Where to pick strawberries near the Twin Cities

Strawberry season has begun! Minnesota farms open their fields from mid-June to early July for the public to pick their own berries.

How it works: The farm provides containers and will direct you to the spots with the ripest fruits. Pick as many as you'd like and pay by the pound. Our anecdotal research puts prices around $2-$3/lb.

These five are within an hour of the Twin Cities. But they're weather-dependent, so call ahead to ensure they're open the day you plan to visit.

• Berry Hill Farm in Anoka
• Jacobson's Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake
• The Berry Patch in Forest Lake
• The Strawberry Basket in Monticello
• Lorence's Berry Farm in Northfield

Tip: Go early. Though some farms have evening hours, most fields are only open until all the ripe berries are picked — which is as early as 10am at places like Berry Hill Farm.

• Of note: Don't count on your credit card. Many farms only accept cash or check.

What's next: Blueberry season runs from early July to mid-August.