It’s time to celebrate the harvest! Whether you live locally in Chisago Lakes or are looking for some of the best farms, vineyards, and orchards within an hour of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, we have just what you’re looking for. Did you know that Chisago Lakes is a haven for those interested in exploring local farms and orchards? Throughout our communities, you can find farms and growers featuring everything from animals and seasonal produce to some of Minnesota’s best wines. No matter the season, you can find many exciting activities for all ages.
In the summer, pluck delicious strawberries from the vine or meander through blooming flower fields. Then, autumn brings apples, pumpkins, and corn mazes. Plus, who can forget about our resident alpacas and other farm animals? Keep reading this article to discover the best farms, orchards, and vineyards in Chisago Lakes. And, to plan your next memorable visit to our vibrant communities, supporting our dedicated local farmers along the way. We can’t wait to welcome you to Chisago Lakes!
Best Farms and Orchards to Visit in Chisago Lakes
Chisago Lakes features an abundance of local farms and growers! Undoubtedly, one of the best Chisago Lakes activities, especially during the fall harvest, is to visit one (or more!) of these local farms to check out their crops, potentially pick your own bounty, or meet their animals. From apples to alpacas, we have just the spot you’re looking for to enjoy a bit of fresh air. Not to mention, meet our local farmers! Whether you’re searching for autumn adventures on the farm, summer flowers, or u-pick opportunities, here are the best farms and orchards to visit in Chisago Lakes!
Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market
Season: Farm Days are most Saturdays, June through the first hard frost (mid-October); hours vary depending on the season. Plus, u-pick flowers are open 7 days/week during the season.
If you’re seeking fun activities in Chisago Lakes, especially with kids, make Evergreen Oasis Farm & Market your next day out. A rockstar husband and wife team run this lovely, locally-owned farm in Center City. Dedicated to caring for their land and animals, Brooke and Tim make every visitor laugh and feel like family. On Farm Days (most Saturdays from June – October), they welcome visitors to pack a picnic and enjoy a day on the farm! You can also pet and feed the alpaca and sheep. Animal lovers will delight in getting to know these gentle creatures. Then, they also offer u-pick flowers throughout the growing season, as well as a barn market boutique. Finally, they also provide rustic campsites, inviting guests to unplug and enjoy the stars. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that this is one of the best farms to visit in Chisago Lakes!
Heirloomista
Season: Shop at the farm on Saturdays during the harvest season (roughly late April – late October); hours vary depending on the season. Farm tours are also available by appointment in the summer months (starting in June).
Next on our list of fun farms in the Chisago Lakes area is a cozy little farm that is sure to win your heart. Heirloomista is a woman-owned, woman-run farm in Amador Township (just north of Almelund). Dedicated to serving the community and land in sustainable ways, Kelsey is the passionate one-woman-show farming five acres of fruits and veggies, along with a pollinator garden and bees. Kelsey practices a holistic approach to agriculture, which produces some of the best, farm-fresh foods around. During the harvest season (roughly April to November), visitors can come and shop on the farm on most Saturdays. To level up your visit, she also offers tours during the summer months (beginning in June). These tours are a great way to learn about her practice, how the farm operates, and what it produces. Finally, Heirloomista also offers camping and volunteer opportunities open to everyone.
Farmaste Animal Sanctuary
Season: Farm tours are available on Saturdays from June – October. Private tours are also available by appointment.
Located in Lindström, Farmaste Animal Sanctuary is a caring farm animal rescue organization that rescues abused, neglected, and unwanted farm animals. Here, animals roam and enjoy 30 acres of pastureland. As one of the best farms to visit in Chisago Lakes, they offer several ways for visitors to connect with the animals, including tours and volunteer opportunities. During the tours, you can learn about the resident cows, goats, pigs, and other animals, as well as Farmaste’s vegan sanctuary approach to caring for them. Tours are open to all ages, though older kids and adults may best appreciate them. Tours are offered on Saturdays from June to October, or by appointment. Care of the animals is paramount, so they are given ample space to interact with (or not) visitors. Undoubtedly, Farmaste Animal Sanctuary is a great place to learn about farm animals and how to care for them.
Slattengren Farms
Season: Open year-round; hours vary depending on the season. In the fall, the corn maze is staffed Saturday and Sunday, from September – October.
