13 Best Locations for Blueberry Picking in Minnesota in 2024

In Minnesota, blueberry picking is a beloved summertime activity for both locals and tourists alike. With numerous fields and farms scattered throughout the state, visitors have many opportunities to pick their own fresh blueberries.

The blueberries in Minnesota are unique and filled with flavor due to the state’s climate and soil. Whether it is for a bonding experience with the family, to get some fresh air, or for the joy of berry picking, picking your own blueberries is a memorable experience.

If you have troubles growing blueberries in your own backyard like I do, or just don’t have the time to keep a garden growing, you’ll want to check this out.

Why is blueberry picking so popular in Minnesota?

What makes Minnesota’s blueberries unique?

Minnesota’s blueberries are unique in taste and quality due to the state’s climate and soil. The acid soil in Minnesota’s northern forest region is ideal for blueberry cultivation, which results in a slightly tangy and juicy flavor that is incomparable to any other blueberries.

The wild blueberries in Cook County are cultivars of the Vaccinium angustifolium, with a bluer hue and an incredibly sweet and tart taste.

When is the best time to go blueberry picking?

The best time to go blueberry picking in Minnesota varies depending on the farm and location. However, the optimal time for blueberry picking in Minnesota is in mid-July.

Blueberries start to ripen in mid-June, and the picking season usually extends until late August or early September. The best way to know when blueberries are ready for picking is to sign up for their email.

What are the benefits of picking your own blueberries?

Picking your own blueberries provides a unique experience to engage with nature and enjoy quality time with family, friends, or loved ones.

You can enjoy the outdoors while also getting some fresh air and exercise. Additionally, picking your own berries assures you of the berries’ quality and freshness, as you handpick only the ripe and juicy ones.

Where are the best blueberry fields in Minnesota?

What are some popular berry farms to visit?

Little Hill Berry Farm in Northfield is one of the best berry farms to visit in Minnesota. The farm is known for its organic and sustainably grown berries, including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

They offer pick-your-own berries, as well as pre-picked berries, and also welcome children and provide picking containers.

Another popular berry farm is the Berry Patch in Forest Lake. The farm features pick-your-own strawberries and raspberries and also has a gift shop and a petting zoo.

Littel Hill Berry Farm – Northfield

Little Hill Berry Farm is a must-visit destination every July and August, offering the best blueberries you’ll ever eat. With pick-your-own activities, children are always welcome to join in the fun picking their own delicious fruit.

The farm even provides picking containers to take home your bountiful harvest. Make sure to sign up for their email list to find out the best times to visit and pick your own fresh blueberries.

Silkey Gardens – Northfield

Silkey Gardens is a popular destination for families in Northfield who love picking fresh blueberries. With its vast fields filled with tasty blueberries, the place offers an opportunity to pick the best fruit and enjoy it right away.

The gardens are open for upick, allowing visitors to take home the freshest and sweetest blueberries they can find.

If you’re looking for a fun activity that involves fresh fruit and being out in nature, Silkey Gardens is definitely worth a visit.

Brambling Rows Farm – Brainerd

At Brambling Rows Farm in Brainerd, families can experience the joy of picking the best blueberries from the fields. The farm offers a variety of fresh berries that are harvested at perfect ripeness, as well as a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables.

Visitors can participate in the you-pick fruit option and head home with a basket filled with delicious produce. The farm also sells their produce at local farmer’s markets.

Blue Fruit Farm – Winona

Blue Fruit Farm located on five acres of organically-managed land in Southeastern Minnesota, offers a variety of fruits, including blueberries, black currants, aronia berries, elderberries, and honeyberries.

During the blueberry picking season, visitors can enjoy the Pick Your Own Blueberries and Black Currants option, where they can hand pick ripe berries and bring them home. Picking is available by appointment only.

Lavalier’s Berry Patch & Orchard – Grand Rapids

Lavalier’s Berry Patch & Orchard, located in Grand Rapids, is passionate about providing fresh produce to their community.

Visitors can enjoy the traditional berry picking technique and pick their own strawberries, blueberries, and apples. The farm also offers pre-picked orders for those who prefer to skip the picking part.

Friends and families can spend a fun day together picking blueberries, apples, and sour cherries. Don’t forget to find the sweetest blueberries at Lavalier’s Berry Patch & Orchard!

Peterson’s Berry Farm – Eveleth

Peterson’s Berry Farm, located in Eveleth, is a popular destination for U-Pick Blueberries during the blueberry season.

Families and friends come to the farm to pick the best blueberries or Choke Berries and experience the joy of harvesting their own fruits.

Additionally, the farm offers a farmers market where visitors can find blueberries and other locally grown produce.

Pine Winder Farms – Pine River

Peterson’s Berry Farm is a small family farm with U-pick blueberry farm located in Pine River, Minnesota. During blueberry season, families flock to Peterson’s to pick the best blueberries around.

The farm is known for producing Minnesota-bred and chemical-free blueberries, making it a popular spot for those looking for fresh and healthy produce.

Strawbery Basket & Big Woods Nectar – Monticello

Strawberry Basket and Big Woods specialize in blueberry picking during the season, which usually starts around July.

The farms offer a variety of blueberry bushes including North Blue, Polaris and Northland varieties. With over 1100 bushes in total, there is plenty of nectar-rich fruit to enjoy.

