The Perfect Fall Getaway in Minnesota: Why September Is the Time to Visit Faribault

Historic Hutch House
Aug 14
6 min read

If you’re waiting for the leaves to turn before planning your fall getaway, you might be waiting too long.

October gets the attention when people start talking about fall in Minnesota, and for good reason.

But September deserves some love, too.

Aerial view of Faribault Woolen Mill along the Cannon River on a crisp fall morning, with fog rolling over the river — The historic Faribault Woolen Mill sits along the banks of the Cannon River, operating continuously as one of the last vertical woolen mills in the United States since 1865. Founded by German immigrant Carl Klemer, it crafts renowned wool blankets, throws, and accessories.

Labor Day is often considered the unofficial start of fall. And September is the month when summer starts giving way without completely disappearing.

The days can still feel bright and active, while evenings hint at a change in season.

That makes September a particularly attractive month for a getaway.

If you're waiting for peak color, you may also find that September gives you something many October weekends don't: availability.

That's important.

The most popular fall weekends can book quickly, particularly in destinations known for autumn tourism. If your dates are flexible, September can give you a much better opportunity to plan the kind of weekend you actually want.

Why Faribault Is an Ideal Destination for a Minnesota Fall Getaway

Conveniently located just about an hour south of the Twin Cities off I-35, Faribault gives you the best parts of a small-town escape without requiring a long road trip. You can spend a morning exploring historic streets, an afternoon hiking or visiting local attractions, and an evening enjoying a memorable dinner before returning to a beautiful historic home for the night.

And if you're looking for a romantic fall getaway near Minneapolis, an anniversary trip, a Shattuck-St. Mary's weekend, or simply a reason to get out of town, September is a particularly good time to do it.

Here’s how we’d plan the perfect fall getaway in Faribault.

Start Your September Getaway Slowly

The best fall getaways don't need to be packed with activities.

In fact, that's part of the appeal.

Wake up without an alarm. Sip coffee. Take your time getting ready. Stroll through downtown Faribault. Browse local shops. Find a good lunch. Then decide what's next rather than racing from one attraction to the next.

View down Central Avenue in historic downtown Faribault, Minnesota, featuring 19th-century Victorian brick commercial buildings — A view looking down Central Avenue in historic downtown Faribault, Minnesota, featuring 19th-century Victorian commercial brick buildings characteristic of Minnesota's largest non-metro historic district.

Stay Where History Comes to Rest

You could make a reservation at a standard hotel and have a perfectly comfortable room.

Or you could stay somewhere that becomes part of the trip.

It depends on what kind of experience you want. Historic Hutch House is on the National Register of Historic Place, a boutique inn, and a distinctly Faribault experience.

The house dates to the late 19th century and offers three private guest suites, each with its own character. Instead of feeling like you're checking into another anonymous hotel room, you're staying in a home with rich, local history.

And because we live here, we're not operating from some general tourism playbook.

We know Faribault.

We know the neighborhoods, the local spots, and the places worth your time and attention.

And there's nothing more quintessential fall than enjoying a crisp morning or cool evening on the wraparound porch. See why Historic Hutch House was named one of Minnesota's 50 coolest houses.

Take a Scenic Fall Drive Through Southern Minnesota

One of the best things about a fall getaway to Minnesota is that you actually get to enjoy the journey without the distraction of any particular destination.

Southern Minnesota is made for a leisurely fall drive.

Instead of rushing down the highway, take the scenic route when you can. Roll down the windows. Put on a good playlist. Stop somewhere that catches your eye.

You don't necessarily need a detailed itinerary.

Head north on Highway 3 and you'll find our neighbors in Northfield. Plan it just right, and you'll arrive in time to celebrate the Defeat of Jesse James. Make a stop at Keepsake Cidery and Chapel Brewing.

Head east on Highway 60 and you'll reach Zumbrota, featuring an annual September festival celebrating Minnesota's last remaining covered bridge.

Historic covered pedestrian bridge in Zumbrota, Minnesota, with a sign warning, “$10 fine for driving faster than a walk across this bridge”

That's one of the advantages of choosing a destination like Faribault. You can enjoy an easy day trip that still allows you to slow down and relax.

