Local Apple Orchards prepare for Bumper Fall Season

Fairmont, MN – As Summer transitions into Autumn, two cherished local apple orchards are gearing up for their annual harvest and the traditions that come with it. Center Creek Orchard and Timberlake Orchard are both reporting promising yields and are preparing to welcome visitors for a season of family fun.

Center Creek orchard: A Community Hub

Center Creek Orchard, a community-focused destination boasting 1,000 apple trees, is owned and operated by Gordy and Karen Toupal. The orchard officially opens its doors to the public on Saturday, September 20th, and will remain open for six consecutive weekends. Visitors can anticipate a diverse range of activities, including hayrides, a jump pad, zip lines, a superslide, barrel rides, an apple sling, basketball, a haunted trail, mazes, and festive fall decorations.

“We just started picking last week. We’re at the very beginning right now, but we expect a big year,” stated gordy Toupal, expressing optimism about the upcoming season.

Featured Apple Varieties and Ideal Growing Conditions

This year, Center Creek Orchard will prominently feature First Kiss, Zestar, and Sweet Tango apple varieties. The recent weather patterns, particularly the plentiful rainfall, have significantly benefited the trees’ health and fruit advancement. According to the united States Department of Agriculture,optimal apple growth requires consistent moisture,especially during the fruit-filling stages.

“We have one of the better crops we’ve ever had right now,” toupal explained. “The rain’s been good for the apples; it plumps them up. We got off to a good start, had lots of blossoms, and excellent pollination, resulting in a superior crop.”

Toupal also highlighted the orchard’s appeal as a full-day destination, attracting visitors from as far as minneapolis-St. Paul and Sioux Falls. This year, a new bubble-blowing station has been added to the array of attractions.

Timberlake Orchard: A Decade of Growth and Community

Timberlake Orchard offers a sprawling landscape of 3,000 apple trees representing 17 distinct flavors. Along with fresh apples, the orchard provides a selection of homemade baked goods and various other products. This year marks the tenth anniversary of current ownership.

Owner Alden Zeitz announced that the harvest commenced last week,with the orchard officially opening at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday,August 30th.

“Maintaining an orchard is a year-round commitment,” Zeitz emphasized. “Pruning begins in February, followed by continuous maintenance. Then,once the trees bloom,it’s all about nurturing them until fall,when we begin picking.”

Zeitz noted that Timberlake Orchard has attracted visitors from a wide geographical area, including Mankato, Iowa, and South Dakota, with word-of-mouth being a significant driver of its success.

“We’re drawing people from a longer distance than I anticipated,” Zeitz commented. “Most often, they hear about us from local residents who share their positive experiences. This demonstrates that we’re doing something right.” Zeitz further emphasized the orchard’s commitment to building strong customer relationships.

Orchard Hours and Contact Facts

Here’s a swift comparison of the two orchards:

Will you be visiting either of these local apple orchards this fall? What’s your favorite apple variety to pick and enjoy?