Ah, autumn. It’s the perfect time to get out and explore Minnesota’s Fall Festivals. Here is a couple of Minnesota Parent picks to get you inspired and motivated! (Hint: Bring cash or check. Not all farms take credit!)
Pumpkin Patch Pick
One of the ultimate destinations for fall family fun in the Twin Cities is Sever’s Corn Maze & Fall Festival in Shakopee. Two words: Jumping pillows!
But if you’re looking to avoid crowds — and need something a bit more relaxed and perhaps less expensive — check out Dehn’s Pumpkins in Dayton. Pick a pumpkin from a 10-acre field, explore a 5-acre corn maze, frolic in a covered corn pit, take a hay ride, pet farm animals, jump in a bouncy house and buy inexpensive gifts, novelties and refreshments. You can even try your hand at a gourd slinger.
Find the farm at 17270 125th Ave. N., Dayton, about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Minneapolis.
Apple Orchard Pick
The Jacobson family has grown apple trees on this picturesque farm — Pine Tree Apple Orchard — since 1904. Today the family grows more than 25 apple varieties, plus pumpkins in fall and strawberries in summer. Apple harvest goes until late October, and apple sales continue on-site through February. Fall attractions include wagon and pony rides, a corn maze and a pumpkin patch, plus sales of homemade apple cider, caramel apples, apple desserts, jams, jellies and gifts.
Find the farm at 450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake, about 30 miles northeast of downtown St. Paul.
More?
Looking for something closer to your home? Search the extensive Minnesota Grown Directory of family farms, including more than 100 apple orchards, plus fall raspberry patches, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, wineries and more. See minnesotagrown.com or order a free printed copy by calling 888-868-7476.
