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Fall in Minnesota is one of my favorite times of year to get out and explore. The leaves are changing, the weather is finally cooling off, and there are so many fun places to visit before winter arrives. One of the best ways to enjoy the season is to spend a day at a Minnesota apple orchard.
Whether you’re looking for a place to pick your own apples, grab some fresh apple cider donuts, wander through a corn maze, or spend an afternoon enjoying all things fall, Minnesota has plenty of orchards worth checking out.
And the best part? You don’t have to travel far from the Twin Cities to find a great one. There are also some fun options farther south and throughout greater Minnesota if you’re looking to turn your orchard visit into a little road trip.
If you’re trying to decide which orchard to visit this fall, here are 10 Minnesota apple orchards to add to your list!
1. Aamodt’s Apple Farm – Stillwater, Minnesota
If you’re looking for a classic Minnesota apple orchard experience, Aamodt’s Apple Farm in Stillwater is a great place to start. Located in the St. Croix River Valley, this family-owned orchard has been a fall destination for generations.
You can pick your own apples when available or stop by the apple barn to shop for freshly picked varieties and other seasonal goodies. It’s also a fun place to grab something to eat, browse the shop, and spend some time enjoying the fall scenery.
One thing that makes Aamodt’s a little different is that there’s more than just apple picking. The property is also home to Thor’s Hard Cider and Saint Croix Vineyards, so adults can enjoy a cider or wine tasting as part of their visit.
Depending on when you go, you may also find wagon rides, a goat farm, and other seasonal activities.
Why visit: Aamodt’s is a great choice if you want to combine apple picking, fall treats, shopping, and a little wine or cider tasting. You could even make a day of it by exploring downtown Stillwater afterward.
Before you go, check the orchard’s website for apple availability, activities, and seasonal hours.
2. Pine Tree Apple Orchard – White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Pine Tree Apple Orchard is another popular stop for anyone looking for apple orchards near the Twin Cities. Located in White Bear Lake, northeast of St. Paul, it’s a convenient option for a fall outing without having to spend the entire day driving.
The orchard is known for its selection of Minnesota-grown apples, seasonal baked goods, fresh cider, and caramel apples. If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to leave an orchard without picking up a few treats to bring home!
Pine Tree is also a good place to stop if you’re more interested in shopping for apples and enjoying the orchard atmosphere than spending an entire day at a large fall attraction.
Depending on the time of year, you may find pumpkins, a corn maze, wagon rides, and other fall activities.
Why visit: This is a good option for a relaxed fall outing, especially if you want to bring home some fresh apples and bakery goodies.
It’s also an easy stop to combine with lunch or a little shopping in the surrounding area.
3. Apple Jack Orchards – Delano, Minnesota
If you’re planning a fall outing with kids, Apple Jack Orchards in Delano is worth looking into. This west metro orchard has a variety of seasonal activities, making it more of a full fall destination than simply a place to buy apples.
Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy a themed corn maze, play areas, farm activities, pumpkins, and freshly baked treats. There’s also an orchard market and gift shop where you can find seasonal goodies to take home.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in picking apples, it’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours enjoying the fall atmosphere.
Why visit: Apple Jack Orchards is a good choice if you want to combine a visit to an apple orchard with plenty of traditional fall activities.
A heads-up for 2026: A late spring frost affected this year’s apple crop, and the orchard has reported that its pick-your-own apples were picked out. Bagged apples are available, so check the official website before making the trip.
4. Applewood Orchard – Lakeville, Minnesota
Applewood Orchard in Lakeville is another spot to consider if you’re looking for a fall outing south of the Twin Cities.
This orchard offers a mix of apple picking, seasonal treats, and outdoor activities. It’s a nice option for people who want to enjoy a traditional orchard visit without necessarily planning an entire day around it.
You can check out the available apple varieties, browse seasonal produce, and enjoy activities such as the hedge maze and hayrides when offered. Depending on the date, there may also be additional attractions for families.
Apple varieties change throughout the season, so it’s worth checking what’s ready before you head out.
Why visit: Applewood is worth considering for a casual fall afternoon with apple picking, treats, and a few activities along the way.
If you’re already exploring the Lakeville area, it can be an easy addition to your fall plans.
5. Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest – Jordan, Minnesota
If you want an orchard with enough activities to keep everyone busy, Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest in Jordan is a great one to look into.
This is a larger fall destination with apple picking, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and plenty of seasonal attractions. Depending on the day and what’s operating, you may also find farm animals, apple cannons, gem mining, and other activities.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend several hours instead of making a quick stop to grab a bag of apples.
The orchard is southwest of the Twin Cities, making it a fun option for a weekend day trip.
Why visit: Ferguson’s is a good choice for families, groups, or anyone who enjoys having lots of things to do in one place.
Keep in mind that admission and some activities may cost extra, so check current ticket information before you visit.
6. LuceLine Orchard – Watertown, Minnesota
For a fall outing west of Minneapolis, add LuceLine Orchard in Watertown to your list.
LuceLine combines apple picking with a variety of farm activities and seasonal entertainment. Along with apples, the orchard offers attractions that can include farm animals, corn mazes, hayrides, live music, and outdoor play areas.
There’s also a restored barn and farm shop, making it a fun place to wander around even after you’ve finished looking for apples.
I like that Minnesota has so many different kinds of orchards. Some are perfect for a quick stop to pick up a bag of apples, while others give you enough to do for an entire afternoon. LuceLine falls into that second category.
Why visit: LuceLine is a good option if you want to make a full day of your orchard visit and enjoy more than just apple picking.
Check the calendar before going because activities, entertainment, and apple availability can vary throughout the season.
7. Whistling Well Farm – Hastings, Minnesota
Whistling Well Farm in Hastings is another Minnesota orchard worth adding to your fall bucket list.
