Pumpkin Patches And Autumn Festivals To Explore In Minneapolis
Fall in Minneapolis brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and a bounty of seasonal celebrations. From picking the perfect pumpkin to sipping warm apple cider, autumn activities create lasting memories for families and friends.
These pumpkin patches and festivals showcase the best of the harvest season right in our beautiful Twin Cities region.
1. Aamodt’s Apple Farm
Ever wanted to ride a tractor while munching on fresh apple donuts? Aamodt’s offers this dream scenario and more! Their sprawling orchards burst with over a dozen apple varieties waiting to be picked.
Kids love feeding the goat herd and navigating the hay bale maze. The bakery tempts visitors with cinnamon-spiced treats that’ll make your mouth water instantly.
Their weekend wagon rides take you through picturesque countryside views that capture autumn’s magic perfectly.
2. The Great Pumpkin Festival At Sever’s
Wow! Sever’s takes fall fun to spectacular heights with their famous corn maze that changes themes yearly. This pumpkin paradise attracts thousands with its giant pumpkin displays and petting zoo filled with friendly farm animals.
Try your luck at pumpkin bowling or watch the thrilling pig races that’ll have everyone cheering wildly. Their corn pit (imagine a sandbox but with corn kernels) provides hours of giggly fun for younger visitors.
Don’t miss the pumpkin cannon demonstrations that send gourds soaring through the Minnesota sky!
3. Pumpkin Hollow At The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Did you know the Arboretum transforms into a magical pumpkin wonderland each October? Their carved pumpkin displays feature everything from classic jack-o’-lanterns to intricate artistic designs that’ll leave you speechless.
Stroll through gardens ablaze with autumn colors while sipping hot chocolate from their garden café. The scarecrow exhibition showcases creative entries from local artists and school groups.
What makes this spot special is the perfect balance of natural beauty and festive activities in a more peaceful setting than some rowdier fall festivals.
4. Summit Hill Pumpkin Patch
Family-owned for generations, Summit Hill offers that perfect small-farm feel without the massive crowds. Their pumpkin patch sits atop a gentle hill, providing gorgeous views of the changing leaves across the countryside.
Hot apple cider bubbles in giant copper kettles while children race toy tractors along designated paths. The farm’s friendly black Labrador often follows visitors around, becoming everyone’s temporary best friend.
Their handmade caramel apples, dipped right before your eyes, create sweet memories that’ll have you returning year after year.
5. Apple Jack Orchards
If combining apple picking with adrenaline sounds perfect, Apple Jack delivers with their famous apple cannon and zip line! Watch your kids’ eyes widen as apples blast through the air toward distant targets.
The bakery churns out warm apple pies with crumbly tops that smell like heaven itself. Their weekend festivals feature local craft vendors selling handmade treasures perfect for early holiday shopping.
The orchard’s playground, built from repurposed farm equipment, provides unique climbing structures that’ll tire out even the most energetic children.
6. Guthrie Theater’s Fall Festival
Culture and autumn blend beautifully at the Guthrie’s annual celebration! The theater’s outdoor plaza transforms with pumpkin decorating stations and interactive performances inspired by harvest traditions from around the world.
Local actors perform short plays about autumn legends while dressed in elaborate fall-themed costumes. The lobby features art installations made from dried corn husks, autumn leaves, and other natural materials gathered from Minnesota forests.
Their signature pumpkin spice cocktails (with non-alcoholic versions too) make this a sophisticated yet fun fall experience for theater lovers.
7. Minnetonka Orchards Harvest Celebration
Looking for a place where your dog can join the autumn fun? Minnetonka welcomes four-legged friends to their pet-friendly orchard! Their apple variety tasting station lets you sample different types before picking your favorites.
The orchard’s weekend bonfires create perfect settings for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. Kids adore the tractor-pulled train that winds through rows of trees decorated with scarecrows made by local school children.
Their fresh-pressed cider demonstration shows exactly how this fall favorite goes from fruit to delicious drink right before your eyes.
8. The Little Farm Hands At The Minnesota State Fair
Though technically late summer, the State Fair’s Little Farm Hands exhibit captures harvest season perfectly! Children become mini farmers, collecting eggs, harvesting vegetables, and learning where food comes from through hands-on activities.
The miniature farm market allows kids to “sell” their harvested goods and earn play money to spend at the farm store. Parents love watching their little ones drive pedal tractors while wearing tiny overalls provided by the exhibit.
After completing farm chores, families enjoy apple-themed treats from nearby vendors that capture fall flavors deliciously.
9. Twin Cities Harvest Festival And Maze
Have you ever navigated a sea of corn? At the Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze, you can do just that. This festival boasts one of the largest corn mazes in Minnesota, challenging visitors of all ages to find their way through the intricate paths.
Aside from the maze, enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with live music, delicious food vendors, and a range of activities for children. Let the joyful ambiance sweep you off your feet as you explore everything this festival offers.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pumpkin, enjoying a hayride, or simply soaking in the autumnal vibes, Twin Cities Harvest Festival is a must-visit for fall enthusiasts.
10. Dehn’s Pumpkin Patch
Tucked away in the countryside, Dehn’s Pumpkin Patch is a haven for pumpkin lovers. As you stroll through the fields, you’ll be greeted by an array of pumpkins, each waiting to be the star of your autumn decor.
The patch offers more than just pumpkins. Enjoy tractor rides that provide a scenic tour of the farmland, and allow yourself to unwind in the peaceful rural setting.
Perfect for a family outing, Dehn’s Pumpkin Patch provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and each other, all while enjoying the bounty of the harvest season.
