If you are looking for fresh, locally grown apples, don’t miss out on a visit to Carpenter Nature Center’s (CNC) Apple Shack in Hastings. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, the CNC Apple Shack offers 15 varieties of apples and other quality goods for sale, including pumpkins, gourds, squash, honey, and maple syrup. According to CNC, their wildflower honey is extracted from the beehives in early September and is available while supplies last. A selection of gourmet jams, syrups, mustards and more will also be available.

During the fall season, CNC front gates and Apple Shack will remain open until 5 p.m. All other buildings, parking lots, and trails close daily at 4:30 p.m. As you pull into the CNC Minnesota Campus, located at 12805 St. Croix Trail S., take a slight right up the driveway to a gravel road. Smiling faces will be there to greet you inside with pre-picked bags of apples ready for pick up.

The Minnesota apple orchard began as the passion of Thomas and Edna Carpenter in the early 1940’s. Today, Carpenter’s apples are some of the tastiest and healthiest apples in the community, according to CNC. As a nature center, they are committed to growing and providing the highest quality of fruit in a sustainable environment.

For any questions, please call 651-437-4359 and ask for “The Apple Shack."