Apple U-Pick Orchards in Southern Minneapolis and southern suburbs, Minnesota in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for apples that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have apples orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!
Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!
PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.
Carver County
- Deardorff Orchards - apples, winery, hayrides, farm animals
8282 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: 952-442-1885. Email: deardorfforch@aol.com. Open: early September to late Oct, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10-6 pm , Closed Monday to Thursday. Click here for a map and directions. . . Scenic 100 acre apple farm; pick-your-own juicy, blue-ribbon apples from 5,000 apple trees. Honeycrisp, Haralson, 15 varieties. Century old barn full of pre-picked apples-fresh cider-jams-honey-gourds-pumpkins-gifts-baskets. Kids' haystack; tractor-pulled wagon rides Fri-Sun; kids wagons to walk & pick. MN Hwy 5 west from Eden Prairie; 3 miles west of Victoria turn right onto Parley Lake Road, follow signs. Your family will have a great time here, bring your camera and come see us in the fall! See website for map, info. Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchard. Walk or take a Tractor Wagon Ride to Pick. We offer Red Wagons for the Kids, Friendly Farm Animals. Kid's Haystack. - Fall Harvest Orchard - apples, pumpkins
345 County Road 30 SE, Delano, MN . Phone: 763-972-3894. Email: fallharvest@frontiernet.net. Directions: Located 5 miles west of Delano on County Road 30. Click here for a map and directions. . . from late August, Thursday to Sunday (and Labor Day Monday) 10 am – 6 pm, August 27th to October 30th. Family-oriented orchard on a working farm; 18 apple varieties, pre-picked or pick your own. In season: squash, brown eggs, pumpkins, gourds, calico corn, popcorn & corn bundles. Children will enjoy the farm animals (cows with calves, goats with kids, chickens, turkeys and pigs) in an actual farm setting. Apple House features snacks, gifts and crafts. Free wagon rides. Picnicking welcome. . April 27, 2015: is about to get new owners who intend to keep the orchard going. Watch this space for more information!
Dakota County
- Afton Apple Orchard - strawberries, apples, raspberries, pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, weddings, school tours
14421 So. 90th St., Hastings, MN 55033. Phone: 651-436-8385. Open: Sunday - Wednesday from 7am to 3pm and and Thursday - Sunday 7am to 7pm, weather permitting or until picked out. Click here for a map and directions.
Afton Apple Orchard Facebook page. . We have 190+ beautiful acres producing delicious Minnesota grown strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins and 13 different varieties of apples that can be picked by our customers at the peak of perfection. Strawberry season starts approximately the second week in June, and runs through mid-July. We are open Always call for an update on picking. Fall Raspberries usually starts early August and goes until mid-October, or until we get a very hard freeze. Our apple orchard is mainly "Pick Your Own" but we do sell freshly picked apples by the peck, 1/2 bushel, and bushel, along with apple cider, honey, jam, maple syrup and other Minnesota grown products. If you like bargains, then come out during the week. It's less crowded and the orchard runs weekday specials. And for great family fun, visit us on the weekends for our hayrides. Throughout our apple season enjoy apple donuts, apple fritters, caramel apples, caramel apple sundaes, hotdogs, chips, soda pop, coffee, hot chocolate and - of course - delicious fresh apple cider all from our concession stand.This huge 15 acre corn maze is calling your name! The maze is divided into 3 phases. Have a wedding, or reception, company event, reunion, retirement party, birthday party, award ceremony, salesperson of the year, finding someone special or getting rid of someone not so special, New Years, or any other get-together in our beautiful building for any special occasion. We can hold up to 300 people inside or many more guests outside. Available are 8' banquet tables, folding chairs, and picnic tables, both inside and outside. We have several options available including tractor drawn hayrides, horse drawn wagon rides, playground, yard games, etc. - Applewood Orchard - apples, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), rhubarb, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, snacks and refreshment stand, school tours
22702 Hamburg Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044. Phone: 952-985-5425. Open: For the strawberry season we are open from 8am to 5pm if there are berries available; Always call before coming for strawberries; You need to call for hours for the raspberry season in late July through October; For apples we are usually open daily from September 1st until October 31st from 9am to 6pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm until 6pm on Sundays; Raspberries July-October. Directions: From the north take Cedar Avenue to 225th Street take a right there, and then a left on Hamburg Avenue From the south take Cedar to 225th take a left there and then a left on Hamburg Avenue We are the first driveway on the left. This year interstate County Road 70 At 35W is under construction, so if you are using 35W take the County Road 50 exit and then continue to Cedar Avenue Take a right on Cedar, continue to 225th and take a right and then a left on Hamburg Avenue. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Fax:. We have PYO June strawberries that are usually available mid June to Mid July, red raspberries that are available from late July until the first frost and apples from late August until Thanksgving. We have hayrides on the weekends during the apple season, a maze for small children and a haystack for children to play on. - Castle Rock Orchard - apples, pumpkins,
