Wild State Cider and Duluth Cider

One of the most scenic Fall destinations is Duluth with views overlooking Lake Superior. After exploring places like Chester Bowl, Gooseberry Falls and Jay Cooke State Park, visit both Wild State Cider and Duluth Cider in the Lincoln Park Craft District.  They’re within walking distance of each other and near fun local shops, including Free Air Life Co.  Don’t miss the soft serve ice cream and pretzels at Wild State.

Cider Recommendations: Duluth Cider’s Las Lajas coffee cider is incredibly popular, or try my favorite: the seasonal Chai cider. At Wild State Cider, sample the Raspberry Hibiscus and enjoy it with a giant pretzel and soft serve ice cream. Both places have great patios to hang out on, too.

Where to Stay: Inn on Lake Superior in Canal Park or Oldenburg House in Carlton (closer to Jay Cooke)

Milk & Honey Ciders

Just ranked the Best Cidery in the U.S. for 2021, Milk & Honey Ciders is set on a relaxing orchard with both indoor and outdoor seating. Milk & Honey frequently hosts outdoor yoga, live music and food trucks. In the surrounding area, check out the Lake Wobegon Biking Trail, Quarry Park and Nature Preserve and Munsinger Clemens Gardens.   

Cider Recommendation: Try the Alchemy, which is an ice cider aged for seven months in bourbon barrels.

Where to Stay: Sable Inn B&B  (Bonus: Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery is just under 50 minutes from Sable Inn B&B)

Number 12 Cider, Minneapolis Cider Co., Sociable Cider Werks and Urban Forage Winery and Cider House

Minneapolis is lucky to have four great cideries that can be grouped together for a fun weekend. In between cider tastings, take a stroll on the Stone Arch Bridge, visit the Minneapolis Farmers Market, and dine at a top rated restaurant: Spoon and Stable, Young Joni and Bar La Grassa are all nearby. 

Cider Recommendations: At Number 12, enjoy the Black Market or a hot cider with a woodfired pizza alongside a bonfire on the patio. Try the Mango Habanero at Minneapolis Cider Co., the classic Freewheeler at Sociable Cider Werks and the Blackcurrant at Urban Forage.

Where to Stay: Hewing Hotel or Hotel Ivy

Loon Juice Cider at Four Daughters Winery

A quaint town in Southeastern Minnesota, Lanesboro offers a lot including the Root River State Trail, boutiques and restaurants on the main street and is near a unique state park: Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. Also nearby is Four Daughters Winery, reminiscent of gorgeous wine estates in places like Melbourne and South Africa. Check the latest calendar for fun events like movies in the vineyards.

Cider Recommendation: The Grow a Pear cider is the perfect combination of local apples and pears. Try it as part of a sampler with a brick oven pizza on the patio overlooking the vineyards.

Where to Stay: Habberstad House B&B. If you’d like to stay closer to Rochester, check out Hotel Indigo.

Keepsake Cidery   

Faribault is a historic town with lots to explore. In addition to visiting Keepsake Cidery, located 15 minutes north of Faribault in Dundas, tour the Faribault Woolen Mill, hike at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, bike the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail and enjoy the bakeries and cafes on Central Avenue.

Cider Recommendation: Enjoy the Wild cider with a toastie sandwich (made with lots of locally grown ingredients) on the patio. Check their calendar for fun cookout nights, too.

Where to Stay: The Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s

Thor’s Hard Cider (at Aamodt’s Apple Farm)

A classic Fall destination along the St. Croix River is Stillwater. There’s plenty to do, from strolling antique shops to axe throwing at The Lumberjack to renting electric bikes for Brown’s Creek State Trail and walking across the newly restored lift bridge. While you can enjoy a classic fall orchard day at Aamodt’s Apple Farm, don’t miss trying Thor’s Hard Cider, available in the barn.

Cider Recommendation: The Ginger Fizz is a unique and delicious flavor. Sit on the patio and enjoy it alongside apple treats from Aamodt’s.  

Where to Stay: Lora Hotel or Hotel Crosby

1910 Sip House

In the land of 10,000 lakes, Otter Tail county has the most lakes in the state. There are plenty of water-based activities like fishing or kayaking in addition to land-based activities like hiking at Glendalough State Park and Maplewood State Park and shopping local boutiques. A stop at 1910 Sip House will certainly be memorable as it’s located in a grain bin.

Cider Recommendation: Try the Pickledilly–it’s uniquely made with a homemade dill pickle infusion. Plus, check their calendar for food trucks and live music nights.

Where to Stay: Whistle Stop B&B