This New York Apple Orchard Was Just Voted One Of The Best In America

Crisp apples hang low, mountains ripple on the horizon, and cider donuts perfume the breeze.

Big news for New York fruit fans. Voters across America just ranked this family orchard among the very best in the country.

And honestly, one visit explains why.

A bumpy hayride rolls you out to rows of short trees, so even tiny pickers can grab their own fruit. Kids squeal while parents snap photos.

Then comes the surprise. Imagine launching apples at targets with a real cannon!

Four generations of growers poured their hearts into these hills, and every bite tastes like that legacy.

Grab a bag, pace your energy, and save room for a warm donut.

Fall in New York rarely gets sweeter than a day like this.

Apple Roots That Go Back Generations

Talk about deep roots. The family behind this orchard planted its first apple trees in Clintondale back in the early 1900s.

For more than a century, the family built a strong name as commercial apple growers. Much of that early work focused on selling fruit wholesale rather than welcoming visitors.

Knowledge about growing apples passed from one generation to the next. That kind of expertise takes years to learn, and the family kept it alive through many changing seasons.

The story took a surprising turn in the early 2000s. In 2003, the retail pick-your-own side of the business was sold to the Doubrava family.

Then came a happy homecoming. The family bought the retail operation back in 2015 and set out with a bold goal.

They wanted to build a top-notch agritourism spot where families could spend a full day outdoors. That fresh chapter is what turned Minard’s Family Farm into the place people know today.

Visitors who pick an apple here are tasting the results of a very long family effort. It is a nice detail to share with kids while filling a bag.

History rarely tastes this sweet.

A Top Honor From Readers Across America

When readers picked their favorite apple orchards in the country, Minard’s Family Farm earned the number two spot in the nation.

The farm earned a spot in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Apple Orchard.

That kind of award comes from the public, which makes it special. Regular visitors cast their votes, so the honor reflects real family days out.

National attention did not stop there. The farm has also appeared in national media, including coverage on Fox News.

Of course, an award is only part of the story. The real test happens when visitors arrive with empty baskets and curious kids.

Guests often mention the friendly staff, the clean grounds, and the huge variety of things to do. Those small touches help explain why so many people felt this orchard deserved the spotlight.

For travelers in New York looking for a fall outing, the award is a helpful clue. It suggests the trip will be worth the drive.

Still, the best way to judge is simple. Grab an apple and take a bite.

Rolling Hills And Mountain Views

Look up from the apple trees for a moment. The Shawangunk Mountains stretch across the horizon, and the view steals the show.

Minard’s Family Farm covers more than a hundred acres of land. Most of that space belongs to long rows of apple trees climbing over gentle hills.

All that room means the farm rarely feels cramped, even on busy weekends. Families can wander, spread out, and find a quiet corner among the branches.

The scenery changes with the seasons. Early fall brings green leaves and red fruit, while later weeks add warmer colors to the hills.

Photographers will find plenty to love here. Sunflower fields, pumpkins, and mountain ridges make easy backdrops for family pictures.

The fresh country air adds to the charm. A day here feels like a real break from busy streets and crowded sidewalks.

Visitors from New York City and other nearby towns often come just for this slower pace. The Hudson Valley setting makes the whole trip feel calm and open.

Bring a camera and a little patience. The best view might appear right after the next row of trees.

Picking Apples Right Off The Branch

Ready, set, pick. The main event at Minard’s Family Farm is filling a bag with fresh apples straight from the tree.

A hayride usually carries guests out to the orchard. The bumpy ride is part of the fun, and kids tend to love it.

Many of the trees are fairly short. That means little hands can often reach the fruit without much help from grown-ups.

The apple varieties available can change during the season. Some weeks may offer several kinds, while other times the choices might be more limited.

Here is a helpful tip. Gently lift and twist each apple instead of pulling hard, which protects the branch for next year.

Picking season usually runs into early November, though timing can vary with the weather. Checking ahead before a trip is always a smart move.

Bags are sold on site, so guests only pay for what they pick. It keeps things simple and flexible for every family.

Once the bag feels heavy, the choice gets harder. Eat one now, or save them all for a pie at home.

The Famous Apple Cannon And Other Wild Fun

Boom goes the apple. Few farm activities get as many cheers as the apple cannon at Minard’s Family Farm.

Guests aim at targets and launch fruit across the field. It is silly, loud in spirit, and surprisingly hard to stop doing.

The farm offers more than thirty attractions, so the fun keeps going. A giant corn maze ranks among the larger ones in the Hudson Valley.

Kids bounce on a huge jumping pillow and race around in pedal carts. The Busy Bee Express train offers a gentler ride for younger visitors.

