A straightforward u-pick patch in scenic eastern Washington County, best for residents east of Minneapolis who want a simple, reliable field experience without elaborate attractions.
Schiltgen Farms is a straightforward u-pick operation in Afton, Washington County—just east of the Twin Cities in the scenic St. Croix River valley. The 4.8-star rating across 58 reviews reflects consistent quality and visitor satisfaction; the lower review count (compared to higher-traffic patches like Waldoch) suggests a smaller, more neighborhood-focused operation that cultivates steadier, more local traffic rather than pursuing metro-wide marketing.
This is a farm for visitors who want to pick pumpkins without elaborate entertainment, hayrides, or extensive farm-store browsing. If you’re eastern metro-based or enjoy scenic landscapes, the river-valley location adds value to the outing.
Schiltgen Farms closes at 6:30pm—earlier than most metro patches (many run until 7pm or later). This shapes your visit. If you’re thinking about an after-work 5pm arrival, you’ll get only 90 minutes in the field before the farm closes. Plan your visit with this window in mind.
Early October (first two weeks) is optimal. Field selection is highest, frost hasn’t yet reduced supply, and temperatures are comfortable for outdoor picking (typically mid-40s at dawn, 60s by midday). Mid-week visits are quieter than weekends; a Tuesday or Wednesday morning (arriving around 10am) puts you in a nearly empty field.
Late October carries frost risk, especially in northern Minnesota, but Afton (44.8°N) sits in the milder Twin Cities metro area. The real risk in late October is not frost damage but weather turning unpredictably cold and wet, which changes the comfort math. An evening visit in late October can feel genuinely chilly.
Pricing and admission details are not confirmed for 2026. Call 651-503-5629 before visiting to ask about:
A 1.5-2 hour visit is reasonable; extended browsing isn’t an option (there’s no farm store listed), so your time is simply field time.
Afton’s location in the St. Croix River valley is a genuine differentiator. If you’re visiting in late September or early October, fall color is likely visible in the surrounding bluffs and riverside landscape. This isn’t scenic-overlook tourism, but the drive to and from the patch passes genuine beauty. For eastern metro residents (Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Stillwater direction), the drive is minimal and the setting enhances the outing.
Consider combining this with a Stillwater visit (historic river town, antique shops, restaurants) or a scenic river-valley loop if you’re building a half-day or full-day outing.
Afton is agricultural land in a rural part of Washington County. Parking is likely unpaved or gravel. If you visit after rain or in late October (higher moisture), bring sturdy shoes; Minnesota farm ground becomes muddy quickly after precipitation.
October weather requires layering. A 10am arrival might mean 50-degree temperatures; by early afternoon, you may hit 65 degrees, then cool back down as evening approaches. Bring a light jacket. The 6:30pm close means you’re potentially leaving as evening cools noticeably—dress accordingly.
Schiltgen Farms does not offer hayrides, a farm store, or explicit kids’ attractions (beyond the general fun of picking pumpkins in a field). If your children need structured activities or rides, this may not be the right patch. This is a u-pick-focused, family-friendly but low-frills experience.
Schiltgen’s 2026 dates and hours have not been published as of late August. The 10am-6:30pm schedule is typical but unconfirmed. Call 651-503-5629, check the farm’s website or social media, or stop by in early September to ask in person. Confirm hours, admission structure, and current pumpkin pricing.
Also clarify whether the farm is open on your intended date—some smaller operations have limited hours or close on certain weekdays. The 6:30pm close is firm and important to know up front.
Mid-week mornings, especially early October. The 10am opening is standard; arrive by mid-morning to avoid afternoon heat and late-day crowds. The 6:30pm close is earlier than most metro patches—plan to arrive by 4pm if you want meaningful time in the field.
1.5-2 hours
Moderate on weekends, light to moderate on weekdays. 58 reviews (vs 300+ at nearby Waldoch Farm) suggest a smaller, less-heralded operation that draws steadier, more local traffic than weekend masses. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Agricultural setting, likely unpaved or gravel. Afton sits in the scenic St. Croix River valley; ground conditions depend on recent rainfall. Sturdy shoes are smart.
Not specified in records. Contact 651-503-5629 before visiting if accessibility matters.
You want a full-day festival experience with hayrides, entertainment, or extensive farm-store shopping—Schiltgen is a traditional u-pick-only patch.
Afton is just east of the Twin Cities, in Washington County along the St. Croix River. The scenic river valley supports small towns, river parks, and leaf-peeping drives. Combine this with a drive to nearby Stillwater (river town, historic downtown, shops and restaurants), or a river-valley loop for enhanced fall-color experience.
The farm has not published 2026 dates as of late August. Call 651-503-5629 or check their website. The 10am-6:30pm window shown is typical from past years; confirm before driving.
Afton is genuinely situated in the St. Croix River valley, one of Minnesota's most scenic corridors. The farm itself is agricultural land, not a scenic overlook, but the surrounding landscape (river bluffs, fall color) is worth the drive for eastern metro residents. Visit in late September or early October for peak color.
58 reviews reflect a smaller or less-heavily-marketed operation, not lower quality. High ratings (4.8 stars) suggest consistent positive experiences; the farm simply draws fewer but more loyal visitors.
2026 dates had not been published when we last checked. Check with the farm before driving out.
Admission pricing was not published when we last checked.
2931 Manning Ave S, Afton, MN 55001, in Washington County. It is one of 11 patches we track in Twin Cities Metro.
We track 11 patches in Twin Cities Metro. The farm has not published a gate price, so it cannot be compared on cost — call before you budget.
One caveat worth repeating: this farm had not published its 2026 dates when we last checked, while 4 of the 11 patches we track in Twin Cities Metro had. Treat any date you see elsewhere as last year's until the farm confirms it.
There are 16 other patches we track in Washington County. All Twin Cities Metro patches →
pumpkinpatchesnearme.com
Checked August 2026.