U-Pick available High confidence Dakota, Minnesota

Southwind Orchards

Name: Southwind Orchards
Address: 45443 County Road 12, Dakota, MN, 55925, US
Telephone: (507) 643-6255

Contact & location

Address

45443 County Road 12
Dakota, MN 55925

Phone

(507) 643-6255

Website

www.southwindorchards.com/

Where Southwind Orchards is located

Southwind Orchards sits in Dakota, Winona County, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of Minnesota. The farm's street address is 45443 County Road 12, Dakota, MN 55925.

Most visitors reach Southwind Orchards by car; the drive winds past rolling farmland that's especially pretty during peak fall color. From the nearest highway exit, follow signs toward Dakota and continue on local county roads to 45443 County Road 12. GPS is reliable to the farm entrance, and there is on-site parking once you arrive.

Landmarks in the area include downtown Dakota, nearby farm stands, and small-town diners that make a great pre or post-picking stop. Cell service can get spotty on back roads, so it's smart to download the map to your phone before you leave the highway.

Open in Google Maps →

Looking for the best apple picking near Dakota, Minnesota? Southwind Orchards is a working apple orchard located in Dakota, Minnesota (Winona County), welcoming families, couples, and photographers each fall for a classic American harvest experience.

Southwind Orchards sits inside one of Minnesota's most beloved apple-growing regions. Between the smell of fresh cider, warm apple donuts, and rows of Honeycrisp and McIntosh trees heavy with fruit, it's the kind of place that turns a simple Saturday into a memory your kids will still talk about years later.

Pick-Your-Own Apples at Southwind Orchards

Pick-your-own apples at Southwind Orchards is exactly what it sounds like, you walk the orchard, pick apples directly off the tree, and pay by the bag or pound when you're done. Staff will point you toward the rows that are ripe that week, hand you a picking bag or bucket, and give you a quick tip on how to twist (not pull) the apple.

On-Farm Activities

pick-your-own

Best Time to Visit

Apple season at Southwind Orchards runs from late August through late October, like most orchards in Minnesota. The sweet spot for a first-time visit is the last two weeks of September through the first two weeks of October.

Weekends between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. are the friendliest time to arrive. Weekdays are the most peaceful, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning may have entire rows to yourself.

What to Bring

• Cash (backup for the farm stand)
• Closed-toe walking shoes
• A light jacket or flannel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water bottles for the walk
• Reusable bags for the ride home
• A camera or phone charged for photos
• Small bills for cider and donuts

Where Southwind Orchards is located

Southwind Orchards sits in Dakota, Winona County, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of Minnesota. The farm's street address is 45443 County Road 12, Dakota, MN 55925.

Open in Google Maps →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Southwind Orchards offer pick-your-own apples?+

Yes, Southwind Orchards offers pick-your-own apples during the harvest season. Guests walk the rows, pick apples straight from the tree, and pay by the bag, bucket, or pound at the farm stand.

When is apple picking season at Southwind Orchards?+

Apple season at most U.S. orchards runs from late August through late October. Call ahead or check Southwind Orchards's website before your visit to confirm which varieties are ripe.

What are Southwind Orchards's hours?+

Hours at Southwind Orchards vary by season. We recommend calling ahead at (507) 643-6255 or checking their website the morning of your visit.

How much does apple picking cost at Southwind Orchards?+

Pick-your-own apple prices in the U.S. typically run $1.50–$3.00 per pound, or $20–$40 for a half-bushel bag. Southwind Orchards sets prices at the entrance each season based on the current crop.

What apple varieties can I pick at Southwind Orchards?+

Southwind Orchards grows several classic apple varieties. Popular picks include Honeycrisp for eating, Cortland for baking, and Granny Smith for pies and cider.

Is Southwind Orchards good for kids and families?+

Absolutely, Southwind Orchards welcomes families and offers pick-your-own.

Can I bring my dog to Southwind Orchards?+

Most working orchards ask that pets stay home for food-safety reasons. Call Southwind Orchards to confirm their current pet policy before bringing your dog.

Is there parking at Southwind Orchards?+

Southwind Orchards has on-site parking that's free for guests. Fall weekends are the busiest, mornings are the calmest time to visit.

What should I bring to Southwind Orchards?+

Bring cash, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Southwind Orchards usually provides picking bags or buckets.

Data source: Google Places · Confidence: High