Apple Picking in Kansas: A Fall Tradition
It’s apple-picking time in Kansas! What could be better? The Sunflower State boasts some of the most sprawling and high-quality orchards to fill up your basket. You can pick apples in solitude or head out with family and friends to make the whole experience a big event. The fall in Kansas produces a superb variety of apples—juicy, sweet, and delicious, you pick!
Cider Hill Family Orchard, Kansas City, KS
This year, get the family all together and visit the Cider Hill Family Orchard in Kansas City. Apples can be picked from any 1,500 apple trees growing on the nearly 40 acres of orchard land. You can also spend time in the pumpkin patch, fishing on the orchard pond, or enjoy a picnic.
86th Street Orchard, Topeka, KS
A young, at heart, “retired” couple decided to plant a new phase of their lives several years ago. They planted fruit trees and opened the 86th Street Orchard near Topeka. Now, the couple hosts many people yearly who prefer to pick their own apples and purchase them in the orchard. Apple pickers can load their baskets with Granny Smith, Fuji, Red & Yellow Delicious, Winesap, and Ein Shemer apples.
Wagon Wheel Orchard, Gardner, KS
The Wagon Wheel Orchard near Gardner is said to be one of the "world's most diverse pick-your-own orchards" and offers a full slate of apple varieties. The orchard’s family history dates back to the 1800s, and today's generation of fruit growers is interested in the “collection, preservation and propagation of endangered apple and pear varieties,” according to its website.
The Orchard, Emporia, KS
The Orchard is a fruit farm with a “storefront” near Emporia. Throughout the growing seasons, they offer fruit and vegetables to pick or pick up. Individuals and groups are always welcome to come and explore the orchards, especially the apple trees.
Sunflower Orchards, Paola, KS
They say you can pick apples from thousands of trees at the Sunflower Orchards near Paola. According to the helpful staff, good, crisp, juicy apple varieties are available during apple season. The entire family can pick these apples, even the smallest members of the family, from a variety of trees sized for the very young to the very seasoned apple picker.
Fieldstone Orchard, Overbrook, KS
Take a trip to Fieldstone Orchard in Overbrook for freshly picked and delectable apples. If you can't make it, Fieldstone is regularly represented at the local Overbook Farmers' Market, so you can pick up your fresh produce there. In addition to apples, Fieldstone has Asian pears, whole wheat, potatoes, carrots, and more.
Pome on The Range, Williamsburg, KS
Pick your favorite apple types at the Pome on The Range orchards in Williamsburg. The age-old apple trees produce some of the freshest, best-tasting apples in the area. The helpful staff provides a good atmosphere for families to spend time together harvesting apples and exploring the other fruit orchards.
Brenda’s Berries & Orchards, Chetopa, KS
At Brenda's Berries & Orchards in Chetopa, the owner and operator, Brenda, offers several “u-pick” fruits and an in-season variety of apples. The “pick-your-own-apple" season begins around September and often lasts into November. Enjoy the orchard and enjoy the apples you pick!
The Apple Hutch, Plains, KS
The Apple Hutch in Plains is a family-owned “pick-your-own” fruit orchard near Plains. For generations, these orchards have produced varieties of fruit, especially apples. Check the days and times you can pick, and always check with the store staff before entering the orchard.
Meadowlark Farms, Rose Hill, KS
Meadowlark Farms near Rose Hill is known for picking peaches and pumpkins, but you can also pick apples and vegetables in the summertime. They invite individuals or groups to come out and spend a few hours touring and picking fruit. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the trees and the fruit, especially the apples.
