Rooted in Minnesota Soil

Every apple we grow begins with gratitude for the land God has entrusted to us. From planting to harvest, we care for the orchard with holistic, sustainable practices — so what you taste is more than just an apple. It’s the story of Minnesota, faith, and family in every crisp bite.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7–8

Rows of apple trees in an apple orchard, with red apples visible on the branches, surrounded by green grass and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

Our Process

At Gilchrist Orchard, growing apples isn’t just about the harvest — it’s about honoring God with the way we care for His land. Since 1985, we’ve taken a holistic approach to tending our trees, choosing labor-intensive methods that build healthier soil, stronger trees, and better fruit.

We never use glyphosate (RoundUp) for weed control. Instead, we rely on practices that work with creation rather than against it, because what we grow is what we feed our own family.

Alongside Minnesota favorites, we’re proud to nurture heirloom varieties — like the beloved Chestnut Crab, first cultivated in 1946 — which add big flavor and serve as a cornerstone for our cider-making. And we’re continually planting more heirlooms to ensure each harvest carries forward a legacy of health, flavor, and sustainability for generations to come.

A happy older couple standing close together outdoors, smiling, with a large apple tree bearing red apples behind them in an orchard.
Group of six people harvest apples in an orchard with a tractor and a large bin full of apples.

Nurture It

Each season begins with quiet faithfulness — pruning, tending, and protecting the trees God’s entrusted to us. It’s slow, steady work that prepares the orchard for a strong and fruitful harvest.

A woman with a blue headband and dark gray shirt standing behind cardboard boxes labeled "Apples" in a warehouse or packing facility, with another person sitting in the background working on a phone.

Share It

From farmers markets to family tables, we’re grateful to share the fruit God’s grown here. Each harvest is a gift — meant to be savored, celebrated, and shared around the table with the people you love.

  • Yes! We offer U-Pick Apple reservations in the fall season. Stay tuned for opening dates and details on how to book your visit.

  • For the safety of our guests and to protect our orchard, we kindly ask that you leave pets at home.

  • While we aren’t certified organic, we do use organic methods and a holistic approach to farming. Our goal is to grow healthy, flavorful apples without chemicals like Glyphosate (Round Up).

  • We grow a wide range of Minnesota favorites, from Honeycrisp and Haralson to heirloom varieties like the Chestnut Crab

FAQs

A young girl and an adult picking apples from an apple tree in an orchard during sunset. The girl is wearing denim overalls and the adult is behind her, reaching for the apples with a basket of harvested apples on the ground.