Most mark the arrival of fall by the swift change of color that explodes across the trees and the mixed array of scarlet, ochre, and persimmon that crunches beneath our boots.
However, it isn’t just the sudden reappearance of fleece jackets or the promising nip of cold on our rosy cheeks that gives us an indication that the harvest season is upon us. It is also the sudden availability of pumpkins and the pick-your-own apples that decorate the branches in the local orchards.
Nothing screams “autumn” like the first bite into a crisp, juicy apple, the first steaming helping of cinnamon apple crisp or the first drop of apple cider on your tongue.
So, in order to help you experience what fall is all about, here’s a listing of local apple orchards, detailing which ones have corn mazes, pick-your-own, apple feasts and more.
Aamodt’s Apple Orchard
Stillwater, MN
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: Phone: (651)-439-3127 www.aamodtsapplefarm.com
29 varieties of apples to pick or buy preselected. Also offers hot air balloon rides and other family activities.
Applejack Orchard
Delano, MN
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: Phone (763)-972-6673
www.applejackorchards.com
More than 15 varieties of apples, berries, and pumpkins to pick or buy preselected.
Dumas Apple House
Long Lake, MN
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: Phone (952)-473-9538
www.dumasapplehouse.com
Just minutes away from OHS; eight varieties of apples to buy.
Homestead Orchard
Maple Plain, MN
Hours: call for hours
Contact: Phone (763)-479-3186 www.minnesotahomesteadorchard.com
12 varieties of apples to pick your own or buy preselected; $1 off coupon for on their website.
Deer Lake Orchard
Buffalo, MN
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: Phone (763)-682-6159 www.deerlakeorchard.com
26 varieties of apples to pick or buy.
Knapton’s Orchard
Greenfield, MN
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Contact: Phone (763)-479-1184 www.knaptons.org
Many varieties of apples and pumpkins to pick or buy.
Afton Apple Orchard
Hastings, MN
Hours: daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Contact: Phone (651)-436-8385
www.aftonapple.com
Apples and pumpkins to pick or buy preselected.
Taylor Werdel is the Editorial Editor of the Spartan Speaks
