13 Best Things to Do for Fall in Duluth, MN This Year
Duluth is a beautiful city year round, but when fall comes around and the leaves begin to change, it really becomes unbelievable.
From scary haunted houses to hikes with great views of the changing leaves, there are so many great activities during this season.
Tyler and I have visited Duluth in October every year for the past 5 years, and we’ve had the chance to attend some amazing events, have fun experiences, and see the amazing fall foliage.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Duluth in fall, let’s dive right in, because I’m going to share some of the must-dos!
Fall in Duluth, MN
1. Attend Oktoberfest
One of the most classic events to check out during September and October is Oktoberfest, and Duluth has its very own!
It’s hosted right in Bayfront Festival Park and you can experience all of the classic events that you’d actually find over in Germany.
Activities vary from year to year, but typically you can expect to find live music from bands playing authentic German music, tents filled with Bier and classic Bavarian food, local vendors selling their goods, and more.
There are even plenty of activities for the kids, so this can be a full family event.
2. Go Apple Picking with Edible Duluth
One of my favorite fall activities has always been apple picking, so I was thrilled to see that Duluth actually maintains a few locations with free apple picking.
The trees are mostly found in Enger Park and Gateway Park. There are actually 12 different types of apples and 16 orchards to pick from!
Just remember that while you’re picking, be respectful of others and leave some to share. It would be a real bummer to get there and not have any to pick.
3. Visit the Pumpkin Patch
One of the most classic activities to do with the family during fall is to visit the pumpkin patch, and that’s true for Duluth as well!
Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch is the closest to town to grab your pumpkin and then bring it home to carve. Tyler and I have even made date nights out of a pumpkin patch visit!
There are a variety of pumpkins to choose from, and if you’re wanting topick out a Christmas tree this winter, you can actually tag your tree to have it ready for you while you’re there!
4. See the Fall Colors from Skyline Parkway
Seeing the fall colors is of course, a quintessential part of September and October.
And with Duluth being located on a massive hill at the start of the Sawtooth Mountains, the colors are typically pretty phenomenal.
Head all the way up the hill to the top of the Skyline Parkway and you’ll have one of the best vantage points in town for seeing the changing leaves.
A lot of people take romantic dates up here to watch the sunset. Bring a pair of binoculars if you want, and then just enjoy the views from the top!
5. Take a Day Trip up the North Shore
And if you thought the leaves in Duluth were good, wait until you see the fall foliage on the North Shore.
Taking a day trip up the shore is a great way to spend some time in the area, especially since areas like Lutsen and Grand Marais are visited by people from states away due to their beauty in this season.
I would recommend hitting up some hiking trails like White Sky Rock, Bean and Bear Lakes, and Oberg Mountain to really experience the beautiful colors.
Otherwise, smaller hidden gems along the Gunflint Trail make for great stops with fewer people.
I’d also recommend taking a ride on the Lutsen Gondola to the top of Moose Mountain. This spot is absolutley gorgeous and unlike anything else I’ve ever seen. It’s busy, but really worth it in my opinion.
6. Take a Ride on the Great Pumpkin Train
One of the most unique things that you can do in Duluth in fall is take a ride on the Great Pumpkin Train. Similar to ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,’ but not quite.
You’ll start at the Duluth Union Depot and take a short ride to the mysterious pumpkin patch that only appears once per year in October.
You’ll be able to pick out your own pumpkin to take home with you and then catch the train back to the depot.
My family took a ride on this train when I was younger and I remember it being one of my favorite memories ever. It’s such a fun tradition to get into with your little ones!
7. Find Your Way Through a Corn Maze
Corn mazes are a classic fall activity, and Duluth has a few that are within a short driving distance to make your way through.
Ru-Ridge Corn Maze is in Carlton, just a short drive away, and there you’ll find an 8 acre corn maze, which is pretty amazing!
There’s also a corn pit, petting zoo, hay rides, and more here!
A little bit further away is Simek’s Farm, but it makes the perfect day trip from Duluth.
At Simek’s there is a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hay rides, farm animals, and more. This corn maze is a little smaller, only 4 acres, but that’s still a pretty large maze to wind your way through!
