Deerwood, MN, in the Brainerd Lakes region of the state, is a popular year-round destination. With its proximity to several lakes and prime recreational opportunities, folks flock to the area from all over the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But as vibrant as the area is during summer, winter, and spring, Deerwood really shines during autumn in Minnesota.

The town of Deerwood is located in Crow Wing County, between Mille Lacs Lake and Brainerd.
Lorie Shaull/Flickr
Although its permanent population is only around 500, it's a gateway community for several lakes, as well as Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.
While some on the water activities, swimming and waterskiing, may drop off a bit when the weather gets cooler, folks keep coming to the area in the autumn.
Ruttgers Bay Lake Resort/Facebook
With its many forest-lined lakes, it's a fantastic place to come for fall foliage.
Shelly A/Google Reviews
The miles of trails at Cuyuna Country keep folks coming for the recreation opportunities.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, 3rd Street, Ironton, MN, USA
Ruttgers Bay Lake Resort/Facebook
Hiking, offroading, mountain biking, paddling, and fishing are all popular fall activities up here.
Calvin Miller/Google Reviews
Personally, I like to time my fall trips to Deerwood with the weekend-long Oktoberfest celebration at the venerable Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort.
Ruttgers Bay Lake Resort/Facebook
It's a family-friendly event that I can look forward to after a morning on the trails or on the water.
It's a pretty big deal. Thousands of folks come to Deerwood and to Ruttger's for the event.
Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort, 25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN 56444, USA
Ruttgers Bay Lake Resort/Facebook
You and hundreds of your new best friends will find food, music, games, dancing, and - of course - plenty of beer over this weekend of good cheer.
So, dust off your dirndl or lederhosen, loosen up your stein-holding arm, and be sure to get your tickets well in advance of the celebration.
Ruttgers Bay Lake Resort/Facebook
Deerwood is waiting for you this fall!

Whether you head to Deerwood to enjoy all the outdoor activities during the fall season or for Oktoberfest at Ruttger’s – or both! – you will not be at a loss for things to do this autumn in Minnesota. For more information about the annual Oktoberfest celebration, visit Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort’s Facebook page. Head over to the Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort listing on Hotels.com for more information about the resort, itself, or to book your stay this fall.

Have you visited Deerwood or Ruttger’s in the autumn? Did you go for Oktoberfest? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

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