17 Best Apple Orchards in Minnesota 2024
When autumn comes, Minnesota turns into an apple lover’s paradise. The best way to experience it is to visit one of the many ‘u-pick’ apple orchards in the state.
The best apple orchards in Minnesota, you gotta check this out.
From picking your own apples to getting lost in a corn maze, or enjoying a pumpkin patch.
Apple picking season is a bit of a tradition in our family. We love it so much, we actually planted a couple of trees in our back yard.
While we wait for our own trees to mature, we make it a tradition to head out to some of the great Minnesota family-owned apple orchards to visit this fall.
From the apple cider donuts and caramel apple sundaes, to taking a stroll through the apples, we love everything about apple picking season.
Is Minnesota Known for Their Apples?
Minnesota is known for its apples, especially during the fall harvest season. The Twin Cities offer a variety of orchards to visit.
Plus they have an amazing selection of Minnesota varieties like the Honeycrips, made right in Minnesota at the University of Minnesota.
The best apple orchards in Minnesota?
There are many close apple orchards near Minneapolis you can check out.
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
Pine Tree Apple Orchard is located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and is one of the most popular orchards in the state.
This family-owned orchard has over 20 apple varieties, and you can either pick your own apples or buy pre-picked ones at their apple market.
They also have a bakery with fresh apple cider and apple pie, as well as other fall treats.
During the season you’ll also find a corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, homemade bakery products, caramel apples, fresh cider, gifts and more!
Apple Jack Orchards
Located in Delano, Minnesota, Apple Jack Orchards has a wide variety of apples that you can either pick yourself. They also have prepicked apples in their store.
You’ll find Honeycrisp, Cortland, Keepsake, Haralson, Sweet 16, B-51 and Fireside apples ready to pick.
Visiting Apple Jacks Orchard is an experience. With goats onsite, a rope course, jumping pillows, apple cannons and so much more. The fun farm portion usually opens up a few weeks after apple picking starts.
If you get hungry, they have a café onside with signature pulled pork sandwiches, cream mac n’ cheese, chili cheese dogs and more!
Inside their store, you’ll find jams, jellies, sauces, candles, and everything apple related. They also have mouthwatering selection of frozen pies, crips and dumplings!
You’ll have a fabulous time!
Afton Apple Orchard
Afton Apple Orchard, in Hastings MN is known for some of the best pick your own apples. Buy them by the peck, ½ bushel or bushel.
They have Puala Red, Zestar, First Kiss, Estival, KinderKrips, McIntosh, RiverBelle, Sweet 16, Cortland, Spartan, Harslon, Honey Gold, Regent, Honey Crips and Connell Red – Fireside apples.
Their trees have been specially pruned to make sure their branches are low, making it easy to reach for the kids too!
During the week, they have weekday special and discounts.
Take a hayride out to the apples. Make sure to check out their petting zoo and of course their playground! They also have a straw Mountain, Retread Hill, Johnny Combine, Giant Rocking Chair, and Giant Swing
Enjoy apple donuts, fritters, pies, caramel apples, hod dogs, cider brats and apple cider all on site.
Late August, the apple orchard opens, along with the option to pick your own sunflowers and zinnias. And in late September their 15-acre corn maze opens!
For more great things to do in Hastings, check out: 18 Fun Things to do in Hastings Minnesota Along the Great River Road
Emma Krumbee’s Orchard and Farm
When it comes to well-known apple farms, anyone that’s driven south on 169 knows about Emma Krumbee’s. That’s because in addition to their orchard they also have a restaurant. Their apples are infused in every dish! So Yumm!
Appel picking starts up Mid August and run through October, or until they are picked clean!
Early season you’ll find Zestar, SweeTango, Red Free, mid Weston the Honey Gold and Honey Crips ripen up and the end of the season you’ll find Fireside, Regent, Macoun, and the Haralson Apple
When your done picking apples, check out their other fun farm activities. They have a Giant Hay Pile, Giant Tube Slide, Duck Race, Monster Truck, Ship Playground, Jumping Pillow, Barrel Run, Corn Pit, Tire Mountain and a Barrel Train.
