9 things to do this fall around the Twin Cities

Fall is in full swing! Looking for things to do before the weather turns cold? We found nine activities across the Twin Cities (well, one technically in Wisconsin) to try this season.

Take a scenic train ride

Details: The Fall Colors train ride along the St. Croix River Valley is the perfect low-effort way to see foliage. Sit back, relax and take lots of pictures during the 90-minute tour.

When: Every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31.

Cost: $17-$25 a person.

Bike through the woods

Details: It's the perfect weather for a fall bike ride to see the changing leaves. There are plenty of trails to explore, no matter your skill level. Here's our guide to some of the best across the metro.

Tip: Check beforehand to see if the trail or park has an entrance fee.

Visit an apple orchard

Details: Take a short trip from the Twin Cities to one of Minnesota's many apple orchards to pick your own peck and enjoy other fall activities, like corn mazes and hayrides. Here's our guide to five orchards nearby.

Tip: Check out our Instagram for our tour of Thompsons' Hillcrest Orchard in Elko New Market.

Go see a scary movie

Details: Want to see some spooky movies on the big screen? Indie theater Trylon Cinema has a full calendar of creepy and cult movies this month, like "Kingdom of the Spiders," "Jennifer's Body," and their annual all-night Horrorthon.

Cost: $8 per ticket, $50 for Horrorthon.

Celebrate Oktoberfest

Details: What's fall without a good beer? The Twin Cities Oktoberfest brings together local breweries, cideries and wineries, plus other German fare like schnitzel and bratwurst, to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

When: Oct. 8-9.

Cost: Entrance is free, but you must buy a $5 wristband to purchase alcohol.

Check out some scarecrows

Details: The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Scarecrows in the Garden exhibit is a must-see. Arboretum staff work with garden centers and locals to create dozens of unique scarecrows each year, like "Anthony Crow-ci."

Tip: Walk through their pumpkin display while you're there — they have over 300 kinds!

When: Daily through Oct. 31.

Cost: Admission to the Arboretum is $15 a person, or free for members, children under 15 and University of Minnesota students.

Try some fall-themed drinks

Details: Plenty of spots around the Twin Cities have fall fare, like hot mulled cider from Minneapolis Cider Company, spiced maple lattes at Wesley Andrews and sweet potato maple bourbon latte from Dogwood Coffee Bar.

Explore Minnesota's Largest Corn Maze

Details: Head to the Twin Cities Harvest Festival for their 20-acre corn maze, partially shaped in the University of St. Thomas logo. Kids can also try the scavenger hunt for signs scattered throughout the maze.

Tip: Try the haybale maze for an extra challenge — it's included in the price of the ticket.

When: The festival is open daily through October 31, but the corn maze is only on weekends and the Thursday and Friday of MEA.

Cost: $10 per person, kids under 36'' are free.

See a fall light show

Details: Sever's Fall Festival is an annual classic, but their drive-thru light show is a unique way to celebrate the leaves changing. The 1.2 million lights even sync to fall music!

When: Daily through Oct. 30.

Cost: $25 per car, or $40 for a car of 8+ people.