Fall is one of the best times to explore Anoka and Ramsey. The trees change along the Rum River, local farms fill with pumpkins and downtown Anoka fully embraces its title as the Halloween Capital of the World.
Whether you already call the area home or you’re considering a move to the north metro, here are a few local favorites to add to your fall list.
Start with a slow morning
A good fall Saturday doesn’t need much of an itinerary.
Start downtown with coffee at Oakwood Cafe, a tucked-away spot inside Main Floral, or grab something sweet from Ginny Bites. From there, browse downtown Anoka’s local shops or stop into Avant Garden for coffee and a book.
It’s simple, local and an easy way to spend a crisp fall morning.
Experience fall in the Halloween Capital
October is when Anoka really comes alive.
The Light Up the Night Parade and Grande Day Parade are two of the season’s biggest traditions, filling downtown with everything that makes Halloween in Anoka unique.
For something different, try a Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tour. The Anoka County Historical Society combines local history and folklore on a walk through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Get outside
You don’t have to travel far for fall colors around here.
Rum River Central Regional Park in Ramsey has wooded trails and river views, while the Rum River Regional Trail and Akin Riverside Park make it easy to explore closer to downtown Anoka.
Add a local pumpkin farm or orchard to the afternoon and you’ve basically covered the ideal Minnesota fall day.
Make a night of it
Downtown Anoka has some surprisingly good options after dark.
Grab dinner before finding The Hardware Store, Anoka’s hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar, or stop at Ambi Wine Bar for wine, cocktails, small plates and dessert.
For live music, check what’s happening at Heart of the City Music Factory, an intimate venue inside the historic Old Milk Factory.
Explore beyond Anoka
Ramsey deserves some time on the fall itinerary, too. Visit the Ramsey Farmers Market, spend an afternoon at one of the city’s parks or make a treat stop at Miss Iz Ice Cream & Soda Pop Shop.
And when you want to venture farther out, Stillwater, Taylors Falls and the North Shore are all worth adding to your fall road-trip list.
There’s more in the full Fall Guide
These are only a few of my favorites.
I put together a complete Anoka + Ramsey Fall Guide with more local restaurants, coffee shops, fall events, outdoor spots, family activities, traditions, weekend trips and even a fall home checklist.
Download the full Fall Guide here →
Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re considering making Anoka, Ramsey or the surrounding north metro home, I hope it gives you a few new reasons to get out and enjoy the area this season.