The Best Orchards for Apple Picking in Illinois!
Nothing represents fall in Illinois, like apple picking in a beautiful orchard followed by a snack of fresh apple cider doughnuts. There are many great apple-picking spots throughout the state, each offering a unique experience for guests. Some of these orchards provide kid-friendly activities such as wagon rides and farm animals, while others are more centered around apple picking and homemade treats. Check out these great apple-picking spots in Illinois for fresh, delicious apples!
Jonamac Orchard, Malta, IL
Apple picking starts on Labor Day weekend at the Jonamac Orchard. This family-owned orchard has been in business since 1984 and continues to expand. There are no admission fees to pick apples from the orchard, but you must purchase an apple-picking bag before accessing the orchard. Jonamac Orchard also offers many kid-friendly activities, like a corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Mills Apple Farm, Marine, IL
Mills Apple Farm is a family-owned orchard that aims to make its guests feel welcome and comfortable. It offers many free kid-friendly activities, such as wagon rides, play areas, and animals to visit. Guests can pick their own apples without paying an admission fee, and it also grows pumpkins, peaches, sweet cherries, and Christmas trees. Don’t forget to check out its fresh-baked goods, as well.
Honey Hill Orchard, Waterman, IL
Honey Hill Orchard is a family-owned and operated orchard known for its friendly service and commitment to quality. Established in 1965, it has over 2,100 trees and allows guests to pick apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. The orchard also features a great selection of specialty foods such as apple cider, fresh honey, homemade caramel apples, fresh produce, maple syrups, and delicious sales in its Apple Barn Country Store.
Edwards Apple Orchard West, Winnebago, IL
Known for its award-winning apple ciders and cider slushies, Edwards Apple Orchard is a friendly apple-picking spot worth checking out. With over 18 varieties of apples to pick, you're sure to discover unique flavors not found in stores. Guests also rave over the fresh, delicious doughnuts each year.
Homestead Orchard, Woodstock, IL
Choose from a wide variety of apples to pick at Homestead Orchard in Woodstock. This quiet orchard is nestled in the countryside and features one of the largest and oldest maple trees in the county. Their store is in an 1880s horse barn and features homemade honey, beeswax candles, glassware, hand-crafted items, and even a separate room with World War II memorabilia.
Tanners Orchard, Speer, IL
Choose from over 17 varieties of apples to pick at Tanners Orchard. Established in 1947, this family-owned orchard features over 11,000 trees and over 20 acres of pumpkins, also available for picking. Take a covered wagon ride through the orchard and pick their delicious apples from the trees. They do charge a small admission fee in addition to their peck fees.
Kuipers Family Farm, Maple Park, IL
For the ultimate kid-friendly apple-picking experience, look no further than Kuipers Family Farm. This 230-acre farm allows visitors to pick their own apples every weekend from mid-August through October. They offer 14 varieties of apples and many family-friendly activities, including a pumpkin patch, hay rides, a petting zoo, events, and much more.
Valley Orchard, Cherry Valley, IL
Recognized for its apple cider doughnuts and other scrumptious baked goods, Valley Orchard is the ultimate fall destination. They offer wagon tours of the orchard, which contains a wide selection of apples to pick. Their bakery is available in the fall and features delicious treats such as caramel apples, apple cinnamon bread, fudge, homemade apple pie, and, of course, apple cider doughnuts.
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