Minnesota families can make memories on the farm this fall
Visit a local Minnesota Grown farm this October
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s autumn is an opportune time to enjoy local foods and fun on the farm. Picking fresh apples, finding the perfect pumpkin, and exploring a crop maze are a few ideas. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) encourages families to take advantage of the beautiful fall season and visit one of Minnesota’s many farms. The popular Minnesota Grown Directory is a great resource to help plan a visit. It highlights family friendly activities and convenient contact information for local farms across the state, all in one place.
Farmer Peggy Bronk of The Great Pumpkin Patch said, “Our pumpkins are just beautiful this year.” The Great Pumpkin Patch is a family owned and operated farm near Winona, Minnesota. Bronk sees many families annually; building fall memories and traditions to last a lifetime. “It’s a very good family activity. Everyone can get outdoors, plus the kids can get their hands in the dirt and have a little fun.”
The Minnesota Grown Directory lists 1,027 farms statewide. Many member farms offer a variety of fall fun activities:
- Tour a local farm; 54 Minnesota Grown farms offer tours, and others gladly accept visitors. Learn about the delicious agricultural diversity present in Minnesota by visiting a buffalo or elk farm, touring a Christmas tree farm, sampling local cheese, or visiting a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm.
- Pick the perfect pumpkin for carving or pie at a local pumpkin patch. Find 142 patches in the Directory.
- Visit an apple orchard; most orchards offer pre-picked apples and some will let you pick-your-own. Many farms feature caramel apples, baked goods, cider and more! Find 120 orchards in the Directory.
- Enjoy a wagon ride or hay ride at one of 35 farms across the state.
- Celebrate the adventurous Midwestern corn maze tradition at one of the 25 Minnesota locations.
The free Minnesota Grown Directory is available online at www.minnesotagrown.com or by phone at 1-800-657-3878. The online directory utilizes Google Maps, making it easy to find a farm and its website with details about the activities offered.
CONTACT: Michael Crusan, MDA Communications
651-201-6629, michael.crusan@state.mn.us