8. Attend a Haunted House
Now if you’re wanting to get a bit of a scare this fall in Duluth, then there are a few pretty terrifying haunted houses in the area.
The Haunted Ship is the classic haunted house in Duluth, found right in the walls of the William A. Irvin. I love this one because it feels so real, since the ships already feels eerie, and then with the added decor and actors, it’s on another level.
The other option is the Haunted Shack, which brings you on a hayride through a dark forest, and then you wander through the shack, which can honetly be terrifying.
I’ve been to both. My dad and I used to go to haunted houses every year before he passed, and the Haunted Ship was one of our first ever! I have some pretty wild stories to tell about how the actors targeted me (my friend’s parents told them to, haha!). It was pretty hilarious.
9. Take a Duluth Ghost Tour
Whether or not you believe in (or are scared of) ghosts might dictate whether or not you do this one, but taking a Duluth Ghost Tour might be right up your alley.
These tours walk you through Canal Park and the Lake Walk where your guide tells your chilling stories about the history of Duluth.
I’m a chicken when it comes to the paranormal, so I’ve never hopped on this tour, but I can only imagine the terrifying things that people learn about my favorite city!
10. Go For a Fall Hike
Tyler and I are big hikers, and one of the most beautiful times of the year to hit the trail is the fall time. So of course, we’ll recommend that you head out on a fall hike!
There are quite a few great hiking trails in Duluth that are surrounded by fall foliage, but our favorite is Ely’s Peak.
This trail is rated as moderate (make sure you stay on the trail to make it easier… speaking from experience) and takes you to an incredible view over Duluth.
During the fall months the trees change colors and you’re surrounded by stunning views in every direction.
A few other options for fall hikes include just hopping on parts of the Superior Hiking Trail, trails in Jay Cooke State Park (one of our favorite hidden gems), and the Lake Walk.
11. Visit Enger Tower for Fall Colors
Another amazing spot to see the fall colors in Duluth is Enger Tower. This 80-foot tower stands tall above the area and is a pretty incredible spot for views in every direction.
During September and October, the views from Enger Tower are especially amazing and you can see shades of red, green, yellow, and orange every way that you look.
I personally really love this spot because there hasn’t been a ton of people here when we’ve visited. So I’ve found it a nice place to avoid the crowds of Canal Park.
12. Tour the Grounds of Glensheen Mansion
If you’re looking for haunted places in Duluth, then one of the first spots that you may see mentioned is Glensheen Mansion.
This beautiful house on Lake Superior is open year round for tours, but spooky season gives the home an eerie feel to it.
Back in the late 1970s, two residents of the Congdon home were murdered at night. It was later suspected to be the daughter of one of the victims who comitted the crime.
The murders aren’t really talked about much, but it is still an eerie feeling to walk the halls of such a brutal attack. And being in the Halloween season, gives it an even creepier feeling. And it’s the perfect indoor activity for rainy or cold days.
13. Attend the Great Glensheen Pumpkin Hunt
Another fun event for Hallowen in Duluth is the Great Glensheen Pumpkin Hunt, which takes place throughout the month of October.
Throughout the grounds and mansion of Glensheen, you’ll find various pumpkins hidden that you’ll have to keep an eye out for during your tour.
This is a great opportunity to tour the grounds of this beautiful mansion while having some fun with the kids. There is a prize at the end for the kids who find them all!
FAQs About Duluth in October
When Should I Go to Duluth for Fall Colors?
Times for fall colors in Duluth vary from year to year, but typically the best time to go is mid-September to early October.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Duluth?
Yes, October is a great time to visit Duluth, since the trees are changing and the weather is cooler. Plus, the crowds are fewer!
Does it Snow in Duluth in October?
It can snow in Duluth in October. It doesn’t happen often where the snow sticks around, but it does snow from time to time.
Conclusion: Things to Do in September and October in Duluth
Duluth is filled with all sorts of fun things to do during September and October, from haunted houses to corn mazes and just checking out the fall foliage.
So if you’re looking for a great way to enjoy your fall season, these fall activities in Duluth are an awesome way to fill your visit!
