Berry Picking in the Twin Cities Gateway: 3 Local Patches

Whether you are looking to bake the perfect summer pie, whip up a batch of homemade freezer jam, or simply spend a sunny day outdoors, the region has some incredible picking spots. Today, we are highlighting three fantastic patches—two nested directly within our vibrant gateway communities and one beloved local favorite sitting just a stone’s throw away. Pack your sun hats, grab your sunscreen, and let’s go!

1. Berry Picking at Berry Hill Farm (Anoka, MN)

Tucked away in the historic community of Anoka, Berry Hill Farm offers a quintessential, wide-open country picking experience across 100 acres of beautiful farmland. Known for its welcoming, family-first atmosphere, this farm is highly praised by locals for keeping exceptionally clean, well-mulched rows that make navigating the patch a breeze for young children and adults alike.

The seasonal magic starts here in mid-May with fresh rhubarb pulling, transitioning seamlessly into heavy strawberry fields by mid-to-late June. If you miss the strawberry window, do not worry—their summer raspberries peak shortly after, offering sweet picking well into July.

2. Waldoch Farm “Strawberry Days” Berry Picking (Lino Lakes, MN)

If you want to pair your summer harvest with a full day of farm-style entertainment, Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes is the ultimate destination. This centennial farm has been operating for over a century, blending rich agricultural roots with modern family fun through their Joyer Adventure Farm area.

Waldoch Farm hosts a highly anticipated “Strawberry Days” event when their crop reaches peak ripeness. Because they utilize precise, professional growing techniques, the berry picking is incredibly sweet and plentiful, though the high demand means the season typically flies by in about two weeks. Once you have filled your baskets, you can stick around to visit the farm animals, browse the garden center, or return later in the summer for their unique pick-your-own vegetable fields.

3. Traditional Berry Picking at Nowthen Berries (Nowthen, MN)

For those pure strawberry purists who love supporting hyper-local, dedicated growers, Nowthen Berries is well worth the short drive just past our northern gateway border. Situated minutes away from Ramsey and Anoka, this strictly boutique, family-operated patch is entirely dedicated to the timeless tradition of the pick-your-own strawberry harvest.

Nowthen Berries prides itself on a no-fuss, authentic agricultural experience. They gladly supply heavy-duty picking buckets and sturdy take-home containers at no extra charge. The rows are narrow, lush, and carefully tended, meaning it is designed purely for peaceful foot traffic and dedicated harvesters aiming to gather the absolute finest berries of the season.