Libra Season Adventures
Exploring Minnesota during the most wonderful time of the year
By Morgan Shelley
Autumn has finally arrived.
Nights are growing longer and the air is getting colder. The leaves are bursting into bright red, orange and yellow hues and fluttering from the skies. All around the world, students are preparing for exams and St. Kate’s students are battling the overwhelming urge to stay in bed for the whole day.
We are amidst one of many points in the semester when we all look a little bit like zombies. I don’t know about everyone else, but I am grasping the joy of spooky season and sweater weather as hard as possible. Libra Season (September 23-October 22) is all about finding balance. Ironically, it is one of the most hectic, stressful and overwhelming astrological seasons of the year. If you thought Virgo Season (August 22-September 22) was complicated, Libra Season probably has you feeling like a plastic bag drifting through a thunderstorm.
Regardless of how and where you are right now, taking a break to get outside is one of the best things you can do to put some distance between yourself and whatever your lovely mind insists you should be doing. The more time you make for yourself, the better you will likely feel down the road. I took my own advice recently and decided to escape my apartment and explore Minnesota with my partner for a few Libra Season adventures. If you, too, want to embrace the spooky energy in the air with some fun fall activities, I know exactly where you should go.
A stingray enjoying an evening swim. Credit: The Wheel
An assortment of cichlids vibing together peacefully. Credit: The Wheel
An informational panel in the GLA’s Unsalted Seas exhibit. It reads: “The average person in the Democratic Republic of the Congo uses only 8 gallons of water per day - below health and sanitation minimums - even though the region is water-rich. The country lacks infrastructure like wells, improved latrines, and water treatment technology. As a result, people in Africa and Asia must travel an average of 4 miles every day to collect water. 90% of that labor is borne by women and girls. This takes so much time that it forces many girls to drop out of school and prevents them from holding employment or having roles as decision-makers in their communities.” Credit: The Wheel
Our first stop was the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. A breathtaking view of Lake Superior greeted us upon our arrival and the first thing we noticed after we stepped into the building was a giant fish hanging from the ceiling. It’s the first impression for me, folks. If you are privileged enough to have a car and some gas to spare, this could be the perfect day trip for you and a friend. The aquarium is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and regular adult tickets start at $18 per person.
Great Lakes Aquarium was my first aquarium visit in years, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. If you’re the read-every-single-panel type like me, the aquarium has more than enough information for you to engage with. I learned about the origins of the five great lakes, the evolution of various species of fish and insects, climate change and water scarcity. If you’re a more hands-on adventurer, there are touch pools where you can safely interact with some of the animals. I got to touch a few starfish (spoiler: some of them are rough, some are fuzzy and all of them are cute) and my partner spent some time with a few friendly sturgeons. If you like to stare at things and go “ahh,” that is more than valid: There are pufferfish, piranhas, tiny crocodiles, jellyfish and many other creatures for you to observe!
Cost and inconsistencies were some downsides to this trip. Admission and parking were expensive and we were not notified that many of the animals were resting for various reasons (some were injured and others were napping because naptime is the best time.) We were unable to see everything the aquarium had to offer. The aquarium does have discounted admission rates on its website and even though we did not get to see the otters, we had an incredible time. Please be aware: Duluth is approximately two hours from St. Paul and you should pack snacks for the trip. We did not pack snacks. I ended up with a migraine because we did not pack snacks. Pack snacks!
Afton Apple Orchard welcome sign. It reads: “Welcome to Afton Apple Fall Activities. Admission Includes: straw mountain, retread hill, petting farm, playground, etc. *No charge for retail sales bldg. only.” Credit: The Wheel
A white sign with red text designating a row of sweet 16 apples. Credit: The Wheel
My partner picking apples. Credit: The Wheel
Second on our list was Afton Apple Orchard in Washington County. The orchard is approximately 33 minutes from St. Paul, so this is one of those trips you’ll also need a car for. And you will be outside for a while enjoying all the festivities included with admission, so be sure to prepare for the weather! The orchard is (also) open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For those above age 5, admission is $7. For children 4 or younger, admission is $5.
Between fruit picking, petting the cutest animals in the land, hayrides and the charming trinkets in the gift shop, we had plenty to do and more than enough open space to roam around. This was our most ‘autumn’ focused experience. It was extremely fun to spend some time under the sun and climbing onto things—they had a massive chair that my inner child was thrilled to sit in—but the extra charges added up. The only free parts of this memorable experience were entrance to the retail sales building and parking. Also, if portable restrooms are not your thing, make sure you go before you go! Afton Apple Orchard is a great place for a family trip. (Traveling solo to an apple orchard and embracing silence could also be a vibe.)
My partner hanging out with two very cool giraffes. Credit: The Wheel
A few Amazon milk frogs and a Brazilian rainbow boa. Credit: The Wheel
A very pretty Patas Monkey. Credit: Elizabeth Grant
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul was our final destination. This was obviously our favorite stop because parking and admission were free and there were indoor restrooms! (Kidding.) Como is approximately 15 minutes away and you only have to make a reservation before you arrive—plus, there are no penalties if you oversleep (like we did), miss your first reservation and have to make another. This institution has a lush history and while admission is free, visitors are encouraged to make donations. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all year round.
It could not be helped that we had to avoid accidentally bumping into tiny children running around a million miles per second, but it should be noted that this is a busy, crowded environment. (Check out the sensory-friendly information on their website if this concerns you!) Also, some of the exhibits are closed due to seasonal changes and we once again faced the animals have little to worry about so they spend most of their time napping dilemma. You get what you don’t pay for, in this case. One surprising aspect of this visit—besides seeing an arctic fox, a puma and a baby mountain goat on the same day—was an indoor greenhouse. Como also has an amusement park that is closed for the season. If you plan to explore here, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera!
Gentle reminder: You do not need to go far to explore! Wandering around campus after a long day has actually been one of my favorite things to do for a few years now. St. Kate’s is a small school compared to others, but it takes me a while to do a full lap on a good day. You never know how many squirrels you will see chasing each other across maroon- and gold-colored leaves or what you will find under a tree near the CdC. If getting out is not an option, opening the window to let some fresh air into the room can be just as effective. Baking, painting and playing video games are a few of my other favorite care activities. What are yours?
In the never-ending rush of deadlines, obligations and promises, don’t forget to take a deep breath and spend some time resting. You deserve it, wildcat.
