Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities, fresh-picked apples, or that perfect autumn photo opportunity, these five outstanding orchards in the Twin Cities metro area offer something special for everyone. From thrilling corn mazes to peaceful orchard walks, here's your complete guide to the best apple orchard experiences in Minnesota.
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1. Applewood Orchard - Lakeville
Location: 22702 Hamburg Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044
Season: Late August through late October
Nestled on 32 acres in Lakeville, Applewood Orchard has been delighting families for years with its welcoming atmosphere and diverse activities. This charming orchard grows over 16 different apple varieties, ensuring visitors can find their perfect apple throughout the season.
What Makes It Special
Applewood Orchard stands out as one of the only pick-your-own orchards in Dakota County, making it a unique destination for apple enthusiasts. The orchard is particularly geared toward families with young children, offering a safe and engaging environment for the pre-K crowd.
Activities & Attractions
Apple Picking: Choose from 16 different varieties, with peak Honeycrisp season in early fall
Little Farmville: Kids can pedal tractors around this miniature farm setting
Corn Maze & Sunflower Maze: Navigate through seasonal mazes designed for family fun
Weekend Hayrides: Scenic rides through the orchard grounds
Hedge Maze: Perfect for little ones to explore safely
Playground Equipment: Multiple play areas including a corn pit for jumping
Pumpkin Patch: Select the perfect pumpkin for your fall decorating
On-Site Shop: Purchase pre-picked apples, local honey, and other farm goodies
Summer & Fall Raspberries: Additional pick-your-own opportunities
The orchard operates Monday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM during fall season, making it convenient for both weekend warriors and weekday visitors.
2. Afton Apple Orchard - Hastings
Location: 14421 So 90th Street, Hastings, MN 55033
Season: Strawberries June-July (7 AM-7 PM), Apples & Fall Activities August-October (10 AM-6 PM)
Spanning over 200 beautiful acres in the scenic St. Croix Valley, Afton Apple Orchard is a family-owned paradise that offers year-round agricultural experiences. This expansive orchard produces 13 different varieties of apples alongside other seasonal fruits.
Multi-Season Appeal
What sets Afton Apple apart is its multi-season offerings. The adventure begins in summer with strawberry picking and continues through fall with apples, raspberries, and pumpkins.
Activities & Attractions
Pick-Your-Own: Strawberries (June-July), 13 apple varieties, fall raspberries, and pumpkins
15-Acre Corn Maze: One of the largest corn mazes in the area (mid-September through October)
Massive Playground: Described as "HUGE" by visitors, perfect for kids of all ages
Petting Farm (Grammamals Barnyard): Interactive animal experiences for all ages
Hayrides: Available weekends 10 AM-6 PM, weekdays 12 PM-6 PM
Straw Mountain: Climbing fun for adventurous kids
Johnny Combine: Unique farm equipment experience
Live Entertainment: Small stage with weekend shows for children
Photo Opportunities: Numerous cute photo setups throughout the orchard
Multi-Level Corn Maze: Different difficulty stages to accommodate all ages
The orchard offers both tractor-drawn hayrides and horse-drawn wagon rides, and features picnic facilities perfect for family gatherings.
3. Brand Farms - Farmington
Location: Farmington, MN
Season: U-pick apple picking weekends starting September 6th
A family-owned farm since 1958, Brand Farms brings over six decades of agricultural expertise to every visitor experience. This multi-generational operation prides itself on offering the freshest apples and most engaging fall activities.
Family Legacy
With 57 years of family ownership, Brand Farms represents the authentic farm-to-family experience that defines Minnesota agriculture. Their commitment to freshness and quality shines through in every aspect of their operation.
Activities & Attractions
Weekend Apple Picking: Fresh apples straight from the trees (weekends only)
Apple Cannons: Unique and exciting activity for kids and adults
Hayrides: Scenic tours around the farm property
Pumpkin Patches: Select from fresh, locally grown pumpkins
On-Site Food Trucks: Enjoy lunch without leaving the farm
Farm Store: Purchase fresh eggs, seasonal produce, and farm goods
Apple Cider Donuts: Fresh-made treats that capture the essence of fall
Baked Goods: Homemade items perfect for taking home
Cider Slush: Refreshing apple cider treats
Photo Opportunities: Picture-perfect setups throughout the farm
Brand Farms creates an unforgettable fall experience by combining traditional farming activities with modern family entertainment, making it a perfect destination for creating lasting autumn memories.
4. Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest - Jordan
Location: Jordan, MN
Season: Mid-August through October
Less than 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities, Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest stands as a testament to Minnesota's rich agricultural heritage. This family-owned operation has grown to become one of the region's premier fall destinations, recently welcoming their two-millionth visitor.
Scale & Scope
Ferguson's operates on an impressive scale, with over 400,000 apple trees that produced more than 13 million apples in 2024 alone. This massive operation ensures consistent supply and variety throughout the season.
Activities & Attractions
Apple Picking: Extensive orchards with wagon rides to picking areas
Legendary Corn Maze: One of the most famous corn mazes in the Twin Cities area
Apple Blossom Park: Central hub for family activities
Giant Corn Pit: Massive play area for kids to jump and play
Cow Train: Unique and thrilling ride experience
Apple Cannons: Interactive fun for visitors of all ages
Giant Spinning Apples: Carnival-style ride with an apple theme
Duck Races: Entertaining activity for the whole family
Gem Mining: Educational and exciting treasure hunting
Cider Barn: Adult-focused space for cider tastings
Slippery Slope Slides: New attraction featuring multiple slide options
Expanded Play Village: Enhanced children's area with numerous activities
Apple Lodge: Indoor space for purchasing fresh-picked apples
Apple Cider Donuts: Made fresh daily
Ferguson's continuously adds new attractions each year, ensuring that repeat visitors always find something fresh and exciting to experience.
5. Webber Apple Orchard - Prior Lake
Location: Prior Lake, MN
Season: Fall apple season
Webber Apple Orchard rounds out our list of premier Minnesota apple destinations, offering a more intimate orchard experience in the heart of Prior Lake. This family-friendly orchard focuses on providing quality fruit and authentic farm experiences.
Intimate Experience
While specific activity details weren't available in recent searches, Webber Apple Orchard is known in the community for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to providing fresh, quality apples in a traditional orchard setting.
What to Expect
Apple Picking: Traditional pick-your-own apple experience
Fresh Apple Sales: Pre-picked apples for convenient purchasing
Family-Friendly Environment: Safe and welcoming space for all ages
Seasonal Activities: Traditional fall farm activities
Local Atmosphere: Community-focused orchard experience
Note: For the most current information about specific activities and hours at Webber Apple Orchard, we recommend calling ahead or checking their current seasonal offerings.
Planning Your Minnesota Orchard Adventure
Best Time to Visit
Late August to Early September: Early apple varieties and fewer crowds
Mid-September to Early October: Peak season with all activities in full swing
Late October: Final harvest opportunities and potential for fall foliage
Tips for the Perfect Visit
Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers for changing weather
Bring Containers: Many orchards provide bags, but bringing your own baskets makes for better photos
Check Weather: Minnesota fall weather can be unpredictable
Arrive Early: Weekends can get crowded, especially during peak season
Call Ahead: Confirm hours and activity availability
Bring Cash: Some orchards prefer cash for certain activities
Plan for Parking: Popular orchards may have limited parking on busy days
Making the Most of Your Day
Consider making orchard visits a full-day adventure by combining activities like apple picking with hayrides, corn mazes, and on-site dining. Many families create annual traditions around these visits, returning year after year to the same favorite orchard or exploring a new one each season.
Each of these five orchards offers its own unique charm and specialties, from Applewood's family-friendly Little Farmville to Ferguson's massive scale and continuous innovations. Whether you're seeking a quiet afternoon of apple picking or a full day of fall festivities, Minnesota's apple orchards provide the perfect backdrop for creating cherished autumn memories.
The beauty of Minnesota's orchard season lies not just in the crisp apples and vibrant fall colors, but in the opportunity to connect with local agriculture, support family businesses, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Each orchard represents generations of dedication to providing authentic farm experiences that celebrate the best of Minnesota's agricultural heritage.