Because ‘winter is coming’ holds a far more ominous meaning here in Minnesota, we take full advantage of October’s bright blue skies and comparatively balmy breezes. Among the best adventures: venturing out to a pumpkin patch near you for a few jack-o-lanterns and pie supplies. The fur-kids wanna come, too, because #somanysmells. So give your pup a break from raking leaves (we can dream, right?) and head out to one of these dog-friendly Minnesota pumpkin patches that welcome your whole pack.
Note: We researched in advance, but because COVID changes happen so quickly, we recommend calling ahead of your visit.
Collegeville Orchards, St. Joseph
10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Pumpkins and mini pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are at Collegeville Orchards for the picking. Also on hand: 20 varieties of apples to pick, farm animals to pet and feed, wagon rides, pumpkin painting, and shopping in the vintage country store.
Deardorff Orchards & Vineyards, Waconia
2 p.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
After picking pumpkins (and apples) at Deardorff, mosey over to the winery for some award-winning Parley Lake wine, and then head down the road to pup-paradise Carver Park Reserve dog park.
Note: Reservations are only required for 15+ people at the winery.
Fairhaven Farm, South Haven
10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Pick the perfect pumpkin or choose from 20+ apple varieties fur you and pup to snacc at Fairhaven Farm. They also produce raspberries, pears, plums, grapes and more. Cash, Venmo, or check only on weekdays.
Fall Harvest Orchard, Montrose
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
Go to Fall Harvest Orchard for a free informational walking trail, or try your luck in the corn maze for $3 before picking your pumpkin. Try your paw at one of their yard games, and let the kiddos play the corn pits.
Gilby’s Orchard, Aitkin
9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Head “up north” to Gilby’s and your dog might see pheasants and deer as you two stroll the orchard trails. Pick your pumpkins, gourds, jams, and jellies, then let pupper ‘splore the walking trail and spruce maze. Burn off puppy energy in the corn mazes.
LuceLine Orchard, Watertown
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
At 155 acres, LuceLine is ultra-friendly for dogs who ruv to roam and romp. There are pumpkins and squash to pick, along with loads of apple-y fare. And they’ve got burgers, brats, apple cider donuts, and more, so you won’t have to stop for food on the way home.
Pleasant Valley Orchard, Shafer
10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
An amazing array of pumpkins await you at Pleasant Valley, along with a gift shop, pre-picked MN-grown apples, and a bakery that turns out apple turnovers and the like on the daily. We’re not drooling, you’re drooling.
Start pawfecting your pumpkin baking skills now, then enter in their annual pumpkin bake-off on Oct. 28. Register between Oct. 15-27.
Tom’s Pumpkin Farm, Lindstrom
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday
Come for the pick-your-own pumpkins and stay for the 8-acre corn maze at dog-friendly Tom’s Pumpkin Farm. Reviewers rave the hour drive from the Twin Cities is beautiful in the fall.
Don’t furget to check out dog-friendly Minnesota apple orchards too.
Know of any other Minnesota pumpkin patches that allow dogs? Bark at us in the comments!
Featured photo: @prettylilpitty
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group.
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