DNR has ideas for family adventures this MEA weekend

REGIONAL— With the annual MEA weekend fast approaching, Minnesota state parks are gearing up with special events and suggestions to encourage families to spend some time outdoors together.
The annual break from school, which runs from Oct. 15-18 this year, comes at a time when there is still fall color in much of the southern half of Minnesota and still some lingering color here in the North Country. Crisp fall weather, and the disappearance of most biting insects, typical of mid-October, makes it the perfect time for outdoor adventures.
Plan a fall camping trip
Families will find campsites across Minnesota for Oct. 15-18. More than 25 state parks and state recreation areas currently have more than 20 drive-in campsites still open to book. Fall offers perfect camping conditions, where people can savor the crisp night air around a campfire before curling up in a warm sleeping bag.
Many state park campgrounds close for the season after MEA weekend, so it might be the last chance to sneak in an overnight visit to a favorite park in 2026. Check availability and book campsites at mndnr.gov/reservations.
Crunch some leaves
on a hike
According to the DNR’s Fall Color Finder, central Minnesota typically sees its last burst of peak color during MEA weekend. Peak colors then start to move into the Twin Cities metro and southern Minnesota.
But even though color is likely to be past peak here in the North Country, there will still be some later-turning aspen still showing color, while the tamaracks should be close to peak.
Hiking trails in the Lake Vermilion and Bear Head Lake state parks will offer great opportunities to check out the fall color before it’s all gone. Trails in the Superior National Forest, like the Bass Lake trails just north of Ely, or the Secret-Blackstone trails, located about 20 miles east of Ely, also offer great hiking opportunities.
Attend a naturalist event or tour
It gets dark a lot earlier this time of year, but that creates some interesting opportunities. Bear Head Lake State Park naturalists will be offering an evening walk through pine forests and alongside Bear Head Lake, guided by glowing lights. This family-friendly event includes 1-mile of candlelit trails that lead you to the park’s exceptional trail center, where you can cozy up to a campfire and enjoy warm refreshments.
There are two sections to the candlelit trail, with relatively easy walking on established trails. The event runs from 6-8 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 17 and is free except vehicles will require a valid state park sticker.
If you’re looking for an excuse for a fall color drive, consider a visit to the Big Bog State Recreation Area, north of Waskish. This mile-long out-and-back boardwalk allows visitors to explore a small portion of the largest contiguous peat bog in the Lower 48 states. On Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6-8 p.m., the boardwalk will be decked out with luminaries giving visitors an opportunity to experience the bog at night, under the glow from a waxing crescent moon. Tent and RV camping opportunities are available nearby. The boardwalk is fully accessible and family-friendly, too. Hot drinks and snacks will complete the event at the Ludlow Pond picnic shelter. Contact Dawn Jensen at 218-888-7313 or dawn.jensen@state.mn.us for more information.
Closer to home
Another memorable activity for kids would be a visit to the bottom of the Soudan Mine, as underground tours will be available throughout MEA weekend. You can travel 2,341 feet underground to take a 90-minute guided tour of Minnesota’s first and deepest underground mine. The cost is $15 for ages 13 and up and $10 for those 12 and under. Call 218-300-7000 to make a reservation, since the tours do fill up early at times.