Chicago and Northeastern Illinois Apple U-Pick Orchards in !

Find a local pick your own farm here!

Apple U-Pick Orchards in Chicago and Northeastern Illinois in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for apples that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have apples orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather. See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Boone County

Edwards Apple Orchard - apples, raspberries, pumpkins, horse-drawn hay rides, hay maze, petting zoo, restrooms, gift shop, pony rides
7601 Centerville Road, Poplar Grove, IL 61065. Phone: 815-765-2234. Open: daily from 9 am to 6 pm in September and October, and in November daily from 9 am - 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions.
Edwards Apple Orchard Facebook page. Bluegrass music (presumably only on weekends), apple cider and apple cider donuts. lease join us for warm cider donuts, a fresh cup of cider, and the time together that we've all been cravingSee comments about this farm here! Some visitors on Yelp and Google report high prices and a commercialized feel, but the reviews I've received have been positive. Facebook page

DeKalb County

Honey Hill Orchard - apples, raspberries, pumpkins.
11747 Waterman Road, Waterman, IL 60556. Phone: 815-264-3337. Email: honeyhill5@frontier.com. Open: usually starts in late August, PLEASE CHECK BACK CLOSER TO THAT TIME FOR EXACT OPENING DATE AND RIPENING SCHEDULE; Call or email for their dates and hours, and please ask them to update PickYourOwn. Click here for a map and directions. . ORG - Early Season Hours: Labor Day weekend 9 am to 1 pm; Regular Season Hours: open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm from Tuesday after Labor Day thru October 31stis a family-owned and operated orchard that was started as a hobby in 1965. Today, the original orchard location has 2,100 apple trees, with an additional 500 trees at a second farm location. What started out as a simple farm stand has grown to include pick your own apples, raspberries and pumpkins, a bakery, the Apple Barn Country Store and family activities.
Comments from a visitor on October 17, 2009: "We went to the last week (10/10/2009) and had a wonderful time! There were plenty of apples still available and even some raspberries! There was a 10 pound minimum to pick (per group, not per person) for $15 for apples. There were also hay rides out to the pumpkin patch and a bakery that sells delicious pies and donuts as well as a cute store. All of the employees were so friendly there! We decided this is the best orchard we have been to in this area and will be back next year!"
Jonamac Orchard, Inc. - - Pumpkins, apples, hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, kiddie barn
19412 Shabbona Road, Malta, IL 60150. Phone: 815-825-2158. Open: 7 days a week. Directions: three quarters of a mile south of Malta on Shabbona Road $19412 Shabbona Rd.$ . Click here for a map and directions. three quarters of a mile south of Malta on Shabbona Road (19412 Shabbona Rd.) The apple orchard opens for picking on Labor Day weekend till Thanksgiving 9am - 5:30 daily. Also, prepicked sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, apples, cider, preserves, honey, popcorn, Indian corn, weekend hayride to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Get lost in our 10 acre Corn Maze with 3 miles of pathways and 2 bridges. The kids will love our Barnyard activity area with a huge bale pile, peddle tractors, sand pile, corn bin, play barn, bunny barn, mazes, tube slides and other fun activities. On weekends the Apple Train will be running and you can try your marksmanship skills at our Apple Launcher. We will also have festivals, live music, horse drawn wagon rides and more. Corn Maze is open from September 5th through November 1st on Friday and Saturday 10 Am to 9:30 PM and Sunday 10 Am to 6 Pm. Click Here for information about our Haunted Corn Maze. (UPDATED: October 10, 2020 JBS) A visitor writes on September 02, 2013: "We visited Jonamac Orchard in DeKalb County for the first time and were amazed how nice it was. Everyone was so friendly and they have a ton of different types of apples for you to pick. They even let you sample the different available apples so you know how they are before you pick them. The store is very nice with apple donuts, fudge, cider, apples and other little things. It is a very family friendly place to visit as there are activities for the kids. We would definitely return. "
Comments from a visitor on September 09, 2010: "We've been taking the kids for about 5 years now. Its getting to be a habit."

