These 9 Charming Apple Orchards In Minnesota Are Great For A Fall Day

Apples picking in Minnesota - and apples, in general - is kind of a big deal. Did you know that almost 30 varieties of apples have been developed at the University of Minnesota? These include some of the most popular apple varieties, like Honeycrisp. Why not go see where it all begins - and maybe even harvest some apples of your own - at some of the best apple orchards in Minnesota?

1. Pleasant Valley Orchard, Shafer

This picturesque 71-acre orchard located in Shafer allows you to pick your own apples.

2. Apple Jack Orchards, Delano

This orchard grows 23 apple varieties. Check in before you visit to make sure your favorite apple is ready to be picked. The orchard also has a bakery where you can purchase delicious apple goodies. When it comes to apple picking in Minnesota, things couldn't be sweeter!

3. Aamodt's Apple Farm, Stillwater

Remember those Honeycrisp apples I mentioned? Well, Aamodt's calls itself the Home of the Honeycrisp. In beautiful Stillwater, the orchard offers pick-your-own apples and an apple barn containing 8 different varieties.

4. Afton Apple Orchard, Hastings

This 200-acre farm in Hastings allows you to pick 13 different types of apples. They even have an apple festival during the first three weekends of October.

5. Center Creek Orchard, Fairmont

Center Creek Orchard has over 500 apple trees that grow some of the most popular varieties. You can buy your apples in 5-pound bags, but you can pick your own pumpkin!

6. Pine Tree Apple Orchard, White Bear Lake

Take a scenic wagon ride through the orchard, pick a pumpkin, or visit the bakery for a scrumptious apple dessert.Enjoy a virtual visit to Pine Tree Apple Orchard with AgDaily on YouTube:

7. Emma Krumbee's Apple Orchard, Belle Plaine

This apple orchard just southwest of the Twin Cities allows you to take a wagon ride through the orchard to pick your own apples. The orchard also offers pick-your-own raspberries in the summer, and pumpkins in the fall.

8. Minnesota Harvest Orchard, Jordan

Minnesota Harvest has some of the most unique apples available. Stop in to try one - or all - of Topper's Apples, 15 varieties of apples that you can't get anywhere else.

9. Hidden Cove Orchard, Cold Spring

This is another exquisite place to go apple picking in Minnesota. With 11 different apples to choose from, you may be overwhelmed by the variety at Hidden Cove. Luckily, admission is free. Keep going back until you've tried them all!

We think these are some of the best apple orchards in Minnesota! Do you have any favorite orchards to add to the list? Where is your favorite place to go apple picking in Minnesota?

If you're looking for more things to do during fall in Minnesota, check out one of these 11 picture perfect autumn day trips - and don't forget to pack snacks for the trip!