A Cozy-but-Spooky Guide to Fall in the Twin Cities
I look forward to Fall every year. When the air gets cooler, the colors turn golden, and pumpkin spice is in everything, I can’t wait to partake in all of my favorite things the short season has to offer! While I love most things during Halloween season, I’m actually kind of a scaredy-cat. So if you’re like me and not really into jump scares and giving yourself nightmares but still want a touch of spooky to celebrate All Hallows Eve in the Twin Cities, I’ve got you covered with some cozy-but-spooky things to do.
I hope you love the things that I recommend! Just so you know, I may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
Take A Haunted Walking Tour
As much as I love the cozy side of fall, a little touch of mystery makes the season even better! I recently booked a tour with US Ghost Adventures and highly recommend adding this to your fall bucket list. It’s the perfect way to spend a crisp autumn night.
Walk about a mile down the stunning and historical Summit Ave, hear spine-tingling stories from the city’s past, and see familiar spots in a completely new light. It’s spooky in just the right way! So grab your coziest sweater, a warm drink, and take a walk down (a haunted) memory lane.
Go to A Halloween Bar
When you want to feel festive but stay warm indoors, grab a deliciously spooky cocktail at Halloween-themed pop-up bar. There are several in the Twin Cities to choose from like The Black Lagoon at Meteor, Nico’s in Uptown or the Haunted Basement Bar at Travail. Bonus points if you dress up in your best costume for the festivities!
Jack-O-Lantern Specacular at the MN Zoo
This is absoltuely one of my favorite Halloween traditions! The Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the MN Zoo is truly epic and you will not be disappointed. Wander through glowing trails lined with literally thousands of carved pumpkins. The soft orange light, the smell of autumn leaves, and the crisp air make it feel like stepping into your own fall fairytale. It’s family-friendly, photo-perfect, and one of the Twin Cities’ most magical traditions. On now thru Nov. 2nd
The Great Pumpkin Trail
Similar to the MN Zoo, The Great Pumpkin Trail at Pinehaven Farm in Wyoming, MN also has thousands of intricately carved jack-o-lanterns and is fun for the whole family! This 1/2 mile trail is an unforgettable experience to really get you into the Halloween spirit!
Take a Lantern-Lit Walk
There’s something magical about wandering a softly glowing trail on a crisp autumn night. Many Minnesota parks host special evening walks throughout fall where the trails are lined with candles or lanterns. Bring a warm drink, a friend, and let the gentle light lead the way!
Find Your Way Through A Corn Maze
Wandering through tall, crispy corn stalks on a sunny day is one of those simple joys that makes fall feel complete! There are dozens all over the twin cities to choose from, check this out for a comprehensive list of some of the best ones.
BareBones Puppet Halloween Extravaganza
Every fall, BareBones Puppet Theater brings art, puppetry, and community together for an unforgettable outdoor performance. With larger-than-life puppets, hauntingly beautiful music, and a touch of eerie magic, the BareBones Halloween Extravaganza feels like stepping into a living folk tale. It’s a little strange, a little spooky, and entirely mesmerizing!
Oct. 30th, 2025 at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. Show starts at 7pm and tickets are sold on a pay-what- you-can basis. Suggested price is $20 per person. (Dress warm and bring your own seat / blanket)
No matter how you like to celebrate, fall in the Twin Cities has a little something for everyone! From lantern-lit walks and cozy corn mazes to pumpkin trails and ghost stories. You don’t have to love haunted houses to feel the Halloween spirit, sometimes the best way to enjoy the season is with a mug of cider in hand and a hint of mystery in the air. So bundle up, get outside, and make the most of every glowing October night before the snowflakes start to fall.
Until Next Time,
Happy (Haunted) Adventuring!
-Karen