3671 250th Street W., Farmington, MN 55024. Phone: 651-463-7387. Email: starbelly3@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm. Directions: For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
Castle Rock Orchard Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 9529179465. . We will start with Zestar in late August. Then the better than ever Sweet Tango, followed by the always refreshing Honeycrisp! Wrapping up with SnowSweet,(ADDED: August 22, 2016)
Le Sueur County
- Montgomery Orchard - apples, corn maze, restrooms, gift shop, concession stand (drinks, snacks and\\/or food), picnic area, birthday parties
15953 State Highway 99 (140th St. W) , Montgomery, MN 56069. Phone: 952-221-1051. Email: barb@montgomeryorchard.com. Open: See their website for for hours and availability. Directions: See their website for directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard . Our mission is to provide a refreshing and memorable outdoor experience for families, friends and organizations. We hope you will enjoy the peace that comes with the fresh air of a crisp fall day. Montgomery Orchard bloomed in the mind of owner, Scott Wardell, and transcended into reality when the first section of apple orchard, Orchard A, was planted in 1999. Since then, thanks to the help of many, Scott and his family have now expanded the orchard nearly six-fold, adding on a new segment designated by another letter every year. Aside from Orchard, the rest of Scott and Barb's farm land is dedicated to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) including the growth of various hardwood and evergreen trees and prairie restoration. It is now the mission of Scott and his family to deliver the joy and experience of taking part in the most beautiful parts of nature to their guests. When the summer comes to a close, our arms are . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard . . . open to all that will come.
McLeod County
- Apple Shack - apples
23701 Highway 15 N, Hutchinson, MN 55350. Phone: (320) 587-2127. Click here for a map and directions. . just north of Hutchinson, 40 acres of many varieties of . (ADDED: June 11, 2015, JBS)
Rice County
- Fireside Orchard - Apples
2225 Lonsdale Blvd, Northfield, MN 55057. Phone: 507-663-1376. Email: apples@firesideorchard.com. Open: even days a week, 9 Am to 6 Pm, August through December. Click here for a map and directions. . We make fresh apple cider, fudge, donuts and apple pies, and carry jams, jellies, Minnesota cheese, honey and maple syrup. Of course, there are plenty of pumpkins for Halloween! Products available: , Apple Cider, Apple Pies, Fudge, Donuts, Caramel Dips, Minnesota Cheeses, Caramel , Jar Honey, Comb Honey, Pure Maple Syrup, Flavored Syrups, Apple Butter, Jams and Jellies, Popcorn, Soynuts, Apple Peelers, Sorghum, Wax Candles, Salsa, Steak Sauce & Dressing, Bread, Muffin & Pancake Mixes fountain Everyone is welcome to enjoy our rose and mum flower gardens, complete with fountain. We encourage people to take a moment out of their busy lives and "stop and smell the flowers"! Our season generally runs from August to New Year. While most people choose to purchase their pre-picked out of our apple display cool-room, some like the "pick-your-own" approach. There is always something quite amazing about seeing a red-ripe apple hanging on a tree! - Nelson's Apple Farm - pre-cut and cut-your-own Christmas trees, wagon rides (weekends), farm animals, 7 Acre Corn Maze, Gift Shop, and . Crop Maze\\/Labyrinth, Farm Animals (see also Petting Zoo), Apples, Pumpkins
3270 Douglas Avenue, Webster, MN 55088. Phone: (952) 461-3355. Email: Appleman121@cs.com. Open: Day after Thanksgiving to December 20th, Monday through Friday 1 pm to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a. Directions: Located 2 miles south of New Market and one mile north of Webster. . Click here for a map and directions. . m to 5 pm. Apple Season - Open Daily Monday through Friday 1 pm to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m to 6 pmPick your own apples - 20 different varieties! Apple barn opens September 1 - December 20. Pre-picked and pick-your-own apples & pumpkins, apple cider. You don't have to bring anything but you and your family and friends to the orchard. All apples are within reach from the ground. - Silkey Gardens LLC - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, blueberries, raspberries (Autumn, yellow), strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties
5561 115th Street East, Northfield, MN 55021. Phone: (507) 645-4158. Email: Paul@SilkeyGardens.com. Open: Strawberry Season Weather permitting PYO hours are: Monday through Saturday 6 am to 1 pm Sundays 8 am to 1 pm PYO hours will vary for Raspberry, Blueberry and Apple season please call, check website or Facebook page. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
