Your Fall Apple Haul: Fischer's Croix Farm Orchard

Juni Park — Seward, Minneapolis
Korean-American UX designer, outdoors obsessive, the person your friend group texts when nobody can agree on what to do Saturday.

September is my favorite kind of bittersweet. The leaves are just starting to whisper their goodbyes to green, the air has that undeniable crispness, and my bike rides are suddenly a lot more pleasant without the August humidity trying to melt my face off. It's also prime time for one of the best reasons to escape the city for a few hours: apple picking. Forget the grocery store bins for a weekend – there’s nothing quite like plucking a perfect Honeycrisp straight from the branch.

The Spot: Fischer's Croix Farm Orchard

My go-to for a genuine, no-frills apple experience is Fischer's Croix Farm Orchard in Hastings. It's not one of those mega-orchards with bumper cars and extensive petting zoos (though they do have some family-friendly fun). It’s a multi-generational family farm that’s been doing this for decades, and you can feel that history the moment you pull in. It’s about the apples, plain and simple, and the quiet satisfaction of harvesting your own. It's the kind of place your cousin who's lived here 20 years quietly tells you about, not the one that pops up first on the big lists.

What You'll Find (and What to Do)

The main event here is definitely the U-pick. Grab a bag (or bring your own sturdy reusable one, which I always recommend) and head into the rows. They usually have a good variety ripe for the picking in late September – think Honeycrisp (everyone’s favorite, obviously), Haralson, Zestar, and sometimes even a late-season Sweetango if you hit it right. Check their website or call ahead to see what's ready for harvest that day. There’s a quiet satisfaction in finding that perfect, unblemished apple.

After you’ve loaded up, swing by their farm store. It’s got all the apple-y goodness you’d expect: fresh-pressed cider, homemade pies (get one, seriously), apple donuts, jams, and usually some other seasonal produce like squash or pumpkins. They also have a corn maze and sometimes hayrides, which are a low-key way to extend your visit if you’re bringing kids or just want to feel extra autumnal.

What to Bring

This isn't a fashion show, folks, it’s a farm. Here’s what to pack:

• Sturdy Shoes: You'll be walking in grass, potentially uneven ground, and maybe some mud. Leave the fancy sneakers at home. Boots or old tennis shoes are ideal.
• Layers: September mornings can be chilly, but afternoons often warm up nicely. A fleece or light jacket you can tie around your waist is perfect.
• Reusable Bags: While they provide bags for picking, bringing your own sturdy totes for the haul back to the city is always a good move. Those apples get heavy!
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while you’re out in the sun.
• Snacks: If you’re making a day of it, a few granola bars or a sandwich can save you from impulse buys (unless that impulse buy is an apple donut, which is totally allowed).
• Sunscreen and Hat: Even on a cooler, overcast day, you're outside for hours.
• Small Backpack: To keep your essentials organized and hands-free for picking.
• A friend (or two): More hands for picking, more fun for the drive, and a chance to split gas costs.

The Damage (Cost Breakdown)

This is a pretty budget-friendly outing, especially if you stick to the apples. U-pick apples are typically sold by the pound or by the bushel. Expect to pay around $2-$3 per pound, which is competitive with grocery store prices, but you get the experience and freshness. A small bag usually runs about $10-$15, and a peck (about 10-12 lbs) might be $25-$30. Farm store goodies like pies are usually in the $15-$25 range, cider about $6-$10 a half-gallon. Set your budget before you go – it’s easy to get carried away with all the delicious smells!

Getting There (and Back)

Fischer’s Croix Farm Orchard is at 12975 120th St E, Hastings, MN 55033. It’s about a 45-minute to an hour drive from Seward, depending on traffic and how many stoplights you hit in Hastings.

Driving

There’s a good-sized parking lot on site, and parking is free. It can get busy on peak weekend afternoons, but it generally moves pretty well. Your best bet for this trip is definitely to carpool with friends. Split gas, split the apple haul, split the good vibes.

Bus

This one is tough. Metro Transit does not extend service out to Hastings. The closest you’d get on a main route would be to Cottage Grove or Inver Grove Heights on a Route 480 or 490, but from there, you’re looking at a very long and expensive taxi or rideshare – definitely not budget-friendly or practical. For this specific adventure, public transit won't cut it.

Bike

For the truly adventurous (and fit) among us, cycling to Hastings is an option, but it’s a serious commitment. From my place in Seward, it’s about 35-40 miles one-way. You’ll be on a mix of bike trails and rural county roads, so plan your route carefully. The Mississippi River Trail system can get you part of the way, but you’ll eventually transition to roads. Bring *all* your gear – tools, extra tubes, plenty of water, and snacks. This is an all-day ride and not for the casual cyclist, but the reward of fresh apples at the end might just be worth it. Just remember, what goes in must come out (your bike basket with apples will be heavy on the return).

Juni's Hot Tips

• Go Early: Especially on weekends, the orchard can get busy. Arrive right when they open (9 AM) for the best selection of apples and a more peaceful picking experience.
• Check Ahead: Their website (fischerorchards.com) is usually updated with what apple varieties are ripe for picking and any special events. Save yourself a trip by knowing what you’re after.
• Beyond the Honeycrisp: Yes, Honeycrisps are amazing. But don't sleep on other varieties! Haralsons are fantastic for baking, Zestars are incredibly juicy, and sometimes you find unique heirlooms. Ask the staff for recommendations – they know their apples.
• Prep for Your Haul: Have a plan for those apples! Apple pie, applesauce, apple crisp, or just slicing them up for snacks. A big batch of applesauce freezes beautifully for those deep winter days (yes, I own Yaktrax, no I don't like it either, but at least I'll have homemade applesauce to make it bearable).

Skip this if:

You hate walking in fields, expect a theme park experience with rides and extensive entertainment, or are solely looking for alcoholic cider tastings (while some orchards do have hard cider, Fischer's focus is on the fruit and farm experience itself, which is what I recommend you go for anyway).

There’s something incredibly grounding about spending a few hours outside, doing something tangible like picking apples. It's a reminder of the simple pleasures, the changing seasons, and the bounty that comes from our local farms. Load up your bags, enjoy the crisp air, and bring a little bit of Minnesota fall home with you.

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Photo by Michael & Diane Weidner on Unsplash