The beautiful state of Minnesota is known for it’s 10,000 lakes, however it could be considered the king of apples state, if there was such a thing. The University of Minnesota has developed over 30 varieties of apples, including the famous Honeycrisp and Zestar apples! So it’s no wonder you will find some of the best apple orchards in Minnesota.
Minnesota U-pick apple orchards usually opens mid-to-late August and lasts through October. The apple-picking season in Minnesota is a perfect fall tradition for families. Kids tend to check out of their normal summer activities and visiting a orchard filled with MN fall colors, yummy treats, bright red and green apples, huge pumpkins, hay rides and more helps transition from summer to back-to-school vibes.
Here’s 11 MN apple orchards you should most definitely visit this fall.
1. Apple Jack Orchard - Delano Apple Orchard
Apple Jack’s is a well known staple in the Northwest corner of the Twin Cities. This Delano based apple orchard humbly started out of a railroad cart on the side of the road in 1983. It’s now blossomed into one of Minnesota’s top apple orchards. Loaded with family fun each weekend which includes pony rides, apple canons, zip lines, face painting, live music and more.
2. Afton Apple Orchard - Hastings Apple Orchard
Afton Apple Orchard is located in Hastings Minnesota. You are guaranteed to have a good time getting lost in their HUGE 15 acre corn maze! They also have over 250 stunning acres of apples, strawberries, raspberries, and pumpkins. Kids will also have fond memories of riding on Afton Apple Orchard’s “Moo Moo Choo Choo” train. Note there is a fee to play on some of the activities provided.
3. Emma Krumbee's Orchard & Farm - Belle Plaine Apple Orchard
Emma Krumbee’s Orchard and Farm in Belle Plaine is a perfect spot to go exploring before hitting up the yellow barn known as Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store. Make it a day to remember by strolling down the apple orchard’s Scarecrow Festival paths and picking all sorts of apples to bring home. You will have plenty of opportunity to fill your belly with homemade pie, crisps, breads, cookies, caramel apple sundaes and so much more!
4. Aamodt's Apple Farm - Stillwater Apple Orchard
Aamodt’s Apple Farm is a family ran business and it’s successfully on it’s fourth generation. Filled with all things you would expect from an apple orchard this group of family members have stepped it up a notch. In 2016 they decided to pay tribute to their great-grandfather who started the farm by creating an epic hard cider. Aamodt’s Apple Farm proudly offers Thor’s Hard Cider. So go grab some apples and a nice cold Thor Hard Cider – sounds amazing doesn’t it?!
5. Pine Tree Apple Orchard - White Bear Lake Apple Orchard
Pine Tree Apple Orchard has a beautiful backdrop of Pine Lake. In the peak season you can find weekend entertainment, pony rides, wagon rides, run through the corn maze and a large variety of apples, of course. Be sure to try the fresh cider while you are there, too!
6. Minnesota Harvest - Jordan Apple Orchard
Minnesota Harvest has been serving apple lovers since 1971. Hosting a wide range of fun activities year round. They commence the MN apple season with an exciting Annual Appletennial Fall Festival! When you visit Minnesota Harvest’s apple orchard make sure you try one of their Topper’s Apples, which are uniquely grown at the orchard.
7. Fireside Orchard & Gardens - Northfield Apple Orchard
Fireside Orchard and Gardens is located about 40 minutes south of Minneapolis. Established in 1971, this apple orchard offers a peaceful landscape where you can sit back and relax. Take a moment to gaze at their luscious rose garden or take a photo by one of the vintage farm tractors. Fireside Orchard sells many varieties of apples, including Honeycrisp, First Kiss, KinderKrisp, and Chestnut Crab.
8. Whistling Well Farm - Hastings Apple Orchard
Whistling Well Farm stands out in the St. Croix Valley in Hastings Minnesota. They offer 5,000 apple trees and plump pumpkins from their patch for you to pick this fall. They also share delicious treats that are family recipes from their very own kitchen! After spending a beautiful day at Whistling Well Farm you can bring home a bag of apples, and a couple fall colored Mums for your front step.
9. Sweetland Orchard - Webster Apple Orchard
Apples, pears, and plums oh my! Sweetland Orchard’s is the perfect country getaway for anyone. Rooted by a husband and wife team this MN apple orchard is one way to get back to the simplicity of life. Not only will you find State Fair apples, Ginger Gold apples, but you will also have the pleasure of meeting farm pigs, chickens, turkeys! Due to the MN State Fair being cancelled in 2020 Sweetland Orchard created a new cider naming it appropriately “No Fair” cider – LOL that alone should make you want to go out and support their Minnesota apple orchard!
10. Luceline Orchard - Watertown Apple Orchard
The ultimate apple orchard that must be on all apple orchard bucket lists is Luceline Orchard in Watertown, Minnesota. Just a short 40 minute adventure from the Twin Cities and you will be having the best afternoon filled with all the delights of orchard entertainment. The kiddos will have the time of their lives taking a hayride, going through the corn maze, watching the fainting goats, playing king of the hay mountain, and trust me SO much more! They also sell apples – lots of apples.
11. Gilby's Orchard - Aitkin Apple Orchard
Gilby’s is a small family owned apple orchard business. It’s located north of the Twin Cities in Aitkin, Minnesota. They have over 1,000 apple trees and continue to add to their crop. They are dedicated to creating a learning environment, as well as an amusing place for you to take your family. Check out their website to order your very own apple tree!