Brand Farms really is a one-stop shop for fall fun! It gets quite crowded during the weekends but…read morethere is plenty of free parking after going down the gravel road leading up to the farm. There were attendants gesturing where to park which was helpful. After parking, there's a small shopping area where you can purchase baking and dip mixes, meat, eggs, jams, honey, and more. This is also where you can purchase empty bags for apple picking. You can pay with credit card or cash here. I tried the maple syrup breakfast sausage links and they were delicious, but definitely on the sweeter side. There is also a food truck where you can get apple cider donuts, and there were baby cows to see too! After exiting the shopping area, you can ride a wagon with straw bales over to the other area of the farm, or you can walk. It's a bit of a hike so I would recommend riding the wagon. The next area has so many activities: pumpkin patch, apple picking, paintball shooting, bouncy mats for children, and other little games and activities for children. There were so many photo spots as well. My favorite activity was the apple cannon, where you can pay $5 (cash, credit card, or venmo) for a bucket of apples, load them into a cannon, and blast them into old cars. The cannon is SUPER loud so bring ear plugs or ear protection -- my ears still hurt a little bit the next day. There was also live music and a couple food stands selling items such as apple cider and walking tacos. If you walk a little further you'll reach rows and rows of apple trees, sorted by type with clear signage. There were a handful of varieties to choose from, such as honeycrisp, sweet tango, sno-sweet, and crab apples. There were a lot of bees and mushed apples on the ground so I would wear appropriate clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting a little dirty.

Went back after a few years. It was a lot busier which is to be expected however they can not…read morehandle how many people are going. There are no signs telling you where to get what. We bought tickets online in advance, but there was no sign for online sales. Then once we finally found the right line there's only one iPad so the guy had to walk away to get it to scan our tickets. Once you get out of the main area (we ended up walking because only two trackers were going and the line was super long) it was good. We liked the lower area but the front was a total mess and took way more time than it needed to. Pretty disappointed. Hopefully they can fix the front area before next season. Also, there were SO many bees.

What a gem! My son went twice this summer once with a group…read moreand once with me. We learned about the animals and enjoyed our experience

Loved our time at eagle eye farm. Worth the money, they have so many pens where you get to go in…read morethe the alpacas and animals not just feed from a fence. All the animals are very people friendly. Would recommended for a family fun trip. Also very clean establishment

Saw the 'Bakery Open' sign on Highway 63 right next to Cty Rd G and had to go check it out! It lead…read moreto the Rush River Orchard. We had visited the orchard years before, and it was easy to remember because they have Jonathan Apple apple trees all along the driveway up to the shop! The apples are so nice it is tempting to pull one through your car window on the way up! They had pies baking as we walked in, heavenly!! You can buy a whole pie, or by the slice, 'ala mode even! A lot of apple desserts, blueberry crisps, cream cheese topped apple muffins.. and a fantastic view from their dining area! The orchard is clean and well marked, will be going back for more apples soon!!

This review is a few months after we went, but the experience is still on my mind! We came in…read moreOctober to go apple picking and had a wonderful time! We got a free hay ride where they told us about the history of the orchard, as well as many cool facts about apples. I had no idea that there were over a thousand types of apples! They have a cute little jungle gym for kids to play on while you pick their delicious apples. The honesycrisp are to die for when they are ready. The real fireworks came when we tried their honesycrisp cider. Holy smokes. I would pay whatever they asked of me for that stuff. We honestly went home with six gallons of it because the told us it freezes well. I like that they have a little bakery and seating area. I do wish they haf a little more variety of food and drink options, but we got applr doughnuts and apple crisps and they were glorious! This place is worth the trip when their honeycrisp apples are in season! The perfect way to spend an afternoon with your family!

It's pumpkin & gourd season! Time to enjoy the fall foliage on the way to the BMCF! Prices vary…read morefor sizes/varies of pumpkins, squashes and even corn stalks!

Ever since we ran across this roadside pay on your honor stand we have made it a regular stop when…read morewe go for a drive. It's located in the scenic Scandia/Marine on St. Croix area on Manning Ave (15) just north of 4 almost 2 miles. This family owned roadside stand usually has signs to let you know what is available in season. There is enough parking for 10 or so cars just off the street. Whether it's fresh picked sweet corn, pumpkins, squash or other items the produce is either in wagons or set out on the ground for you to choose what you need. The prices are clearly listed and a lockbox allows you to pay for the items. Great idea, great produce and great prices! Love this place! Note for October 2017: We stopped by Saturday 10/13 the sweet corn is long gone for the season and and they were running out of pumpkins for the year. Squash and decorative gourds were still available. This area was hit with a Spring hail that damaged a lot of crops in the area including the nearby Berry Patch. This limited some availability this year.

