Local Fall Finds
MAKE THE MOST OUT OF FLANNEL SEASON
Finally, it’s the season for pumpkin spice and everything nice. While fall can be dark, damp, and cold, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The cooler weather is excellent for hiking and other fall activities like corn mazes. Are you looking for some relief from the stress of studying? Don’t fall into boredom. Instead, hit the road or the trail and take in the sights with some cheese curds in hand and your favorite flannel tucked in. So, how about it? Read on for some local fall finds.
VIEWS
Hoffman Hills – Give the observation tower a try for an unbeatable view. This 60-foot wooden tower east of Menomonie places you just above the treetops, giving you an aerial view of the surrounding landscape, which is extra beautiful this time of year because of the ombre of autumn leaves. Be sure to take an obligatory selfie with friends while you’re up there. Besides the tower, there’s a honeycomb of trails leading up to it ranging from easy to difficult, so no matter what level of hike you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at Hoffman Hills.
Bjornson Education-Recreation Center – (Menomonie Public School Environmental Site) – This park is obscurely placed in the hilly Wisconsin countryside near Knapp, just 15 minutes northwest of Menomonie. It’s one of the lesser-known places to take a hike or have a picnic. There’s a fire pit, but we’d recommend bringing a chair, and it’s best to wear hiking shoes you don’t mind getting dirty and have plenty of traction. That way, you’re prepared for the hiking trails, various hills, trees, and water features. This place is pet-friendly if your four-legged friend wants to join. Also, if you run long and need a restroom, one is available, but there is no guarantee on the TP.
FOOD
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie – This part cheese manufacturer, part shop, and part eatery is just as cheesy as the pizza it serves. Plus, their award-winning cheese curds appear in any cheese store worth its salt. Their original location is in Ellsworth, 50 minutes west of Menomonie, and this new creamery in Menomonie off exit 45 on County B opened just this past summer. The next time you’re looking for a very Wisconsin experience, stop in on a weekday before 5 pm to view their cheese-making process. It is whey good. Then, check out all the different flavored cheese curds for purchase since some cheeses made onsite are exclusive. Make sure to block out some time for your visit because they have lots of locally-sourced goods such as jams, jellies, meat snacks, and beverages. Secure some curds (fried or original), score some ice cream, and then hang out on the picnic tables if the weather is feeling cooperative.
ACTIVITIES
Govin’s – What about some farm fun close to Menomonie? Govin’s is corn-mazing and just a few miles away from Ellsworth Creamery. Each year they have a different theme for their 11-acre corn maze, aka the redneck escape room. If the maze isn’t your thing, take a shot at the Pumpkin Cannon! We hear it’s a blast. Other ventures range from mini golf to a genuine tractor pull. The farm is open on weekends beginning Saturday, September 24th, and ending Saturday, October 29th. Hours are Fridays 5-10 pm, Saturdays 10 am-10 pm, and Sundays 11 am-5 pm. A bonus (additional fee required) is the Twisted Tales of Horror trail. The name says it all. This trail is open every Friday and Saturday in October from 6-10 pm.
DECORATIONS
Buying the pumpkin – Sure, it might get smashed, and it’s a pain to carve, but you know you want one. If you’re looking for quick decor and want to skip the patch experience, try Bryan’s Pumpkin Stand on Highway 29/12 across the road from the Golden Leaf Café and the Red Cedar Speedway. If that doesn’t work, snag your pumpkin at most grocery and hardware stores around town.
Don’t let the dark get you down. Go out and explore the local land. Whether you fill your head with cheese knowledge or want to get lost in the woods, be sure to bring your friends.