7 Signs the Midwest Knows Summer Is Almost Over

Labor Day weekend has a funny way of changing the mood. The weather might still be warm, but something feels different. Summer is starting to pack its bags.

Here are seven signs South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa are getting ready to say goodbye to summer.

1. Labor Day Is the Last Big Weekend

Labor Day weekend feels like summer's closing ceremony. It's one last trip to the lake, one last barbecue and one last long weekend before everyone gets back to normal life.

Nobody officially declares summer over on Monday. But we all know what's happening.

2. We're Trying to Squeeze in One More Pool Day

A few weeks ago, nobody wanted to leave the pool. Now we're looking at the calendar and thinking, "We should probably go one more time." Even if it's still hot outside, swimming after Labor Day somehow feels wrong.

3. Pumpkin Everything Suddenly Appears

You can say you're not ready for fall all you want. Then you walk into a store and there's pumpkin coffee, pumpkin candles and enough fall decorations to fill a cornfield.

It might still be 85 degrees outside. Doesn't matter. Pumpkin season has arrived.

4. The Sun Starts Going to Bed Earlier

Summer is losing daylight. This is when you really start noticing it. A few weeks ago, you could eat dinner outside and still have plenty of daylight left. Now the sun sets before 8 p.m. and you're looking at the clock, realizing it's getting dark way too early.

5. Fair Season Starts Disappearing

Across the Midwest, fairs and festivals are one of the best parts of summer. Then suddenly, the carnival rides are gone, the livestock barns are empty and the last funnel cake has been eaten. And somehow we're already looking forward to next year's fair.

6. Everyone Starts Asking, "Where Did Summer Go?"

This question is practically required. You'll hear it at work. You'll hear it at the grocery store. You'll probably say it yourself. It feels like Memorial Day was yesterday, and somehow we're already at Labor Day.

7. Every Warm Evening Suddenly Matters

This might be the biggest sign of all. Let's have one more bonfire. Let's go to the lake. Let's grill tonight. Let's sit outside until it gets dark.

When you realize summer is almost over, you start appreciating those little moments a little more. Labor Day isn't technically the end of summer. But around here, it feels like the season is giving us one last wave before heading out the door.