Best Places To Go Apple Picking This Fall Near The Twin Cities

The quintessential fall activity for families, friends and tourists is apple picking. Summer starts to fade away and before you know it, autumn strolls into the rear-view mirror as leaves begin to change colors. Enjoy the cooler air and visit any of the area's great orchards. Harvesting is already underway so take advantage of these farmers' hard work and bite into a delicious, crisp apple.Related: Check out our updated piece on the Best Places To Go Apple Picking In Minnesota

Don't feel like picking apples yourself? Not to worry. Head to Icehouse and order an apple pie; enjoy all the fresh-from-the-orchard goodness and bone-warming flavor without having to spend all day in a field. For more great apple pies, check out this list of the best places to get apple pie in Minnesota.

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Operating for over 30 years, this location is great for family fun. Children have access to play areas, the petting zoo, a corn maze and many walking trails. You can pick your own or opt for pre-picked apples to eliminate some of the work. This orchard also sells great ciders, jams, caramel apples, honey, maple syrup, pumpkins, squash, unique gifts and crafts. Enjoy a fresh-baked orchard pie or a delectable apple donut that goes great with a cup of coffee. School tours and hay rides are available by appointment. Click here for a calendar of events.

Afton Apple Orchard
14421 S. 90th St.
Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 436-8385
www.aftonapple.com

Afton Apple Orchard is a family-friendly place with lots of activities for all ages. This spot offers a wide selection of produce beyond just great apples. Check the website to see the best times of the season for picking raspberries, blueberries, cherries, strawberries and pumpkins. Spend a bit more time picking out the very best while the kids keep themselves entertained at the playground and on straw mountain. Also, see some fun animals with a trip to the petting farm. Click here for a calendar of events.

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Pine Tree Orchard is located slightly northeast of the Twin Cities in White Bear Lake. Many Twin Cities residents make a trip to the farm each year during the fall season. While on your visit, enjoy the delicious, seasonal apples along with entertainment like wagon rides, pony rides and a corn maze. Gear up for Halloween by picking out your own pumpkin and visit the store to select a great looking caramel apple, sip some fresh cider or nibble on a homemade bakery item. Click here for a calendar of events.

Pleasant Valley Orchard
17325 Pleasant Valley Road
Shafer, MN 55074
(651) 257-9159
www.pleasantvalleyorchard.com

Pleasant Valley Orchard is a family-run orchard with its first plantings dating back to 1990. For apple picking fans, the goal of the orchard is to "provide quality strawberries, apples, pumpkins and fresh bakery products in a family friendly environment." Pleasant Valley Orchard is about a 45-minute drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul making it a great way to kill a couple of hours over the weekend. There are a variety of activities happening at the orchard throughout the fall. These include hayrides, musical entertainment and family portrait drawings. Click here for a calendar of events

Apple Shack is located just north of Hutchinson, making it a quick day trip from the Twin Cities. Enjoy the orchard's intricate decorations that fill the yards on your way in. Bring a bushel of apples home to make such treats as caramel apples, apple pie and apple strudel. The Apple Shack has just about every type of apple you're looking for with options like Honeygold, Whitney and Connel Red, among others. With the 40 acres that make up the farm, the apple picking options are endless.Related: Best Batting Cages for Kids In Minnesota