🍂 Fall Activities Around Lake Minnetonka

🍂 Fall Activities Around Lake Minnetonka

1. Leaf‐Peeping & Scenic Drives/Trolley Rides
   As the trees change, take a drive around the lake’s winding roads, or look for a local trolley ride (if offered) for a relaxed way to enjoy fall colors. Tonka Talk

2. Hiking, Biking & Walks
   Lake Minnetonka Regional Park offers paved trails (about 3.2 miles) and connections to community trails. Walking along the shore or exploring wooded sections is especially beautiful in autumn when the air is crisp. Three Rivers Park District

3. Boating or Kayaking (Weather Permitting)
   Even as waters cool, mornings can be calm and ideal for kayaking, canoeing or boating from public launches. The fall light makes for incredible reflections. Lake Minnetonka Regional Park has a public boat launch. Three Rivers Park District

4. Fishing
   Cooler water often drives fish into shallower areas; for anglers, fall can be an excellent time. Use the regional piers or the launch sites. Three Rivers Park District

5. Visiting Parks & Arboretums
   The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is nearby, with fall-themed displays like scarecrows, pumpkins, etc. Ideal for photography, walks, and enjoying flora. Lake Minnetonka Magazine

6. Markets, Pop-Ups & Harvest Sales
   Fall markets pop up around the lake: craft vendors, local produce, fall décor, etc. Great for picking up local goods and getting into the seasonal spirit. Tonka Talk

7. Dining Out & Sampling Local Flavor
   As the temperature drops, cozying up in a lakeside restaurant or café becomes more appealing. Seasonal menus (think squash, apple, pumpkin) make this even more fun. There are also breweries or wineries within reach with fall flavors. (While I didn’t pull specific venues from the most recent data for each restaurant, this is a common fall draw in the area.)

📅 Upcoming Events & Festivals in the Fall

Here are a few events around Lake Minnetonka and nearby that are great to put on your calendar:

• James J. Hill Days (Wayzata) — A three-day festival with carnival, parade, and lots of community fun. James J. Hill Days

• Excelsior Apple Day — A long-standing lakeside tradition featuring craft booths, apple pie contests, live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, etc. Lake Minnetonka Magazine+1

• Minnesota Oktoberfest — Fall harvest vendors, live music and family-friendly German festival atmosphere. Lake Minnetonka Magazine+1

• Scarecrows in the Garden at the Arboretum — Creative displays, festive fall décor, great for families and photographers. Lake Minnetonka Magazine