About ten minutes into the beautiful Minnesota countryside from Stillwater is one of the best attractions to visit in the fall: Aamodt’s Apple Orchard. This family-owned and operated farm, cidery, and winery is a one-stop shop for wine and cider tasting, home-baked treats, apple-picking, and other autumn activities for the whole family. Aamodt’s Apple Orchard hosts a full list of yearly events, many of which include tasty meals, live music, and celebrating the season.
Stillwater, MN, is consistently recognized as one of the most charming small towns in the Midwest. It’s an ideal location for any getaway, whether a romantic trip for two, a couple’s bonding trip, or a family vacation; you’ll find activities geared towards any group and mood. First, you’ll want to secure your Stillwater lodging, and our historic downtown hotel—Water Street Inn—is one of the best places to stay in Minnesota. Our picturesque riverfront location puts you within walking distance of the best things to do in Stillwater.
Head over to our booking calendar and make your reservation today!
Aamodt’s Apple Orchard & Thor’s Hard Cider
The leaves are beginning to change along the St. Croix Rivers and there’s a crispness to the weather. Fall is coming around the corner! A visit to Aamodt’s Apple Orchard only adds to the lively fall feeling in the air—orchards bursting with fruit, fields of pumpkins, and the smell of freshly baked apple pie and cinnamon wafting through the farm. In fact, heading out to Aamodt’s Apple Orchard is a yearly event for many locals and visitors alike!
Here’s what you need to know before you go to Aamodt’s Apple Orchard:
- Apple Picking: The orchards at Aamodt’s are full of different varieties of apples. Some are well-known like Honey Crisp, and others are less common, like First Kiss, Sweetango, and Zestar. Head to the farm Monday through Friday to pick your own apples. On the weekends, you’ll find the selections pre-picked in the barn.
- Thor’s Hard Cider: Named after the founder of Aamodt’s Apple Orchard, Thor’s Hard Cider is all made from fresh pressed, locally-grown apples and made on site. You’ll find the traditional flavors, including semi-sweet and dry, but also a host of creative and unique varieties on tap, like smoked pumpkin and vanilla, ginger fizz, and raspberry with dark chocolate. Head to the barn and try a flight!
- St. Croix Vineyards: Make a day of it, and head over to St. Croix Vineyards, right next door to all the action as Aadmodt’s Apple Orchard. The tasting room is open daily, 10 am to 6p pm, for flights, glass pours, and bottle service of their award-winning cold weather varietal wines. Take a stroll through the picturesque vineyards, pack a picnic, and some evenings you’ll catch a live local musician playing on stage.
- Fall Harvest Activities: During the fall months, there’s even more to do at Aadmot’s, including hay rides, strolling through the pumpkin fields, and saying hi to the goats. Check out their Facebook page for the latest on apple season, weekly events, live music, and specials. Don’t miss checking out the best apple orchard in Stillwater, MN, during your stay. The scenic drive is also one of the most incredible ways to take in all of that beautiful fall foliage.
Bright and Cheerful Lodging for Fall in Stillwater
Our historic boutique hotel offers 61 warm and welcoming rooms, which are exceptionally cozy and comfortable for the fall months. After a day of exploring Aamodt’s Apple Orchard, you’ll be ready to curl up by the gas fireplace or slip on your comfy robe and turn on your favorite show. Our Stillwater Hotel has three restaurant options for those still needing dinner, offering new American cuisine, pub favorites, and wood-fired pizzas. You’ll find an option for everyone, creating a space that’s not only perfect for family getaways but convenient for those having a private retreat for two.
We can’t wait to host you this Autumn in Stillwater; book your room today!
