As the leaves slowly turn color around Mille Lacs Lake, there’s no better place to experience the scenes of the season than Eddy’s Resort. Eddy’s offers a tranquil retreat to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle with the added charm of seasonal activities that make the fall months truly special. Here are our latest recommendations for things to do around Eddy’s Resort during this gorgeous time of year, ensuring you make the most of your autumn getaway and experience Mille Lacs Lake like a local.
Fall Festival Vendor Fair
Located in the cute one-street township of Isle, MN, this fall festival is perfect for antique hunting and finding local goods like woven blankets, bent metal sculptures, and custom fishing gear made by regional artists, crafters, and vendors. You can also enjoy local sweets like fresh caramel apples, hot apple cider, and other fair eats.
Looking for lunch plans afterwards? Stop by The Launch at Eddy’s and delight in a fall-time fave with the Ultimate Grilled Cheese served with crispy bacon, sliced tomato, and a hot cup of tomato basil soup.
The Fall Festival Vendor Fair is a short 15-minute trip from Eddy’s Resort and is a perfect family destination to get a feel for the season.
Saturday, August 31, from 9 am – 3 pm. For more info, check out their Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/426687173241286/?active_tab=about&_rdr
Gilby’s Nursery & Orchard
Gilby’s Nursey & Orchard is a local mainstay ripe for cozy fall moments with friends and family. From warming up with apple cider after apple picking to scenic hayrides in the cool autumn air as the sun sets, it’s a picture-perfect outing from Eddy’s.
Open seven days a week from 9 am – 4 pm, you can visit whether fitting it into a weekend trip to the lake or looking for a mid-week adventure. For all questions, you can call owners Sam and Jake at 218-670-1232 and check out their website here: https://gilbysorchard.com/about/
Ann River Winery
Looking to sip and savor the rustic yet tart flavors of fall? Check out this retreat for wine lovers, ideal for a girl’s trip or a date night during your stay at Eddy’s. We highly recommend bringing a deck of cards or a board game to enjoy while sipping their delicious wines near the crackling fireplace. They also provide a tasting room and to-die-for charcuterie boards.
Pro Tip: Ann River Winery also bottles its wine, making for a tasty treat to bring back to your cozy lakeside cabin or room.
For more info on setting up a wine tasting, types of wines, food menus, and hours of operations, visit their website here:
https://www.annriverwinery.com/winery-photos
The Hairy Mosquito & the Fall Artisan Fest & Flea Market
The Hairy Mosquito Trading Company is a quirky, offbeat antique store packed with a treasure trove of novelties. Kids will have fun discovering a bazaar of old-time treats and toys, from old-fashioned soda pop candy to a wooden hand-painted racecar; there is even a tasty ice cream shop.
At the Fall Artisan Fest & Flea Market, hosted by The Hairy Mosquito, long-forgotten trinkets and household goods are brought to life by artists, makers, and flea market merchants.
The Hairy Mosquito hosts a must-see free admission event, The Fall Artisan Fest & Flea Market, on October 12 – 13. You can find long-forgotten trinkets and household goods at the fest brought to life by artists, makers, and flea market merchants. Plus, it’s just a 22-minute drive south of Eddy’s. Event details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/21287-us-highway-169-milaca-mn-56353-3089-united-states/fall-artisan-fest-flea-market/1836358753484311/?_rdr
Grand Casino Mille Lacs
If you’re looking for a fun night-time activity after you wrap up dinner at The Launch, Grand Casino Mille Lacs is just a few minutes away. You can grab a signature cocktail at Up North Bar and try your luck at slots or a hand of blackjack. They also have a recently revamped players club and rewards program, so stop by to check out their latest new member deals. For a more laid-back vibe, you can also catch the latest flick at the Grand Makwa Cinema next door.
Check out what’s playing at Grand Makwa Cinema: https://www.grandmakwacinema.com/
See the latest promos at Grand Casino Mille Lacs: https://www.grandcasinomn.com/Promotions
The Tower Trail at Kathio State Park
Hiking the scenic Tower Trail to the regionally iconic observation tower at Kathio State Park is a must during peak color season. The 100-foot-tall tower puts you well above the canopy line, letting you see for miles and experience a fireworks display of colors. You’ll see the brightest reds, warmest oranges, and coolest yellows.
The Tower Trail itself is a short 1.2-mile loop that takes about 24 minutes to complete. However, due to the heavy rainfall this season, slightly muddy conditions could occur at low points on the trail, so bring a solid pair of shoes or boots!
According to the MN DNR, the best time to visit for fall colors will be from late September to early October. For more info on the best fall color hunting, check out the DNRs website for more seasonal details: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/typical_peak.html If you’re looking for more trails at Kathio State Park, the DNR website is full of valuable info. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00232#trails
After all your adventures around Mille Lacs Lake, you’ll be welcomed back to Eddy’s to unwind with your new-found treasures. Just head to our bonfire pits and nestle in with your handstitched blanket from the Fall Artisan Fest, open the bottle of wine from Ann River Winery, and listen to the waves lap onto the shores of Eddy’s. You’ve just experienced the ultimate fall getaway.