As the air gets crisp and leaves turn golden, it’s time to plan some fall outings that feel like autumn in a postcard. Whether you’re craving apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, or just that perfect photo backdrop with hay bales and cider; these orchards and patches around the Twin Cities deliver. Here are six favorites (plus a bonus), all within reasonable drive, for families or friends who want to soak up this beautiful Minnesota fall together.
Pinehaven Farm
Location: Wyoming, MN (~30 minutes north of Twin Cities)
What You’ll Find: A huge fall playground. Over 35 attractions, including a pumpkin patch, hayrides, mazes, live entertainment, bonfire pits, and more. Great for young kids and adults who want a full day out.
Why Go: It’s consistently voted among the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota.
Website: https://www.pinehavenfarm.com/
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
Location: White Bear Lake, MN
What You’ll Find: Pick-your-own pumpkins in fall, a corn maze, bakery treats, fresh apples (many varieties), cider, wagon rides. It also has a quaint “orchard trail” for walking.
Why Go: It’s a peaceful but fun orchard, more low‑key than some big farms but full of charm.
Website: https://www.pinetreeappleorchard.com/
Apple Jack Orchards
Location: Delano, MN (West Metro)
What You’ll Find: U‑pick apples (check their daily availability), a pumpkin patch, themed corn maze, bakery, gift store, family activities such as wagon rides and play areas.
Why Go: A good balance of orchard + patch + extras (snacks, bakery stuff). Perfect when you want both apple picking and pumpkins.
Website: https://www.applejackorchards.com/
Dehn’s Pumpkins
Location: Dayton, MN
What You’ll Find: Massive pumpkin field, hayrides, autumn‑snack booths, special events. Plenty of pumpkins (sizes and styles) to choose from.
Why Go: If you’re in or near the northwest suburbs, this is a solid patch—not too far, lots of pumpkin options, and a good mood.
Website: https://www.dehnspumpkins.com/
Fall Harvest Orchard
Location: Just west of Delano, MN
What You’ll Find: U‑pick apples, pumpkin patch (both pick‑your‑own and pre‑picked), corn maze, food trucks, live music on weekends, lots of fall festival vibes.
Why Go: If you want everything—apple picking, pumpkins, events—this orchard has the full fall weekend experience. Great for families wanting more than just a quick stop.
Website: https://www.fallharvestorchard.com/
LuceLine Orchard
Location: Watertown, MN (along the Luce Line Trail)
What You’ll Find: Large apple orchard, beautiful grounds, nature trails, pumpkins + other fall crops. A gift shop, mini‑donuts, animals to visit; plenty of space to roam.
Why Go: For the scenery, for the slower pace, and for combining outdoor walk + orchard time + pumpkin picking.
Website: https://www.lucelineorchard.com/
Bonus: Our Lady of Peace Pumpkin Patch
For a shorter drive or something in the heart of Minneapolis, Our Lady of Peace Pumpkin Patch is perfect. Over 2,000 pumpkins, food trucks on weekends, lawn games, crafts, a sense of community. If you just want an hour or two of fall atmosphere, this hits.
Website: https://olpmn.org/pumpkin-patch/
Tips Before You Go:
• Check the hours—many orchards/patches are open on weekends or limited weekdays; some open later in September or specific dates.
• Weather & crowds + nice weather = more crowds; go early or on a weekday if you can.
• What to bring: comfy shoes, warm layers, cash (some farms are cash‑only or limited card service), maybe a bag or wagon for pumpkins.
• Bring your camera – most have great photo ops (apple trees, pumpkin patches, hay bales).
Fall doesn’t last forever, but these places help stretch it out. Choose one (or more) and let yourself soak in the magic: warm cider, leaf crunch underfoot, pumpkin seeds roasting, and a sky that shifts gold. Ready to go make some memories?
Hearts,
Sarah
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