You should also check out their country store. Filled with pre-picked apples, jams, muffins, cookies, an assortment of freshly baked pies.
At Emma Krumbee’s they charge $7.50 per child. No fee for the adults.
Also stop by the Largest Candy Store in MN in Jordan and stock up as they close in November for the season.
University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center, AKA The Apple House
Ever wonder where those amazing apples are created? MN cold hearty apples were all created by the University of Minnesota.
You can visit the Apple House and sample the newest varieties of apples, including the yet to be name ones.
Inside the barn you’ll also find frozen apple pies, pastries, apple cider, gourmet food and more. They also have pumpkins and squash that have bene grown on the University grounds.
During apple season, the North Star Donut truck stops by with apple cider mini donuts, apple cider slushies and warm apple cider!
I love stopping by and sampling out their latest creation. We usually leave with a full bag of apples and something for the freezer!
For more things to do nearby, check out: The Best Things to do in Victoria MN
Minnetonka Orchards
Located just 20 miles west of Minneapolis in Minnetrista. Minnetonka Orchards is a popular wedding venue, but in the fall, they are all about Apples. With pick your own varieties of Honeycrisp, Zestar, SweeTango, and more.
In addition to apples, they have fresh food onsite, like Apple Donuts, Hot Cider, Carmel Huit and a retail barn.
The kids will love the unlimited hayride, hay mountain, scavenger hunt, giant sand box, playground, face painting and animal barn.
Adults will love the wine and cheese classes held on site as well as the live music and corn hole.
This apple orchard is absolutely stunning and perfect to take some fall pictures with the family. I know we loved visiting when the kids were younger.
Sweetland Orchard and Farm
Swetland Orchard is a different take on the Appel Orchards you’ve been seeing.
They don’t offer pick your own. Instead, they bring the apples to you. Growing over 100 varieties of apples, pears and tart cherries.
Before going, reserve a tasting kit for four people. Each kit includes a hard cider, and you can add on a pastries or cheese to accompany it. Kits must be purchased 24hrs in advanced.
If you just want to stop by, stroll through the orchard, pick up some apples at the store, or fresh goodies. They have chickens roaming around.
The is a great date night opportunity!
Deer Lake Orchard
The family friendly orchard just outside of Buffalo is a great place for an unforgettable experience, Deer Lake Orchard.
Stop in and play with their farm animals, ride the wagon through the forest and get lost in their corn maze. Let your kids burn off some energy at the Pedal Cars, or the Jumping Pillows. Or test their skills on the apple cannon.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. They have a beautiful orchard with no admission fee! Activities are priced out individually or you can get a wrist band.
In a world of crazy apple orchard experiences, I love that Deer Lake is free to enter!
Luceline Orchard
Luceline Orchard in Watertown, MN has almost 10,000 apple trees. First Kiss, Zestar, SweeTango, Honey Crips, Harlson, Keepsake, Sweet 16, Cornell Red/Fireside and Snow Sweet.
They also have a 6 acer vineyard. Walk along their nature trail.
They have activities going all the time, from Hayrides, Apple Slinger, Pony Rides, Corn Tent, Sunflower City and a 30 Acre Corn Maze. You can also feed their farm animals.
Only a few of the activities are paid, while the rest are free!
Grab some food from the grill. Their Mini donuts will melt in your mouth.
Their barn is an original 1907 barn filled with wonder Minnesota made foods grab some fresh made honey, or pick up their maple syrup.
Nystrom Orchard
Nystrom Orchard be believes that an apple isn’t’ just an apple. It’s a flavor, a story, a tasting experience.
They have 16 apple varieties on site, making 10 different apple product.
You won’t find all the kids activities here. Instead, you’ll walk into an experience. Start off by sampling apples as soon as you walk in.
They have fresh baked pies, cotton candy and hand dipped caramel apples.
Stop in and say hi to the sheep in the pen or feed ground fallen apples to the cows.
Then head out to the orchard and pick some fresh apples to take home. Pay per pound, no admission fee.
