Going beyond the core
More to orchards than just picking apples
September 27, 2014
Freshman Dabreana Byrd expected she would just be picking apples when she visited an apple orchard with her family.
Instead, she tried new foods and shot apples from a cannon.
“When I first went to an apple orchard, it was nowhere near what I expected it to be. I thought that I would just be picking apples but instead there were fun activities to do,” Byrd said.
“I enjoy going to apple orchards, because it is a great way to celebrate the fall spirit. I love making recipes with the apples I pick,” she said.
There are five apple or- chards around the Twin Cities Metro area, such as Apple Jack Orchards, which offers apple picking and other related activities.
These activities include wagon rides through the fields, corn mazes, apple cannons that shoot at targets and homemade goods to purchase.
Apple Jack Orchards, located in Delano, Minnesota, offers activities for students.
Emma Heinonen works at Apple Jack Orchards and said the activities provided make it the perfect day trip.
“Apple Jack Orchards have fall fun activities every day. We have a cake and bakery open, an apple mar- ket, animal park and a corn maze,” Heinonen said.
“We also have live events that both parents and children will enjoy. It is a great way to celebrate the fall season with both friends and family,” she said.
Heinonen said other activities, like pony rides and petting zoos, which kids a chance to interact with animals is unique to Apple Jack Orchard.
Senior Keenan Kneisel visited Minnetonka Orchards and said his favorite activity was getting lost in the corn maze.
“My favorite activity was the corn maze. I go almost every year, and it is always fun to go with friends,” Kneisel said.
“It’s funny getting lost and trying to find your way out. It really gets you in the fall spirit,” he said.
Minnetonka Orchards and Apple Jack Orchard offer live music consisting of acoustic covers on week- ends.
“Our live music appeals to both adults and children. Everyone can just relax and enjoy the day,” Heinonen said.
Sophomore Kamia Guy said the variety of activi- ties appeal to all age groups and she is excited to visit an apple orchard with her family.
“I think that the different activities help people have fun, no matter what age you are,” Guy said. “I’m personally excited to spend time with my family and go on the hay rides.”