If you have not had a chance to visit Rusty Bucket Acres, you MUST put it on your Bucket list (pun…read moreintended. LOL). Whether you live in Stillwater, MN, or live in Seattle, Washington - a visit to RBA is a must. The moment you drive up to RBA, you know that you are in for an experience to remember. Lorna and Shelly greet you with big smiles, positive energy and true joy in sharing the amazing animal sanctuary they have worked hard to build, grow, and maintain. The animals are the true stars on this farm. Each one of them has a gift just waiting to be shared. Maybe it is a hug from Zeke (one of the mini donkeys), or for you to kick back and lay on Dave (the mini cow) or let Kenny (one of the goats) snuggle up against you - you will be loved. These animals can pick up on how you are feeling, and they offer the healing capabilities they have to offer. Pull up a mat in the pasture and just let yourself relax. I have had the honor of volunteering AND visiting the farm multiple times and every time is a new experience. I'm so thankful to live close enough to visit as often as I would like. Make sure RBA is on your list too! Tips for when you visit: 1. Dress for a visit to a farm with LIVE ANIMALS: Know you will be licked, rubbed up against, sat on and loved on by animals. You will get dirty, and it is fantastic! 2. Don't be afraid of the animals: These animals are worked with every day, and they know you are there to learn and love. Let yourself love on them - let them love on you. 3. Help keep the farm up and running: It is not mandatory to donate, but I strongly encourage to do so. Whether it is $10 or $100, every dollar is spent to keep this sanctuary available for others to experience. If you can't give money, they also love when people want to come and volunteer. 4. Most importantly - have fun! It is an experience you will always remember!

This farm has something for everyone! You can feed animals, sit on the Healing Hill and the animals…read morecome to you, sit by you, snuggle with you and you will automatically feel the stress leave your body. They will be offering a calendar of classes (which will include a visit with the animals) where you will be using items from the farm to make works of art! They are open to the public (must reserve a spot), will take donations to keep the farm running, and will do private events. They keep adding wonderful new animals (alpacas, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, a pig, a horse and the donkeys - I've probably forgotten some.) If you are in need of some respite and relaxation, you must try Rusty Bucket Acres - and bring the FAMILY!

A great fall spot for families. Admission is $6 per person and includes a hayride, access to see…read morethe animals, and time to explore the farm. There's plenty of space for kids to play, and it never feels too crowded. The coffee cart was a pleasant surprise. In addition to pumpkins, the farm sells fall décor like gourds, straw bales, and Indian corn. Everything is well kept, parking is easy, and the staff are friendly. Simple, relaxed, and worth the visit if you want a low-key fall outing close to the city.

What a really cool place to hold an event! We had a graduation party here today and couldn't have…read morebeen more pleased with the entire experience. From the llamas, sheep, donkeys, goats and miniature horses in the barn. To the roomy event space. It was a beautiful space to hold any event you are having!!!

Luckily a friend of mine KNOWS how much I love U-Pick farms. Of all kinds. And this one is…read morecompletely full of flowers. Wild flowers, sun flowers, other flowers I didnt even know the name for.... Their season is short (Minnesota summers are short) but that makes it all the more special when you can sneak away from the city and explore Berry and Bloom Farm. It's also the most instagrammable spot ever, and the most quaint. The U-pick flower portion is on the "honor system." It is family owned, they only ask people leave a couple bucks for a few flowers (vases can be purchased for a few dollars more.) And I would probably hunt someone down if they took advantage of this amazingly open, kind, gift to humanity. I didn't take any flowers home, but left a few dollars any way because you truly can FEEL how much love and passion goes into this farm. Please understand that if you plan to visit: family owned. Small farm. Trusting people. Dont ruin the kindness :) Its about 30 minutes out of Rochester (great spot to explore if youre visiting the Mayo Clinic on a health trip.) Be sure to check their website though to ensure they are still open. This is going to be a permanent stop every time I visit this part of Minnesota.

From the owner: "U-pick Blueberries & Bouquets Seasonal Workshops Sunflower Fields & Festival Let Life Bloom! Check…read moreout farm hours and info at our website Sign up for our newsletter for the latest farm happenings at berryandbloomfarm"

Excellent adventure for children, especially in fall…read more We went with our homeschooling co-op. Was a great opportunity to showcase bits and pieces of historical farm life. They have some beautiful livestock, and overall a scenic farm. My advice -- (1) be sure to bring a stroller with nice, large wheels so that you can pass through some rocky trails and long grass. (2) bring some food and a picnic blanket. This farm is the perfect place for a family picnic, and (3) bring lots of water. There is a beautiful trail that you'll want to take advantage

I came here for a special event called Tour De Farm, which is a farm to table picnic. The concept…read moreis simple, you eat on the farm a meal which is prepared only from ingredients from the farm. A 3 year old pig was the special guest of honor for the day and she played an important role in most of the dishes. Tour guides from the historical society dressed in time period costumes to give the tours which really gave the whole thing a special ambiance. They also had a horse drawn trolley to take guest around and show them the vast acres of farm land. Animals from pigs, cows, chickens and horses where all there and what makes this farm so special is it is purely educational. No food is sold from here, it is only used to teach people about farming so if you want to experience a farm go to the website find out more about how to take a tour. It's inexpensive, pretty close to the city and great for kids!

Took a little ride from the cities here one rainy Saturday a few weeks ago. Tiny little shop with…read morelots to offer. Milk (varies flavors), jams, cheeses, spreads, ice cream, and more. The lady at the counter was so friendly and sweet. She offered samples of the milk. I would never think about getting strawberry milk, but I had to as it was so good. The chocolate is fantastic too! The quality is like no other! I know this milk is sold in some of the stores around the cities, but it was fun to visit the farm. I'd like to come back for some of the icecream.

Wonderful product selection and service! We're lucky to have a local dairy to support. Their fall…read morefest is really nice too!