Four Ways to Enjoy Fall in the Leech Lake Area
October 24, 2018
Just because the weather’s cooled down doesn’t mean the Leech Lake area slows down. Summer is over, but the fall season offers places to visit and things to do beyond fishing and water-based activities. Here are four ways you can enjoy the Leech Lake area through the fall season.
Enjoy a Wine Tasting
Located in Laporte, on the edge of the Paul Bunyan State Forest is Forestedge Winery. Among the 16 quality wines made with a variety of fruit is the award-winning Rhubarb Wine, for which Forestedge Farm proudly grows most of the rhubarb.
Want to relax and enjoy the fall season in the sun? Sip some wine and lounge on the cobblestone patio with family and friends. Too cool to be outside? Visit the gallery with art and fine crafts on display by MN artisans. The winery is open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5:30pm and Sunday 12-5pm.
Go Hiking
After the heat of summer, the cool, fall weather is enjoyable for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Shingobee Recreation Area is located along Highway 34, southwest of Walker. A part of Shingobee River Valley, the Shingobee Recreation Area offers 6 miles of outdoor exploration for hiking, hunting and bird watching. If you’re up for the adventure, primitive camping is also available. Breathe in the fresh air of fall while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
Take A Scenic Drive
Nothing says fall like taking a drive and enjoying the changing seasons. As a part of the Lake Country Scenic Byway, you can drive from Walker all the way to the Detroit Lakes. Enjoy the wooded lake country and take a detour to Itasca State Park for some more hiking trails if you need to stretch your legs along the way.
Explore The Arts Outdoors
If you choose to take the Lake Country Scenic Byway, but don’t want to drive the entire length, consider stopping at the Red Bridge Park Sculpture Trail. Located in the Park Rapids area at the intersection of Hwy 34 and Rt 71, this park showcases modern art by different studios. Materials include mostly steel, but some artists utilize copper, stone and granite. Enjoy smaller pockets of Fishhook Lake and don’t forget to admire the namesake red bridge on display.
Don’t mourn the end of summer; enjoy all that fall has to offer in the Leech Lake area. Grab some family and friends and make the most of the seasonal change.