Late Summer Activities in Minneapolis

With summer winding down, you may be saying to yourself now what? It’s still too hot for sweaters and scarves, but you may be tired of doing the same summer activities over and over. Here are a few late summer activities I’m enjoying right now.

State Fair

Starts today! The great Minnesota Get-together. The great thing about the state fair is there are so many things to do. Rides, food, concerts, art, and more. They’ve got it all.

Find your favorite foods first. By the time you’re finally inside, you’ll be ready for a snack. Then head over to the Schell’s/Grain Belt stand to get a Frozen Blu (a Grainbelt Blu Slushie). There are some cool vendor booths near the Grain Belt Stand.

After that, people watching is a must. Most of my time at the fair is just spent wandering around and taking it all in. Stop and look at interesting things, you’ll also find food along the way should you get hungry again.

Pro Tip: check out the new food and drink lists ahead of time, and map out their location. That way you don’t miss out on your favorites.

 

Try Canoeing in the Chain of Lakes

I don’t get to do this nearly as much as I’d like to, but is a great late summer activity. If you head over to Bde Maka Ska, near the restaurant, there is a little kiosk where you can rent canoes (https://wheelfunrentals.com/mn/minneapolis/lake-calhoun/). They also have kayaks, paddle boards and paddle boats if any of those are your jam. Since all of the lakes are connected you can go wherever you want to in Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake.

My favorite spot is when you’re going in between Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake. It’s a canal like space with fancy houses all around you and plenty of trees to give you shade.

Pro Tip: pack yourself a picnic lunch when you go and find a beach to stop at to eat.

 

Sit on a Patio somewhere

Take some time to relax and enjoy the nice weather while it lasts, by hanging out on a patio. You can try a restaurant or a brewery. Explore your own neighborhood to find a restaurant with a patio, or head on over to your nearest lake or river to find a happening spot.

 

Walk Around the Stone Arch Bridge/St. Anthony Main

After you’ve relaxed on a patio on St. Anthony Main, take a walk on the trails around the river. If you look close enough, you can find staircases that lead you down to the river. Head over the Stone Arch Bridge for some Instagrammable scenery.

 

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

This is an experience to try at least once. On the outskirts of the Twin Cities, this event happens every fall, starting in late August. People get dressed up in costumes, there’s jousting and even turkey legs to enjoy. Each weekend has a different theme, so you can plan your trip based on a theme that you might enjoy. Themes include Highland games, Oktoberfest, Irish, and more.

When you go, be sure to check out all of the vendor booths, and the food stands. It’s fun to just wander around and explore everything the festival has to offer. Last year we saw a glass blowing demo, and found a Fairy forest to explore.

Pro tip: If you live in Minneapolis, this can be a long drive. Find a buddy or two to carpool with.

 

What are your favorite late summer activities?