Apple Orchards Near Minneapolis and St. Paul

Afon has several varieties of apples to pick and other produce such as raspberries and pumpkins. Also on-site are a corn maze, a petting zoo, tractor rides, and baked goods for sale. Usually held during the first three weekends of October, also look for the Apple Festival, with lots of family entertainment and fireworks.

Location: 14421 South 90th Street, Hastings, Minnesota

A cheerful family-run orchard, this farm has lots of apple varieties, including the University of Minnesota's SweeTango variety. There are lots of things for children like a play area, a petting zoo, and wagon rides all week. Plus, there's entertainment and live music on the weekends.

Location: 4875 37th Street SE, Delano, Minnesota

There are lots of fall attractions at this popular farm, which include picking your own apples, a petting zoo, a maze, a restaurant, and an annual scarecrow festival. You can also take a tractor ride out to the apple orchards to pick apples at your leisure, but keep in mind there is an admission charge for some attractions at the farm.

Location: 501 East South Street, Belle Plaine, Minnesota

This apple orchard, located about 40 minutes south of Minneapolis, also grows Halloween pumpkins, and it has a collection of vintage tractors to admire. Featuring Chestnut Crabapple, SweeTango, Honeycrisp, First Kiss, KinderKrisp, and Cortland apple varieties, among others, as well as a rose garden you can wander through, Fireside Orchard makes for a relaxing trip near Minneapolis.

Location: 2225 Lonsdale Boulevard, Northfield, Minnesota

Homestead, which owns 8,000 trees, claims to be the oldest and largest apple orchard in the area. Here, there is also a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, free hayrides, a jumping castle, and a straw pile. Apple varieties include Early Blush, Honeycrisp, Ginger Gold, Chestnut Crab, Fireside, and Haralson.

Location: 1080 County Road 92, Maple Plain, Minnesota 

Like many orchards, there are more than just apples at this farm. it has a petting zoo, a playground, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, horse rides, live music, and seasonal entertainment, plus apples galore. Also great as a wedding venue and offering 25 varieties of apples to pick at your leisure, Minnesota Harvest is much more than just a farm—it's a destination.

Location: 8251 Old Highway 169 Boulevard, Jordan, Minnesota

This apple orchard is a popular destination with lots of attractions, hayrides, a playground, seasonal events, and entertainment. Minnetonka Orchards charges an entrance fee, but only on the weekends, and the thrifty can save by visiting during the week. However, the farm is closed annually from January through late August, so don't try to go until apple season is in full swing.

Location: 6530 County Road 26, Mound, Minnesota

Pine Tree Apple Orchard has pony rides, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and weekend entertainment for folks visiting the farm. Additionally, you can shop for some homemade bakery products, caramel apples, fresh cider, and even some homemade gifts. 

Location: 450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Sweetland Orchard focuses on growing great produce including apples, plums, and pears, all pre-picked for you to purchase. The farm is perfect for a peaceful day out in the country,  although there may be noise from a kids play area in the barn.

Location: 26205 Fairlawn Avenue, Webster, Minnesota

Whistling Well Farm is one of several in the pretty St. Croix Valley. This farm is just south of Afton State Park, where you can pick your own apples from the orchard's 5,000 trees, and you can also pick pumpkins from the patch or shop for mums in the store.

Location: 8973 South St. Croix Trail, Hastings, Minnesota