Apple Orchards: A Taste of the Minnesota Grown Directory By Janice Pyka, MinuteBids and Jessica Miles, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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or some family fun, visit a Minnesota Grown Apple Orchard. There are over 110 orchards across Minnesota. You can stop by the one closest to you or pick one a little farther away and enjoy a short road trip. Many orchards offer other activities like hay rides, corn mazes, bakery items and apple treats. Remember, apples are early this year. Don't wait, get out and enjoy the fall weather! Make sure you call ahead or check their website prior to visiting the farm. They will give you updates on on-site activities, apple varieties and more: Applewood Orchard, Inc. Lakeville (952) 985-5425 www.applewoodorchard.com Description: 15 varieties of apples, including Haralson, Honeycrisp and Zestar. We also have summer/fall raspberries and pumpkins. Fresh apple cider, apple cider donuts, caramel apples and apple pie. Enjoy a hayride in the orchard, outdoor grill, 8 acre corn maze, children's maze, climbing haystack and pedal tractors. Thompson's Hillcrest Orchard New Market (952) 461-2055 www.hillcrestorchard.org Description: Apples and fall bearing raspberries available pick-your-own (PYO) or pre-picked. Eight varieties of apples (including newest U of M varieties SweeTango, Honeycrisp and Zestar). Large pumpkin patch with several varieties. Nelson's Apple Farm Webster (952) 461-3355 www.nelsonsapplefarm.com Description: PYO and pre-picked apples: 20 varieties. PYO and pre-picked pumpkins. Wagon rides (weekends), farm animals, 7 acre corn maze, gift shop, apple pies. Also at the St. Paul Farmers Market, look for our signs.
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Minnesota Communit y Living
Minnetonka Orchards, Inc. Minnetrista (763) 479-6530 www.minnetonkaorchards.com Description: Great family fun. Children's play area, petting zoo, corn maze, walking trails. PYO/pre-picked Minnesota Grown apples. Cider, jams, caramel apples, honey, maple syrup, pumpkins, squash, unique gifts and crafts. Fresh-baked orchard pies and our famous fresh apple donuts. Pumpkins in October.
Covered Bridge Farm Forest Lake (651) 464-0735 www.coveredbridgefarm.net Description: Prepicked apples (including Honeycrisp) and pears late summer and fall. Wreaths, swags, greenery, gift shop. Complimentary cider, cookies and candy canes. Replica covered bridge over creek in picturesque rural setting.
Deardorff Orchards and Vineyards Waconia (952) 442-1885 www.deardorfforchards.com Description: Nestled on a scenic 120-acre family farm. Offering juicy PYO apples from over 4,000 trees; 13 varieties including Honeycrisp, Zestar, SweeTango and Haralson. Century-old barn with gifts, apples, wine, cider, jam, honey, pumpkins, squash, mums and more. Tractor pulled wagon ride, kids' haystack and farm animals.
Four Seasons Farm Market Welch (651) 388-4898 Description: It doesn't get any fresher or more scenic! Our roadside market features PYO and just-picked berries, summer veggies, 12 varieties of apples, pumpkins and autumn produce. We also offer honey, flowers, freerange eggs and homemade goodies. New in 2012: Bed and Breakfast/Farmstay accommodations.
Elm Tree Farm Afton (651) 998-0507 www.theelmtreefarm.com Description: Located in the St. Croix River Valley in the town of Afton, we offer certified Organic apples: Honeycrisp, Haralson, Sweet Sixteen, Fireside and Zestar. Also plums, pears, wild blackberries and honey. Aamodt's Apple Farm, Inc. Stillwater (651) 439-3127 www.aamodtsapplefarm.com Description: Great selection of apples: Honeycrisp, Haralson, Cortland, Zestar and more. During peak apple season, the orchard buzzes w/ family fun including wagon rides, hay bale maze and the "Honeycrisp Express" kiddie train. PYO apples or prepicked inside the Apple Barn, along with baked goods, specialty foods and gift items. Visit the adjoining vineyard and winery – St. Croix Vineyards!
Trump's Orchard Faribault (507) 334-5167 Description: Trump's Orchard is a family owned and operated orchard in Faribault, MN, priding itself on quality produce. Several varieties of PYO and pre-picked apples, plums, pears, squash, gourds, pumpkins, amazing homemade caramel apples, honey, popcorn and much more! Deer Lake Orchard Buffalo (763) 682-4284 www.deerlakeorchard.com Description: 28 apple varieties! Cider, pumpkins, apple pies, jam/jelly, gifts and crafts. Live entertainment, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, wagon rides through orchard and into Groggins Woods, pony rides, caramel apple sundaes, grilled apple brats. For more locations around Minnesota (or to order your free Minnesota Grown Directory), visit www.minnesotagrown. com or call 800.657.3878.