Silkey Gardens LLC Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (480) 544-5055. . Strawberries available in June/July Raspberries late June early July Blueberries mid to late July Apple available vary by variety; Zestar late August/early September Others including Honey Crisp available late Sept/October; As always please call for updates;. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. (UPDATED: June 26, 2019)
Scott County
- Cherith Farms - Uses natural growing practices, apples, pears, raspberries (red), Fresh eggs, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, farm animals
27450 Raven Road, Belle Plaine, MN 56011. Phone: (507) 665-5055. Email: mecredyd@earthlink.net. Open: UPDATE for 2021: There is no pick your own in 2021; maybe in 2022; Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Raspberry season typically is last week of June to first week of July; Apples are picked in September and October, and Pears in August;. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Aside from Pick Your Own, there are also Prepicked apples and pears and garden vegetables. Some include heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, Cushaw, Pattypan Squash. Times vary on these mostly available in Late July and through end of growing season. Homemade whole wheat bread available by order, also, Free range eggs available year round. We are planning to have homemade cider available starting 2020. We grow our produce naturally using sustainable agriculture practices. No pesticides or herbicides are used unless absolutely necessary and then only that which is acceptable for organic practices. (UPDATED: July 8, 2021) - Emma Krumbee's Orchard and Farm - apples, pumpkins, raspberries (Autumn, red), events at your location (call for info)
311 Enterprise Drive East, Belle Plaine, MN 56011. Phone: 952-873-3654. Email: ekgeneralmanager@gmail.com. Open: Sunday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm, August 1 to October 31. Directions: South of Minneapolis 25 miles on highway 169, half way between Mankato and the Twin Cities. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
Emma Krumbee's Orchard and Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 952-873-3006. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Scarecrow Festival: September 14 to October 27, 2013. Typical harvest dates are: Apples Mid August thru October; Pumpkins September thru October; Scarecrow Festival Mid September thru October; - Havlicek's Veseli Vrsek Happy Hill Orchard - apples
CR 23, Veseli, MN . Phone: 952-758-4386. Email: veselivr@juno.com. Open: 4:30-6:30 pm Monday to Friday; 10 am to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday August 15- December . Directions: Located 4 miles north of Veseli or 6 miles east of New Prague, or 10 miles south of Prior Lake off County Road 23. Click here for a map and directions. . . Featuring 23 varieties of u-pick or pre-picked that ripen from Aug- Oct. We also have light basswood blossom honey, plums, grapes, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, garlic and onions. Our no frills family operation allows us to charge the lowest prices. We also sell stored all winter. - Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard - apples, pumpkins, restrooms, picnic area, weddings and wedding parties
8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd, Jordan, MN 55352. Phone: 952-492-2785. Email: info@225waterstreet.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: From the Twin Cities: Highway 169 South through Jordan. First left after Jordan stoplight on County Road 59. First right at stopsign on County Road 66 / Old Hwy. 169. You will see signs and take a left up the hill to the orchard. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Click here for a map and directions for a map and directions. Formerly known as "Sponsels" Also see our Pumpkin/Corn maze listing and our Christmas listing. - Sweetland Orchard - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, restrooms, picnic area
26205 Fairlawn Ave, Webster, MN 55088. Phone: 651-252-4337. Email: sweetlandorchard@gmail.com. Open: Saturdays and Sundays in September and October from 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: From the Twin Cities: I-35 south to County 2 (Elko/New Market exit). Go west on County 2 eight miles to Fairlawn. Turn left on Fairlawn for a city block. From the southwest suburbs: take 13 south to County 2. Go east on County 2 for about two miles to Fairlawn. Turn right on Fairlawn for a city block. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
Sweetland Orchard Facebook page. . We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Home brewers: we sell raw cider in bulk. Contact us to make arrangements. The ONLY pyo crops offered is apples. - Thompson's Hillcrest Orchard - Apples, pumpkins, raspberries
6271 250th St E, Elko, MN 55020. Phone: 952-461-2055. Email: barbara-a-t@hotmail.com. Directions: Located 15 minutes from Burnsville. Click here for a map and directions. . Friday and Saturday 9 am to 6 pm for 'We-Pick' or 'U-Pick'; Sunday Noon - 6 pm for 'We-Pick' or 'U-Pick'; You are welcome to call for appointments to pick on other days. Apples, raspberries U-pick & pre-picked, 8 varieties (including newest U of M varieties Honeycrisp & Zestar)! Conveniently . Go south on 35W to the Cty Rd 70 exit. Go right on 70. Go left on Cty Rd 27. Go right on 250th Street East. Tours and other group events by appt.
