Hilltop Harvest: A summer activity that will become tradition

We have been picking strawberries every summer for the last five years. It’s truly an activity perfect for all ages. Even the youngest kids enjoy it…although, they may eat more than they pick or at least our youngest kids have always done this. Strawberries are close to the ground, easy to pick and identify ones that are ready, and a fairly quick process. It’s also, one of those activities that just keeps on giving. Not only is the experience enjoyable, but the baking afterwards can create even more special memories. Often, we freeze some and when we take them out in the thick of winter, we can all reminisce about the wonderful summer adventure we took to pick them.

My husband wanted to pick strawberries for Father’s Day this year and due to ripening, the spot that we had visited the last four years was closed. So, we got to try a new spot for us. I’m SO glad we did! Hilltop Harvest is a small strawberry farm located in Redwood Falls and it was such a great experience. When we arrived, our kids were pumped to see a small playground area. Complete with lots of construction vehicles, a small tree fort and slide, and a plane teeter-totter, it was the perfect size play area for the kids to get out a little energy after picking. The kids were also, excited to be given their own little picking baskets, along with a larger box for us.

We were given a row to pick on and you could walk (pretty easily) to the row or get a ride on a golf cart to your row. It is an amazing feature to have for those who need it for accessibility. Within the row, there was straw laid down, so it wasn’t muddy despite the most recent never-ending rain. I would recommend wearing bug spray as the flies were biting the morning we picked. When our box was weighed at the end, we had picked six pounds (which was around our goal). This only took our family of five (although our youngest wasn’t much help picking) maybe twenty minutes. During this time, we also took pictures and talked about the strawberries. Of course, we recalled and giggled about the first time we went where our oldest would pick only the most perfect strawberries. By the way, he picked about five in our entire time there the first year. Our middle child (who was the youngest at the time) left with her dress completely red from her “picking” that all ended in her mouth.

Once we finished picking, our box was weighed and we paid. Strawberries are $3.50 a pound and they only accept cash or check. There was also, a food truck with the most delicious looking waffles with strawberries and ice cream with strawberries available. I loved the shirts they had for sale at the food truck as well with super cute designs and adorable quotes.

One thing I have loved about moving out of the cities is visiting more family-run businesses. What a privilege it is to meet and get to know the families behind the business! Definitely makes a difference when you realize who your money is going to and how you get to support them! While at Hilltop Harvest, we got to meet the owners and talk a little with them. Such a sweet family who genuinely wants to get to know the people who visit their farm, it was fun to see their whole family working together on Father’s Day.

Overall, this strawberry farm is such a fun spot to visit and we are already looking forward to visiting again in future years to continue our tradition. Strawberry picking season is short enough and this year’s rain has been such a bummer for many spots. If you can, be sure to get out and support this awesome business! They also, have flower picking later in the summer. For those of you who have never been to Redwood Falls, make sure you check out Ramsey Park to see the beautiful waterfall, animals, suspension bridge, and great hiking trails. The Redwood Falls Public Library is a great stop with a fun outdoor area as well. Last, there’s a delicious ice cream stop called the Dari King.

Here’s some additional information in order to make your experience the best one possible.

Address: 33343 Hunter Ave, Redwood Falls, MN 56283

Hours: Monday- Friday: 7 am-12pm AND 5-8pm

Saturday: 7am-12pm

Sunday: 9am-2pm

CHECK FACEBOOK OR CALL THEM BEFORE VISITING TO ENSURE THEY ARE OPEN WITH WEATHER OR RIPENING.

Pricing: $3.50 per pound, they accept cash or check.

Be sure to bring bug spray and a kneeling pad if your knees get sore or if it’s wet.

Happy picking!

Until my next adventure,

Allie