Coming in 1st Place for Best Apple Orchard in our Family Favorites Survey, Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest is an Award Winning Fall Destination that Attracts Locals and Tourists with Immersive Fall Festivities.
Move over pumpkin spice lattes; the new unofficial start of fall begins with the opening of Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest. This award-winning fall destination is full of immersive autumn festivities for the whole family. Less than half an hour south of the Twin Cities, the family-owned farm returns with popular traditions, including apple picking, a legendary Corn Maze, the adorable Cow Train, and new attractions such as the Cider Barn for adults, the Slippery Slope slides and an expanded Play Village for children.
“As a second-generation family-owned orchard we’ve been honored to be part of countless family stories, ingrained in the rich history of our orchard,” said Andy Ferguson, Co-Owner of Ferguson’s. “Whether it’s apple-picking, wagon rides, or simply savoring the simple joys of being together, we welcome all people to our family farm to experience the joy of the fall season one apple and one tradition at a time.”
Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest came in 1st Place in our Family Favorites survey for “Best Apple Orchard” in Minnesota!
Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest: Your Family Guide to Fall Fun
Fall is officially here, and one of the Twin Cities’ favorite fall destinations is ready for another season of family fun! Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest, formerly known as Minnesota Harvest, is a family-owned apple orchard in Jordan, less than 30 minutes southwest of the Twin Cities. The popular destination returns with apple picking, pumpkins, a giant corn maze and a full lineup of activities for kids and adults.
The orchard is part of Ferguson’s Orchards and has become a fall tradition for Minnesota families. Spend the day exploring Apple Blossom Park, picking apples and pumpkins, getting lost in the corn maze, taking a wagon ride and enjoying plenty of hands-on farm fun.
Fall Fun at Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest
There is plenty to keep the whole family busy during a visit. Kids can burn off some energy on the Rustic Ropes low ropes courses, make giant bubbles at the Bubble Barn, climb aboard the Grain Train and dig into the giant Corn Pit. Little ones will also love the Cow Train, pedal tractors, duck races, farm animals and pumpkin jumping pads.
For bigger kids and adventurous parents, check out the Slippery Slope dual 40-foot slides, paintball attraction, apple cannons and gem mining. The giant spinning apple ride and straw bale pyramid add even more classic fall-festival fun.
And keep an eye out for Fergie, the life-sized apple-headed scarecrow mascot, and Johnny, the singing and talking animatronic tractor who greets visitors at the orchard entrance.
Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest Activities
- 🍎 Apple Picking — Pick your own apples straight from the orchard and enjoy a classic Minnesota fall tradition. It’s a great activity for families who want to wander through the apple trees, fill a bag and take home fresh apples.
- 🚜 NEW Tractor Pull — Kids can put their strength to the test with this new tractor-themed activity. It’s a fun way to get little farmers involved in the action.
- 🪢 Rustic Ropes — Kids can climb, balance and navigate their way through a ropes-style challenge. It’s a great activity for children who like to test their agility and tackle something a little different.
- 👨🌾 Fergie, the Life-Sized Mascot — Keep an eye out for Fergie! The larger-than-life orchard mascot makes for a fun photo opportunity and adds to the farm atmosphere.
- 🎨 Paintball Attraction — Older kids and adventurous families can take aim and enjoy a paintball experience at the orchard.
- 🚜 Johnny the Animatronic Tractor — Meet Johnny, the animatronic tractor! This interactive attraction is especially fun for younger kids who love farm equipment.
- 🫧 Bubble Barn — Head to the Bubble Barn for a hands-on bubble experience. Kids can play with bubbles and see just how big and creative they can get.
- 🚂 Grain Train — Hop aboard the Grain Train for a fun ride around the orchard. It’s a relaxing way for the family to see more of the property while giving little ones a classic farm-ride experience.
- 🌽 Corn Pit — Instead of sand, kids can dig, scoop and play in a pit filled with corn kernels. Bring on the sensory fun!
- 🍎 Apple Cannons — Take aim and launch apples with the orchard’s apple cannons. This is one of the activities that tends to be a hit with kids who like a little friendly competition.
- 🏀 Barnyard Basketball — Shoot some hoops with a farm-themed twist. It’s an easy activity to squeeze in between other attractions.
- 🌽 Corn Maze — Challenge your family to find your way through the corn maze. It’s a classic fall activity and a fun opportunity for kids to take the lead and figure out which way to go.
- 🐄 Cow Train — Younger visitors can climb aboard the Cow Train for a ride through the farm. The colorful animal-shaped cars make this a favorite for little kids.
- 🍏 Caramel Apple Shoppe — Watch caramel apples being made and then grab one for yourself! It’s a must-stop for families with a sweet tooth.
- 🦆 Duck Races — Pump, race and watch the ducks make their way through the course. It’s a simple activity that can turn into a surprisingly competitive family challenge.
