I’m thrilled to introduce a new monthly feature here called The Minnesota Series, where I’ll spotlight favorite spots in and around the Twin Cities. Expect everything from cozy coffee shops to outdoor escapes and memorable restaurants. I’ve realized I haven’t done Minnesota justice on this site, so this series is my way of changing that.
Oddly enough, the first installment isn’t technically in Minnesota. The Pizza Farm sits about an hour and a half south of the Twin Cities, along the St. Croix River in Stockholm, Wisconsin. Even so, it’s one of the most delightful places I’ve visited and absolutely worth the drive. My friends Linley, Brooke, and I packed up the car and headed out for an afternoon of simple, delicious fun.
The Pizza Farm runs only on Tuesdays from March through October at the working A to Z Bakery farm. Everything used in the pizzas is grown or sourced locally—literally farm to table—so the menu shifts with what’s in season. That means each visit offers a slightly different experience, and the produce-forward toppings really shine.
Hundreds of people make the trip each week to enjoy stone-fired pizza in a relaxed farm setting. The event is essentially bring-your-own—bring your food, blankets, tables, chairs, and tableware—but the pizza and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase on site. Many groups arrive with appetizers, salads, and desserts to share. Wine and beer are sold there at reasonable prices: pizzas typically range from $25 to $35, and a bottle of wine was about $15 when we visited.
The pizza itself is outstanding: a thin, slightly airy crust topped with fresh, thoughtfully prepared ingredients. Because the toppings come from the farm, seasonal produce determines the weekly offerings. And yes—they do serve meat. During our visit the weekly specialty was a Short Rib Pizza, which was irresistible.
It’s busiest in the height of summer, when waits for pizza can be longer. On the evening we went last week, our wait was about 25 minutes—quick enough to enjoy a glass of cabernet, set up our salad, and prepare dessert. There’s something wonderfully communal about sitting on a farm, sipping wine, and watching pizzas come out of a stone oven.
We ordered two pizzas for the three of us because we wanted to try a variety of flavors. I happily ate five slices and still had room for berries and whipped cream to finish the night. I didn’t take a photo of the menu, so I can’t list everything precisely, but our choices included prime rib, Italian sausage, an “everything” style pizza, and one topped with squash—each one fresh and flavorful.
The beautiful images in this post were captured by my friend Brooke, whose photography brings the farm’s warm, inviting atmosphere to life. I love having such talented friends to share these moments with.
If you live in the Twin Cities, The Pizza Farm makes a fantastic date night, a girlfriends’ outing, or a relaxed family excursion. It’s a bit of a drive, but the scenic route along the St. Croix and the chance to eat excellent farm-to-table pizza in a tranquil country setting make it worthwhile. You can approach from either the Wisconsin or Minnesota side of the river, and the countryside is truly beautiful.
Everyone we encountered—staff and visitors—was friendly and welcoming. Part of the charm is seeing how different groups set up their dinners and share their spread. Our group ended up sitting near the cows, which felt delightfully rural and very Wisconsin.
Photo Credit: Brooke Alexandra Photography
If you’re looking for a memorable, low-key outing that highlights local ingredients and a true farm-to-table experience, put The Pizza Farm on your list. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer evening: good food, good company, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes a simple meal feel special.
