Trick-or-Treat Safely This Halloween

It’s that time of year again when the streets are filled with sparkly fairy wings, Spider-Man masks and candy is on the dinner menu. As Minnesotans, we prepare for cold weather when finding a costume and cross our fingers that we don’t have a repeat of the blizzard of ‘91. Besides the weather, there are other things to keep in mind when trick-or-treating with your little Cinderella or Scooby-Doo.

Before Heading Out:

Kids can be stubborn when it comes to costumes, but try to compromise with a few things to keep them safe. If their costume involves a face mask, be sure they are able to see clearly through the eye holes. If they cannot, try using face paint instead.

Remind them of the rules of the streets such as looking both ways before crossing. There will be tons of other children out trick-or-treating and it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. It’s best to let them know to never leave your side.

Photo by George Rulz via Flickr

While Trick-or-Treating:

Wearing shoes that fit well is incredibly important. First, they need to keep you warm and second; they need to be comfortable enough to last all night. It will be tempting for children to run from house to house, but you should always walk. The middle of the road is not where you want to spend your time, even if it is a small neighborhood. Stick to sidewalks or on the edge of the street.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, twice as many kids are hit by a car while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year. These tips are important to follow when keeping you and your children safe on Halloween.

Also, bring a flashlight to help you see, and to help others see you. Make sure to only enter a home if you know who they are and only trick-or-treat in well-lit homes. It’s a good idea to avoid dark homes.

Once You’re Home:

It’s important that you check the candy your children have received. Make sure they only eat the factory-wrapped treats and avoiding homemade items. It’s also good to make sure they are eating the candy in moderation. Too much at once isn’t healthy for anyone.

It can make you a little nervous with all these things to worry about, but there’s one more thing you should be sure to do... HAVE FUN! Take tons of pictures and enjoy your family night on this wonderful holiday.

The Best Minnesota Fall Colors Road Trips

As summer comes to an end, the temperatures slowly become cool again. Some people dread thinking about the upcoming colder months and the sandals they will soon have to give up. Before rummaging through your closet for snow boots and a winter coat, think about taking a few more road trips before the snow flies. Minnesota is known for its abundance of lakes and outdoor beauty, so why not take a road trip to discover perhaps the most beautiful season in Minnesota? Here are four of the best places to see fall colors in Minnesota:

Mississippi River Bluffs | Winona, MN

The abundance of bluffs along the Mississippi River makes for great views. Take a hike up the 85-foot Sugar Loaf Bluff in Winona to admire the beautiful fall colors from above.

St. Croix River | Stillwater, MN

To get the full-color spectrum, consider visiting Stillwater along the St. Croix River. Enjoy paddlewheel river cruises, local wineries, breweries and fall festivals. If you can’t get enough of the fall colors there, consider taking a cruise along the river; there’s more than 165 miles of fall foliage!

Sawtooth Mountains | Lutsen, MN

Nothing compares to the heights you can reach in Minnesota than the Sawtooth Mountains. Enjoy the fall colors from top to bottom on the Alpine Slide or take a ride on the Mountain Tram to glide along the treetops.

Chain of Lakes | Minneapolis, MN

The Chain of Lakes - Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake - provides miles of paved paths that link the lakes together. Walk, bike or skate around the lakes for an idyllic inner-city fall backdrop.

With the landscape we have in Minnesota, there are plenty of excellent locations to watch the changing colors not included on this list. Have a favorite? Let us know in the comments!

5 Best Day Trips from Rochester

Getting a little stir crazy? Need to get on the road and explore before we hunker down for winter? Even if you don’t have the budget for a week-long vacation, you can still get away! Kuehn Motors has a list of favorite destinations that are only a car ride away!

Emma Krumbee’s Apple Orchard
507 East South Street
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 45 minutes northwest.

Although it’s only a seasonal attraction, it’s one of our fall favorites! Open mid-August through October, Emma Krumbee’s Apple Orchard is packed with tons of family fun! The orchard features farm animals, Emma’s Mountain Slide, a wagon ride, U-Pick apples, pumpkins and berries and a Scarecrow Festival! While you are there, make sure to check out the General Store and Restaurant!


Lark Toys
63604 170th Ave
Kellogg, MN 55945
Distance from Rochester: 45 minutes northeast.

One of our family favorites! Lark Toys is unique, fun, and perfect for chilly days! With over 20,000 sq. ft. to explore, it’s sure to keep you busy for a whole day! Lark Toys is one of the largest family owned and operated specialty toy stores in the nation. The store is divided into different specialty sections and boasts an indoor carousel During the warmer months, you can check out Lark’s outdoor mini golf course, too!


Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 15 minutes north.

Another great year-round attraction, the Minnesota Zoo is truly a Minnesota gem! Almost 3,000 animals call this zoo their home in the outdoor and indoor exhibits. Children and parents alike can learn about how Minnesota farms operate and develop a sense of community in the popular Wells Fargo Family Farm. There is always something fun and interesting to see and learn at the zoo -- a great trip for all ages!


Mystery Cave State Park
21071 County 118
Preston, MN 55965
Distance from Rochester: 55 minutes south.

Love exploring? Head south in the summer months (and some fall dates!) and check out a guided tour of Minnesota’s longest known cave. The cave is a sight to behold at any age, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and beautiful underground pools, and a maze of interconnecting passages. Sound dangerous? It’s not -- modern lighting and walkways make the tours accessible to just about anyone!


Brown County Historical Society
2 North Broadway
New Ulm, MN 56073
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 53 minutes west.

More of a history buff? The Brown County Historical Society in New Ulm features exhibits including Century Farms, early settlement, The Art of Wanda Gag and award winning U.S.- Dakota War of 1862. The research library is one of the best in the state, boasting extensive family records and business and history files.