As the crisp autumn breeze ushers in cooler weather, the Twin Cities come alive with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Fall is a magical time in Minnesota, and there’s no better way to embrace the season than by visiting some of the region’s finest apple orchards. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 apple orchards in the Twin Cities, and we’ll show you how you can make your fall getaway even more memorable by staying at one of MINNeSTAY’s cozy vacation rental homes.

1. Aamodt’s Apple Farm (Stillwater, MN):
Nestled along the scenic St. Croix River, Aamodt’s Apple Farm is a picturesque orchard that offers an idyllic setting for apple picking. Here, you can wander through rows of apple trees, picking your favorite varieties, including Honeycrisp, Haralson, and SweeTango. Don’t forget to visit the charming barn store for fresh-baked pies and cider.

2. Applewood Orchard (Lakeville, MN):
Applewood Orchard is a family-friendly destination known for its delicious apples and fun activities. In addition to picking apples, you can explore their hedge maze, take a scenic hayride, or indulge in caramel apples.

3. Afton Apple Orchard (Hastings, MN):
For a day of outdoor adventure, head to Afton Apple Orchard. This sprawling orchard offers not only apple picking but also a petting farm, a giant slide, and a challenging straw mountain.

4. Pine Tree Apple Orchard (White Bear Lake, MN):
Nestled in White Bear Lake, Pine Tree Apple Orchard is another gem in the Twin Cities. This orchard is known for its extensive apple varieties, including old-fashioned favorites like Honeygold, Honeycrisp, and Haralson. Enjoy a peaceful day of apple picking, sip on their apple cider, and indulge in homemade pies and turnovers.

5. Minnetonka Orchards (Minnetrista, MN):
Located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, this orchard is a serene escape from the city. In addition to apple picking, they offer hayrides and a charming farm store with fresh apple cider and homemade treats. They offer a diverse selection of apples, such as Zestar, Honeycrisp, and SweeTango, so you’ll be sure to bring home something for everyone. The stunning views of Lake Minnetonka make this orchard a must-visit.

The Twin Cities are a delightful destination for fall enthusiasts, and apple orchards are a quintessential part of the autumn experience. Whether you’re picking apples, navigating a corn maze, or simply savoring apple cider and homemade pies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in these orchards.

To make your fall activities even more memorable, consider staying at one of MINNeSTAY’s vacation rental homes. These cozy properties offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, allowing you to relax and recharge after a day of apple picking and outdoor adventures.

So, plan your fall getaway to the Twin Cities, explore the top apple orchards, and let MINNeSTAY make your stay as enjoyable as the season itself. Embrace the beauty of autumn, one apple at a time!