And if you’re coming from the Twin Cities, a fall getaway can be as simple as leaving Friday afternoon and arriving in time for dinner.

No airport. No complicated logistics. No three-day travel commitment.

Skip all of it and still enjoy a beautiful change of scenery.

Things to Do in Faribault, Or Not

Fall in Minnesota often gets painted with talk of peak color, but don't make the mistake of thinking you need brilliant foliage to have a great fall weekend.

September has its own appeal.

Golf course in Faribault, Minnesota, on an overcast fall day, with a green, flag, sand trap, and trees displaying brilliant autumn colors — Faribault has 3 golf courses directly in town, with another 8 public and private courses located within a 20-mile radius in surrounding communities like Owatonna and Northfield.

The temperatures are generally more comfortable for walking and exploring, and you can experience Faribault at your own pace.

Spend some on any of the 10 lakes within a 10 mile radius. Hit the links on one of the 10 golf courses, located in town or just a short drive down the road.

Then come back to Historic Hutch House to sit and enjoy the wraparound porch.

Explore. Relax. Repeat.

That's the rhythm a September getaway in Faribault you get to enjoy.

Aerial view of historic downtown Faribault, Minnesota, and the Cannon River at sunset in fall, with trees displaying brilliant autumn colors — The surrounding region is known as the "10 Lakes 10 Miles" area, highlighting the high concentration of accessible lakes—such as Cannon, Roberds, and French lakes—situated within a short distance of the town.

If you're visiting for a particular event, game, campus visit or family weekend, you can build the rest of your trip around it. We've written a local guide specifically for visitors coming to town for Shattuck-St. Mary's events, visits and weekends.

Plan a Romantic Fall Weekend

September is also a great month for couples.

Maybe you've got an anniversary coming up. Maybe you're celebrating a birthday. Maybe you simply haven't had a weekend to yourselves in far too long.

You don't need a major occasion to plan a romantic getaway.

Faribault gives you enough to do without requiring you to fill every minute.

Spend the afternoon exploring. Have dinner together. Come back to the house. Open a bottle of wine. Sit and talk. Sleep in. Start the next morning at your own pace.

Sometimes that's the whole point of getting away.

If you're looking specifically for anniversary trip ideas, we've put together a guide to planning a quieter, more personal anniversary escape to Faribault.

And our guide to a romantic weekend getaway near Minneapolis has even more ideas for turning a simple weekend into something worth remembering.

Keep Your Fall Weekend Getaway Simple

Here's our biggest recommendation:

Don't try to do everything.

A weekend getaway shouldn't feel like a project.

You don't need twelve activities, six restaurants and a color-coded itinerary.

Instead, pick one or two things you really want to do each day.

Maybe Saturday looks like:

Morning: Coffee and a slow start at Historic Hutch House

Late morning: Explore downtown Faribault

Afternoon: Outdoor adventure or local attraction

Evening: Dinner and drinks

Night: Back to the Hutch House to relax

Then Sunday:

Morning: Sleep in

Late morning: Breakfast and coffee

Afternoon: One last stop before heading home

That's enough.

Actually, it's probably better than enough.

Turn Your September Getaway Into a Long Weekend

If your schedule allows, consider staying three nights instead of two.

A Friday-to-Sunday trip gives you a nice break from the workweek, but adding Thursday or Sunday night can completely change the pace.

You're no longer trying to squeeze everything into 48 hours.

You can take your time.

And because Faribault is within easy driving distance of Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities, you don't have to spend half your getaway traveling.

For couples, that extra night can be particularly valuable. You get more time together without having to turn the trip into a major vacation.

For families visiting Shattuck-St. Mary's, it can also turn a quick campus visit or weekend event into a genuine Minnesota getaway.

Your September Fall Getaway Starts Here

If you've been saying, "We should get away sometime," consider this your invitation to stop saying it and actually put something on the calendar.

September is a great time to visit Faribault.

Come for an anniversary.

Come for a Shattuck-St. Mary's weekend.

Come for a romantic escape.

Come because you've had a long summer and need a few days when nobody needs anything from you.

You don't need an elaborate vacation plan.

You just need a weekend, a little curiosity, and somewhere worth staying.

Make Faribault your fall getaway this September.

And make Historic Hutch House part of the experience.

Book directly for the best rates and availability.

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