At Dassel Hillside Farm, an hour west of the Twin Cities, the apple crop is the main event. SE., Delano 76 Notable mention: Minnetonka Orchards and Pleasant Valley Orchard in Shafer, Minn. Then dive into fall's version of a sandbox, a giant pit filled with 18 inches of corn. New this year: Text your way through the 5-acre corn maze for a chance to win prizes. The orchard also has a bakery and cafe with soup, sandwiches, and apple-flavored desserts. "It's perfectly safe, but an awful lot of fun," said manager Mike Dekarski. You can't pick your own apples, but you can pick pumpkins and raspberries, bounce on a giant jumping pillow, ride ponies and try your aim at shooting field targets with rotten apples through a cannon. For families looking for a place to entertain everyone, Apple Jack Orchards in Delano is the crème de la crème. Some orchards specialize in doing a few things well: either pies, pick-your-own or petting zoos. (2755 Rose Av., Watertown 61 FOR THE FAMILY Next year, the orchard will begin making its own wine on-site. Bird-watching has become a fast favorite among visitors. Visitors are encouraged to bring their walking shoes, bikes or horses, and pack a lunch to explore the wooded trails and meandering creek. There's plenty for kids to do - petting zoo, corn maze, hay mountain - and, with 155 acres of rolling hills and 80 acres of wetlands on the Luce Line Trail, there are endless spots to hide out with your honey. Get lost with a loved one in fields of pumpkins, rows of grapes and tree-lined trails at the brand-new Luceline Orchard in Watertown. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own dogs as long as they're leashed. The pick-your-own supply is limited, but the farm also has 2,500 fall mums for digging and 30 acres of pumpkins for picking. In addition to Sonny the donkey and a quirky flock of chickens, she's become somewhat of a legend with orchard visitors and inspired Johnson to write his first children's book, "Emmy, of Whistling Well Farm." The book is sold in the orchard's market, along with apples, honey from the orchard's bees, and other fall staples. With a serious case of selective hearing, Emmy is a bit mischievous, but a lot friendly. Owner Charlie Johnson jokes that his 8-year-old springer spaniel runs the orchard at Whistling Well Farm in Hastings, but there's some truth to it. Warm up by the bonfire and enjoy brats, caramel apples and milk shakes. Teenagers flock to the maze on Friday and Saturday nights in October when the maze becomes "haunted" with masked characters leaping out from the corn stalks. This year, the corn was cut into a theme saluting veterans and includes the symbols of each military branch. Covering 15 acres (possibly the largest in the state) and with more than six miles of twists and turns, the maze at Afton Apple Orchard in Hastings is a sight to behold. Croix Trail S., Hastings 65 A-MAZE-ING CORN Visitors can pick their own apples from the small orchard during the Apple Festival Oct. Apples, raspberries, cider, pumpkins, squash, wildflower honey and maple syrup are produced on-site using sustainable agriculture practices, and are for sale in the Apple Shack. There are 10 miles of hiking trails, 3.5 of which are paved to accommodate those with mobility limitations. The small apple orchard nestles among 425 acres of hiking trails, tall pines, oak savanna, restored prairies, wooded ravines, and river views. Croix River Valley at Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings. Take in the crisp fall air among stunning views of the St. Whether you're looking to take the entire family for the day, or escape with your main squeeze among picturesque views, here's a guide to picking the best apple (orchard) for you. "The experience itself is great," Laura Horton said of her daughters' love for pony rides, caramel apples and farm animals. For families like the Hortons, the apples are just the means for making memories. Despite a limited crop at Apple Jack's, their trip this year is still on. "There really is an orchard for everyone." Laura and Mark Horton of Edina pack up the kids and head to Apple Jack's Orchard in Delano every year. "It's a great fall tradition," said Paul Hugunin, coordinator of the Minnesota Grown Program at the state Agriculture Department. With more than 110 apple orchards in the state, and each one a little different, there's a good chance of finding one that's just for you. Almost everyone hankers for a trip to an apple orchard for the chance to take in the fall colors, sip a little cider or trek through a corn maze this time of year.
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