There’s nothing like taking a drive on a crisp, fall day. Whether it’s a weekend free or day off of school, there are so many fun places to explore nearby. Here are our favorite Fall day trips from Fargo to try!
Fall Day Trips from Fargo
Buffalo River State Park + Pumpkin Patch
Days/Hours: Buffalo River State Park is open year-round, but the Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch runs from mid-September to late October on Saturdays & Sundays.
Why we love it:
This fun fall spot is just 25 minutes from the FM area, with plenty of activities to spend the day! Hike the trails at the park, have a picnic lunch, then enjoy the pumpkin patch. It has many activities and games, horse-drawn carriage rides, and tons of pumpkins!
Maplewood State Park + Thea’s Pumpkin Patch
Days/Hours: Maplewood State Park is open year-round, and Thea’s Pumpkin Patch is open mid-September through the end of October (open daily).
Why we love it:
If you’re on the hunt for fall colors, this is a great spot to visit! Located just 50 minutes from the FM area, Maplewood State Park is a great spot to hike and get some great views of those orange, red, and yellows.
Head 15 minutes west from the park to find Thea’s Pumpkin Patch. Try to get through the incredible corn maze, plus they also have games and a pumpkin patch. It makes a great day trip!
Turtle River State Park + Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch
Days/Hours: Turtle River State Park is open year-round, and Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch is open early September to late October on Saturday & Sundays.
Why we love it:
Venture a little further north to find Turtle River State Park! Check out the leaves changing, take a hike or bike ride, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Then head 10 minutes east to Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch! This family-run pumpkin patch features farm animals, a bounce house, hayrides, an 11-acre maze, and more!
Tamarac Wildlife Refuge + Detroit Lakes
Days/Hours: Tamarac Wildlife Refuge is open year-round (but the visitor’s center is only open weekends through mid-October). Business hours in Detroit Lakes will vary!
Why we love it:
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, Tamarac Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful sanctuary. Stop by the Visitor’s Center, hike the trails, and take in the colors (the drive there is even beautiful!). Plus, they have a Fall festival every year (2025 date is September 28th).
Head back to Detroit Lakes to enjoy some pizza at Zorbaz, shop for candy at Becker Pet & Garden and The Candy Store, and see a few trolls while you’re there!
If you have time, stop by Maple Hills Orchard in Frazee or Gottenborg Apple Orchard in Audubon on the way back to town.
Fort Ransom State Park + Lost Sheep Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze at Nome Schoolhouse
Days/Hours: Access Fort Ransom State Park any time, and the Lost Sheep Pumpkin Patch is open for 2026 on September 10-13, 20, 25-27, October 4, 9-11, 16-18, 30-31, and November 1. Hours are Fridays 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Note that they are CLOSED September 18-19 and October 2-3 for private events.
We love a good fall hike, and Fort Ransom State Park has some great trails! Start the morning hiking a bit, then head 14 miles northeast to Nome, ND and visit the NEW Lost Sheep Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze next to Nome Schoolhouse! The restaurant at Nome Schoolhouse is open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and features a soup and salad bar and a few lunch specials (not a full. menu).
Fergus Falls + Mother, Goose & Bean’s
Days/Hours: Mother, Goose & Bean’s is open late September to late October on Saturdays & Sundays. Fergus Falls business hours will vary.
Fergus Falls is a great stop for Otter Cove Children’s Museum, Noyes Park, and Uncle Eddie’s Ice Cream Shop! Head a little ways to Erhard, MN, where you’ll find Mother, Goose, & Bean’s. This family-owned pumpkin patch has a HUGE variety of unique pumpkins. Make sure to try their homemade kettle corn in all the different flavors!
Alexandria + Country Blossom Farm
Days/Hours: Country Blossom Farm is open mid-August through October on Tuesdays through Sundays. Alexandria business hours will vary.
Dubbed as definitely “worth the drive,” heading to Country Blossom Farm near Alexandria is a fall favorite! Pick apples, enjoy some cider and other fall fun, and bring home some baked goods!
Head into Alexandria to burn some energy at Shenanigan’s Indoor Playground, and enjoy a family meal at The Depot.
Hope you enjoy one of these fun fall day trips!
For more fall fun, check our our Ultimate Guide to Fall & Halloween in Fargo!
MORE FALL FUN
