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Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard

8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd

Jordan, MN 55352

Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard

952-492-2785

History

In 1970 Doc & Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago.

For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.

Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

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											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
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											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
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							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
											</div>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

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				<p>
					<div>
											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
											</div>
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				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
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											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
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							<span>Jordan</span>,
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												<span>55352</span>
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										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

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											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
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							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

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											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

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				<p>
					<div>
											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
<p></p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

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				<p>
					<div>
											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
											</div>
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								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

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											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

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											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
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Code Context
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	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
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			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
<p></p>		</div>
		

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					<p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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			<p><a class="link-red" href="/lacon-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
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<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
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				<p>
					<div>
											<div>8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd</div>
											<div>
							<span>Jordan</span>,
							<span>MN</span>
												<span>55352</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.minnesotaharvest.net" target="_blank">Sponsels Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 952-492-2785</div>
				
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			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History</p>
<p>In 1970 Doc &amp; Mid Sponsel bought this hill corn and soybeans at the time. They had plans for an apple orchard. What better to keep their six boys out of trouble? (The 2 girls were angels and didn't need a plan.) But all eight of us were recruited to start planting. Five years later 25,000 trees were in the ground and apples coming in. In those days Dad would stand at the door of the little building coaxing customers to try the yellow (golden) apples. Minnesotans ate only RED apples, and that wasn't so long ago. </p>
<p>For 35 years the family continued to enhance the orchard experience for our guests. My brother, Topper (18) was at the helm. He loved this place, these trees, and everyone who came to enjoy and share the fruit of everyone's labor. In 2005, not long after Mother(Mid) Sponsel died, we had to sell the land. But, the new owner extended a generous lease to Topper to continue operating the Orchard. Topper died suddenly 3 months later (age 53) and the lease was taken over by others with more short term interests. Suffice it to say, the Sponsel family, along with local partners, have stepped in to renovate and restore the operation.</p>
<p>Here we are today. We know we cannot reproduce all the features you have come to expect right away. Rejuvenating the trees and buildings has taken all year. Great care and hard work has gone into growing this 2011 crop. Many devoted friends have worked without pay, and out of pocket to be able to open the gates in time for you this year. We hope you come out and enjoy your day.</p>
<p></p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lacon</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lacon</h2>
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-conversations-with-chicago-leaders-a-discussion-about-building-wealth-and-the-future-of-social-security-111224-virtual-j3n5n2kyn2v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-DISCUSSION-ABOUT-BUILDING-WEALTH">A Discussion about Building Wealth</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-cheers-to-second-acts-pursuing-your-passion-as-a-career-111324-virtual-nxn5xwd77pf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CHEERS-TO-SECOND-ACTS-PURSUING-YOUR-PASSION-AS-A-CAREER">Cheers to "Second Acts": Pursuing Your Passion as a Career</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-il-calm-in-the-chaos-holiday-stress-management-for-caregivers-111824-virtual-jtnkf9xq23v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CALM-IN-THE-CHAOS-HOLIDAY-STRESS-MANAGEMENT-FOR-CAREGIVERS">Calm in the Chaos: Holiday Stress Management for Caregivers</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/lacon-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
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	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
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		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LACON-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LACON-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
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<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
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<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LACON-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118