15 Sep Local Apple Orchards

It’s always hard to say good-bye to summer, but cooler weather means fall is near and it’s hard not to get excited for apple season! If you’re looking for a fun family outing check out an apple orchard near you. Most orchards have great activities for kids. For a complete list of apple orchards across the state check out Minnesota Grown, and below are some of the orchards we found in the Twin Cities area.

Aamodt’s Apple Farm is located west of Stillwater off of Hwy 36, open daily from 10am-6pm. There are usually a couple of varieties of apples available for picking, and many different varieties of pre-picked apples are available in the apple barn for purchase. It also has hay rides ($2/person), a goat farm (free), a treasure hunt (free), John Deere Kiddie Trike and Tractor Farm ($1/person), and a tractor-pulled kiddie train ($2/person).

Afton Apple Orchard is located east of Hwy 61 just south of Afton Alps. It’s open daily from 10am-6pm, and there’s an admission charge of $4 for ages 5+ and $3 for ages 4 and under. The orchard is primarily pick-your-own, however there are some varieties that are pre-picked and available for purchase in the apple barn. In addition to apples you can also pick strawberries, raspberries, and pumpkins. It also has a corn maze (11 yrs+ $9/person, 2-10 yrs $7/person, under 2 is free), hay rides (free), a petting farm (free), and a “Moo Moo Choo Choo” train ($2/person).

Applewood Orchard in Lakeville is open daily from 10am-6pm. It’s a completely pick-your-own orchard and has a variety of apples available, as well as strawberries and pumpkins. It also has a corn maze (16 yrs+ $7/person, 6-15 yrs $5/person) and hay rides (for a small fee) available throughout the weekend.

Fischer’s Croix Farm Orchard in Hastings is open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-5pm. Pre-picked apples are available for purchase mid-September through November, and pick-your-own apples are available mid-September through October. In addition to apples you can also pick pumpkins. The orchard also has a corn maze ($3/person), farm animals (free), the Apple Express Train (free) and Straw Mountain (free).

McDougall’s Apple Junction in Hastings is open daily from 10am-6pm. Pre-picked apples are always available in the apple barn, and pick-your-own apples are available later in the season. Pumpkins are also available for picking later in the season.

Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake is open Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm and Friday-Sunday 9am-6pm. The apples are all pre-picked, and pumpkins are also available for purchase. There are a variety of fun activities available — wagon rides ($1.75/person), pony rides (available 9/19-10/11 at $3.50/person), a corn maze (beginning 9/26 at $3.50/person), a pumpkin patch (beginning 10/3), and live music on the weekends.

Whistling Well Farm in Hastings is open daily 9am-6pm. It has pick-your-own apples in the orchard, as well as pre-picked apples, pumpkins, and mums available for purchase in the Farm Market.

Happy Fall!