Washington County
- Aamodt's Apple Farm, Inc. - apples, hayrides, pumpkins, cow train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, winery
6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater, MN 55082. Phone: (651) 439-3127. Open: Daily, From 10AM to 6PM, Seasonal hours, August to December . Click here for a map and directions. . Throughout the season Aamodt's takes on a festive atmosphere. Our turn-of-the century farm village comes alive with children's laughter rising from the pony rides & petting farm as fiddlers stroll the grounds. Take a hay ride, or sit back and relax in the pantry with homemade bakery goods & fresh pressed cider. Take a ride in Aamodt's hot air balloons. We added a winery, with apple & grape wines. Enjoy a walk through the orchard & pick your own apples. Visit our website full of info & coupons. - Covered Bridge Farm - apples, Christmas trees
18655 Forest Blvd., Forest Lake, MN 55025. Phone: 651-464-0735. Email: coveredbridgefarm.mn@gmail.com. Directions: Located 16 miles north of St. Click here for a map and directions. . Note, There will be no apple or pear crop in 2017 due to the June 11 hailstorm; We will open for "cut your own" Christmas trees the day after Thanksgiving.Pick your own apples and Pre-cut as well as choose and cut Christmas tres- (Balsam Fir, Colorado Spruce, Scotch Pine, Norway Spruce Replica covered bridge over creek in picturesque rural setting. . Paul on US Highway 61. 20 acres dedicated to cut your own Christmas trees in season. - Fischer's Croix Farm Orchard - Apples, pumpkins, raspberries, corn maze, pumpkin patch
County Road 21, Hastings, MN . Phone: 651-437-7126. Email: kjleadholm@aol.com. Open: daily, September to Nov 9:30 am to 6 pm. Directions: Located on the scenic Lower St. Click here for a map and directions.
Fischer's Croix Farm Orchard Facebook page. . Call for harvest dates, weekend activities, directions or to schedule group tours. Apples, pumpkins, raspberries, corn maze and more. . Croix River, 1 mile north of US Hwy 10 on Wash County Road 21 just 25 minutes south of St. Paul. Over 20 varieties of apples pre-picked or pick-your-own available. PYO fall raspberries, cider, honey, maple syrup, PYO pumpkins and other fall vegetables available. September through October 31 corn maze, weekend hayrides, petting animals and picnic facilities. Enjoy our fall gardens and a stroll through the orchard. - McDougall's Apple Junction - Apples, pumpkins, hayrides,
14325 110th St S, Hastings, MN 55033. Phone: 651-437-6794. Open: 10 am to 6 pm daily, September - December. Directions: Located just 20 minutes south of St. Click here for a map and directions. McDougall's Apple Junction Alternate phone: (651) 480-4701. Orchard . Paul. Four miles S of Afton Alps or 2 miles N of Carpenter's Nature Center on Cty 21 & Cty 78. Apples, honey, pick-your-own pumpkins, jams and jellies, fall vegetables, chrysanthemums, dried flowers, crafts & more. Straw mountain play area, goat mountain, petting zoo, weekend hayrides and a real farm windmill. Make a drive along the beautiful lower St. Croix River Valley an autumn tradition, and be sure to include a visit to McDougall's Apple Junction. Gary and Alice McDougall. (UPDATED: October 1, 2018, JBS) - Natura Farms - Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, currants, grapes, melons, tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, other vegetables, herbs and flowers.