Visitors can also pick their own blueberries, which usually lasts for about 4 weeks.

Blackbirds & Blueberries – Cloquet 

Blackbirds & Blueberries is a “u-pick” farm located just north of Cloquet, MN that offers organic blueberries without the use of any pesticides or chemicals.

The farm is open as the berries are ready, providing customers with the option to pick their own berries by the pound or purchase pre-picked berries. Visitors can bring their own buckets or boxes, or utilize the farm’s.

For updated picking times, customers can check the farm’s announcements, like them on Facebook, follow them on Instagram, or call to listen to updated messages.

The Berry Patch – Forest Lake

The Berry Patch is a family-friendly spot located near Forest Lake, offering high-quality frit during its peak season.

From mid-June through mid-August, visitors can pick their own berries, including blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

The season typically lasts for five to six weeks, with the best time for berry picking being late June or early July. Be sure to visit before the season ends in mid-August.

What are the best pick-your-own blueberry farms near the Twin Cities?

One of the best pick-your-own blueberry farms near the Twin Cities is Blueberry Fields of Stillwater. The farm has hundreds of blueberry bushes, both wild and cultivated, and lets visitors pick as much as they can carry at no additional cost.

They also provide picking containers, and the farm is open every day of the picking season. Another option is the Afton Apple Orchard, which offers pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and blueberries.

Blueberry Fields of Stillwater

Located in the charming small town of Stillwater, Blueberry Fields offers a delightful experience of picking fresh blueberries with your family.

During the 4-week season, visitors can use the buckets or flats provided to gather sweet and plump berries straight from the bushes.

This friendly establishment is perfect for families with children looking for an outdoor activity and a chance to enjoy the fruits of nature.

Afton Apple Orchard – Hastings

Afton Apple Orchard is one of the best fruit growers in Hastings, offering a variety of fruits such as blueberries, sweet dark cherries, and tart cherries.

Though they do not offer u-pick, they accept orders from customers and sell their fresh produce in their farm store. Whether you’re looking to make a homemade pie or simply enjoy a fresh snack, Afton Apple Orchard has delicious food.

Blue Ridge Growers – River Falls Wisconsin

Blue Ridge Growers is a farm located in River Falls, Wisconsin that specializes in cultivating organic blueberries. They offer the opportunity for visitors to pick berries from their farm, which features six different varieties.

The farm is situated near the St Croix River and also offers Door County tart cherry as a fruit option.

What are some of the best fields in Stillwater for blueberry picking?

Blueberry Fields of Stillwater is undoubtedly the best field for blueberry picking in Stillwater. This family-owned farm has been in business for over 30 years and is dedicated to growing blueberries sustainably and organically.

The farm features a vast array of wild and cultivated blueberry bushes that visitors can pick from, with no limit on how much you can carry. The farm also provides picking containers to make your picking experience more comfortable.

What other types of berries can you pick in Minnesota?

Are there any strawberry fields in Minnesota for picking?

Yes, there are many strawberry fields in Minnesota for picking. Little Hill Berry Farm, as mentioned earlier, is one of the best farms for organic and sustainably grown strawberries.

Other options include Berry Patch and Afton Apple Orchard, both located in the Twin Cities. These farms offer pick-your-own strawberries and also pre-picked strawberries, and other delicious fruits like raspberries and apples.

What types of raspberries are available for picking in Minnesota?

Aside from blueberries and strawberries, Minnesota also has a variety of raspberries for picking. Some of the most popular raspberries are the red raspberries, which are available from late June to mid-August.

The Anne raspberries are also available for picking in some farms and have a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for jams and desserts.

The Raspberry Heights Fruit Farm in Minnesota Lake is a popular destination for picking raspberries, and they also offer ready-made raspberry jams and sauces.

Where can you pick other types of berries besides blueberries?

Aside from blueberries, Minnesota also has several other kinds of berries available for picking, including raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, elderberries, chokeberries, and gooseberries.

Some farms that offer a range of these berries include Afton Apple Orchard and Pine Tree Apple Orchard in the Twin Cities, Raspberry Heights Fruit Farm in Minnesota Lake, and AnnMarie’s Raspberry Farm in Hopkins.

What should you know before going blueberry picking?

What should you bring when going blueberry picking?

When heading out for blueberry picking in Minnesota, you should come prepared with comfortable clothing and footwear. It is also advisable to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small water bottle to keep hydrated.

You may need to bring your own containers for picking, although some farms provide containers.

What are the benefits of picking pre-picked blueberries?

Pre-picked blueberries are a convenient option for those who do not have the time or inclination to pick their own berries. These berries are usually perfectly ripe and have been handpicked by the farm’s professionals.

Pre-picked blueberries are also great for those who want to use them for recipes that require a large number of berries.

What is the etiquette when picking your own blueberries?

When picking your own blueberries, it is important to follow proper etiquette to ensure a pleasant and safe picking experience. You should only pick ripe and juicy berries and avoid unripe or unripe ones.

Be mindful of other pickers around you and avoid disturbing their picking experience. Moreover, avoid littering and damaging the blueberry bushes or plants.

Whether you choose to visit a pick-your-own farm or buy pre-picked berries, berry picking is a fun and rewarding experience. It allows us to reconnect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy the freshest and most delicious berries Minnesota has to offer.