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 open mid-to-late August and close in late 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 are 21 MN apple orchards you should most definitely visit this fall.

1. Apple Jack Orchard – Delano Apple Orchard

ADDRESS:

4875 37th St SE, Delano, MN 55328

PHONE: (763) 972-6673 WEBSITE: Visit website

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

ADDRESS:

14421 So. 90th St., Hastings, MN 55033

PHONE: (651) 436-8385

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

ADDRESS:

311 E. Enterprise Dr., Belle Plaine, MN 56011

PHONE: (952) 873-3006

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

ADDRESS:

6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater, MN 55082

PHONE: (651) 439-3127

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

ADDRESS:

450 Apple Orchard Rd., White Bear Lake, MN 55110

PHONE: (651) 429-7202

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

ADDRESS:

8251 Old Hwy. 169 Blvd., Jordan MN 55352

PHONE: (952) 492-2785

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

ADDRESS:

2225 Lonsdale Blvd. E., Northfield, MN 55057

PHONE: (507) 663-1376

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

ADDRESS:

8973 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033

PHONE: (651) 998-0301

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

ADDRESS:

26205 Fairlawn Ave., Webster MN 55088

PHONE: (651) 252-4337

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

ADDRESS:

2755 Rose Ave., Watertown MN 55388

PHONE: (612) 817-6229

11. Gilby’s Orchard – Aitkin Apple Orchard

ADDRESS:

30069 State Hwy., 210, Aitkin, MN 56431

PHONE: (218) 670-0561

12. Montgomery Orchards – Montgomery Apple Orchard

Hard cider on a wooden table at one of the best apple orchards in Minnesota

ADDRESS:

15953 State Highway 99, Montgomery, MN 56069

PHONE: (952) 221-1051

Montgomery Orchards offers 105 acres of Fall goodness for all! Offering 12 varieties of U-pick or picked for you apples including SweeTango, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Fireside, and more. After hiking through the apple orchard and finding your way through a 6-acre corn maze, be sure to relax with a fresh glass of apple cider, wine, or hard cider. Is that a guitar I hear? On fall weekends, you can enjoy the sounds of local acoustic musicians, and don’t forget to pick up some jellies, caramel apples, baked goods, salsa, and more after the show.

13. Fall Harvest Orchard – Montrose Apple Orchard

ADDRESS:

345 County Road 30 SE Montrose, MN 55363

PHONE: (763) 972-3894 WEBSITE: Visit website

In Montrose, you will find Fall Harvest Orchard which definitely lives up to its name and has landed a spot on our list of best apple orchards in Minnesota. They offer over 20 apple varieties including First Kiss which is a new variety from the University of Minnesota. After apple picking, your family can enjoy free music and activities including train rides, a corn maze, pony rides, a giant corn pit, and more. Many of the activities are free, but some are ticketed. With several food options like roasted corn, pulled barbeque, and everything apple, plan to stay the entire day.

14. Deer Lake Orchard – Buffalo Apple Orchard

Hay bale maze at one of the best apple orchards in Minnesota

ADDRESS:

1903 10th St SW Buffalo, MN 55313

PHONE: (763) 682-4284

15. Blossom Hill Orchard and Farm – Preston Apple Orchard

ADDRESS:

645 Highway 52 East, Preston MN 55965

PHONE: (507) 765-4486

Blossom Hill Orchard & Farm is located about 40 minutes southeast of Rochester and is one of the best apple orchards in Minnesota. Here, you can turn your day trip into a sensational Autumn outing with over 30 apple varieties. If picking is unavailable, you can stop by their orchard market where the apples are bagged and waiting for you. At the market, you will also find an assortment of fresh baked goods and specialty foods including honey made from bees in their own orchard. Be sure to check out their hard goods as well. You might just find that perfect gift of handmade soaps, pottery, or candles for a friend or loved one.

16. Thompsons’ Hillcrest Orchard – Elko Apple Orchard

ADDRESS:

6271 250th St E, Elko MN 55020

PHONE: (952) 461-2055

Leisurely stroll through the scenic surroundings at Thompson’s Hillcrest Orchard. With over 1800 trees, there’s plenty of apples to pick along the way. Just a short drive south of the Twin Cities, Thompson’s Hillcrest Orchard is a perfect location to relax and enjoy the countryside. They produce over 13 varieties of apples, along with pumpkins and gourds later in the season, available at the orchard and at two farmer’s market locations. While wandering, make sure you visit their corn maze where you can test your sense of direction.

