27 Great Apple Orchards in Minnesota for Fall + Map (2023 UPDATE)
Are you looking for some of the best apple orchards in Minnesota to get out and pick some delicious apples this fall season?
Cool weather, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and freshly picked apples are just a few of the things that characterize fall time in Minnesota.
I’ve always loved visiting the orchard. One of my favorite memories of fall time as a kid is reaching up and pulling an apple right off the tree to bring home and bake into a pie.
My family goes apple picking every year, and we always like to find different varieties to bring home and try out. My favorite always stands as the Honeycrisp!
In this post, we’ll go over some of the best apple picking in Minnesota, so you too can enjoy this fantastic fall tradition.
Minnesota Apple Orchards Map
Apple Orchards in Minnesota
Below I’ll tell you the 15 best Minnesota apple orchards to make sure that you’re making the most of the beautiful Autumn months!
1. Aamodt’s Apple Farm
Address: 6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater, MN
Apple Varieties: Zestar, State Fair, Paula Red, Honeycrisp, SweeTango, McIntosh, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
Located in Stillwater, right outside the beautiful St. Croix River Valley, is Aamodt’s Apple Farm, the self-proclaimed ‘Home of the Honeycrisp.’
This family-owned farm has been in operation since 1948 and is just a short 30-minute drive from the Twin Cities area.
With over 50 acres of land, over 6,000 apple trees, and 24 varieties of apples, you’re bound to find the perfect one for you.
During your visit to this free apple orchard in Minnesota, take a ride on the Honeycrisp Express, play with the goats, enjoy a slice of fresh apple pie, and of course, pick your own apples.
After your visit, head next door to St. Croix Vineyards, one of Minnesota’s best vineyards, for some wine tasting.
2. Afton Apple Orchard
Address: 14421 90th Street South, Hastings, MN
Apple Varieties: Paula Red, Zestar, McIntosh, Sweet 16, Cortland, HoneyCrisp, Regent, etc.
Entry Cost: $7
At Afton Apple Orchard, you’ll get more than just your typical orchard, as there is plenty more to do on their 250 acres of land!
With a 15-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, and more, it’s the perfect place to bring the entire family.
Beginning in mid-August, the fields are open for pick-your-own apples, with 15 varieties to choose from!
Aside from the fresh apples, you can also enjoy apple donuts, fritters, pie, caramel apples, fresh apple cider, and more. YUM!
And being located just 40 minutes from the Twin Cities, this is the perfect spot for those living in Minneapolis or St. Paul.
3. Sunrise River Farm
Address: 7602 Wyoming Trail, Wyoming, MN
Apple Varieties: Zestar, Honeycrisp, Sweet 16, Cortland, Snow Sweet, SweeTango, Fireside, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
At Sunrise River Farm, you’ll get to enjoy picking some of the juiciest apples around, just 20 minutes south of Minneapolis.
There are nine varieties of apples to choose from including Honeycrisp, Sweet Tango, and Cortland.
Bring your kiddos along and have them try out the old-fashioned apple cider press to see how apple cider used to be made.
During your visit, you can also meet the farm animals such as donkeys, chickens, and pigs, or go for a ride on the hayride.
Also in Wyoming, you can get the pants scared off of you at one of the scariest haunted houses in the state.
4. Apple Jack Orchards
Address: 4875 37th Street SE, Delano, MN
Apple Varieties: Fireside, First Kiss, Zestar, SweeTango, Cortland, Duchess, Honeycrisp, etc.
Entry Cost: $10
At Apple Jack Orchards in Delano, you’ll have the choice between 29 varieties of apples, all ready to be picked right from the tree.
Each is available during different times of the fall season, so it’s the perfect opportunity to head back to the orchard multiple times!
There are over 10,000 trees on the property, so there’s plenty of opportunity for picking!
After you’ve picked apples, you can also head into their U-Pick pumpkin patch and choose the best pumpkins for your family!
Visit their country store and partake in some of the other fun farm activities during your visit.
