Explore Iowa's covered bridges Winterset, Iowa

Guided bus tours of covered bridges highlight the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival Oct. 11-12 in Winterset, Iowa. Visitors can see the historic structures that dot part of state's southern countryside. Other festival highlights include two stages of live entertainment, an antique car show and parade, a pioneer village, arts and crafts and children's activities. Folks can get a jump on the festival this Saturday at 9 a.m. with the Hogback Covered Bridge race, a 6.5k/4-mile run/walk. (1-515-462-1185; www.madisoncounty.com/bridge_fest.html)

Pumpkins, animals and more Dundas, Minn.

The Fall Harvest Festival at Thorn Crest Farm, 2 miles southwest of Dundas, offers another season of fun through Oct. 26 with pumpkin-picking, face-painting, games, farm animals, a gift shop, a craft shed, antiques and a grass maze. Hours are noon to 5:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (1-507-645-4182).

Wildlife artists headline fall festival Lake City, Minn.

Wildlife comes to life through original art on display at the 35th annual Wild Wings Fall Festival Saturday and next Sunday at City Hall in downtown Lake City. More than 50 wildlife artists from around the country will exhibit and sell their works and autograph the show's commemorative poster. Across the street at Patton Park, visitors can see live birds of prey from the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center and other animals. Artists' demonstrations, wildlife and nature presentations and live music will be featured. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. (1-651-345-5355; www.wildwings.com)

Celebrate cranberries Eagle River, Wis.

The Cranberry Fest Saturday and next Sunday at the Vilas County Fairgrounds and downtown in Eagle River, Wis., celebrates fresh cranberries and cranberry food of every kind. Highlights include fritters, breads, meatballs, pies, beer and craisins. Activities include marsh, bog and winery tours (Thursday through Saturday), arts and crafts, bike tours, a run/walk, entertainment, farmers and antique markets. (1-800-359-6315; www.eagleriver.org)

Wild activities for the family Zimmerman, Minn.

Plenty of free families activities will be offered Saturday during the Wildlife Festival at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman. The annual event is being held in conjunction with National Wildlife Refuge Week and includes guided wildlife and nature tours, hay rides, birds of prey, a scavenger hunt, a silent auction, a prairie wildflower seeds workshop and tea, birthday cake and more. Also, service roads usually closed to public vehicles will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (763-389-3323; www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne)

COLLEEN A. COLES