Minnesota fall is basically nature's way of showing off—brilliant colors, that fresh, crisp air, and endless opportunities to get outside. And no, we’re not just saying that because we’re locals!
With versatile fabrics, endless layering options, and colors that rival the trees, Storm Creek apparel is ready to accompany all your fall adventures! So, go ahead, bring us along—we promise we’re great company!
Fall Foliage: Hike the North Shore
The hiking trails throughout Minnesota are full of activity in the fall, especially on the weekends. The North Shore is known for its unique combination of vibrant leaf colors and the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior.
With so many trails to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to three must-have-hikes for late September and early October—when the colors are at their most jaw-dropping:
Eagle Mountain
Minnesota’s highest point is a wilderness trail accessed from the popular harbor town of Grand Marais. This challenging hike is 7 miles up to the summit and back and takes you into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You’ll get several spectacular views of lakes and forest.
Oberg Mountain
Often hailed as Minnesota’s most beautiful fall hike,Oberg Mountain’s 2-mile loop is short but packed with stunning overlooks. Perfect for families, this trail offers sweeping views of Lake Superior, inland hills, and a picturesque lake—just keep a close eye on the little ones near the cliffs.
Gooseberry Falls
There are several hiking options at Gooseberry, the North Shore’s most popular state park. All the trails start from the Visitor Center. You can hike down to Lake Superior, take the footbridge across the river for more trails on the other side, or head upstream on the Fifth Falls trail.
For these North Shore hikes, we recommend layering up with light to midweight pieces, moisture-wicking fabrics and durable jackets—because Minnesota weather can throw anything at you, from sunshine to wind, rain and even snow. Here are a few of our top picks:
- Traveler Vest—Compact, cozy and perfect for keeping your core warm, our Traveler Vest packs up small into its own pocket for easy stowing in your bag or pack. It’s available in 3-4 colors for men and women in a matte or glossy finish. Layer it over our Sightseer Tee or under a jacket for that extra insulation.
- Traveler Jacket—For lightweight warmth, take along our Traveler Jacket. It also packs into its own pocket and offers weather resistance and layering comfort. Zip pockets keep your small valuables secure. The Traveler for men and women is available with a glossy or matte finish in 2-3 color options.
- Sightseer Tees—Whether you go for the short-sleeve, long-sleeve, or hoodie version, our Sightseer’s are made for all-season wear. They’re perfect for layering and come in a range of colors for both men and women.
Autumn Events: Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches
Nothing says “fall” like a trip to a Minnesota apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Did you know that 29 apple varieties were developed right here at the University of Minnesota? That’s right—Haralson, Honeycrisp, and Sweet Tango are just a few of the homegrown favorites you’ll find at local orchards.
Most of these spots also grow pumpkins, so you can knock out your fall to-do list in one fun-filled outing. Think baked goods, jams, jellies, hayrides, petting zoos, and holiday decor—it’s a family-friendly fall festival waiting to happen.
UPickFarmsUSA has a Minnesota page with a map that highlights counties with pick-your-own apples. There are so many orchards around the state it’s hard to highlight just a few, but an online search will bring up options in your area. And most of these are family-owned, so you’re supporting local businesses too.
For a cozy day out at the orchard, we suggest wearing something comfy, casual, and warm. Here’s what we’re loving:
- Sidekick Collection—Our Sidekick Crew, Quarter Zip, Hoodie and Mock have been voted “most likely to get stolen” and never given back! Sumptuously soft and comfy, these feel as incredible as they look. And they have some of the highest bottle counts of any of our garments, so you know you’re helping keep plastic out of our landfills in a big way.
- Summit Jacket—This isn’t your average fleece jacket. The Summit Jacket’s bonded fleece exterior and sherpa interior offer unbeatable warmth for those crisp fall days. The women’s version even comes with a sherpa-lined hood for extra protection.
- Front Runner Vest—Need one more extra layer? Our Front Runner Vest is ideal for fall orchard runs. Thermolite® EcoMade insulation keeps your core warm, and the zipped pockets keep your valuables conveniently and securely stashed.
