Fall is one the most popular seasons at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Autumn colors are popping everywhere—from the gardens near the Oswald Visitor Center to the many natural forests and meadows on the arboretum’s 1,200 acres. Minnesota-grown apples, pumpkins, gourds and squash are in season, too.
Enjoy this sampling of events to celebrate the harvest, fall colors and local autumn flavors.
Pumpkin Display: Through October 31, see displays of pumpkins, gourds and squash, including more than 300 varieties grown by staff at the Arboretum’s Horticultural Research Center. This year’s pumpkin tree will feature a spectrum of color, arranged to create a rainbow. Don’t forget to tour Scarecrows in the Gardens on the Dahlberg Terrace and Scarecrow Hill. (Free with admission or membership.)
Arboretum AppleHouse: Buy locally-grown pumpkins, gourds and squash, plus apples, apple pies, apple cider and gourmet food items from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. Tuesday–Sunday, enjoy North Star Donuts, offering slushies, hot beverages and its signature apple cider mini donuts. (This destination is a mile west of the main arboretum entrance and doesn’t require admission, membership or reservations.)
Yoga in the Gardens: Join local yoga teachers at 10 a.m. October 2, 6 p.m. October 20 or noon October 30 for a class in the Sensory Garden. Sessions are for all levels and are included with admission or membership. (Bring a mat and water bottle.)
Fall Color Trail Run: Pick your course (1K, 5K or 10K), start time and ideal date to take in the fall colors on a trail run or hike. This event is spread over October 7–9 to prevent overcrowding of the trails. Race packets include a long-sleeve T-shirt and a Gift & Garden Store day-of-race discount coupon. (Registration is $30–$45.)
Sarah Jackson is a media specialist at the arboretum. She lives and gardens in Minnetonka. Learn more at arb.umn.edu.