5. LuceLine Orchard
Address: 2755 Rose Avenue, Watertown, MN
Apple Varieties: First Kiss, Zestar, SweeTango, Honeycrisp, Sweet 16, Keepsake, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
Voted the number one apple orchard in Minnesota by WCCO News, LuceLine Orchard is definitely one that you must visit.
Choose from 7 varieties of Minnesota-grown apples, spread out over almost 10,000 trees, all ready to be picked by you and your family.
The kids can enjoy fun activities such as a hay mountain, hayride, and seeing the farm animals. Also available is their pumpkin patch in October.
Live music is another fun family activity at LuceLine Orchard that takes place during the summer and fall months, on select days.
Take home some of the freshly made honey and maple syrup or try out their award-winning apple fritters from the store.
6. Montgomery Orchards
Address: 15952 State Highway 99, Montgomery, MN
Apple Varieties: State Fair, Zestar, SweeTango, Sweet 16, Cortland, Honeycrisp, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
Opening in 2004, this family-owned and operated Minnesota apple orchard located in Montgomery will provide you with the ultimate orchard experience.
With 12 different varieties of apples, you’ll surely be able to find your favorite, whether it be for pies, eating fresh, or making homemade cider.
The apples are typically harvested from mid-August to late September when you can pick your own from the orchard.
Enjoy a hayride around the property where you’ll have the opportunity to see Minnesota’s wildlife through their designated wildlife area.
Try to make it through their one-of-a-kind corn maze and listen to local artists play music on certain days.
7. Country Blossom Farm
Address: 1951 Englund Road SW, Alexandria, MN
Apple Varieties: SweeTango, Zestar, Fireside, Honeycrisp, Sweet 16, Cortland, etc.
Entry Cost: $15
Country Blossom Farm in Alexandria is family-run and only grows the highest quality apples for their customers.
When at the orchard, you’ll be able to pick between 12 varieties of apples including Honeycrisp, Sweet Sixteen, and State Fair.
They strive to be a sustainable farm, so you’ll know that the apples you’re buying are good for you and good for the earth.
Some other favorite activities include the bouncy-house area, a 7-acre corn maze, visiting the pet goats, and grabbing a treat to eat.
8. Sekapp Orchard
Address: 3415 Collegeview Road East, Rochester, MN
Apple Varieties: SweeTango, Zestar, Sweet 16, Red Delicious, Paula Red, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
As one of the best apple orchards in southern Minnesota, Sekapp Orchard is definitely one that should be on your fall to-do list!
Established in 1962, they’ve been growing apples for years and sure know how to grow a delicious bunch!
The apples are typically ready for picking in mid-August and are available until late October, or until they’ve all been picked!
Honey, pumpkins, asparagus, and rhubarb are just a few of the other types of fresh produce that are grown at Sekapp Orchard.
During the fall season, enjoy Pumpkinland, which is full of fun activities such as a corn maze, straw bale mountain, and more.
9. Emma Krumbee’s Orchard
Address: 311 Enterprise Drive East, Belle Plaine, MN
Apple Varieties:
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
At Emma Krumbee’s Orchard, you’ll take a tractor-pulled wagon out into the orchards and will be able to choose your favorite apples.
There are 10 varieties to choose from, each perfect for its own thing including eating fresh or baking into a pie.
Emma Krumbee’s was voted Favorite Apple Orchard in MN by the Star Tribune, showing just how great they are!
Along with their apples, you can also pick your own pumpkins from the patch on certain days in September and October.
In October, you can also enjoy the annual Great Scarecrow Festival and see over 100 handcrafted scarecrows.
10. Minnetonka Orchards
Address: 6530 County Road 26, Minnetrista, MN
Apple Varieties: Zestar, SweeTango, Honey Gold, Honeycrisp, Sweet 16, Cortland, etc.
Entry Cost: $7 (some activities extra)
Just 30 minutes west of Minneapolis is Minnetonka Orchards, located in Minnetrista, Minnesota. (How many times will I say ‘Minne’? 😉)
Known as the main event at Minnetonka Orchards, apple picking season starts in mid-August.
During the weekends, an admission ticket will get you access to the orchard as well as many other fun activities.
Pick your own apples, straight from the trees, including Honeycrisp, Zestar, and SweeTango.