- 🐐 Farm Animals — Get up close to farm animals and give kids the chance to see some of the animals they may not encounter every day.
- 💎 Gem Mining — Kids can try their hand at gem mining and search through mining material for colorful stones and treasures.
- 🚜 Pedal Tractors — Little farmers can climb onto pedal tractors and cruise around under their own power. This is a particularly good choice for younger children.
- 🎃 Pumpkin Jumping Pads — Kids can bounce, jump and burn off some energy on the pumpkin-themed jumping pads.
- 🎃 Pumpkin Patch — Pick out the perfect pumpkin for your porch, carving project or fall decorations. Visiting the pumpkin patch is one of the quintessential fall experiences at the orchard.
- 🛝 Slippery Slope Dual 40-Foot Slides — Race your friends or family members down the giant 40-foot slides. This is one of the orchard’s bigger thrills and a fun option for kids looking for a little more adventure.
- 🍎 Spinning Apple Ride — Take a spin on this apple-themed ride for another fun attraction that puts a playful orchard twist on a carnival-style experience.
- 🌾 Straw Bale Pyramid — Climb and explore a giant pyramid made from straw bales. It’s a fun place for kids to scramble around and burn off some energy.
- 🌻 Sunflower Stroll — Take a walk through the sunflower area and enjoy the seasonal scenery. Don’t forget your camera—the sunflowers make a great backdrop for family photos.
- 🚜 Wagon Rides — Sit back and enjoy a traditional wagon ride around the orchard. It’s a great way to slow down and take in the fall scenery between more active attractions.
- 🍺 Cider Barn — Adults can take a break at the Cider Barn, which features hard cider and beer. It’s open on weekends and provides a spot for parents to relax while enjoying the fall atmosphere.
- 🍎 Vine Bar on the Patio — The patio offers another adult-friendly place to relax, enjoy a drink and take in the orchard surroundings.
More Than Just the Attractions
One of the best things about Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest is that you can easily make a half-day or full-day outing of your visit. Families can start with apple picking, work their way through the attractions, stop for lunch or a caramel apple, explore the corn maze and finish the day by choosing pumpkins.
For Younger kids: prioritize the Cow Train, pedal tractors, Corn Pit, Bubble Barn, farm animals, duck races and pumpkin jumping pads.
Bigger kids: head toward the Rustic Ropes, apple cannons, paintball, gem mining and 40-foot slides.
For the whole family: don’t miss apple picking, the corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin patch, Grain Train, Sunflower Stroll and caramel apples.
Pick Your Own Apples and Pumpkins
Of course, no trip to Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest is complete without picking your own apples. The orchard offers a large pick-your-own apple orchard, giving families a chance to stroll through the trees and fill a bag with fresh Minnesota apples. When fall rolls around, you can also head to the pumpkin patch to choose your own pumpkin right from the vine. Admission is required to enter the orchard and pick-your-own areas.
Indulge in Delectable Fall Eats at the Country Store
Save time for a stop at the Country Store and Farm Market, where you can stock up on fall treats and local goodies. Families can pick up fresh apples, apple cider donuts, pies, pastries, jams, syrups and the famous freshly dipped caramel apples.
The Harvest Bistro offers hearty options for hungry families, including Ferguson Mac & Cheese topped with pulled pork and apple slices, chicken salad sandwiches, chili dogs and more.
Adults can also enjoy the Hard Cider Bar, which features craft cider and is open on weekends. There is no admission required to visit the Country Store, bakery, Harvest Bistro or hard cider areas.
Agritourism
Ferguson’s takes great pride in being a family-owned farm and apple orchard that helps locals and tourists alike learn about the origins of their food and how locally-produced foods make it to their kitchen tables. Through immersive on-farm activities such as apple and pumpkin picking, or getting up close and personal with real farm animals including goats, sheep, pigs and chickens, visitors experience a slice of life that is growing less common in our non-stop, digital screen-filled day. Ferguson’s connects people with the land and provides visitors with a farm experience that becomes an annual tradition for the whole family.
Have we convinced you to go yet? Here are the details for dates, times and admission! Guests of Minnesota Harvest can enjoy family fun for only $18 per person, and children under two years old gain free admission. This one- time purchase includes a season pass allowing for unlimited daily entry from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the season from August to November 1. Tickets for active-duty military, veterans, and seniors are $15 per person.
Make It a Fall Tradition
Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest is more than an apple orchard—it is a full fall experience where families can spend hours playing, exploring, eating and making memories together. From picking apples and pumpkins to racing through the corn maze and riding the Cow Train, there is something for kids of all ages.
Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest 2026 Details
Where: 8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd., Jordan, MN
Season: August 15-November 1, 2026
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tip: Check Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest online before heading out for the latest information on admission, apple and pumpkin availability, activities and tickets.
