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Everly Farms (Minnetonka Orchard): Apples, Donuts, and Family Fun

By Author Margherita Bassi

Posted on  - Last updated:

Minnetonka Orchard in Minnetrista, Minnesota, is now Everly Farms. The orchard’s former website announces the name change and directs visitors to Everly Farms for current information. The familiar apple-orchard destination now includes a vineyard, winery, and restaurant alongside its seasonal family activities and private events.

Apple picking depends on the crop, and Everly Farms currently lists no U-pick availability. Check its fall visitor page before heading out specifically to pick apples.

NOTE: Everly Farms, formerly Minnetonka Orchard, is located in Minnetrista, MN and is not affiliated with this website, Minneopa Orchards.

Child holding apple - perhaps at Minnetonka Orchard!

History of Minnetonka Orchard

The story of Minnetonka Orchard began in 1972, when Lowell and Phyllis Schaper bought 40 acres in Minnetrista. According to the farm’s history, they planted 600 apple trees a few years later. Minnetonka Orchard became a familiar destination for apple donuts, school visits, and family outings.

New Owners and the Change to Everly Farms

When Esther and Frank Weigel took over Minnetonka Orchard, they continued its family-run tradition while expanding the business. Today, the property operates as Everly Farms, named after their daughter, Everly, and includes a vineyard and winery alongside the orchard.

About Everly Farms

The orchard remains part of Everly Farms’ fall experience, with a retail barn and weekend activities. The property also includes The Table, a restaurant and tasting room with its own hours and reservations. A restaurant visit and an orchard outing may need different plans.

What to Do at Everly Farms

Start by deciding what kind of visit you want: a stop at the retail barn, a weekend outing with children, or a meal at The Table. Then check the schedule for the part of the property you plan to enjoy.

Seasonal Activities

The fullest orchard activity schedule is on weekends. Weekdays are more limited, so check the fall visitor page before promising the kids a particular attraction.

A boy in an apple orchard.
  • Apple picking: Currently unavailable. Check the crop notice before making picking plans.
  • Fall treats: Apple donuts, cider, and seasonal food are part of the orchard experience.
  • Outdoor activities: The farm lists hayrides, a hay mountain, a corn pit, and children’s train rides.
  • Pumpkins and music: Look for pumpkins and scheduled live music during the fall season.
  • Seasonal events: Check the event calendar for markets, Halloween celebrations, and other dated events. Event offerings and booking requirements vary.

Family Friendly Activities

Families can look for face painting, playgrounds, an animal barn, and a children’s scavenger hunt. Availability varies with the day and schedule.

For an organized school outing, Everly Farms’ field-trip program combines orchard education with a hayride, time with the animals, and an apple-and-cider snack. Teachers should arrange their visit through the farm’s booking inquiry form.

Private Events

The farm also hosts celebrations and gatherings. Ask the events team about dates, accessibility, catering, and exactly what is included before booking.

  • Weddings: The wedding venue offers a tent, tables, and chairs for up to 300 guests, plus a separate ceremony site. Tours are by appointment, and outside catering is permitted.
  • Small gatherings: The small-event tent accommodates 30 guests or fewer. It is offered seasonally for hourly bookings, with outside catering allowed. Weekend gatherings during orchard season may also require orchard admission for each guest.

How to Visit Everly Farms

Use the Everly Farms name when looking up current visitor information. The orchard is still at the Minnetrista address familiar to longtime visitors.

You can find the farm at:

Everly Farms (formerly Minnetonka Orchard)
6530 County Road 26
Minnetrista, MN 55364

Match your plans to the day’s admission and activity schedule:

  • Weekends: Orchard admission applies, with the full seasonal activity program.
  • Weekdays: The farm lists free orchard admission, with access limited to the retail barn and U-pick when picking is available.
  • Young children: Children ages two and under enter free.

Check current hours, ticket prices, and season-pass details before leaving home. Restaurant reservations and private-event arrangements are handled separately.

If your main goal is apple picking, confirm availability first. A harvest-dependent activity can close while other parts of the farm remain open.

Person holding a yellow apple above a crate of picked yellow apples.

Everly Farms FAQs

A few details are useful to know before your visit.

Can I bring my dog to Everly Farms?

Yes. Dogs are welcome, but they must stay on a leash.

Can I work at Everly Farms?

Check Everly Farms’ employment page for its application form and available opportunities.

How do I get to Everly Farms?

Here are Google Map directions to Everly Farms.

Do I need to buy a ticket for my two year old child?

No. Children ages two and under enter free; three-year-olds fall into the paid child admission category.

Which apple varieties does the orchard feature?

The farm’s apple page features varieties including Honeycrisp, Zestar, and SweeTango. That variety list does not mean the apples are available to pick on any particular day.

Other varieties featured on the farm’s website include Honeygold, Keepsake, Macoun, Regent, and Sweet 16. Ask about the current selection when planning an apple-shopping visit.

Red wagon in an apple orchard.

Visit Everly Farms!

Everly Farms offers several ways to enjoy a fall outing in Minnetrista, whether you are a longtime visitor or planning your first trip. Choose your activities, check the schedule, and leave time for a treat before heading home.

Excited for more apple content? Visit our apple trees page to learn about planting, growing, harvesting, and cooking with apples.