As the leaves begin to paint the landscape in hues of red and gold, there's no better way to embrace the beauty of autumn than by visiting a charming apple orchard.

Nestled within an hour's drive from the vibrant Twin Cities, these orchards offer a perfect escape for families, couples, and friends looking to create cherished memories. We'd like to introduce you to some of the finest fall orchards, each with its own unique character and delightful experiences.

  • Aamodt's Apple Farm & Saint Croix Vineyards
    • Location: Stillwater, MN
    • Website: Aamodt's Apple Farm
    • Highlights:
      • A diverse selection of apple varieties including Honeycrisp, Zestar, and Haralson.
      • Enjoy wine tasting at Saint Croix Vineyards, located adjacent to the orchard.
      • Scenic hayrides and a charming country store.
  • Pine Tree Apple Orchard
    • Location: White Bear Lake, MN
    • Website: Pine Tree Apple Orchard
    • Highlights:
      • A wide array of pick-your-own apples and pumpkins.
      • Family-friendly activities like a corn maze, wagon rides, and a petting zoo.
      • An enticing bakery offering freshly baked pies, caramel apples, and cider donuts.
  • Afton Apple Orchard
    • Location: Hastings, MN
    • Website: Afton Apple Orchard
    • Highlights:
      • Acres of apple trees, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a day of fruit picking.
      • An expansive play area featuring a giant slide, straw mountain, and animal farm.
      • An apple-themed gift shop with an assortment of local produce and handcrafted items.
  • LuceLine Orchard
    • Location: Watertown, MN
    • Website: LuceLine Orchard
    • Highlights:
      • Picturesque orchards surrounded by the scenic Luce Line State Trail.
      • A diverse selection of apples, including specialty varieties such as Sweet 16, SweeTango, First Kiss, Snow Sweet and Connell Red.
      • Weekend events like live music, corn maze, pumpkin picking, petting zoo, hayrides and craft fairs for added entertainment.
  • Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest
    • Location: Jordan, MN
    • Website: fergusonsorchard.com
    • Highlights:
      • Over 20 apple varieties of apples as well as pears and varieties of heirloom pumpkins and squash.
      • Their store is stocked with jams, jellies, mustards, honey, and maple syrups.
      • Weekends offer fresh baked goods and a visiting food truck weather permitting.
  • Peter’s Pumpkins & Carmen’s Corn
    • Location: Shakopee, MN
    • Website: peterspumpkins.com
    • Highlights:
      • U-pick Pumpkins – everyday until 6:30 / U-pick Apples – Sat & Sun 1:30-5:30.
      • Stand offering homegrown fruit and vegetables ranging from basil, beans, cabbage, sweet corn, raspberries, rhubarb & strawberries.
      • Website provides tasty recipes for the products sold as well as freezing tips.

With an abundance of apple orchards within an hour's drive from the Twin Cities, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to autumn adventures. Whether you're seeking a tranquil day amidst nature or a lively family outing, each orchard offers a unique experience. So, gather your loved ones, don your coziest sweaters, and head out to savor the magic of fall in the heart of Minnesota!

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