Fun Fall Events Happening on The Range

Take advantage of our shortest season with fun fall events. There are many events to choose from this fall that will get you out into nature, at a table full of delicious food, or even on a very special trolley ride. Read on to learn about all the fun events this fall on the Range, and click here for the full fall line-up.

Paddle and a Pint at Redhead Mountain Bike Park

Join Minnesota Discovery Center’s executive director for a paddle in the mine pit and a drink after, with charcuterie to boot! Register early for this September 11th event and get ready to explore a former mine pit filled with 400 feet of water with sheer cliff walls and beautiful fall colors.

Chili Out with The Rotary’s Annual Chili Cook Off

Rangers look forward to this event every year, and pack the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia for a chance to sample dozens of chili entries, all for just $10! Support a great cause and have a great meal on September 18. Doors open at 4 p.m. Chili tasting begins at 5 p.m.

Food Trucks, Unite!

It’s the annual Food Truck Festival in Virginia, September 20th. Food trucks of all flavors will take over Chestnut Street from 11 a.m. until the food runs out! Hang out for live music and downtown shopping until you’re hungry again!

Celebrate the Pasty

Pasties are an Iron Range staple. Meat and veggies wrapped in a flaky crust have been a part of miners meals for over a century and are celebrated and beloved to this day. Have a fresh-baked pasty, try some rutabaga bowling, listen to a local band and hear a presentation about the Soudan Mine at this year’s Pasty Festival, October 4 in Virginia. It’s a great meal made with locally grown ingredients for only $15 and goes to support the Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability and local growers.

Climb Aboard the Pumpkin Trolley!

Don’t miss this very special trolley ride at Minnesota Discovery Center, offered only in October Buy your tickets in advance for a ride on the MDC trolley to Glen Location, a former mining town where a petting zoo, pumpkin patch and scenic walking trails await. It’s a super fun day and a favorite family tradition on The Range.

This is only the Stem of the Pumpkin!

There’s lots more to see and do on The Range this fall. October 14, Pumpkin Fest in Aurora combines a fun run, kids make-and-takes, a quilt show, craft fair, wagon rides and cake walk with a whole bunch of other fall activities and pumpkins! Meanwhile at Simek’s Farm, a corn maze, farm animals and pumpkin patch are waiting Saturdays and Sundays through October 22. Not into the family thing? There’s plenty of music, art and entertainment to be had if you know where to look. Enjoy Autumn!