First time visiting Pine Tree Apple Orchard, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much there was…read moreto see and do!
Upon arrival, I appreciated how much parking was available, especially considering how busy apple orchards can get during the fall season. They even had a parking attendant and police officer on-site helping direct traffic, which made the arrival process feel organized.
Our first stop was the store, where they were letting visitors in by groups. Although there was a line, I thought they did a great job keeping things moving efficiently. Inside, there was a wonderful selection of apples, cider donuts, pies, turnovers, and apple cider. One thing I especially appreciated was the flexibility in purchasing baked goods. You could buy items individually or in packs of six or twelve, so you weren't committed to buying in bulk just to try something! We picked up some cider donuts and hot apple cider, which were perfect for a crisp October day.
Another neat feature was being able to watch the conveyor belt where they sort the apples. I also learned that the orchard makes an effort to use everything and minimize waste, which made me appreciate their operations even more!
One thing worth mentioning is that this is not a pick-your-own apple orchard. From what I learned, this is intentional to help protect the trees and maintain the health of the orchard for future harvests. While that might be disappointing for anyone hoping to pick their own apples, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy.
Outside, there's a large pumpkin patch and a corn maze that costs just $4 per person. I thought the corn maze was well worth the price! It's fairly large and includes a fun scavenger hunt where you search for animals and letters to solve a riddle. If you complete it successfully, you earn a free apple! Such a fun activity to do with friends or family, and I loved that there was a little reward at the end.
Despite visiting on a busy fall day, we never felt overly crowded or rushed while enjoying the activities. There were plenty of families with young children, and the entire orchard had such a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Another bonus is its proximity to White Bear Lake and several nearby restaurants. We were able to grab a bite to eat afterward, which made it easy to turn our orchard visit into a full afternoon outing.
Overall, I had a wonderful first experience at Pine Tree Apple Orchard! Between the seasonal treats, reasonably priced activities, beautiful fall atmosphere, and convenient location, I'd absolutely return for another visit. A great way to spend a crisp Minnesota fall day!