Because ‘winter is coming’ holds a far more ominous meaning here in Minnesota, we take full advantage of October’s bright blue skies and comparatively balmy breezes. Among the best adventures: venturing out to a pumpkin patch near you for a few jack-o’-lanterns and pie supplies. The fur-kids wanna come, too, because #somanysmells. So give your pup a break from raking leaves (we can dream, right?) and head out to one of these dog-friendly Minnesota pumpkin patches that welcome your whole pack.
Axdahl’s Garden Farm and Greenhouse, Stillwater
10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily
Point your paws towards the big red barn and you’ll find Axdahl’s. Pick from the colorful rows of pumpkins outside the barn, or venture into the pumpkin patch to pick your own. Bring along a picnic lunch and explore the corn maze while you’re there.
Collegeville Orchards, St. Joseph
10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily
Pumpkins and mini pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are at Collegeville Orchards for the picking. Also on hand: 20 varieties of apples to pick, farm animals to pet and feed, wagon rides, pumpkin painting, and shopping in the vintage country store.
Fairhaven Farm, South Haven
10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily
Pick the perfect pumpkin or choose from 20+ apple varieties fur you and pup to snacc on at Fairhaven Farm. They also produce raspberries, pears, plums, grapes and more. Cards accepted on weekends, but cash, check, or Venmo only on weekdays.
Fall Harvest Orchard, Montrose
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursday–Sunday
As you enter Fall Harvest Orchard, say hello to the farm animals, then try your luck in the corn maze for $3 before picking your pumpkin. Kiddos will love their yard games, corn pits, and play areas. Don’t furget to chow down on their drool-worthy pumpkin spice mini donuts and apple cider slushies.
Gilby’s Orchard, Aitkin
9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily
Head “up north” to Gilby’s and your dog might see pheasants and deer as you two stroll the orchard trails. Pick your pumpkins, gourds, jams, and jellies, then let pupper ‘splore the walking trail and spruce maze. Burn off puppy energy in the corn maze.
LuceLine Orchard, Watertown
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday–Sunday
At 155 acres, LuceLine is ultra-friendly for dogs who ruv to roam and romp. There are pumpkins and squash to pick, along with loads of apple-y fare. And they’ve got burgers, brats, apple cider donuts, and more, so you won’t have to stop for food on the way home. Located just 40 minutes from Minneapolis.
Pleasant Valley Orchard, Shafer
10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily
An amazing array of pumpkins awaits you at Pleasant Valley, along with a gift shop, pre-picked MN-grown apples, and a bakery that turns out apple turnovers and the like on the daily. We’re not drooling, you’re drooling. Take a hayride out to the patch to pick your pumpkins on weekends from 11 a.m.–5 p.m
Tom’s Pumpkin Farm, Lindstrom
10 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday–Saturday
Come for the pick-your-own pumpkins and stay for the 8-acre corn maze at dog-friendly Tom’s Pumpkin Farm. Bring home festive gourds and corn stalks to decorate your porch. Leaf peepers rejoice: reviewers rave the hour drive from the Twin Cities is beautiful in the fall.
Whistling Well Farm, Hastings
9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, September–October
Whistling Well Farm knows a little something about havin’ a gourd time! After pup’s done picking out her favorite pumpkins and gourds, you can shake your paw-paws to live music every Saturday and Sunday from 12–4 p.m. Check out their locally-grown mums, apples, bakery goodies, and fall decor too!
Don’t furget to check out dog-friendly Minnesota apple orchards for more fall fun!
Know of any other Minnesota pumpkin patches that allow dogs? Bark at us in the comments!
Featured photo: @prettylilpitty
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