Photo by Caitlin Abrams
Sweetland Orchard
Our local orchards have long provided us with bushels of freshly picked apples, scenic views of our landscape, afternoons spent in corn mazes, and delicious ciders. But this year the orchard scene will look a little different, with new modifications to keep customers and employees safe. Some are offering curbside pickup and online ordering, while others see community supported agriculture as a strategy that allows locals to satisfy their apple cravings while helping the farms they know and love during our pandemic reality. As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Aamodt’s Apple Farm
Aamodt's offers online ordering for a variety of the orchard’s tasty treats ready at your fingertips. However, if paying them a visit is a must, you can still pick your own or grab pre-picked apples in their barn. When you go, stay socially distant in the store, wear a mask inside buildings, picking apples and enjoying Thor’s Hard Cider. 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater, 651-439-3127, aamodtsapplefarm.com
Apple Jack Orchards
Although their typical farmyard activities of hayrides and corn pits will not be in operation this year, this orchard will still be offering u-pick apples seven days a week for a chance to visit their grounds. In addition to social distancing, guests are asked to wear masks when visiting the orchard If a taste of what they offer is all you need, their online ordering system is in operation for both curbside and in-store pickup, with bakery items available every day. 4875 37th St., Delano, 763-972-6673, applejackorchards.com
Deardorff Orchards
Out in Waconia, Deardorff Orchards is open Fri-Sat from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and they ask customers to make reservations for up to an hour of apple picking in groups no larger than six people. After checking in and picking up your bag, you'll be picking from an assigned section of the field, where they grow 10 varieties of apples on over 3,000 trees. 8282 Parley Lake Rd., Waconia, deardorfforchards.com
Deer Lake Orchard
Deer Lake Orchard has over 28 varieties of apples for jellies, sauces, pies, or snacking to choose from. Though they won’t be hosting concerts or offering animal feeding this year, they’re open for traditional picking and in-store purchases, just wear a mask when in the buildings, on their wagon rides or when social distancing is not possible. And to avoid crowds, visit during the week rather than the weekend. If you’re hungry for other treats, the orchard also offers take-n-bake pies and crisps, jams, and locally grown garlic through the season. 1903 SW10th St., Buffalo, 763-682-4284, deerlakeorchard.com
Emma Krumbee's
If you find yourself swinging down 169, you can't miss Emma Krumbee's big apple sign once you hit Belle Plaine. Take a walk through their Scarecrow Festival paths, and pick your own apples outside or grab pre-picked in. Bonus: Order takeout from the restaurant and pickup some homemade bread, pie, crisps, and other desserts. 311 Enterprise Dr. E., Belle Plaine, 952-873-3006, emmakrumbees.com
Fireside Orchard and Gardens
Spend a perfect fall day at Fireside Orchard having a picnic in the gardens and choosing between over a dozen different apple varieties. New safety precautions include distance signage, hand sanitizer, separate entrances and exits, and remote checkout at busier times to keep you safe while you pick up homemade cider, caramel apples, apple pie, and more from their store. They’ve also made online ordering and curbside pick-up an option. 2225 Lonsdale Blvd. E., Northfield, 507-663-1376, firesideorchard.com
LuceLine Orchard
Pick from the almost 10,000 trees at this orchard to find the perfect apple: varieties range from Haralson to Snow Sweet to the crown jewel of autumn, Honeycrisp. LuceLine Orchard also features a corn maze and live outdoor music events on weekends—masks are required when inside buildings. You can buy fresh, Minnesota-made goods, like pies, mixes, and gifts, in their barn. 2755 Rose Ave., Watertown, 612-817-6229, lucelineorchard.com
Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard
However different this fall may be, you can safely pick all the apples you want at Minnesota Harvest. With limited orchard time and specific picking locations, you still have the opportunity to get your hands on almost 30 types of apples. The orchard asks pickers to buy bags before entering the orchard and only touch apples they'll buy. Their restaurant and bakery are offering to-go options as well, so you can bring all sorts of goodies home with you. 8251 Old Hwy. 169 Blvd., Jordan, 952-492-2785, minnesotaharvest.net
Minnetonka Orchards
Just a quick drive away, Minnetonka Orchards is still open for u-pick only, but everything else is staying closed. Bring a mask and cash to grab a bag at the winery (no credit cards) and start picking away. They're open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, except on Mondays. 6530 County Rd. 26, Minnetrista, 763-479-6530, minnetonkaorchards.com
Montgomery Orchard
This orchard offers the best of both worlds: juicy apples (either u-pick or pre-picked) and acres of natural land where visitors can stroll through prairie grasses, smell wildflowers, and observe Minnesota wildlife. Finish your day of apple picking with a nature walk, outdoor music, or, for adult guests, a glass of hard cider. Montgomery Orchard is enforcing social distancing in the store and Cider Haus with limited capacity, has widened pathways in the corn maze, and implemented sanitizing and sneeze guards. They require masks when multiple groups are picking in the orchard. 15953 State Hwy. 99, Montgomery, 952-221-1051, montgomeryorchard.com
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
If you’re looking for a family-run orchard committed to growing high-quality apples, Pine Tree Apple Orchard is the place to go. They offer apples in more varieties than we can count, and sell them pre-picked from their store, where you can also purchase homemade bakery goods, cider, and more. The staff has put extensive health and safety measures in place: sanitizing, sneeze guards, and a one-way flow through the store. 450 Apple Orchard Rd., White Bear Lake, 651-429-7202, pinetreeappleorchard.com
Sweetland Orchard
No crowded tastings in the barn this year, so upon arrival at Sweetland, you'll be given the choice of apple or cider tasting kits (or both!) to bring to a picnic table or blanket on the 20 acres outside. You can try their new cider, No Fair, described as a new take on the old classic Arnold Palmer. Additionally, online ordering is available through their website to help you keep your distance. Their CSA program supplies weekly deliveries that will also maintain your stockpile throughout the season. 26205 Fairlawn Ave., Webster, 651-252-4337, sweetlandorchard.com
Whistling Well Farm
Although the chicken coop is closed, here you can pick your own apples along the beautiful St. Croix River or grab some cider, baked goods, and preserves to try at home. This year there will be no eating food onsite, and no picnics, food trucks, or activities. Masks are optional outside, and only eight people are allowed in the store at a time, Later in the season, pumpkins will be ready just in time for Halloween. If you’re there, don’t forget to give back and toss some change into their well for the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Dogs aren't allowed this year, but you might be able to say hi to Emmy the farm dog. 8973 St. Croix Tr. S., Hastings, 651-998-0301, whistlingwellfarm.com
