. It's an immersive Halloween experience that promises chills and thrills.
18. Explore the Paul Bunyan Trail
Fall is the perfect time to take a leisurely walk, hike, or bike ride along the Paul Bunyan Trail. As the leaves change color, the trail offers a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor adventures. If you need a bike rental, Up North Bike Rentals in Nisswa has you covered with a variety of bicycle options, including e-bikes and bike trailers for kids.
19. Fall Fishing in the Lakes Area
While the weather may be cooling down, the fishing in the lakes area is heating up during the fall season. It's your chance to enjoy some quality time on the water and make the most of the last few weeks of fishing before winter sets in. Stop by Sportland Outdoor Outfitters in Nisswa to gear up with bait and tackle for your autumn fishing excursions.
20. Fall Football and Pizza Nights
Gear up for the big game and enjoy some delicious pizza while cheering for your favorite teams. Check out these local spots:
Tasty Pizza North (Pequot Lakes, MN)
Lucky's Tavern (Pequot Lakes, MN)
Slice On Oak (Brainerd, MN)
Dough Bros Woodfire (Baxter, MN)
Rafferty's Pizza (Nisswa, MN | Baxter, MN | Crosby, MN | Crosslake, MN)
Sunshine's SummerHouse (Lake Shore, MN)
Zorbaz On Gull (Lake Shore, MN)
Commander Restaurant & Bar (Breezy Point)
Dunmire’s On the Lakes (North Long Lake)
21. Explore Fritz Loven Park
Take a leisurely walk around Fritz Loven Park in Lake Shore, MN, and appreciate the serene nature trails adorned with the stunning fall colors.
22. Pine River, MN, Dam Riffle
Visit Pine River, MN, to admire the views around the Dam Riffle. After your visit to the Pine River Riffle Dam, head down the street to GuidePoint Pharmacy for a delightful treat and a chance to experience their charming old-time soda fountain!
23. Thrilling Zipline Adventures by Brainerd Zip Line Tour (Located in: Mount Ski Gull)
Experience the thrill of ziplining through the colorful treetops of Minnesota's forests. Enjoy the exhilarating feeling of soaring through the air while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes.
24. Fall Flannels, Brews, and Axe-Throwing
Embrace the season by wearing your favorite fall flannels and trying your hand at axe-throwing at the Wreck Room at Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa, MN.
25. Fall Golfing in the Lakes Area
For golf enthusiasts, fall offers the perfect weather for hitting the links. Explore the amazing golf courses in the Lakes Area and enjoy a round of golf surrounded by the beauty of autumn. Be sure to check out GOLFTOBERFEST at Grand View Lodge October 4-6, 2024
26. Shop Local for the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to support local businesses and discover unique gifts and décor for your loved ones. Find Camp Nisswa gear at Northern Gifts & Sweets in Nisswa and The Spot -371- in Brainerd.
27. Live Music!
Fall doesn't mean the music stops. Check out local breweries and bars for weekly live entertainment at places like Roundhouse Brewery, Quarterdeck Resort, The Commander Restaurant and Bar, Jack Pine Brewery, and Snarky Loon Brewing Co. Check out our weekly live music guide to find live music happening in the Nisswa Lakes Area!
28. Visit 5Rocks Distilling Co. For Unique Crafted Cocktails
Make a stop at 5Rocks Distilling Co. in Brainerd, MN, to try their small-batch vodka, gin, whiskey, and unique cocktails.
29. Explore Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park
Climb the Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the fall foliage from above the treeline. Capture stunning photos of the vibrant leaves as they change color. Additionally, take a hike around the park's 3,000 feet of walking trails to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.
30. Explore Fall Colors on Foot, Bike, or Horseback at Pillsbury State Forest
Discover the vibrant fall colors of the Nisswa Lakes Area with a hike through the scenic Pillsbury State Forest. The forest offers trails perfect for hiking, off-road cycling, and horseback riding, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Minnesota's autumn beauty. View Map
Fall is a time of vibrant colors, exciting events, and cozy gatherings. With this guide, you're ready to make the most of the fall season in the Nisswa Lakes Area. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or a fan of seasonal festivities, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque corner of Minnesota. Get out there and savor the beauty and fun that autumn brings to the Northwoods!
