Top 10 Things to do in the Twin Cities This Fall

As the weather finally starts to become chillier and leaves start falling from the trees, you may be wondering what fun fall activities you can do around campus. Well, do we have the list for you! There are many fun things to take part in both in the cities (and surrounding areas) and on campus at NCU! Look at our top 10 things to check out before the snow falls:

     1. Sit by the fireplace in the T.J. Jones Library with a cup of tea or apple cider

This is one of the coziest spots on campus. If you’re looking for a place to relax, read a book, do homework, listen to music, or hang out with friends, this is the perfect place! Bring a mug of your favorite warm beverage (or stop by the Library Sunroom for Free Coffee Fridays!) and take in the warmth and history of the T.J. Jones Library.

     2. Go check out the newly reopened Bandbox Diner!

Right between Chicago Hall and Centennial Hall sits a classic diner that has unfortunately been closed since 2020. Now, the Bandbox Diner is back in all its glory! Go with some friends (or take yourself on a date) to get pancakes, burgers, fries, and other delicious diner foods. It’s always a fun time and the food is not overly expensive either. For more information, check out their Facebook page!

     3. Watch Gilmore Girls or Knives Out with your friends

There’s nothing more fun than watching a fall movie or show with your friends. My friends and I love to watch Gilmore Girls, Pride and Prejudice, and Knives Out together, but there are so many good options to pick from! You can watch movies on your laptop, or head over to Clay Commons to have a movie night there. Throw in some fall snacks, and you’re good to go!

     4. Buy pumpkin flavored things and bake them in your friend’s apartment (or your own!)

If you are a pumpkin lover, now is your moment to shine. Every store you walk into has pumpkin spice-flavored items lining the shelves. I implore you to head over to Trader Joe’s to try some of these snacks. If you’re not into the pumpkin vibes, no problem!

There are plenty of other things to choose from, including their amazing spiced apple cider and apple cider donuts. If you have a friend with an apartment on campus (or maybe you are that friend), you should pick up a baking mix (or two) and have a fall baking party, or at least just spend some quality time baking together!

     5. Thrift a sweater

There are so many different thrift stores nearby! What a better thing to thrift than a cozy, fall sweater. There’s a Salvation Army store nearby (with bins to sort through on the lower level) and Goodwill stores galore. Check out the store you’re interested in going to and get dressed in your fall best!

     6. Bonfire at Carlson Patio

If you’re looking for a fun evening activity, head over to Carlson patio and have a bonfire! There is usually firewood under the bridge that is free to use, as long as the space is not reserved for an event. Gather some friends, some worm beverages, and maybe some marshmallows and chocolate and have a peaceful fall evening!

     7. Go to an apple orchard/pumpkin patch

Another fun fall activity is to go to an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch… or both! There are plenty of orchards around the Twin Cities: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, Afton Apple Orchard, and Sunnybrook Apple Orchard, to name a few! It’s a great opportunity to get out into nature and to get some great apple and pumpkin treats!

     8. Have a fall picnic in front of the library

Similar to an earlier entry on this list, you can make a Trader Joe’s or Target run to pick up some foods and snacks that embody the current season. Then, take your picnic blanket over to the hill outside of T.J. Jones Library and have a fall picnic with friends or as a date with yourself!

     9. Check out the Mill City Farmers Market

If you missed going to the farmer’s market this summer, it’s not too late! There is plenty of time to walk down to the Mill City Farmers Market and check out the businesses out there. This market will continue to be open every Saturday from 9a-1p until the end of October!

     10. Take a tour of some of the coffee shops with new fall drinks

Minneapolis and St. Paul are hotspots for unique coffee shops. When the season changes, so do the specialty drink flavors at these local shops! You can make a list of shops you want to try out and take a coffee tour by trying a fall drink at each location. Some coffee shops you should try are Nina’s, Wesley Andrews, Spyhouse, and Backstory Coffee Roasters.

There are so many fun things to do in the fall in the Twin Cities. I hope this list inspires you to step out of your comfort zone and do something fun in this beautiful time of the year!