18 Free Things to Do This Fall in Southeast Minnesota

Fall is a really fun time of year in Minnesota. The weather has cooled down a little but not too much, the afternoon sun feels so nice, and the changing colors are beautiful.

Since we're all trying to save money where we can, I put together a list of some fun and free things that you can do in SE Minnesota this fall. (Some of these you can spend a little money on, you shouldn't have to spend much at all.)

ALSO READ: The Best Places to Get Soup in Rochester According to Locals

Free Things to Do in SE Minnesota in the Fall

Leaf Peeping
This is a pretty obvious one, but a great idea none the less! Checking out the beautiful fall colors is a great way to spend an afternoon at Quarry Hill, Chester Woods, or any other park.

Hit the Water
If the afternoon sun is warm enough and you've got a kayak or canoe, hitting the water in the fall is unmatched.

Go Stargazing
Since the sun sets so early now you don't have to wait as late into the evening to do this one. Pack some snacks and go somewhere without a lot of light pollution.

Press Flowers
As the flowers in the garden start to die off, grab a few favorites and press them.

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Have a Bonfire
It's bonfire season, so grab a flannel and maybe some marshmallows.

Bike the Douglas Trail or Root River Trail
Or really any other trail in your area for that matter.

Go On a Hike
This goes hand-in-hand with leaf peeping obviously, but this is the perfect weather for hiking.

Make a Collage of Dried Leaves
Once the leaves start to fall, the kids can collect their favorite leaves and turn them into an art project. If you're ok with it not being 100% free, hit up a craft store to get some supplies.

Visit Bluff Country
If you don't live in the bluff country area already, make plans to visit places like Lanesboro and Preston. The colors changing among the bluffs is stunning.

Go Birding
Yes, download a bird call identifier app and go look for birds. Maybe I'm an old lady, but it's kind of fun.

Take a Fall Photo Walk
This would be especially fun with the kids. Come up with a list of some classic fall things (a leaf pile, a pumpkin, etc.), go out on a walk and challenge them to find everything on the list and take a photo of it.

Clean Up a Local Walking Trail
Find a walking trail near you, head out with a garbage bag and some gloves, and pick up trash around the trail. As Dunken likes to say on our show, when you do good, you feel good.

Visit Lake Pepin
I love Lake Pepin, so this one might be a little biased, but just do it anyway.

Browse the Farmer's Market
The Rochester Farmer's Market is every Saturday from 7:30 AM - noon through October at Graham Park.

Visit the Library on a Cool, Rainy Day
There are plenty of cool and rainy days that happen in the fall. On those days, pop over to the library and find a cozy book to read.

Chili or Soup Exchange
This one could be free if you've already got the stuff in your pantry, otherwise it shouldn't cost too much. It's soup for goodness sake! Invite some friends over for a chili and/or soup exchange, have everyone bring a favorite and everyone gets to try each one.

Have a Fall/Halloween Movie Night
You probably already have a streaming service or two. Find a fall/Halloween movie or two and have a movie night.

Bake Something with Fall Spices
Assuming you already have a fall spice here and there in your pantry, try your hand at baking a tasty fall treat.