On the Water: Kayak, Canoe and Fish
Minnesota’s nickname is the Land of 10,000 Lakes—it’s actually more than 11,000 lakes and hundreds of rivers! There’s plenty of water to go around for all your fall kayaking, canoeing and fishing excursions. We’ll highlight just three for you here:
St. Croix River
The 169-mile St. Croix River provides a long section of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, and it’s a paddler’s paradise. Not only does it offer several outfitters, launches and rental options along the way, between Taylors Falls and Osceola Landing is a view you won’t want to miss—palisades galore.
Mississippi River
America’s biggest river begins in northern Minnesota, winds its way through the heart of the Twin Cities (and just a few minutes from our headquarters) and forms another section of the Minnesota/Wisconsin border as it heads south. With countless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, this river is as scenic as it is iconic—especially when the fall colors start to pop.
Voyageurs National Park
For those who want to escape the crowds and mosquitoes, fall is the perfect time to explore Minnesota’s only national park. With 218,000 acres of forests, lakes, and rivers, Voyageurs is a paddler’s dream come true. Just don’t forget to look up—the dark skies are incredible for stargazing.
Paddling and fishing adventures can take you into all kinds of weather in September and October. Here are a few suggestions to keep you warm and dry:
- Voyager Rain Jacket and Pants—Staying dry on the water is essential, especially in crisp fall temps up north. Our Voyager Jacket and Pants offer packable protection from head to ankle in light and moderate rain.
- Explorer Rain Jacket and Rain Pants—Are you determined to be on the water even in the wettest fall conditions? Then our Explorer Rain Jacket and Pants are for you. These are downpour-ready with sealed seams and completely functional with the breathable 4-way stretch fabric.
- Pacesetter Quarter Zip or Hoodie—This top is perfect as a lightweight layer or for easy performance on cool fall days. Our Pacesetter Quarter Zip and Hoodie come in a huge choice of colors and are ready for any paddling or fishing adventure. Super soft and amazingly stretchy, the Pacesetter is one of our top sellers.
Urban Adventures in the Twin Cities: Rooftop Dining & Evening Strolls
The Minneapolis and Saint Paul metro area offers fun rooftop dining choices along with a plethora of green spaces that will turn to “ooing and ahhing” shades of yellow, orange and red in the autumn. Whether you’re sipping cocktails with a skyline view or taking a post-dinner stroll, here are a few spots to check out:
Gai Noi
Enjoy Laotian cuisine on Gai Noi’s enclosed rooftop, where you’ll get a front-row seat to the fall colors of Loring Park. After dinner, stretch your legs with a stroll through the park—just in case you overindulged in those delicious egg rolls.
LynLake Brewery
LynLake Brewery in southwest Minneapolis keeps its outdoor rooftop seating area open into the fall with fire pits and heaters to keep you toasty. Enjoy drinks and the pub menu while you overlook the city’s skyline.
Papa’s Rooftop Eatery
Just a few miles east of Saint Paul is historic Stillwater. The Water Street Inn there hosts Papa’s Rooftop Eatery with 360-degree views of downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix River. After dining, the adventurous can bike or hike the popular St. Croix Crossing Loop Trail for more great fall color views along the river.
For trendy functionality and comfort at your urban outdoor dining events, we suggest:
- Pacific Puffer Vest—Our versatile Pacific Puffer Vest provides down-like warmth with 100% recycled polyester insulation. It packs into its own pocket for easy stowing, making it easy to bring along and take out in that cool fall air. You’ll look stylish while you keep your core warm on the rooftop.
- Influencer Woven Shirt—The Influencer is one of our most versatile button-downs for men and women. You can go from the boardroom to the rooftop to the sidewalk while you look classy and stay comfortable with the fabric’s 4-way stretch. Offered in Solid, Gingham, Microplaid and Windowpane, there’s an Influencer for everyone.
- Challenger Jacket—Sleek and elevated as well as super soft and stretchy, meet the Challenger Jacket. Whether eating on the rooftop or strolling a trail that’s loaded with fall color, this will be your new favorite jacket!
Wrapping It Up
Wherever your Minnesota fall adventures take you, Storm Creek is there to keep you warm, comfortable, and stylish. Our eco-friendly apparel is designed with layering in mind, so you can easily adapt to the changing temps and activities of the season.
With Storm Creek, you’re not just getting great fit and style—you’re making a sustainable choice. We’re committed to using recycled, organic, and sustainable materials and avoiding restricted chemicals, so you can feel good about what you’re wearing.