Fall in Minnesota is an all-too-fleeting beauty with a bit of a bite. So naturally, we pack in as many outdoor activities as possible. There’s no shortage of things to doo, and a few that are practically required, like an annual apple orchard trip (or five).
If you’ve ever wondered “Where can I find a dog-friendly apple orchard near me?” then we have your back. Take your pick from our list of Minnesota apple orchards that allow dogs, then go forth and slurp up our furbulous fall with your furry bestie.
(Editor’s note: Pups are allowed on orchard grounds only, not in most buildings. Please wear a mask and remember to keep your distance from other apple pickers during these times. At the time of writing this, we looked up COVID restrictions. Since these things change daily, we recommend calling before your visit. Stay safe!)
Dog-Friendly Minnesota Apple Orchards
Aamodt’s Apple Farm, Stillwater
10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, open now
Aamodt’s is sheer apple heaven, with apples, apple cider, seriously delicious apple brats, and a bakery with apple pies, deep-fried apple muffins, and apple cider donuts. And this apple farm also happens to share its acreage with two friendly goats, the award-winning Thor’s Hard Cider taproom, and Saint Croix Vineyards winery. Salut!
Deardorff Orchards & Vineyard, Waconia
4 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, open now
After picking your apples at Deardorff, mosey over to the winery for some award-winning Parley Lake wine, 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, open now
Choose from over 25 varieties of apples (or just get some of each!) at Fairhaven Farm. They also produce raspberries, pears, plums, grapes, and more. Cash, Venmo, or check only on the weekdays.
Fall Harvest Orchard, Montrose
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, open now
Go for a free informational walking trail at Fall Harvest Orchard, or try your luck in the corn maze for $3 before picking your apples. Want more than farm fresh apples? They also have corn pits and a tire climb for the kiddos, live music on select days, and yard games.
Gilby’s Orchard, Aitkin
9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, open now
Wanna get away? Head “up north” to Gilby’s and you might see pheasants and deer as you walk the orchard trails. While there is no pick-your-own apples this year, you can burn off the puppy energy in their corn mazes or strolling in the pumpkin patch.
Luceline Orchard, Watertown
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, open now
At 155 acres, LuceLine is the Great Dane of apple orchards. Ultra-friendly and bred for both work and play, this orchard offers a variety of apples, pumpkins, and squash, loads of apple-y fare, and tons of space to pick, walk, ride, watch, and romp.
Nelson’s Apple Farm, Webster
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, open now
Sprawled across 15 acres, at Nelson’s you’ll find 25+ varieties of apples to satisfy your taste buds. Visit the store for pre-picked apples, jams, jellies, trinkets, take-n-bake apple pies, and much more.
Pleasant Valley Orchard, Shafer
10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, open now
Pleasant Valley Orchard offers a fun fall experience for the whole family. In addition to your favorite MN-grown apples (pre-picked and ready for you), you’ll find an amazing array of pumpkins, a bakery, and a gift shop.
Sapsucker Farms, Mora
12-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 – 6 p.m. Sunday, open now
Sapsucker Farms is a unique organic farm that started with maple syrup, which quickly followed with an apple orchard, honeybees, laying hens, and many other organic crops (hello plums, cherries, and pears!). Between their crafted kombucha, rotating food trucks, and Yellow Belly hard cider, there ought to be something your pupper will love.
Bonus: They encourage doggos in the hard cider taproom!
SOGN Valley Orchard, Dennison
12-6 p.m. daily (closed Wednesdays), open now
SOGN Valley is a beautiful orchard with the best (we hear) apple cider you’ll ever taste! The owner, John, also has a Border Collie who might just be your pup’s new best friend.
Sweetland Orchard, Webster
3 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, open now
This southern gem offers a lip-smacking selection of pre-picked apples, along with cider for sale and for tasting, tours of the cidery and orchard, a kids’ area in the barn, and free-range chickens. Bring your pooch–and a picnic–and enjoy a quiet day in their gorgeous world at Sweetland.
Tastings look a little different this year; order a tasting kit to have delivered to your table.
Did we miss any Minnesota apple orchards that allow dogs? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll add them to our list!
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.
More Reads You’ll Ruv:
More Wag-Worthy Reads
