Make plans during annual MEA weekend
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Thousands of parents and students will take a break from classes during the annual Education Minnesota Professional Conference, October 16 and 17. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is encouraging families to take advantage of the time off and visit one of Minnesota’s many farms. The popular Minnesota Grown Directory is a great resource to help families plan a farm visit. It highlights many family friendly activities to keep children, and parents, entertained.
“Visiting a farm in the fall is a great way to build memories and start family traditions,” said Minnesota Grown Spokeswoman Jessica Miles. “Minnesota farms are very diverse, which allows families to find the right fit: apple orchards, pumpkin patches, farm tours and farm animals. It’s the perfect time to get out and go local!”
The Minnesota Grown Directory lists 978 farms statewide offering fall activities:
- Take a farm tour! Nearly 60 Minnesota farms offer tours. Among the tour destinations are farms raising buffalo, growing Christmas trees, producing maple syrup and crafting cheese from dairy cows and goats.
- Visit an apple orchard and pick fresh apples. Most orchards offer pre-picked apples and some will let you pick-your-own. In addition to fresh apples, you’ll often find caramel apples, baked goods, pumpkins, hayrides and corn mazes. Find 116 orchards in the Minnesota Grown Directory!
- Pick the perfect pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch. There are 142 pumpkin patches listed in the directory.
- Feeling more adventurous? Try navigating a corn maze at one of the 26 Minnesota locations.