Cutting down a Christmas tree is one of our favorite holiday traditions, and over the years we have visited various tree farms in the east metro — from Stillwater and Lake Elmo to Hudson and Hastings.
Our favorite — the one that feels the most affordable and family-friendly and offers the widest selection of uncut trees — is a little gem called Blackwoods Tree Farm.
Located in Stillwater, this family-run farm has a quaint feel: old barns, a stable with horses, antiques, and handmade garlands for sale. All trees are $60, which is one of the lowest prices we’ve found for cut-your-own trees.
I like the simplicity of the set-up: Grab a saw and sled and set off in search of the perfect tree.
Unlike some farms, the tree selection here does not feel picked over, and you don’t have to skip over a ton of tagged trees that have already been purchased. Many of the lush Frasers are too tall for the average home and need to be cut a little higher up. (They offer candy-cane-striped sticks marked by the foot for easy measuring.)
We visited Blackwoods on a recent Friday afternoon and had the place to ourselves. It felt quiet and pristine as if we were entering our own private forest padded with fresh snow.
Namma and Grandpa joined us on our excursion.
Once we returned with our prized Fraser, we warmed up inside a barn and enjoyed free cider and candy canes while a farmhand provided complimentary shaking and baling.
You can find a variety of Minnesota tree farms here. Where’s your favorite Christmas tree farm?
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Christina Ries is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and three children (and fourth on the way!) in Inver Grove Heights.
