Minnetonka Orchards

Kids love this place. Train ride, corn maze, small animal farm, face painting, apple picking.
$ 7 per person entry. Kids under 3 free.
This year some of the events have small fees. I didn’t remember that last year.

This place is really for kids and families. The main section of activities involves trains, small hay pile, and a tiny petting zoo. At the zoo you weren’t allowed to feed the few animals there were so they wouldn’t even come up to you. When I mean small I mean they had a 3 goats, 2 sheep, a calf and two rabbits.
There were 3 types of apples however at the time I went it was mostly picked over, which could happen at any orchard. The most notable parts for me were the small store where a few classic items such as donuts, apple pie, and cider was being sold, and a stage for live music.
Overall it was a beautiful day so I shouldn’t complain however I was looking for a more robust orchard. I think to get that it does require a drive out from the cities. Also, the timing during the season does affect the options of activities you have to choose from at this orchard.

Gorgeous location, definitely worth the 45 minute drive from St. Paul. This was my second year going to Minnetonka Orchards for their «Dog Days of Autumn» weekend, and I feel like this year was a little lackluster compared to last year. There is definitely room for improvement at the orchards– more activities, less bees (the bees are seriously a HUGE problem, and we probably would have stayed longer if there weren’t so many bees right by the food stand/​seating area! Can’t they redirect the bees somewhere else or relocate the food stand somewhere away from swarms of bees?)
Their apple cider is phenomenal, and the hayride was fun (albeit short). The employees are all friendly, and I know I will likely return next year if they continue offering the «Dog Days of Autumn» weekend.

Not all orchards are created equal.
Last year, I visited Pine Tree and discovered that I couldn’t pick my own apples, so I investigated a different option this time and landed at Minnetonka Orchards.
Entrance admission is $ 6 on weekends, which grants you access to the orchard, the corn maze and all of the other farm-​themed play equipment for kids. There is a lot of open space, which makes the orchard a top-​notch picnic spot. I could spend hours here on a beautiful fall day if the bees died down.
To pick your own apples, you’ll want to head left past the entrance and follow the path or hop on a hayride. Locate the bright yellow «U-​Pick» wooden hut, and pick up a plastic bag. It costs $ 18 for approximately 10lbs of apples, and there are four varieties to choose from, though the trees will indicate that Honeycrisp is a clear favorite. You can pay with cash or credit.
There’s also a small concession stand labeled «Feed Hut» where you can grab hot dogs, chips, soda and hot or cold cider. I was hoping for cider donuts, apple sundaes or Queen Anne’s apples, but no such luck. (Pine Tree one-​ups Minnetonka in the snack department.)
All in all, Minnetonka Orchards charmed me, and if someone was to literally ask me «How you like them apples?» I’d say «Just fine, thanks!»

We’ve been bringing the kids here for the past couple of years. I like that they allow me to bring my dog along. We have fun picking apples, eating brats and burgers and the kids like playing on the train and play structure. The apples are a bit overpriced at $ 35 for a bag of Sweetango apples, but I guess there’s no other option if you want to bring home a bag-​o-​apples. Employees are friendly and this is a great place for the kids to burn off some energy on a nice Fall day.

This is a great place for the whole family! It’s a little expensive but a lot for the kids to do and a great store, animals to feed, corn maze, little train, park. Worth the money!

This is a great family oriented apple orchard. Besides all things apples and apple picking, they have hayrides, a petting zoo, play equipment for kids (in the shape of a train), a corn maze, a little shop and more. Make sure you try the apple cider and fresh apple donuts. Yum!
If you can go on a weekday, it is free admission and less people. Weekends are $ 6, I think, and you will be dealing with a crowd.
Apple orchards really make me love MN.

Minnetonka Orchards is not in Minnetonka. It is, however, worth the drive to Mound.
Despite the slight trek out the the orchard, this place is pretty busy. My boyfriend surprised me with a trip here for our 1-​year anniversary and we had a blast. We went on a Saturday so there were families everywhere but there were also a lot of activities going on. They had animals, a corn maze, kids activities, live music, and food. Weekends are perfect for families but if you’d like to avoid the hustle and bustle, go on a weekday. Apparently they have no additional events but there are much fewer people.
Regardless of the day, the scenery is to die for. There is a hill at the top of the orchard that looks out over the trees that is stunning with the autumn colors. I took a ton of pictures and had an amazing time! I’d can’t wait for next fall so I can go back.

There are two different types of apple orchards: low key and high maintenance. Minnetonka Orchards is both.
If you go on a weekend, you have to pay an admission fee, but there will be live music, fresh cooked mini donuts and brats, and lots and lots of people.
If you go on a weekday, there’s no admission charge and no extra gimmicks. Also, no crowds.
I only go on weekdays, but it is a personal choice. This year I took two seven year olds and a three year old and we had a great time! Only one other group was there and the row of apples we were assigned was great. It was Honeycrisp, so yes it was expensive, but cheaper than buying them at a store. A peck for us was 32 apples (for $ 24) which is a lot, but they last for a while. I don’t believe I’ve ever had an option of what to pick at this orchard. You always want to call ahead if you’re picky about your apple type. Also, between the four of us we ate at least 8 apples while picking.
The employees were very nice to us.
It is pretty easy to get to, but it’s not really anywhere near Minnetonka. Still, it is one of the closest orchards to Minneapolis.