Then head back to the farm to enjoy unlimited hayrides, an apple launcher, games of bean bags, and face painting for the kids.
11. Croix Farm Orchard
Address: 12971 St. Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN
Apple Varieties: Zestar, Paula Red, SweeTango, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Sweet 16, Honey Gold, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
In 1980, the Croix Farm Orchard was born to John and Kay who decided to stay close to home and open up a great family adventure.
Today, you can visit the farm, now run by John and Kay’s children, and pick your own apples or purchase a bag or pre-picked. I love picking my own apples, so that’s always what I choose.
There are over 20 varieties to choose from, all of which ripen and are ready to be picked at different times of the season.
Along with the apples, you can also purchase Minnesota-grown pears, pumpkins, squash, gourds, honey, and more in the store.
12. Pine Tree Apple Orchard
Address: 450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake, MN
Apple Varieties: Duchess, First Kiss, Paula Red, Zestar, SweeTango, McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
At Pine Tree Apple Orchard, you’ll find 25 varieties of apples to choose from, all high quality and grown in a sustainable manner.
Enjoy a walk around the orchard, find your way through the corn maze, choose your own pumpkin for carving, and listen to live music.
In the bakery, you’ll find homemade goods including pies that are perfect for a holiday get-together.
At Pine Tree Apple Orchard, they also grow fresh strawberries and allow for picking during the season, which is typically sometime in June and July.
13. Lavalier’s Berry Patch
Address: 28056 County Road 91 Grand Rapids, MN
Apple Varieties: Zestar, SweeTango, First Kiss
Entry Cost: Free
While the name may be deceiving, Lavalier’s Berry Patch in Grand Rapids has more than just fresh berries!
In the summer, their main focus is strawberries and blueberries, which they often sell out of.
But in the fall months, apples and sour cherries are their main game.
This is the patch and orchard that I grew up picking at, and have loved getting to know their field and great staff!
I spend lots of time at Lavaliers throughout the year, whether it be for their apples or going strawberry picking in summer.
14. Gilby’s Nursery and Orchard
Address: 30069 State Highway 210, Aitkin, MN
Apple Varieties: Cortland, First Kiss, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Pazazz, SweeTango, Sweet 16, Zestar, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
At Gilby’s Nursery and Orchard in Aitkin, you can experience some fun during their fall harvest, typically starting in mid-August.
Enjoy picking a variety of apples, including but not limited to First Kiss, SweeTango, and Zestar.
The kiddos will love getting to run through the corn maze, taking rides on the hay ride, and playing on the hay bale playground.
15. Apple Tree-O
Address: 5667 90th Street SE, Delano, MN
Apple Varieties: Honeycrisp, SweeTango, Zestar
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
This small orchard opened up in 2011 and has been growing ever since, now featuring 600 trees of different varieties.
Pick your own apples including Zestar, Honeycrisp, Melrose, and First Kiss, all delicious in their own ways.
The entire orchard is open for picking during the season and the trees are also low to the ground, so even small kids can help pick.
If you’re looking for some more fall fun, you can also purchase pumpkins, squash, and gourds at Apple Tree-O.
If you’re up for a tour of an orchard, you can book one here and take a walking tour with one of the owners where you’ll learn all about the growing process.
16. Pleasant Valley Orchard
Address: 17325 Pleasant Valley Road, Shafer, MN
Apple Varieties: Honeycrisp, Zestar, SweeTango, Sweet 16, Frostbite, Cortland, First Kiss, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
The charming Pleasant Valley Orchard in Shafer is home to a wide variety of apples like Honeycrisp, Zestar, and SweeTango.
Beyond apple picking, visitors can partake in a plethora of activities.
Families can enjoy hayrides through the scenic orchards on weekends, listen to live music, and snack on tasty treats.
Later in the season, enjoy picking your own pumpkin from their patch, or take part in the pumpkin pie baking contest.
17. Hidden Cove Orchard
Address: 27524 Hidden Cove Road, Cold Spring, MN
Apple Varieties: Cortland, Honeycrisp, Honey Gold, Sweet 16, Zestar, Regent, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
Wander among the towering apple trees and enjoy the sights and smells of an apple orchard in MN during the fall months.
