When the holidays roll around and it’s time to pick out a tree, it’s just more festive to head out and cut your own Christmas tree than to throw one on top of the car at a supermarket. From Fraser fir, to Norway pine, to blue spruce, in Minnesota, we’re fortunate to have many fine Christmas tree farms. Here are our favorites.
The Krueger family has been farming their land for more than 100 years and have been growing Christmas for over half a century. They have multiple tree varieties available and use sustainable growing practices. During the holiday season, you can enjoy a bonfire and hot cider.
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Pinestead Tree Farms is a place where you can do a whole lot more than just select and cut your own Christmas tree. You can also pick up a wreath or holiday greenery. The farm has a holiday gift shop on site, a model train layout, and a regular schedule of family-friendly events during the holiday season.
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Jan’s Christmas Trees in Clear Lake goes all out for the holiday season. Apart from Christmas trees and wreaths, you’ll find a straw pile, horse-drawn wagon rides, a bonfire, and a gift shop. Oh, and Santa Claus drops in by helicopter. Now that’s something you don’t see everyday…
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Hinkemeyer Tree Farm has been a holiday tradition in Rice, Minnesota, for nearly 50 years. Choose and cut your own family’s Christmas tree, browse the wreath selection, and dash through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh. Then you can warm up around the bonfire with toasted marshmallows and s’mores.
Folks in the Northland can cut their own Christmas trees at Chub Lake Tree Farm near Carlton. They specialize in northern balsam fir trees, which retain their color and needles for a long time after experiencing a freeze in the Minnesota winter. Grab a wreath and enjoy a cookie and cup of cider while you search for the perfect tree.
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If you’re persnickety about your Christmas tree, you’re likely to find a prime specimen at Happy Land Tree Farms: Their Christmas trees have won Grand Champion at the Minnesota State Fair multiple times. Hike or cross-country ski the farm to find the perfect tree. Enjoy coffee, cider, or a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Then warm up in the gift shop or next to the bon fire.
Goldenman Christmas Trees have also won multiple kudos at the Minnesota State Fair. But they’re as serious about holiday fun as they are about growing top-quality Christmas trees. Go for a hayride then stop into the gift shop to browse or to grab a snack.
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At Plants Beautiful Christmas Tree Farm & Gift Shop, you can take a holiday ride in a horse-drawn wagon or sleigh, visit Santa, roast a hot dog or brat over an open fire, and visit their enormous holiday gift shop. And you can also find a stunning Christmas tree for your home.
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If you’re in the Rochester area, head over to Wittlief Tree Farms in Oronoco to find a fabulous fir for your family. In addition to Christmas trees that you can choose and cut yourself, you’ll find wreaths, garland, and if you’re lucky, home-backed Christmas cookies.
