Apple Picking: A Fall Tradition!

Activities Attractions Best of Shakopee Outdoors

Fall is a beautiful time of year in Minnesota for so many different reasons. The leaves are changing and the weather is usually spectacular. It is also a wonderful time to rekindle fall family traditions such as a beautiful fall morning picking apples.

Apple farms are abundant throughout the Minnesota River Valley region, with many just minutes outside of Shakopee. Minnesota Harvest near Jordan, MN offers over 25 different varieties of apples to pick during their harvest season. Because of their over three decade breeding program, they also offer what are called “Topper’s Apples”, which are only grown at Minnesota Harvest! Make sure to check out the 2016 picking schedule for such varieties including Crème d’Licious,  Golden Haralson, Bessie Junn, and more!

Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard

Your day begins as you arrive at this picturesque farm and make a way to their main building where you will have the opportunity to take in the smells of freshly baked apple pastries, pies, and more. On the weekends, you can also check out the weekend brunch buffet, or head over to the specialty stores located within the building.

Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard Farm

Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard Apple Picking Shakopee Minnesota

After purchasing your apple-picking bag, for only $20, head to the tractor-pulled Orchard Limo for the short ride through the trails to the apples. The knowledgeable staff will let you know which apples are available to pick and which ones will be best for pies or eating. After you are dropped off, you can venture throughout the lines of apple trees, picking the best ones you can find. Also, you are free to taste and sample all the different varieties as you pick!

Apple Picking Shakopee Minnesota Apple Picking Things to Do Shakopee

Once finished filling your bag(s), you can hop back on the Orchard Limo and head back to the main area. Your day is not finished, yet, not even close. Once back in the main area there are great attractions for the kids to enjoy. Head over to the petting zoo and see the ducks, donkeys, goats, and more. Or, have your child take a fun ride on one of the ponies available during certain days. Make sure to also check out the apple slingshot, large playground, large display of pumpkins later in the fall, bonfires in the evening, or special vendors and musicians who may be serving food or playing music during your weekend visit to the orchard.

Apple picking near Shakopee Apple picking near Shakopee Apple picking things to do in shakopee

There are so many great options for families to spend their time during the beautiful fall season in Minnesota. But, not many can compare to the unique, family-friendly day you can spend at this beautiful apple farm.

Other apple orchard and farm options in the Shakopee area include:

Get out and be part of a memory-making experience in the orchards, and reap the rewards later on at home when you are enjoying the fruits of your apple picking labor.