Our story

Carlson’s Orchard Bakery and Restaurant has been providing great food and family entertainment since 1992 when Joe and Colleen Carlson decided to take the best of their experiences around the Northwest apple industry and transplant them to the local family farm in Winsted Minnesota.

Soon word leaked out that the value and quality offered at the Orchard was worth the trip.

After nearly 30 years of running the Orchard, Joe made the difficult decision to significantly scale back operations in 2021 after the devastating loss of Colleen. Joe took time to figure out what the next chapter of the Orchard’s story might be.

After much consideration, it was obvious this orchard had too much to offer our family and the community to let it go.  Carlson’s Orchard Bakery and Restaurant will continue to be owned and operated by Joe with help from family, with the orchard, bakery and restaurant returning to full operations for 2024.

We are committed to preserving everything that made Carlson’s Orchard Bakery and Restaurant special. While we are excited to bring new, fresh ideas into the business, there won’t be change for the sake of change.  High quality fruit, delicious lunches, farm fresh pies and a relaxing atmosphere continue and welcoming hospitality are the norm with a visit to Carlson’s.  Thank you for your past support, and we look forward to meeting you all this fall!