Since Nystrom is all about the experience, you should really consider doing one of their events. They offer tastings, featuring dishes with their popular apples. Or do the apple pie social.
They even have an event gear just to kids.
Aamodt’s Apple Farm
Aamodt’s Apple Farm is a great family friendly destination. They offer pick your own apples just outside of Stillwater.
They have Zestar, State Fair, Paula Red, Duchess, Mantet, Viking, Dolgo and Chestnut Apples in summer.
In fall, you’ll get Honeycrips, First Kiss, SweeTango, McIntosh, Cortland, Sweet RiverBelle, and Sweet Sixteen.
Late season apples include Fireside, Keepsake, Regent, Haralson, Connell Red Fireside, and Pazzaz.
In addition to Apple Picking, they also have prepicked apples in their store with bakery fresh favorites.
Get some food and drinks on site.
Visit with the adorable goats on the farm, or take a wagon ride.
They aren’t all apples either. They also have St Croix Vineyards right on site where you can do a wine tasting. Or Thor’s Hard Cider!
I love exploring this orchard and have made it out there more than once, just because of all the great things to do. Make sure to check out the fun activities happening in Stillwater while you are there.
Minnesota Harvest aka Ferguson’s Family of Farms
Minnesota Harvest is a great destination for families. This orchard in Minnesota to visit this fall got new ownership in 2022. they have added new things to the orchard.
Start out with a hayride into the orchard. Picking some of the best varieties of apples.
When you are done, take a ride on the cow train and apple cannon, ride the pedal tractors, jump on the pumpkin pillows or clime be straw bale pyramid.
The Corn Maze is sure to get out lost. Seriously… I was so confused inside with no map to help me. I ducked out quickly and prayed that my daughter would find her way out by herself.
Then head into the country store and get some delicious pastries, apple pies, apple crips, syrups, jams and caramel apples.
They also have a cidery on site.
Buy one set of tickets, and you can come back as many times as you like throughout the season.
For more information on what it’s like, check out: Family Fun at Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard in Jordan MN 2023
Fireside Orchard & Gardens
Fireside Orchard is so popular in Northfield, they actually decided to open early, selling fresh donuts, coffee, fudge, baked pastries and more.
Officially the apples doesn’t start until Mid August.
Fireside Orchard and Gardens has a wide variety of apples, including: Early Blush, Zestar, First Kiss, SweeTango, Honeycrisp, KinderKrisp, B-51, Haralson, MacIntosh, Cortland, Fireside, Regent, SnowSweet,
Sunny’s, Keepsake, Chestnut Crab, Stella, Wealthy, RiverBelle, Sweet Sixteen, Pazazz.
While you are there, stroll through their gardens, watch the fish in the koi fish pond.
Sample some caramel apples, pick up some jams, jellies, local cheese, honey, soups and more. You might also find fresh sweet corn, grapes, tomatoes and other fresh garden produce.
I had the pleasure to stop by here on the off season and can attest to the amazing gardens and store. I’m hoping to see their apple selection this season.
Stick around Northfield after getting your apples. They have an amazing downtown: 20 Best Things to do in Northfield, MN for a Perfect Weekend Getaway
Whistling Well Farm
Whistling Well Farm is just a few miles south of Afton State Park.
They got the name because their well actually whistles. You gotta check it out!
Whistling Well Farms is a great place to pick your own apples.
They have Puala Red, Chestnut Crab, Haralson, Honeycrips, First Kiss, SnowSweet, SweeTango and Zestar!
In addition to pick your own apples, they have a kid’s climbing area, goats and chickens onsite.
On weekends stay for the live music, food trucks and other entertainment.
They pride themselves in an old fashion Apple Orchard experience.
Hastings is a fun town. Make sure to stick around!
Montgomery Orchards
Montgomery Orchards is a perfect laid back Minnesota Apple Orchard expectance.
Walk through the orchard, or take a nature walk. Weekends they have live music. And if staffing allows, they’ll have tracker rides on site.