Gem mining lets children dig for sparkling treasures. Combine slides, tunnels, and a tire mountain add even more places to climb and explore.

Classic games fill the lawns as well. Barnyard football, pumpkin bowling, apple checkers, and tug of war keep friendly competition alive.

Most of these activities come with wristband packages. Families can choose the level that fits their plans and their energy.

A good strategy is to start early and pace things out. Otherwise, the kids may run out of steam before they run out of options.

Cider Donuts Worth The Wait

Follow the cinnamon smell. It usually leads straight to the bakery and its famous apple cider donuts.

The Barn Market at Minard’s Family Farm stays busy for good reason. Shelves hold homemade pies, jams, kettle corn, and other country treats.

Warm cider donuts might be the star of the show. Many families call them the highlight of their whole visit.

Hungry guests have more choices too. Pizza, barbecue, and an ice cream stand help turn a snack stop into a full meal.

Apple dumplings and fresh apple cider round out the fall flavors. Cider makes an easy treat to take home for later.

Here is a practical tip for busy weekends. Bakery lines can get long, so grab donuts early or during a quieter hour.

Another smart idea is to pick one person to wait in line. The rest of the group can keep enjoying the games nearby.

Sticky fingers are basically guaranteed. Pack a few wet wipes, because sugar tends to travel everywhere.

Furry And Feathered Farm Friends

Say hello to the alpacas. Their fluffy faces and curious eyes make them instant favorites with young visitors.

The mini petting zoo at Minard’s Family Farm also features turkeys and bunnies. It is a gentle stop between the busier games.

Animal areas can change from season to season. Some days may offer feeding opportunities, while other times might be for watching only.

Kids learn a lot by seeing animals up close. It helps them connect farm life with the food they eat every day.

The farm leans into that learning role. Field trips and group visits give schools a chance to explore how food is grown.

Children often discover that fruit does not start in a grocery store. Watching animals and trees in real life sparks plenty of questions.

A quick reminder helps the visit go smoothly. Wash hands after spending time near the animals, especially before snack time.

Little ones might ask to visit the bunnies twice. That is usually a sign the day is going very well.

Birthday Parties With A Barnyard Twist

Forget the usual pizza place party. A birthday at Minard’s Family Farm comes with hayrides, fresh air, and endless room to run.

Party packages have become one of the most popular offerings here. Families plan celebrations surrounded by orchards and open fields.

Guests can enjoy the lawn games, the animals, and often apple picking too. Some packages include rides like the train or activities like gem mining.

Pizza and cider donuts often join the menu. That tasty combo tends to please both kids and grown-ups.

The farm also hosts group outings and corporate retreats. Its wide spaces make it easy to gather a crowd without feeling squeezed.

Planning early is a wise move for fall dates. Weekends in peak season can fill up quickly.

Weather can shift fast in the Hudson Valley. Asking about backup plans for rain can save stress later.

The best part might come at the end of the day. Tired kids, happy parents, and a bag of apples make a solid party souvenir.

Weekends That Say Thank You

Gratitude looks good on a farm. Minard’s Family Farm hosts special appreciation weekends that honor people who serve their communities.

These themed weekends have celebrated groups like first responders, firefighters, union workers, and healthcare workers. They often include discounts on U-pick apples.

Such events add a warm, local feeling to the fall calendar. They show how the farm tries to give something back to the area.

Details and dates can change from year to year. Checking the farm’s announcements before a visit helps families catch the right weekend.

Beyond these events, the whole season feels like a celebration. Pumpkins, sunflowers, and fall colors turn every weekend into a festival of sorts.

A lakeside fire pit adds a cozy spot to gather. Families can rest there after a long afternoon of games.

Community spirit runs strong here in Ulster County, New York. The farm acts as a place where neighbors and visitors cross paths.

Showing up with a smile is the only requirement. The apples handle the rest.

Smart Tips For A Smooth Farm Day

Planning pays off. A few simple steps can turn a good farm day into a great one.

Minard’s Family Farm sits at 250 Hurds Rd, Clintondale, NY 12515, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. The drive from many parts of New York feels easy and scenic.

Parking is free, and general entry does not require reservations. Guests pay only for the activities, bags, and treats they choose.

Dog lovers will be happy here. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds, though they cannot go inside the Barn Market or bakery.

Comfortable shoes are a must. The grounds are large, and orchard paths can feel uneven or muddy after rain.

Layers help too. Fall mornings can start chilly and turn warm by the afternoon.

The farm mainly welcomes guests on weekends during its open season. Hours and seasons may shift, so confirming before leaving home is wise.

Arriving early usually means shorter lines and better apple choices. It also leaves time for one last cider donut before the drive home.