Wallin says the strawberries are typically ready to pick by the first of July in Nisswa . Raspberries and blueberries ripen around July 10 , but it changes year to year , so he recommends people call first before coming out to the farm .
“ Last summer ( 2020 ), we probably had as many pickers as we ’ ve ever had ,” said Wallin . “ I think on the first day we must have had 300 pickers out there at one time . I think it ’ s because a lot of people just wanted to get back outside into nature after being cooped up inside for so long .”
Wallin Berry Farm ’ s U-pick fields are spread across three acres , offering plenty of room for social distancing , which of course was necessary in 2020 due to the pandemic and will be in 2021 as well .
Wallin says over the years the biggest change he has seen in the industry is a decrease in the number of fruit people pick . “ Most people used to come out here for the purpose of getting enough fruit to make jams and jellies . We still have people that do that , but it seems the majority of guests just want enough fruit for a few meals .”
Wallin Berry Farm is located at 8214 County Road 18 , Nisswa , MN 56468 . Call 218-963-7456 for more information , or check out the company ’ s Facebook page : Facebook . com / Wallin-Berry-Farm-Nisswa- MN-136108203081375 .
Another popular U-pick business Up North is the Brambling Rows Farm in Brainerd . Owners Rachel and Travis Cobb are new to the industry . They took over the former Brambling Rows Berry Farm from John and Ruth Jansen in April 2019 . The Jansens had run the business for 20 years before deciding the time had come to retire .
Brambling Rows Farm , located on Roscoe Road south of Brainerd , offers U-pick raspberries , blueberries and Concord grapes . They also grow a wide variety of vegetables that are sold on their farm , as well as at the Nisswa , Brainerd and Baxter farmers markets .
Rachel Cobb grew up in the Brainerd Lakes area , then moved to Colorado where she honed her farming skills , working for a similar operation out there . She made the decision to move home after her parents told her the Jensens had put their place up for sale .
“ Farming is very rewarding for me ,” she said . “ I really enjoy the challenges of it and how satisfying it can be .”
Brambling Rows Farm is located at 7664 Roscoe Rd , Brainerd , MN 56401 . More information is available on the website , Bramblingrowsfarm . com , or by calling 218-232-4238 .
GOLF ON THE SCENIC MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI RIVER ...
Open to the Public
112 6th St SE , Little Falls , MN 56345 320-632-8789
Shower Doors Custom Mirrors • Cabinet Glass Commercial Door Hardware Aluminum Storefronts / Automatic Doors
Hungry ?
• Hand Cut Steaks
• Walleye
• Ribs • Pasta
• House Made Soups
~ Sauk Centre , Mn ~
Just a short drive from the Twin Cities on beautiful Sauk Lake . Great fishing / recreational lake . 8 cabins that sleep from 2-8 people , pet friendly , pets stay at no cost , pontoon rentals , full bar / restaurant . John and Lisa Dockstader , Owners 320.352.5112
PUTTING GREEN • DRIVING RANGE PRACTICE AREA • PRO SHOP RESTAURANT LOUNGE • SNACKS • CATERING PARTY & RECEPTION SPACE AVAILABLE
SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS
HOURS 7am to 9pm | 1 Edgewater Drive , Little Falls | RESERVATIONS 320.616.5520 | littlefallsgolf . com
Also reserve our private event space for the perfect group dinners , business meetings and family gatherings !
Serving
Prime Rib
Fridays & Saturdays !
14819 Edgewood Drive , Baxter , MN 56425 • 218-828-8400 www . blackbearlodgemn . com
destinationupnorth . com 31