Autumn in Minnesota: Where Apples Meet Entrepreneurship

Autumn in Minnesota is a season of contrasts—moody skies, sudden temperature swings, and the unmistakable buzz of Vikings football. But for many Minnesotans, fall also means one thing: apples. Whether you're strolling through a grocery store, browsing a farmers’ market, pulling over at a roadside stand, or wandering through a picturesque orchard, you're bound to encounter one of the state's most beloved seasonal treats in peak form.

Growing up in neighboring South Dakota, I knew Minnesota had apples. But I didn’t fully grasp the depth of the state’s apple obsession until I lived here. It’s a passion that rivals the fervor for the Minnesota State Fair—and perhaps it’s no coincidence that these two institutions intersected back in 1866. That year, the Minnesota Fruit Growers Association was founded at the State Fair, with a mission to develop apple varieties hardy enough to survive the state’s brutal winters. Just two years later, it evolved into the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, which still thrives today, supporting growers and gardeners across the state. 

The entrepreneurial spirit behind Minnesota’s apple industry is deeply rooted in innovation and collaboration. In 1878, the Minnesota State Experimental Fruit Farm was established under the University of Minnesota’s guidance. This partnership between researchers and farmers laid the groundwork for a legacy of apple breeding that continues to this day. The University’s apple breeding program has produced iconic varieties like Honeycrisp, Zestar!®, SweeTango®, First Kiss, Honeygold, and Haralson (a tart and crip variety favored by another entreVIEW author and colleague)—apples that have not only delighted consumers but also transformed the industry.

Honeycrisp, for example, was named Minnesota’s official state fruit in 2006 and has been credited with reviving a declining apple industry. Its crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor have made it a premium product, boosting profits for small and medium-sized orchards across the state. Zestar!®, introduced in 1999, is another early-season favorite known for its sprightly flavor and cold-hardiness—traits essential for Minnesota’s climate. 

Today, apples are a $14 million industry in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, commercial orchards span 78 of the state’s 87 counties, producing nearly 16 million pounds of fruit annually. That’s over 330,000 acres dedicated to apple cultivation, with more than 115 retail orchards offering a distinctive assortment of varieties.

These orchards aren’t just farms—they’re small businesses, family legacies, and entrepreneurial ventures that blend agriculture with tourism, hospitality, and retail. Minnesota’s apple entrepreneurs have embraced modern marketing, direct-to-consumer sales, agritourism, and sustainability practices—all while preserving the heritage of apple growing. From developing new cultivars to hosting fall festivals and cider tastings, these businesses are constantly evolving to meet consumer demand and create memorable experiences.

So next time you bite into a crisp Honeycrisp or wander through an orchard on a brisk fall day, remember: you're not just enjoying a seasonal treat. You're tasting the fruits of generations of entrepreneurial spirit, scientific collaboration, and Minnesota pride.