19060 Manning Trail North, Marine on the St. Croix, MN 55047. Phone: 651-433-5850. Email: pmo@chof.net. Open: June-Sept, Tues-Sat; 10-7 and by appointment. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick, pre-pick and wholesale. Clean, indoor rest rooms. Children welcome! We steward our soil and grow our produce with natural, sustainable, environmentally safe practices. Pick-Your-Own Strawberries, Raspberries, Currants, And More. See this page for a harvest schedule / crop calendar.
Comments from a visitor on September 02, 2008: "I thought it was great. Everything is organic and fresh. The people that work there are kind and helpful. Not to mention, many of them are volunteers that work towards a local church. The entire organization is just fantastic." - Whistling Well Farm - pumpkins, fall raspberries and apples.
8973 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033. Phone: 651-998-0301. Email: charlie@whistlingwellfarm.com. Open: daily from 9 am to 6 pm; Pick your own apples start Saturday in early September. Click here for a map and directions. . 2 miles south of Afton Alps/Afton State Park on County Rd 21 (St. Croix Trail) and County Rd 76 (90th St). A variety of apples are now available in our market for sale. We grow over 20 of our regions finest varieties of apples.
Apple Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first. Once they are picked, they stop ripening. Picking apples directly from a tree is easy. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull straight away from the tree. If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time. Don't shake the trees or branches. If the apple you are trying to pick drops, (or others on the tree) go ahead and pick it up. They're perfectly fine! But do wash them before you eat them! More info: How to tell when apples are ripe
- Once picked, don't throw the apples into the baskets, place them in gently, or they will bruise and go bad more quickly.
- Don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage.
- For an explanation of why apple slices turn brown and how to stop it, see this page!
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Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life. A cool basement is ideal, but the fruit/vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will work, too. A refrigerator is fine for small
quantities of apples. Boxed apples need to be kept in a cool, dark spot
where they won't freeze. Freezing ruptures all of an apple's cells, turning
it into one large bruise overnight. The usual solution is to store apples in
a root cellar. But root cellars often have potatoes in them: apples and
potatoes should never be stored in the same room because, as they age,
potatoes release an otherwise ethylene gas, which makes apples spoil faster.
If you can keep the gas away from your apples, they will keep just fine.
Just don't store them right next to potatoes.
Prevent contact between apples stored for the winter by wrapping them individually in sheets of newspaper. The easiest way to do this is to unfold a section of newspaper all the way and tear it into quarters. Then stack the wrapped apples . See more here: How to store apples at home - Apples don't improve or "ripen" after being picked - this is an urban myth - see this page for the truth - with references!
Which apple variety is best?
There are tens of thousands of varieties of apples, developed over centuries. They vary in sugar, acoidity, flavors, storing, crispness and many other attributes. See our guides to apple varieties:
- Summary table of many apple varieties and their characteristics
- Detailed descriptions of each apple variety with detailed characteristics
- Apple varieties, sorted by the order in which they typically ripe
- Apple varieties that don't turn brown when they are cut
- Why are some apples brown or spotted inside when you first cut them open?
Canning apples - fully illustrated, with step-by-step instructions
- How to make applesauce
- How to make apple butter
- How to make apple jelly
- How to make apple pie filling (canned)
- How to can apples
- Home canned apple juice
Recipes, illustrated with step by step instructions
- Apple pie recipe and directions and illustrated! I can say, with, ahem, no bias at all, that this is the best apple pie recipe in the world! (Alright, I did have an apple strudel in Vienna once at that place listed in Fodors that was REALLY good, but that wasn't a pie, was it? And since this was the recipe my grandmother used, it must be great!)
- How to make applesauce for a single meal (not canning it) with NO special equipment
- Apple cobbler
- Apple crunch - best of all! Moist, low sugar and using oats!
- Apple crisp - ever-popular, low sugar and using oats!
- Apple, blackberry, cherry, and/or peach cobbler
- Apple-blackberry, crumble - a English favorite (or favourite)
Using fresh apples and miscellaneous
- How to stop cut apples from browning
- Apple festivals - find one near you!
- Apple facts
- Apple seeds and cyanide