Vibrant Scenic Fall Train Rides + Boat Tours in Minnesota for Seeing Fall Colors
Looking for a fun way to soak up Minnesota’s stunning fall colors with your family? Hop aboard one of Minnesota’s best scenic fall train rides or boat tours for an unforgettable autumn adventure! From the vibrant reds and oranges along the North Shore to the golden hues of the Mississippi River bluffs, these rides offer a relaxing way to enjoy the season’s beauty.
Whether you choose a vintage train or a peaceful riverboat, your family is in for one of Minnesota’s best fall day trips with kids. Perfect for a colorful fall family outing, these trips are also a great way to make the most of Minnesota’s breathtaking fall scenery.
Undoubtedly, they are a must-add to your Minnesota fall bucket list! Pack some snacks, grab your camera, and get ready to experience one of the best fall things to do in Minnesota with kids.
Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railroad
For one of Minnesota’s top scenic fall train rides, hop aboard the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway for their Fall Color Tour or the Pumpkin Express Fall Train Rides! This family-friendly train ride offers unbeatable views of the stunning autumn colors in the St. Croix River Valley, making it perfect for any Minnesota fall bucket list with kids.
The Fall Color Tour takes you through vibrant landscapes of reds, oranges, and yellows, perfect for a relaxing family outing. For extra fun, the Pumpkin Express brings you to Dresser, where kids can pick out their own pumpkins and enjoy games, hayrides, and treats.
Whether you’re there for the scenery or the festive fun, this is one of the best ways to celebrate fall with your family near the Twin Cities!
Related Article: Fall Family Trips (All Direct Flights from MSP)
Fall Train Rides: Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
Put a fun twist on fall sightseeing in the heart of the Twin Cities this year. Hop on the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, run by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum! Located in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis, this historic streetcar takes families on a charming ride between Lakes Harriet and Bde Maka Ska. You can board at the Linden Hills Station or the Lake Calhoun platform.
The vintage streetcar, operating on weekends in September and October, offers a unique way to enjoy the autumn beauty of the city’s lakes and parks.
Kids will love the nostalgic feel of the streetcar, and parents will appreciate the relaxing ride through scenic urban spots. It’s a fun, low-key adventure to add to your Minnesota fall family bucket list!
Related Article: The Best Colorful Fall Road Trips in Minnesota
North Shore Scenic Railroad
All aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad for an unforgettable fall adventure! Departing from the historic Duluth Union Depot, this train ride takes you through downtown Duluth, along Canal Park, and up the stunning shore of Lake Superior. Whether you’re soaking in the vibrant autumn colors or learning about the North Shore’s rich history through fully narrated tours, this is a perfect family outing.
For a full-day adventure, hop on the Fall Color Train Tour, which includes a stop in the charming town of Two Harbors for shopping, lunch, and sightseeing. Then, don’t miss the annual Great Pumpkin Train, where kids can pick their own pumpkins at a unique pumpkin field and enjoy a fun-filled day at the Depot’s railroad museum.
With its beautiful views and kid-friendly events, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is undoubtedly one of Minnesota’s best scenic fall train rides!
Related Article: Twin Cities Fall Festivals for Families
Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours
Take one of the best fall day trips from Minneapolis with kids, and hop on a Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour. While aboard, you can soak in a kaleidoscope of color along the St. Croix River with your kids. Departing from Interstate State Park, these boat tours run through October, making it a perfect way to see the vibrant autumn colors along the river without paddling.
Each tour, lasting 45 to 80 minutes, features a knowledgeable guide who shares fascinating facts about the area’s history and points out unique rock formations. Kids and parents alike will love cruising on the iconic riverboat with its red paddlewheel while enjoying the beautiful scenery. With indoor and outdoor seating, plus onboard concessions and restrooms, it’s a relaxing, family-friendly way to experience the fall beauty of the Chisago Lakes region.
Add this boat trek to your Minnesota fall bucket list with kids!
St. Croix River Cruises
For one of the best fall things to do near Minneapolis with kids, hop aboard a scenic St. Croix River Cruise! This family-friendly boat ride takes you along the stunning shores of Minnesota and Wisconsin along the St. Croix River, giving you a front-row seat to the breathtaking fall colors.
Departing from Hudson, Wisconsin, these scenic fall boat rides offer families with kids a lovely way to enjoy the vibrant autumn leaves. The friendly crew ensures a smooth ride, and you can even enjoy delicious buffet-style meals on some tours. With a full bar and comfortable seating, this cruise makes for a perfect fall outing.
Padelford Riverboat
Make your next fall family outing a special one aboard the Padelford Riverboat, where you can enjoy a scenic river cruise down the mighty Mississippi River together! Departing from Harriet Island in St. Paul, this 90-minute narrated sightseeing excursion is one of the top fall things to do in Minnesota with kids.
Gliding along the river, you’ll pass iconic sights like the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye Cave, and Pike Island while learning about the area’s rich history. With stunning fall colors along the riverbanks and the chance to spot wildlife like bald eagles and herons, it’s an unforgettable experience. Onboard, enjoy a fully stocked bar and snacks for purchase.
All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of autumn in the Twin Cities aboard one of Minnesota’s best scenic fall boat rides with kids.
Have Fun Exploring Minnesota This Fall with Your Kids!
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to experience scenic fall train rides and boat tours in Minnesota. These adventures offer some of the best fall day trips in Minnesota with kids, giving families a chance to marvel at the vibrant colors and make new memories together. These outings, from historic railways to peaceful river cruises, are perfect for your Minnesota fall bucket list with kids. Whether taking in the stunning autumn landscapes or learning about local history, these fun fall things to do in Minnesota with kids, from Minneapolis to the North Shore, will create unforgettable opportunities to connect and create new family traditions together.
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
