We had a gourd time at Minnesota’s ‘Pumpkin Nights’

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Pumpkin Nights
Fairchild – The Minnesota State Fair mascot – is represented along the walk at “Pumpkin Nights.”

Minnesota offers a twist on the traditional pumpkin patch. “Pumpkin Nights” combines 3,000 gourds into 12 galleries over a half-mile walk. Each gallery features designs ranging from international locations to Minnesota icons.

We took in the first-year event courtesy of “Pumpkin Nights” marketing team. We were impressed with the production, which is the first of its kind in the United States. The path gives visitors some great views of the pumpkins. “Pumpkin Nights” opened Oct. 14 at the state fairgrounds in St. Paul.

The work put into the polyurethane pumpkins paid off. The artists created some beautiful exhibits. Entering the fairgrounds, visitors encounter some scarecrows and pumpkins with corn designs.

Pumpkin Nights
Pumpkins featuring corn designs.

The walk through the attraction is casual and you can take your time. Families seemed to be having lots of fun, as some kids posed for pictures next to pumpkins. Visitors stroll through sections with names like Rum River Pirates, Witches Brew and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Pumpkin Nights
Rum River Pirates feature pirates and tree designs.

One of my favorite displays was the Statue of Liberty pumpkin. I like the light colors used to highlight the attraction.

Pumpkin Nights
Statue of Liberty made from pumpkins.

Lisa’s favorite was a Minnesota Vikings display that showed a Vikings logo head on a backdrop of lit pumpkins.

Pumpkin Nights
Vikings logo with pumpkin backdrop.

It’s easy to find something to like along the walk. You can basically find your favorite Minnesota item at one stop. One display features Minnesota-related items, such as evergreen trees, Vikings, state map, Mall of America, state fair and even purple rain in honor of the late Prince.

Pumpkin Nights
Minnesota pumpkins.

“Pumpkin Nights” offers visitors a chance to get refreshments or take a break. A small food court features a variety of food and drinks, including cocoa.

Pumpkin Nights
Hot coco anyone?

“Pumpkin Nights” runs through Oct. 31. Hours are 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 6:30 p.m. – Midnight Friday – Saturday. Adult (13-64) tickets are $20 each. Child (4-12) tickets are $16 each. Children three and younger get in for free. A family pack is available for $64, covering two adults and two children. Check out the web site – www.pumpkinnights.com – for additional ticket prices and deals.

Pumpkin Nights
All types of designs are found along the half-mile path.

Parking is free in the West Como Lot. That’s important to know, so you don’t spend an extra 20 minutes driving around a darkened fairgrounds looking for the parking lot. Or, following a car with Minnesota license plates doing the same thing. I’m not saying that happened to us. I’m just sayin’.

We enjoyed our time at the first annual “Pumpkin Nights.” We can see making this part of an annual fall trip to the Twin Cities. In addition, the fairgrounds were about a 15-minute drive from our hotel in Roseville.

We recommend visiting “Pumpkin Nights.” If you’re looking for a quick trip to the Twin Cities this month, put “Pumpkin Nights” on your itinerary. You’ll enjoy it.

Disclaimer: Thank you to “Pumpkin Nights” marketing team for the complimentary tickets. However, all opinions and views are ours.