Eight Places to Sample Minnesota-made Cider
Eight Places to Sample Minnesota-made Cider
By Sara Lynch
For many Minnesotans, fall is synonymous with apples. Not just U-pick farms and fresh donuts or juice, either. Over the past decade, Minnesota has become a key player in the country's growing craft cider scene.
With around 20 producers spread across the state, there are plenty of cider-centric destinations to visit for day trips. Or better yet, a whole weekend away. Here are eight, along with where to stay and what to drink while you're there.
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Duluth
Wild State Cider / Andrew Parks
DuluthWith its views overlooking Lake Superior, Duluth is one of the state's most scenic fall destinations. 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.
What to Drink: Duluth Cider’s Las Lajas coffee cider is incredibly popular, or try our favorite: the seasonal Chai cider. At Wild State Cider, sample the Raspberry Hibiscus alongside a giant pretzel and soft serve ice cream. Both places have great patios to hang out on, too.
Where to Stay: The Inn on Lake Superior in Canal Park or Oldenburg House in Carlton (closer to Jay Cooke)
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Greater St. Cloud
Friends enjoy a round of artisanal cider at Milk & Honey in St. Joseph / Micah Kvidt
Greater St. CloudRanked the Best Cidery in the U.S. in 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.
What to Drink: Try the Alchemy, which is an ice cider aged for seven months in bourbon barrels.
Where to Stay: Sable Inn B&B, which is located about 50 minutes away from Sapsucker Farms Yellow Belly Cidery.
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Minneapolis
Urban Forage Winery and Cider House, Minneapolis / Angela Knox
MinneapolisMinneapolis is lucky to have four great cideries that can be grouped together for a fun weekend: Number 12 Cider, Minneapolis Cider Co., Sociable Cider Werks and Urban Forage Winery and Cider House. 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.
What to Drink: 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
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Lanesboro
Laugh and reconnect with friends at a Minnesota vineyard
LanesboroA 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, it also produces the popular Loon Juice Cider. Check the latest calendar for fun events like movies in the vineyards.
What to Drink: 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, or check out Hotel Indigo if you’d like to stay closer to Rochester
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Faribault
Keepsake Cidery / Andrew Parks
FaribaultFaribault 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
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Stillwater
Aamodt's Apple Farm / Samantha Polski
StillwaterA 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
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Otter Tail County
1910 Sip House / Kvidt Creative
Otter Tail CountyIn 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
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Brainerd
Woodlore Cider / Andrew Parks
BrainerdHiding in plain sight along a Brainerd highway — not far from its fellow resort town Nisswa — is the laid-back taproom of Minnesota's latest apple whisperers. Josh and Cami Gazelka opened Woodlore Cider over Labor Day weekend in 2022, bringing the couple's shared love of small-batch cider to a sleepy stretch of Central Minnesota far better known for supper club spots and #lakelife. Josh actually got into cider-making during the pandemic, and Cami is a yoga instructor, so Woodlore splits the difference between their two interests with bi-weekly classes that include a free pint.
Cider Recommendation: While Pear Ginger is a perfectly balanced pick from Woodlore's core lineup, beer fans should also look out for a hopped seasonal that's both spicy and floral.
Where to Stay: Madden's on Gull Lake or Grand View Lodge