FALL in Love with Lakeville

Fall in Love with Lakeville: Your Guide to Autumn Activities

As the warmth of summer gives way to the cool, crisp air of autumn, the landscape of Lakeville, Minnesota, transforms from lush green to fiery hues of red, orange and gold. It’s the perfect backdrop for all of your favorite fall activities, including apple orchards, pumpkin patches, sunflower fields, and more. Grab your favorite flannel shirt and get ready to fall in love with autumn in Lakeville!

Applewood Orchard, Lakeville
One of the only pick-your-own orchards in Dakota County, Applewood Orchard in Lakeville, MN, is a quintessential fall activity. Stroll through the scenic orchards and pluck crisp apples straight from the trees. The orchard offers a wide variety of apples, from the classic sweet Honeycrisp to the juicy SweeTango or the tart Haralson. There are lots of kid-friendly activities available, such as tractor rides, a hedge maze, playground and a pumpkin patch. Inside the store, you can purchase pre-picked apples, bakery items and DIY caramel apple kits.

Brand Farms, Farmington
Nestled in the heart of Farmington, MN, just a few miles from Lakeville, Brand Farms is a 20-acre apple orchard with over 7,000 apple trees, primarily featuring Minnesota varieties. Brand Farms delivers an unforgettable fall experience, complete with you-pick apples, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and delicious treats like apple cider donuts, baked goods and refreshing cider slush. Enjoy lunch at one of the onsite food trucks and make sure to grab a photo in front of one of the farm’s unique props.

Nelson’s Apple Farm, Webster
Located 15 miles from Lakeville in Webster, MN, Nelson’s Apple Farm is a family-owned orchard with 50 years of history. Nelson’s grows a diverse selection of more than 20 apple varieties that you can pick on your own or purchase in the gift shop. Stock up on pumpkins, squash and gourds, and enjoy outdoor activities for the whole family, including the barnyard filled with farm animals. In the gift shop, you’ll find freshly baked apple pies, cider, Apple Dandies donuts, and other delicious goodies.

Thompsons’ Hillcrest Orchard, Elko
Gene and Barb Thompson started Thompsons’ Hillcrest Orchard in 1996 in Elko, MN, with just 200 apple trees. Since then, the orchard has grown to more than 1,800 trees with 13 varieties of apples, plus pumpkins, gourds, and even a corn maze. Bring the whole family for a stroll through the scenic orchard grounds while picking your own apples. You can also purchase pre-picked apples, honey, jam and apple pies at the orchard.

Webber Apple Orchard, Prior Lake
Quiet and quaint, Webber Apple Orchard is located just a few miles from Lakeville in Prior Lake, MN. This family-owned, no-frills orchard keeps its focus on growing a variety of apples at affordable prices. Grab a wagon and enjoy a beautiful day of apple picking in the beautiful countryside.

Crazy Legs Farm, Farmington
Located on 80 acres of land in Farmington, MN, Crazy Legs Farm is a fall-lovers paradise. Named for one of the farm’s founders, Alan “Crazy Legs” Full, this farm is packed with fun activities, including a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, hayrides, and even a homemade pumpkin cannon for visitors to enjoy. With a 5-acre corn maze, lookout tower, food trucks, a sunflower field, and a wide variety of pumpkins and squash, Crazy Legs Farm is a favorite for families and pumpkin enthusiasts. There’s also a lush vineyard boasting three grape varieties, including Frontenac Gris, Sabrevois, and Marquette, which are sold wholesale to local wineries. Every fall, volunteers are invited to harvest the grapes and enjoy a complimentary lunch.

Lavender Barnyard
Nestled in the heart of Farmington, Minnesota, just a few miles from Lakeville, Lavender Barnyard is a fragrant paradise brought to life by owners Marie and Marty Schuhwerck. As the only U-pick lavender farm in Minnesota, Lavender Barnyard offers a variety of ways to experience their lush fields. In addition to U-Pick, Marie offers farm tours, crafts and learning sessions for kids. The onsite Laiterie farm store is stocked with a variety of lavender-based products, such as sachets, shower steamers, bath salts and body butter, as well as creations from local vendors. The farm is the perfect backdrop for photos and can be booked by the hour for private sessions.

Pahl’s Market, Apple Valley
You don’t have to drive to the country to find your next fall adventure. Pahl’s Market in nearby suburban Apple Valley, MN, celebrates the fall harvest with pumpkins in all different shapes and sizes, homegrown squash and Minnesota grown apples. Decorate your home with a variety of gourds, Indian corn, straw bales, corn shocks, mums, and other decorative items. The kids will love to play in the straw maze, gigantic bouncy pumpkin, corn pit, or visit the pick-your-own pumpkin patch.

Little Prairie Sunflower Maze, Pumpkins & Produce, Dundas
Just 30 minutes south of Lakeville, you’ll find Little Prairie Sunflower Maze, Pumpkins & Produce in Dundas, MN. In late August, the vibrant sunflower fields are at their peak, making for beautiful photo opportunities and a fun adventure through the sunflower maze. In September, there are more than 40 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash to purchase at the farm stand. Choose from all sizes of pumpkins in orange, pink, tan and even black for the perfect fall home decor.

Ferguson’s Orchards, Jordan
Enjoy fall fun for all ages at Ferguson’s Orchards in Jordan, MN, just 30 minutes from Lakeville. Formerly known as Minnesota Harvest, Ferguson’s is home to a large pick-your-own apple orchard, pumpkin patch, corn maze, and many activities in Apple Blossom Park. The farm market carries a variety of locally grown apple products, including fresh bakery items, jams, syrups, and caramel apples. Adults will enjoy a stop at the air conditioned Cider Barn for a sampling of delicious hard ciders, wines and beers. On the weekends, the Harvest Bistro serves up lunch favorites like pulled pork, grilled cheese and macaroni and cheese.

Larson’s Bridgewater Farm, Northfield
Bridgewater Farm in Northfield, MN, just 20 minutes south of Lakeville, promises an unforgettable fall family adventure. In the expansive pumpkin patch, you’ll find pumpkins in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, including carving pumpkins, Cinderella, white pumpkins, knuckleheads and pie pumpkins. If you’d rather not do the heavy lifting, you’ll find an array of pre-picked pumpkins waiting for you. Beyond the pumpkin patch, there are activities for all ages, including a six acre corn maze – the largest south of the river. Kids love the corn box hay bale pyramid, and delightful array of barnyard animals. Before you leave, make sure to take a scenic hayride tour of the expansive 80-acre farmstead, compete in a trike race and capture cherished memories at Photo Alley.

Barten Pumpkins, New Prague
If you’re looking for a truly unique pumpkin, look no further than Barten Pumpkins, located in New Prague, MN, 35 minutes from Lakeville. Meander through the expansive pumpkin patch and find a wide array of pumpkin varieties, from pie pumpkins to distinctive bumpy and squatty options, along with large, tall, green, and even unconventional ugly pumpkins. The farm also boasts a diverse selection of edible winter squash, gourds, and straw bales, ready-made corn shocks, broom corn, mums, and more for creating stunning fall displays. With thousands of pumpkins priced between $2 and $10, Barten Pumpkins offers an affordable and relaxing day in the countryside, complete with ample photo opportunities.