17. Sunrise River Farm – Wyoming Apple Orchard

ADDRESS:

7602 Wyoming Trail, Wyoming MN 55092

PHONE: (651) 462-8220

At Sunrise River Farm you will find an apple orchard full of several varieties of juicy apples ripening throughout the harvest season. If you have a favorite apple, check out their online calendar to see if it’s ripe for the picking. While visiting the orchard, stop by the Farm Market where you will find a variety of flowering plants including beautiful, fall Mums. If you didn’t have time to pick your own, grab a bag of apples freshly picked for you. Also, you’ll want to visit again during their Fall festival or their annual craft fair where there’s something for everyone.

18. Hidden Cove Orchard – Cold Spring Apple Orchard

Apple jelly and apples from one of the best apple orchards in Minnesota

ADDRESS:

27524 Hidden Cove Rd, Cold Spring MN 56320

PHONE: (320) 685-3186

Located along Bid Fish Lake, Hidden Cove Orchard offers a relaxing fall atmosphere with a side of charm. Enjoy the quiet, country setting as you stroll through the apple orchard which offers several varieties of your favorite apples like Chestnut Crab, Northern Lights, Zestar, and more. Hidden Cove Orchard also has a unique apple barn bursting with seasonal gifts and goods for you, your family, and friends. Open Labor Day thru Christmas, you will find a variety of antiques, homebaked goodies, and specialty items. Bring your shopping bags; there’s something for everyone at Hidden Cove Orchard, one of the best apple orchards in Minnesota.

19. Nystrom Orchard – Worthington Apple Orchard

ADDRESS:

30679 Quine Ave, Worthington MN 56187

PHONE: (507) 291-2530 WEBSITE: Visit website

Nystrom Orchard is a family-owned and operated apple orchard located in Worthington. They grow over 15 varieties of apples including SweeTango, Zestar, Connell Red, and many more. If you’re not sure which apples are best for eating, baking, freezing, or saucing, they’ve got your answers. Whether you are visiting In person or on their site, they provide detailed information to assist you with all of your apple choices from apple use to peak ripeness. Also, at Nystrom Orchard, you can taste the sweetness of fall. Enjoy some refreshing pressed apple cider and take home a fresh baked or pre-made frozen apple pie to enjoy over the holiday.

20. Country Blossom Farm – Alexandria Apple Orchard

ADDRESS:

1951 Englund Rd SW, Alexandria, MN 56308

PHONE: (320) 334-1620

Country Blossom Farm is bursting with fun fall activities and tasty treats for you and your family. Enjoy a day of fresh apple picking with over 10 apple varieties to choose from including Frostbite, Kinderkrisp, Honeycrisp, Haralson, and more. If you’re looking for some outdoor, action-packed activities, you and your family can climb the Tall Tire Mountain, bounce in the Farm Animals Bouncing area, or jump in a corn pit. When it’s time to relax you can enjoy a wagon ride or meander through the 7-acre corn maze. Check out activity wristband prices on their site. Don’t forget to stop by the bakery and pick up some fresh baked goods including donuts, sweet and savory hand pies, and more.

21. Sekapp Orchard – Rochester Apple Orchard

ADDRESS:

3415 Collegeview Road East, Rochester MN 55904

PHONE: (507) 282-4544

Read More About Sekapp Orchard Here

Sekapp Orchard is a family-run business located just east of Rochester. With over 8,000 apple trees offering more than 25 varieties, they are not only one of the best apple orchards in Minnesota, but one of the largest. Sekapp Orchard offers traditional apple picking along with a variety of produce, products, and Fall activities for the whole family to enjoy. After racing to the top of Straw Bale Mountain, don’t lose your way through the six-foot-high corn maze. Next, stop and pick up a variety of produce items and a jar of Sekapps own honey. You will also find several products including fresh apple cider, apple butter, preserves, BBQ sauces, and more.

Conclusion

As the weather turns cooler and the leaves begin to change it’s time to get out and explore one of the best apple orchards in Minnesota. From large widespread orchards to small family farms, Minnesota has an apple orchard that’s just right for you.

If you visit an apple orchard this fall and feel it should be added to our list of the best apple orchards in Minnesota, please let us know.

Chris Edmonson

Tuesday 19th of October 2021

Pleasant Valley Orchard should be on this list. I've been going there 18 years, he makes sure apples aren't picked early like some orchards do. Way better than Sunrise River/Wyoming, which is only a mile from my house.

http://www.pleasantvalleyorchard.com/