Locally owned and operated in Shafer, Slattengren Farms has been making pure maple syrup for four generations! Open year-round, the gift shop offers a variety of artisanal, infused maple syrups, a small baked goods and ice cream counter (often featuring seasonal flavors!), and more crafts from local makers (like candles and kitchen items). Then, if you’re looking for fun fall activities in Chisago Lakes, Slattengren Farms offers one of the best corn mazes in Minnesota, as well as lawn games, food, and stunning fall foliage. In fact, the corn maze is approximately 15 acres and has two parts. Talk about an epic autumn adventure for the whole family! The corn maze is staffed Saturday and Sunday, from September – October, and offers select nighttime maze opportunities. Finally, fall visits can also include hayrides and pumpkins.
Pleasant Valley Orchard
Season: Open starting with strawberries in mid-June through the apple/pumpkin harvest in October (u-pick is only available on the weekend) – the gift shop is open through November; hours vary depending on the season.
As one of the best farms to visit in Chisago Lakes, Pleasant Valley Orchard features a variety of exciting ways to enjoy the farm from mid-June to November. Husband and wife team, Jim and Judy, run this beautiful 71-acre farm together in Shafer. In early summer, visitors can stop by to pick their own strawberries. Then, in the fall, apples and pumpkins reign supreme. After checking out the fields and orchards, say hi to the goats, chickens, and farm cat, Pip. If you’re looking to enjoy the day a bit more, there is a lovely trail adjacent to the apple orchard that offers a beautiful stroll in the woods. In the fall, guests can also enjoy cider slushies and donuts, as well as live music and other activities for all ages. Before you leave, check out the gift shop for more eats, crafts, and produce.
This no-frills, family-friendly farm will leave you feeling refreshed and delightfully full from its array of dynamite baked goods. U-pick options are only available on weekends, but the gift shop is staffed every day during the harvest season. Finally, if you’re looking for fun activities in Chisago Lakes in the summer or fall you can’t go wrong with a visit to Pleasant Valley Orchard!
Want to learn more about Pleasant Valley Orchard? Read our blog showcasing why Pleasant Valley Orchard is more than an orchard, it’s a tradition!
Best Vineyards to Visit in Chisago Lakes
Chisago Lakes is home to two fantastic vineyards that make the perfect backdrop to a fantastic day exploring our communities. Both offer scenic views paired perfectly with Minnesota wine harvested and made by local winemakers! Keep reading to discover why they are some of the best farms to visit in Chisago Lakes.
Winehaven Winery
Season: Open year-round; hours vary depending on the season.
Located in Chisago City, this lovely family-owned vineyard is perfect for a lovely day in the sun! Featuring a variety of wines, Winehaven Winery is set along a beautiful hillside with a lake view – and plenty of beautiful sights to mark any season! Grab a cozy table inside, or enjoy one of the outdoor tables when the weather suits you. Wine flights come in a fun tower display and include four samples of your choice. Alternatively, wine slushies and other drinks (including non-alcoholic beverages) are available. While you sip, munch on flavorful pizzas or a charcuterie board in an inviting environment. Seasonal flavors are sure to please! Afterward, take a stroll through the vineyard. Finally, check their events calendar for live music and other seasonal festivities.
Wild Mountain Winery and Pizza
Season: Open weekends May – October; check the website for seasonal hours.
Wild Mountain Winery and Pizza, located in Taylors Falls, is a family-owned winery that offers sweeping views of the valley below. In fact, it is located at one of the highest points in Chisago Lakes! The rustic indoor tasting room and outdoor patio provide a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy beautiful days and time together. Feel free to hang out for a while, because there is often live music, and there are plenty of games to keep you having fun (available in the tasting room)! Here, wine flights are served on a small wooden frame, and include specially designed options for those who prefer reds, whites, or sweet wines. They also offer wood-fired pizza (on summer Saturdays), cheese plates, and packaged snacks. Or, you can bring your own picnic. Don’t miss strolling through the vineyard! Finally, check their music and events calendar to see what’s happening throughout the season.
Thank You for Supporting Our Local Farmers!
We hope you found this article featuring the best farms, orchards, and vineyards to visit in Chisago Lakes helpful in planning fun adventures in our lovely communities! From picnicking with alpacas to enjoying a glass of Minnesota wine, there are so many fantastic local farms and farmers to support in our area. Thank you for stopping by and spending time in Chisago Lakes. We can’t wait to see you again!