They have State Fair, Zestar, SweeTango, Sweet Sixteen, Chestnut Crabapple, Cortland,
Honeycrisp, Haralson, Honeygold, Fireside and Connell Red to pick.
Later in the season, try out their corn maze. Montgomery Harvest Premium Cider and Wine on site too!
Pleasant Valley Orchard
Apple season kicks off Labor Day weekend at Pleasant Valley Orchard. With an on-farm family friendly experience.
Weekdays stop into the store and grab a back of pre-picked apples. Weekends you can pick your own Minnesota grown apple varieties.
They have State Fair, Redfree, Seztar, Esteval, Welathy, Chestnut Crab, SweeTango, McIntosh, Sweet Sixteen, Cortland, Honeycrips, Harlson, Prairie Sky, Fireside, Honeygold and Keepsake.
In their store you can get Pleasant Valley Apple Pie, caramel apples, apple turnovers, apple brats, fresh apple cider, a HUGE assortment of pumpkins, gourmet foods.
Weekends they have music and Hayrides.
Check out what food trucks are on site.
The orchard is absolutely beautiful with its views of the St Croix River Valley. Make sure to check it out!
What fall activities can you do at apple orchards in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, apple orchards are packed with Activities. From Apple Picking, hayrides, cideries and more. You can also do tons of fun kid themed fall activities.
Hayrides
One of the kids favorites is that apple orchards in Minnesota offer hayrides throughout the fall season. These hayrides take you around the orchard.
Most of the time you’ll find yourself on a flat bed, or seated ride pulled by the tractor.
Apple Picking
Apple picking is one of the most popular fall activities at apple orchards. Most orchards are pick your own. This is a fantastic tradition to share with your family.
Depending on the season, there may or many not be pick your own apples. When it’s a smaller crop, they just have the store open with prepicked apples.
Make sure to call ahead and confirm what Appels are ready to be picked and if you can pick them yourselves.
Corn Maze
Many orchards have a corn maze that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. While corn maze season comes typically comes a month after Apple Season, there are a few that run congruently.
For more great Corn Mazes around Minnesota, check out: Best Corn Mazes in Minnesota
Cidery or Winery
Did you know juice from apples can make great beers, ciders and wine too? Thats why you’ll notice more and more cideries on site. Visiting the apple orchard offers up the perfect opportunity to try out the delicious drinks.
Where can you find the best apple cider and apple pie?
Minnetonka Orchards
Minnetonka Orchards is known for its fresh apple cider and delicious apple pie. Be sure to stop by their apple house to sample their fall treats.
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
Pine Tree Apple Orchard is another great place to get fresh apple cider and apple pie. Their bakery offers a variety of sweet treats that are perfect for fall.
Minnesota Harvest
Located in Jordan, MN, Minnesota Harvest is known for its locally-made apple cider. They also have a bakery where you can find delicious apple pie and other fall treats.
When is Minnesota Apple Picking Season Start?
Minnesota’s Apple picking season officially kicks off around Mid-August and lasts around a month. Not all apples ripen at the same time.
If you are looking for a specific variety, make sure to call ahead or watch their Social Media Pages to find out when you can start picking!
What Apples are Grown in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to several varieties of apples that are grown in the state’s orchards. The most popular apple varieties that are grown in Minnesota include Honeycrisp, Haralson, Zestar, SweeTango, and Pazazz apples.
The orchard offers samples of these, or head over to the University of Minnesota Apple House to try them out.
Honeycrips
Honeycrisp apple is the most widely known as it was developed by the University of Minnesota. It might be one of the best apples around.
It is a crisp and juicy apple that is famous for its sweetness and tartness balance. Haralson apples are known for their tart taste and excellent baking qualities.
Zestar
Zestar apples are early-season apples with a sweet, tangy flavor that makes perfect for snacks or to add to salads.
SweeTango
The SweeTango is a cross between Honeycrisp and Zestar, with a unique and complex flavor profile.
Pazazz
Pazazz apples are relatively new and are known for their sweet and tangy taste, and snappy texture.
These apple varieties are available from late August through early October, making Minnesota a popular destination for apple enthusiasts who want to taste the best local produce.
