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Food and Wine
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Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : Bring Me the News
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Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest opens for the season with new attractions and food

Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest: A Seasonal Tradition Blooms Anew in the Heartland

In the rolling hills of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, where the crisp autumn air carries the scent of ripening apples and freshly turned earth, Ferguson's Orchards has once again flung open its gates to welcome visitors for the harvest season. This family-owned gem, a staple of Midwestern fall festivities, marks the beginning of what promises to be a bountiful year, drawing families, foodies, and nature enthusiasts from across the region. As the leaves begin their vibrant transformation, Ferguson's stands as a testament to agricultural heritage, blending time-honored traditions with modern agritourism flair.

Founded in 1959 by the Ferguson family, the orchard has grown from a modest apple farm into a sprawling 200-acre destination that embodies the spirit of Minnesota's rural charm. What started as a simple operation selling bushels of Honeycrisp and Haralson apples has evolved into a multifaceted experience that includes pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and even a petting zoo. This year, the season officially kicked off on September 15th, with the orchard's owners reporting an optimistic outlook despite unpredictable weather patterns that have challenged farmers statewide. "We've had a wet spring followed by a dry summer, but our trees are loaded," said owner Tom Ferguson in a recent interview. "It's all about resilience—both for the crops and for us."

At the heart of Ferguson's appeal is its apple orchard, boasting over 20 varieties meticulously cultivated to thrive in Minnesota's harsh climate. Visitors can wander through rows of trees heavy with fruit, picking their own baskets under the guidance of knowledgeable staff. The Honeycrisp, a Minnesota native developed at the University of Minnesota in the 1970s, remains the star attraction. Its juicy, crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor have made it a national favorite, and Ferguson's prides itself on offering some of the freshest picks available. For those less inclined to forage, the on-site market overflows with pre-picked produce, homemade pies, cider doughnuts, and jars of apple butter simmered in copper kettles—a nod to old-world preserving techniques.

Beyond apples, the harvest season at Ferguson's transforms the property into a veritable autumn playground. The pumpkin patch, spanning several acres, features gourds of all shapes and sizes, from petite pie pumpkins to massive carving varieties that tip the scales at over 50 pounds. Families flock here for the annual pumpkin festival, which includes contests for the biggest pumpkin and creative carving competitions. Adjacent to this is the corn maze, a labyrinthine puzzle cut into a field of towering stalks, challenging visitors to navigate twists and turns while learning fun facts about local agriculture embedded in trivia stations along the way.

Hayrides offer a more relaxed way to soak in the scenery, with tractor-pulled wagons meandering through the orchards and fields, often accompanied by live folk music on weekends. For animal lovers, the petting zoo introduces gentle farm critters like goats, sheep, and even a few alpacas, providing educational moments about sustainable farming practices. Ferguson's emphasizes eco-friendly methods, such as integrated pest management and cover cropping to maintain soil health, reflecting a growing trend in Minnesota agriculture toward sustainability amid climate concerns.

This year's opening comes at a pivotal time for local farms, as the state grapples with economic pressures from fluctuating commodity prices and labor shortages. Ferguson's has adapted by expanding its offerings to include seasonal events like wine tastings featuring local vineyards and craft fairs showcasing artisanal goods from nearby makers. A new addition this season is the "Harvest Kitchen," a demonstration area where chefs lead workshops on cooking with fresh produce, from apple crisps to pumpkin soups. These initiatives not only boost revenue but also foster community ties, drawing urban dwellers from the Twin Cities area who seek a respite from city life.

Tom Ferguson, the third-generation owner, shares stories of the orchard's evolution, recalling how his grandparents weathered the farm crises of the 1980s by pivoting to direct-to-consumer sales. Today, the operation employs over 50 seasonal workers, many of whom are local high school students gaining hands-on experience in agriculture. "It's more than just picking fruit," Ferguson explains. "We're preserving a way of life, teaching the next generation about where their food comes from." This sentiment resonates with visitors like Sarah Jenkins, a Minneapolis resident who brings her children annually. "It's our fall ritual," she says. "The kids love the freedom of running through the fields, and I appreciate the fresh, local produce that supports farmers."

As the season progresses into October, Ferguson's ramps up for peak weekends, when crowds can swell to thousands. Special events include a haunted hayride for Halloween enthusiasts and a Thanksgiving market featuring turkeys from partnering farms. The orchard also partners with local schools for field trips, integrating lessons on botany, ecology, and nutrition into the fun. Amidst the festivities, there's an underlying message of gratitude for nature's bounty, especially after years marked by droughts and early frosts that have tested growers' mettle.

For those planning a visit, Ferguson's operates daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through late October, with admission fees covering access to most activities—though extras like wagon rides incur a small charge. The orchard's website offers tips for the best picking times and even a virtual tour for remote enthusiasts. In an era where farm-to-table is more than a buzzword, Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest serves as a vibrant reminder of the joys of seasonal living, inviting all to partake in the simple pleasures of autumn's embrace.

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