September is officially here, which means it’s apple picking season! There are a number of apple orchards in Fargo and beyond to explore with the kiddos, so plan a day to get your harvest!
Orchards in Fargo & Moorhead
Orchard Glen Park
Located in South Fargo, Orchard Glen Park is one of the apple orchards in Fargo and is open to the public. They have plums ready for picking in September, and apples ready to pick through October. Check out their Park Map to see the location of each variety of trees for easy-picking. Please see their website for picking guidelines and other information.
West Fargo Community Orchard
The City of West Fargo has eight community orchards:
- Meadowridge Orchard at 2101 5th Ave E
- Arboretum Orchard at 2800 5th St W
- Francis Street Orchard, 418 Francis St.
- Eagle Run Orchard at 3737 12th St. W.
- The Wilds Orchard at 1100 Block of Albert Ct. W.
- 14th Avenue Orchard at 1200 14th Ave. E.
- Elmwood Orchard, 501 19th Ave. W.
- River’s Bend Orchard, 302 26th Ave. E.
The orchards contain apples, pears, plums, peaches, and cherry trees for residents to pick. And the Arboreteum Orchard also has hazelnuts, honeyberries, and red lake currents.
Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society
Note: These trees are not yet bearing fruit. Stay tuned for future years!
Thanks to a conservation grant via the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund, this educational garden includes native fruit-bearing trees, shrubs, and pollinator-friendly perennial plants. As the Edible Forest grows, it will provide a number of opportunities for community members to learn how to nurture and harvest fruit-bearing trees that thrive locally.
Within One Hour
Lake Ida Apple Farm
Located in Lake Park, MN 40 minutes from Fargo, this apple farm has nine varieties of delicious apples to pick. They are open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, and by appointment during the week. Please call 219-532-3025 to make a reservation. And note that credit cards are not accepted.
Gottenborg Apple Orchard
Located just west of US Highway 10 in Audubon, MN (45 minutes from Fargo), this orchard offers fresh pre-picked apples in a wide variety for purchase. They also have pies, apple crisp, jellies, caramel dips, and other treats available for purchase. Pumpkins, potatoes, and onions are also available later in the season. Open for U-pick on weekends starting August 26, 2023.
Maple Hills Orchards
Located in west central Minnesota between Detroit Lakes and Frazee (1 hour from Fargo), this family-owned orchard has pre-picked Minnesota apples, orchard honey, maple syrup, take-and-bake pies and crisp. In the orchard is a U-pick fall raspberry patch. All purchases must be made with cash or check. Open weekends from September 16 – October 29, 2023, Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m, and Sundays, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Toad Lake Apple Orchard
This orchard is just past Detroit Lakes in Frazee, MN (about 1 hour from Fargo) and opened in the summer of 2021. Come enjoy the outdoors and see their over 950 apple trees! Open Labor Day weekend until mid-October, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Check their website to see what’s currently available.
Within Two Hours
The Garden on Hwy 35
Located just over an hour from Fargo and nine miles north of Underwood, MN, this farm has a variety of apples and fall berries available for picking by appointment only. Contact them via Facebook with questions.
Country Blossom Farm
This family-owned farm near Alexandria, MN (1 hour 40 minutes from Fargo) features an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, corn maze, and a bake shop. Check their website for hours.
Ranum’s West Lake Mary Orchards
This orchard near Alexandria, MN (1 hour 40 minutes from Fargo) features many varieties of apples (u-pick if you want!) and garden vegetables. Please see website for details and always call ahead before traveling to the orchard to check their opening times.
The Honey Berry Farm
Located just under 2 hours away from Fargo in Bagley, MN, this farm has a variety of honey berries, raspberries, and currants. Please call (218) 331-8070 to make sure of availability. Open July 20 – September 31, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Friday, Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and Sundays 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., and evenings by appt.