Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest, widely recognized as the Midwest’s fastest-growing fall destination, will officially reopen its gates on August 16, 2025, bringing with it a mix of tradition, innovation, and record-breaking milestones. This year marks a significant achievement for Ferguson’s Family of Farms, as the orchard network surpasses the monumental milestone of 100 million apples grown. To put that into perspective, lining up all those apples end to end would span nearly 5,780 miles—enough to stretch from Los Angeles to New York City and back again.
This achievement is a testament not only to the hard work of the Ferguson family but also to their commitment to sustainable agriculture. With more than 400,000 apple trees producing over 13 million apples in 2024 alone, the farms contribute far beyond the joy of the harvest. Their apple trees generate enough oxygen each year to meet the breathing needs of more than 15,000 people—a reminder that their orchards are as beneficial for the planet as they are delicious for visitors.
Co-owner Andy Ferguson emphasized that the mission has always gone beyond farming. “We’re on track to welcome our two-millionth visitor this fall, and that milestone speaks to the powerful connection families feel when they visit our farms,” he said. “We’ve worked hard to lead the way in agritourism by constantly innovating and creating unforgettable fall experiences. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the same families and visitors come back year after year to make new memories together.”
Where Agriculture Meets Entertainment
As more families seek outdoor getaways and opportunities to escape the fast pace of city life, Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest offers a quintessential autumn experience. It’s part of a growing “agritourism” movement—a blend of agriculture, tourism, and entertainment that allows visitors to experience the beauty of the farm firsthand. Located less than 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities, Minnesota Harvest has become a seasonal tradition for locals and travelers alike.
In 2025, guests can expect an even more robust lineup of activities. Alongside timeless favorites such as the cow train, corn pit, duck races, and wagon rides, there are newer attractions designed to engage all ages. Unique experiences like giant spinning apples, pumpkin jumping pads, and pedal tractors add playful twists to a day at the farm.
This year, Ferguson’s is introducing two major new attractions:
- Interactive Paintball Shooting Gallery – Visitors can test their aim in this action-packed activity, available for an additional fee.
- Expanded Sunflower Festival – Guests can stroll through a breathtaking field of sunflowers, perfect for nature lovers and photographers seeking that golden-hour shot.
Visitors can also challenge themselves in the “Farm to Tap” corn maze—a creative, 1.5-mile-long labyrinth that tells the story of an apple’s journey from orchard to the now-famous Apple Cider Slushie.
A full list of attractions is available online at
A Harvest for the Taste Buds
Fall at Ferguson’s is not just about sights and activities—it’s also a culinary celebration. After a day exploring the orchards and attractions, guests can indulge in a wide array of seasonal foods. The expanded food and dessert menu for 2025 includes:
- Freshly baked pizzas, now available with gluten-free crusts
- Apple-inspired sundaes that combine the orchard’s best fruit with decadent toppings
- Cider floats for a sweet, refreshing twist on a classic drink
At the heart of the culinary experience are Ferguson’s apple-based specialties. Visitors can stop by the Country Store and multiple cider bars to sample fresh-baked pies, pastries, and the orchard’s signature apple cider donuts—still warm and perfectly spiced. The store also stocks a variety of locally made crafts, gifts, and fresh-picked apples, including the popular Honeycrisp and SweeTango varieties.
For adults, there’s an elevated tasting experience. Guests can sip their way through local hard cider flights, seasonal brews, and the Instagram-worthy apple cider slushies—sometimes topped with an apple cider donut for extra indulgence. This year also marks the debut of Ferguson Apple Wine, a crisp and refreshing varietal that captures the essence of a Minnesota fall in every sip.
Recognition and Reputation
Over the years, Minnesota Harvest has built a strong reputation both locally and nationally. In 2024, the orchard earned the titles of “Best Apple Orchard” and “Best Fall Destination” in Minnesota from the Star Tribune. It was also named one of the top orchards in the United States by Wide Open Country. These accolades reflect the farm’s ongoing commitment to excellence in both agriculture and hospitality.
Admission and Seasonal Access
Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest keeps pricing straightforward and family-friendly. General admission is $18 per person, which includes access to all standard attractions and unlimited visits for the entire season. Children under two enter free of charge. Active-duty military, veterans, and seniors can enjoy the experience for a discounted rate of $15 per person.
The season pass—automatically included with admission—offers daily entry from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, running through November 2, 2025. This means families can return again and again to experience the orchard’s shifting beauty and flavors throughout the season.
A Celebration of Community, Nature, and Tradition
Beyond the statistics, awards, and attractions, what truly sets Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest apart is its role as a place where community and tradition intersect. Each fall, the orchard transforms into a vibrant hub where visitors of all ages can connect with nature, savor seasonal flavors, and share in the joy of the harvest.
For the Ferguson family, the 2025 season is not just about surpassing 100 million apples or reaching their two-millionth visitor. It’s about continuing to create a space where families, friends, and communities come together to make lasting memories. Whether it’s a first-time visitor tasting a cider donut fresh from the fryer, a couple wandering through the sunflower fields, or kids laughing on the cow train, Minnesota Harvest has become a touchstone for what autumn in the Midwest is all about.