Enjoy picking your own apples at this off-the-beaten-path orchard, with a large variety of apples to choose from.
The orchard is designed to make picking easy, with just a short, sweet, and peaceful walk through the orchard.
If you’d rather not pick your own, you can also enjoy pre-picked apples, which can be picked up from their gift shop.
18. Deardorff Orchards
Address: 8282 Parley Lake Road, Waconia, MN
Apple Varieties: Zestar, Honeycrisp, Haralson
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
This family-friendly orchard will become a favorite stop to add onto your fall traditions, with plenty of activities for the entire family.
For the kiddos, enjoy the tractor-pulled wagon ride, picking your own pumpkin, and other fun activities.
Adults will love visiting the orchard’s partner business, Parley Lake Winery, for a glass of wine from the 7 acres of vineyards.
19. Applecrest Orchards
Address: 7306 24th Avenue N, Hugo, MN
Apple Varieties: First Kiss, SweeTango, Zestar, Paula Red, Haralson, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Sweet 16, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
Another locally owned and operated of the best apple orchards in Minnesota is Applecrest Orchards, located right in Hugo.
Here you’ll find a wide variety of apples, meaning there are over 20 types to choose from including favorites like SweeTango and Honeycrisp.
The orchard has other events going on throughout the fall season in Minnesota such as food trucks visiting and a market to wander through.
The orchard also grows pears, so you can try a different fruit during your visit as well.
20. Fall Harvest Orchard
Address: 345 County Road 30 SE, Montrose, MN
Apple Varieties: State Fair, First Kiss, Paula Red, Zestar, SweeTango, Sweet 16, Honeycrisp, Honey Gold, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
Wander through the orchards at Fall Harvest Orchard and choose from over 20 varieties of apples to pick and take home.
During their fall festival, you’ll find all sorts of fun activities to take part in from visiting their farm animals to taking a wagon ride or climbing the haybale mountain.
It’s a great place for the entire family to visit, and you can even enjoy fall-themed treats like pumpkin spice mini donuts and fresh hot apple cider.
I love that there are so many activities for the entire family. It helps keep everyone busy and ensures that the whole family has a great day at the orchard!
21. Deer Lake Orchard
Address: 1903 10th Street SW, Buffalo, MN
Apple Varieties: Zestar, SweeTango, Honeycrisp, Haralson
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
This family-run orchard gives you the chance to enjoy a full day outside at Deer Lake Orchard to enjoy the cool weather.
Choose from a few different varieties of apples to pick from the orchard and bring them home to make an apple pie.
Other activities to enjoy are the corn maze, wagon rides, an animal train, a jumping pillow, and more, which each can be checked out with a wristband.
There also is a pumpkin patch at the orchard, so you can grab yourself a pumpkin to carve at home.
22. Fireside Orchard & Gardens
Address: 2225 Lonsdale Boulevard E, Northfield, MN
Apple Varieties: SweeTango, Honeycrisp, First Kiss, Cortland, Haralson, McIntosh, Sweet 16, Fireside, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
With over 50 years of experience in growing apples, Fireside Orchard and Gardens is sure to impress with their 25 varieties.
Just a short drive from the Twin Cities will have you arriving at the orchard where you can try their delicious apples.
With everything from crunchy Honeycrisps to sweet SweeTangos, they pride themselves on having some of the freshest apples around.
Fireside Orchard and Garden uses a cold storage facility to keep the apples fresh and crisp, meaning they will be ready for you when you arrive!
23. Maple Hills Orchard
Address: 29355 130th Street, Frazee, MN
Apple Varieties: Cortland, Fireside, Haralson, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Paula Red, SweeTango, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
If you’re spending some time this fall season near the Park Rapids area, then checking out Maple Hills Orchard in Frazee is a must.
This beautiful orchard uses sustainable growing practices to ensure their produce is fresh, and you can head into the orchard and pick your own.
They offer some of the best apple picking in Minnesota, and you can count on their apples to be delicious!