This orchard offers pick-your-own apples, a farm store, and seasonal goodies. Depending on the time of year, you may also find pumpkins, caramel apples, fresh cider, food trucks, and live music.
The farm’s name comes from a well on the property that can whistle when the wind blows just right. It’s a fun little detail that makes this orchard stand out from the crowd.
If you enjoy visiting smaller farms and supporting local businesses, Whistling Well Farm is worth checking out.
Why visit: Visit for the apples, stay for the fall treats, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at a working Minnesota farm.
Since different apple varieties ripen at different times, check the farm’s updates before planning your visit.
8. Fireside Orchard & Gardens – Northfield, Minnesota
If you’re heading south of the Twin Cities, Fireside Orchard & Gardens in Northfield is a fun place to add to your itinerary.
This family-owned orchard grows a variety of apples and offers both pre-picked apples and pick-your-own opportunities when available. You can also browse the farm store for seasonal produce, cider, baked goods, fudge, jams, honey, and other goodies.
The gardens and outdoor setting make this a nice place to slow down and enjoy the season. You don’t necessarily need a full day of activities to make an orchard visit worthwhile. Sometimes picking up a few apples, finding a good treat, and enjoying the fall weather is enough.
Why visit: Fireside is a good choice for apple lovers who enjoy browsing a farm store and bringing home seasonal treats.
Since you’re already in the Northfield area, you could also make a stop in town to explore the local shops or grab lunch.
9. Deer Lake Orchard – Buffalo, Minnesota
Deer Lake Orchard in Buffalo is another destination for anyone looking for more than just apples.
The family-owned orchard offers pick-your-own and pre-picked apples, along with a farm store where you can shop for local products and seasonal treats.
Depending on when you visit, you may also find a cider house, wagon rides, corn mazes, farm animals, and other fall activities. Food trucks and special events can make some weekends especially fun.
It’s a good option if you want to get outside, enjoy a little farm time, and take home something tasty.
Why visit: Deer Lake Orchard is worth considering for a fall day trip that combines apple picking, shopping, and seasonal activities.
Check the orchard’s website for current picking conditions and the schedule of events before heading out.
10. Pleasant Valley Orchard – Shafer, Minnesota
For something a little farther northeast of the Twin Cities, check out Pleasant Valley Orchard in Shafer.
This orchard offers a relaxed country setting with apples, seasonal treats, and activities throughout the fall. Depending on the date, visitors may find pick-your-own apples, caramel apples, apple turnovers, fresh cider, and other goodies.
It’s also a fun area to explore if you want to turn your orchard trip into a longer outing. The St. Croix River Valley has plenty of scenic roads and small towns to explore, especially when the fall colors are at their best.
Why visit: Pleasant Valley Orchard is a good choice if you want to enjoy an orchard visit and explore the scenic St. Croix River Valley at the same time.
Weekend activities and pick-your-own availability can vary, so check ahead to see what’s happening during your visit.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Minnesota Apple Orchards?
Minnesota apple orchard season generally starts in August and continues into October, although the exact dates depend on the orchard, the weather, and the varieties being grown.
Early in the season, you may find varieties such as Zestar! and other early-ripening apples. As the season continues, popular varieties like Honeycrisp, SweeTango, and Haralson become available at different times.
Late September and early October are often popular times to visit because the weather starts feeling like fall, the leaves begin changing, and many orchards have their seasonal activities in full swing.
However, there’s no single best weekend for every orchard. Apple availability can change quickly, especially when weather affects the harvest.
My tip: If you’re hoping to pick a particular type of apple, check the orchard’s website or social media before you leave. Don’t assume every variety will be available just because the orchard is open.
What Should You Know Before Visiting an Apple Orchard?
A little planning can make your orchard visit much easier, especially on a busy fall weekend.
Check apple availability first. Some orchards offer pick-your-own apples, while others primarily sell pre-picked fruit. Availability can change from week to week.
Look at admission prices. Some orchards allow you to walk around and shop without paying admission, while others charge for entry or require activity tickets.
Bring the right clothes. Minnesota fall weather can be unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the orchard, and bring a jacket if you’re visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Plan for crowds. Popular orchards can get busy on beautiful fall weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week when possible.
Don’t forget the treats. Fresh cider, caramel apples, donuts, pies, and other seasonal goodies are part of the fun!
Check for special events. If you’re interested in live music, wagon rides, corn mazes, or other activities, make sure they’re happening on the day you plan to visit.
Are Minnesota Apple Orchards Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! An apple orchard is a fun way to enjoy fall in Minnesota, whether you’re planning a family outing, a date, or a weekend road trip.
You can make your visit as simple or as busy as you want. Maybe you just want to pick up a bag of fresh apples and a few treats to bring home. Or maybe you’d rather spend the afternoon exploring a corn maze, browsing a farm store, and enjoying all the seasonal activities.
With orchards throughout Minnesota, there’s a good chance you’ll find one within driving distance.
And if you have time, don’t stop with just one! Visiting different orchards is a fun way to explore new parts of the state and discover local businesses along the way.
More Fall Things to Do in Minnesota
An apple orchard visit is just one way to enjoy autumn in Minnesota. If you’re planning a few fall outings, here are some other ideas to add to your list:
- Visit a pumpkin patch and find a pumpkin to take home.
- Explore a Minnesota state park and enjoy the fall colors.
- Visit a small Minnesota town for local shops, restaurants, and coffee stops.
- Find a corn maze or a nighttime pumpkin trail.
- Plan a weekend road trip through the scenic St. Croix River Valley.
- Stop at a local brewery or winery after a day of exploring.
Fall doesn’t last forever in Minnesota, so it’s a good excuse to get out, explore somewhere new, and enjoy the season while it lasts.
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