9 ways to celebrate – and scare – your way through fall just outside Sioux Falls
Oct. 6, 2021
This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.
Whether you’re looking for a good scare, looking for a pumpkin or just looking for a place to enjoy the fall foliage, you’ll find it with a quick trip outside of town.
Here’s a look at upcoming fall escapes in the communities of Lincoln and Minnehaha counties.
The Country Apple Orchard
The orchard in Harrisburg is now owned by the same owners as The Meadow Barn and is hosting fall-themed festivals through Halloween. Click here for a look at what’s new. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Halloween weekend, come in costume as the candy store will be filled with candy, caramel apples and pie. Click here for hours and details.
Harvest Festival
Head northwest of Renner for the annual Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Strawbale Winery. You’ll find live music, locally made merchandise to shop, pumpkin and face painting for the kids and plenty of food and beverages for purchase. Click here for information.
Haunted Farm
After being closed last year because of the pandemic, you now have 10 chances to visit the Haunted Farm near Worthing starting Saturday. For $23, visit five attractions, including a haunted barn, haunted woods and dark trail. There’s also a hayride and a chance to visit with the animals. It’s $10 for just the nonhaunted attractions. Plan on 90 minutes to two hours of fun through Halloween. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. For dates and location information, click here.
Heartland Country Corn Maze
Southeast of Harrisburg along Highway 11, the Heartland Country Corn Maze offers an 11-acre maze carved out of towering cornstalks. Scattered throughout the many passageways of the maze are 10 checkpoints with questions about local history, agriculture and local geography.
The checkpoints also serve as reference points on the maze map, and a completed questionnaire proves you visited all 10 checkpoint sights. Find the hidden checkpoint, and receive a free concession. The regular season ends Oct. 24, and there’s a haunted version of the maze Oct. 29 and 30. Click here for information.
Pumpkin Festival and Haunted Trail
Riverview Christmas Tree Farm north of Canton is holding a pumpkin festival this month that wraps up this weekend. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, you’ll find pumpkin picking, inflatables, pumpkin painting and games, hayrides, farm animals, fall crafts, food vendors, fall desserts, a beer garden, South Dakota wine and football games on the big-screen TVs. Then, from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday only, brave the Haunted Trail. Admission is free. Click here for details.
Fall Vendor Fair
Garretson hosts a chance to shop local Saturday with a Fall Vendor Fair. Here’s a look at the details:
Dell Rapids Trick-or-Treat
Head to historic downtown Dell Rapids from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Stores mostly will be closed and handing out candy inside, with Fourth Street blocked off. Many will be in costumes, and there will be additional activities for kids.
Trick-or-Treat Trail
The Big Sioux Recreation Area will turn into a Trick-or-Treat Trail from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30. Dress in your favorite Halloween costume, and trick-or-treat in the campground. The event starts near the picnic shelter. A valid South Dakota state park entrance license is required.
Fall foliage outlook
Keep watching this site from South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks for the latest on when you can see fall colors peak in the area. Head to any of the region’s state parks.
