Top 5 Apple Orchards to Visit This Fall

Apple picking, corn mazes, scenic trails, baked treats—all you need for a great fall
Honeycrisp apple tree

Courtesy University of Minnesota

Updated for 2021, with COVID-19 safety measures.

  1. Aamodt’s Apple Farm, Stillwater
    This orchard has something for everyone. After you handpick apples from the orchard or purchase a pre-picked bag, don’t forget to select some homemade snacks, including apple oatmeal cookies and Honeycrisp salsa. Sit back with an apple bratwurst, the orchard’s own Thor’s hard cider, or wine from Aadmodt’s St. Croix Vineyards. (The orchard asks prospective visitors to stay home if they are feeling sick and to practice social distancing indoors.)

Open Friday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

  1. Pine Tree Apple Orchard, White Bear Lake

    Situated on 300 acres of beautiful landscape and growing over 20 varieties of apple, this orchard hosts the pumpkin patch Oct. 3-25. Complete your experience exploring the corn maze, and picking up fresh-baked pies. (The orchard asks prospective visitors to stay home if they are feeling sick, to practice social distancing, and to wear a mask if not fully vaccinated.)

Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

  1. Afton Apple Orchard, Hastings

    This orchard recently added a 15-acre corn maze containing six miles of sharp twists and turns, but it is currently postponed due to staffing shortages, according to a Facebook post. Plan for the upcoming Apple Fest weekends (Oct. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17).

Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

  1. Apple Jack Orchards, Delano

    Located on the edge of the Crow River, this orchard offers a scenic lunch on the terrace, holiday decor and gifts, and U-pick fields. 

Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

  1. Pleasant Valley Orchard, Shafer

    Voted best Minnesota orchard in 2015 (WCCO), this orchard lets you handpick apples or purchase pre-picked bags, along with pumpkins and fresh-baked treats. Complete your experience with a hayrides (masks required), nature trails, seasonal foods, and music.

Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.