While you’re visiting, check out some of the walking trails that wind through the orchard and enjoy the natural beauty of Frazee.
24. Ferguson’s Orchards
Address: 8251 Old Highway 169 Boulevard, Jordan, MN
Apple Varieties: Zestar, Paula Red, Honeycrisp, Sweetango, First Kiss
Entry Cost: $15
Previously known as Minnesota Harvest, Ferguson’s Orchards offers some of the best apple picking near Minneapolis and St. Paul.
This apple orchard in Jordan, Minnesota offers a variety of apples to pick, including favorites like Zestar, Paula Red, Honeycrisp, and SweeTango.
Other fun activities to check out include wagon rides, apple cannons, a cow train, and meeting farm animals.
There also is a farm market that offers fresh pastries like apple cider donuts.
25. Orchard on the Bluff
Address: 26593 St. Croix Trail, Franconia Township, MN
Apple Varieties: Haralson, Honey Gold, Cortland, Sweet 16, etc.
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
Located right along the stunning St. Croix River bluffs, Orchard on the Bluff offers beautiful views and an opportunity to pick your own apples in Minnesota.
It’s a family-oriented orchard, so you can bring your entire family with and know that everyone will have a great time at your new family tradition.
Enjoy the views of the rolling hills along the river and also check out their vintage apple shop for their homemade goodies and pre-picked apples.
26. Sweetland Orchard
Address: 26205 Fairlawn Avenue, Webster, MN
Apple Varieties: State Fair, SweeTango, Zestar, Paula Red, Honeycrisp, Haralson, Cortland, etc.
Entry Cost: Free
Located just a short distance from the Twin Cities, Sweetland Orchard offers a wide variety of apples to choose from that have been developed by the U of M.
With favorites like Honeycrisp, Zestar, and SweeTango, you’ll surely find a bunch of great apples for you to pick and bring home.
Before heading home, be sure to also taste their local hard cider, which is made from their locally grown apples.
27. Irish Mountain Orchard
Address: 24009 482nd Street, Elysian, MN
Apple Varieties: Zestar, Honeycrisp, Haralson, Stella Minnesota, Fireside
Entry Cost: Free (some activities extra)
Another of the best places for u-pick apples in Minnesota is Irish Mountain Orchard, located in Elysian.
There are a few varieties of apples available for picking during your time at the orchard, and you can enjoy their family-friendly atmosphere.
My favorite part about Irish Mountain Orchard is that it’s a peaceful place and doesn’t feel as busy as some of the other orchards do.
But it’s still just a short 1-hour drive from Minneapolis to visit this great Minnesota apple orchard.
What Apples are Grown in Minnesota?
Plenty of different apples are grown in Minnesota and picked during the fall season, between August and October, typically.
But the most popular by far is the Honeycrisp, a juicy, sweet, crisp apple that is perfect for eating plain, baking in a pie, covering in caramel, turning into cider, and more.
Other varieties include SweeTango, Honeygold, Sweet Sixteen, and Zestar.
You can read more about the apple types in Minnesota by clicking here.
When is Apple Picking in Minnesota?
The state of Minnesota starts to open up its U-pick or pre-picked apple orchards in August.
Picking will typically last until late October or early November, depending on how the season went for the orchard.
Each orchard is different, and you should call before arriving to make sure that they are picking for the year!
FAQs
While Minnesota isn’t entirely known for apples, we do produce a good apple orchard. In the fall time, there are tons of orchards around the state that grow a variety of apples, all of which are delicious, crisp, and juicy.
There are over 100 orchards in Minnesota where they grow apples.
Yes, there is plenty of apple picking in Minnesota. You can find it, typically starting in August, around the state.
Apple picking typically starts in August or September and goes until early November.
Wrap-Up: Minnesota Apple Orchards
From classic orchards with expansive rows of trees to smaller operations with fewer varieties, there’s an apple orchard for everyone.
And with plenty of apple varieties to choose from, such as Honeycrisp and SweeTango, everyone’s tastebuds should be happy!
One of my favorite ways to spend time in the fall is at one of these apple orchards in Minnesota, and I hope that you’re able to enjoy them too!
