U pick apple farms: Historic Sponsel’s Minnesota Harvest

September 30, 2013 By

Families visiting or living in the Twin Cities can get their autumn apple fix at Minnesota Harvest, one of the biggest u pick apple farms in the midwest. With more than 50 varieties of apples grown on the farm, families can certainly find their favorite, and enjoy a long growing season well into late autumn.

u pick apples minnesota

If you want to make a day of it, add a horseback ride through Minnesota Harvest’s picturesque countryside, or peruse the offerings at the on-site bakery. Harvest bakers keep the kitchen stocked with fritters, apple bread, and dumplings.

On weekends, artisans and crafters are on site selling local and homemade goods, so be sure to support local artists while you’re at the farm. Check their picking schedule to time your visit with your favorite harvest, or plan your  visit to coincide with a weekend event, such as band performances. Every weekend in autumn includes family activities such as a petting zoo, tours of the historic farm, and wagon rides. A sunflower  maze is up and running as well!

Distance from the interstate:

30 minutes from I-394.

Admission:

$2 admission on Saturdays and Sundays, which includes: wagon ride, kiddie wagon ride, the sunflower maze, and a petting zoo. BBQ is available most weekends for an additional per plate fee.

Directions:

Minnesota Harvest is located at 8251 Old Highway 169 at Apple Lover’s Lane in Jordan, Minnesota. It’s 45 minutes from Minneapolis via I-394 and MN-100.

Photo credit: Flickr/BrianBirke

Hormel SPAM Museum

May 16, 2010 By

SPAM Museum, photo courtesy of minnemom, Travels with Children

1101 N. Main St.
Austin, MN

If you’ve ever wondered what exactly is in that famous mystery meat, and you happen to find yourself driving along I-90 through Minnesota, you simply have to stop with your family at Hormel’s SPAM Museum in Austin.

Opened in 2002 and located directly across the street from Hormel’s main meat plant, the 16,500 square foot museum is housed in its own custom building and introduces visitors to every aspect of SPAM-making (which would certainly be educational!). “Spambassadors” roam the main floor, acting as guides (and serving SPAM on toothpicks), adding to the lighthearted fun.

Hands-on SPAMMY fun, photo courtesy of minnemom, Travels with Children

TwinCitiesGal of The Vacation Gals recently reviewed the museum, saying, “My kids’ favorite section was the Spam Production where they could dress up like factory workers and “package” their own SPAM. Mine on the other hand was the Changing Market Place. It showed the difference between the shopping habits of the 1950’s and today. The comparison was astounding!” Read her full review!

Date last visited: May 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-90!

Hours and Admission Prices: Admission is FREE! Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5. (Closed major holidays, open Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day.)

Bathrooms: Located on-site.

Food Services: If you’re feeling daring, Johnny’s Spamarama restaurant is located directly across the street. Beware: the menu is full of SPAM dishes!

Phone: 507-437-5100

Directions: From I-90, take exit 178-B. Turn south onto 6th St, then right at the T onto 14th Ave. Bear right (straight) onto 15th Ave, which turns left and becomes Main St. Cross the bridge, turn right onto 11th Ave., and the museum will be on the left.