Kane County

Kuipers Family Farm - apples, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, Jumping pillow, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
1n318 Watson Road, Maple Park, IL 60151. Phone: 815-827-5200. Open: 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday 9:00 to 6:00. Directions: I88 West to Sugar Grove and Route 47 exit. Route 47 North 10 miles to Keslinger Road. 5 miles West on Keslinger to Watson Road. North on Watson to Entrance. I90 West to Randall Road exit. Randall Road South to Route 38. West on Route 38 five miles past Route 47 to Watson Road. South on Watson Road to farm. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
Kuipers Family Farm Facebook page. Fax: 815-827-4100 Sunday 10 am to 6 pm; September 19 through Halloween; then November - December dail from 10 am to 5 pm Apple Orchard, Gift Shop and Bakery. Christmas Trees from Thanksgiving thru Sunday before Christmas; Pumpkin Farm Festivities, Corn Maze and Barn Store Approximate Ripening Dates:Please call for daily updates to the apple picking schedule Variety Typically Ripens: Variety Typically Ripens Paulared mid-August Red Delicious October 4 Prima August 30 Golden Delicious October 4 Jonamac, Gala September 6 Mutsu, Idared October 18 Cortland, McIntosh September 13 Rome, Winesap October 18 Spartan, Ozark Gold September 13 Blushing Golden October 25 Empire, Jonathan September 20 Granny Smith Nov or later Turn your fall pumpkin picking into a family event. Kuipers offers u-pick pumpkins right from the patch! We also have pre-picked pumpkins in many sizes. When the fall season is over don't forget to come back to Kuipers for your Christmas Season. We offer fresh u-cut and pre-cut Christmas trees and wreaths. We will even have hot cider, home baked pies and our famous apple cider doughnuts to warm you up! For holiday decorating visit our Gift Shop for beautiful Christmas decorations and crafts. (UPDATED: April 29, 2015, JBS) See comments about this farm here!

Lake County

Heinz Orchard - apples,
1050 Crest Road (corner of Crest & Atkinson), Green Oaks, IL 60048. Phone: 847-770-3449. Email: heinz.orchard@yahoo.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Crops are usually available in September, October Our family-run orchard is the closest to Chicagoland and has been welcoming individuals and families for over 40 years. We don't charge for admission or parking, and there is no minimum-per-person charge. You are more than welcome to bring strollers and wagons into the orchard. Please note that as a small, family-run orchard we do not offer hayrides, food/drink, corn mazes, etc. We specialize in PURE APPLE PICKING FUN in a beautiful surroundingSee comments about this farm here!

McHenry County

All Seasons Orchard, Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze - apples, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, inflatables or bounce houses, jumping pillow, ziplines, pedal kart track, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
14510 Il Route 176, Woodstock, IL 60098. Phone: 815-338-5637. Email: info@allseasonsorchard.com. Open: daily rain or shine in September and October; Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 6pm; Labor Day 10am to 6pm, Columbus Day 10am to 6pm. Directions: From Chicago. Take I-90 West towards O\'HareRockford. Exit on IL-47 toward Woodstock. Take a right onto IL-47N and continue for approximately 9 miles. When you see IL-176E $right turn$, keep continuing on IL-47N. The next stoplight is IL-176W, turn left. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles. All Seasons is located on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
All Seasons Orchard, Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesFrom Chicago. Take I-90 West towards O'Hare/Rockford. Exit on IL-47 toward Woodstock. Take a right onto IL-47N and continue for approximately 9 miles. When you see IL-176E (right turn), keep continuing on IL-47N. The next stoplight is IL-176W, turn left. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles. All Seasons is located on the right See comments about this farm here!
Homestead Orchard - apples, blackberries, cherries, gooseberries, pears, rhubarb, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, porta-potties are available
11802 Charles Road, Woodstock, IL 60098. Phone: 815-338-7443. Email: donburda@comcast.net. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: From I-90 $Illinois Tollway$ go north on Route #47 approximately 12 miles to Woodstock. Continue on #47 through business district going north a few more miles to Charles Road stop sign. Turn right and go 1 mile to Orchard! From McHenry going west on #120. Go to the \Greenwood stop sign. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
Homestead Orchard Facebook page. US
Knoll's Apple Orchard and Vegetable Farm - Apples, home grown produce
15211 Saint Patrick Road, Woodstock, IL 60098. Phone: 815-337-2334. Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Also called Knoll's Vegetable Farm and AppleOrchard They have a Farmers Market, on farm sales, and Pick-your-ownSee comments about this farm here!
Lang's Orchard - Apples
17411 Secor Road, Woodstock, IL 60098. Phone: (815) 568-7547. Email: langs@langsorchard.com. Open: Saturday and SUnday from 11 am to 4 pm; Closed weekdays. Directions: From rts. 47 and 176 take 176 west about 4 miles to Franklinville rd and turn rt. Go 1.7 miles on Franklinville rd to Secor Rd and turn left. Proceed to Farm. . Click here for a map and directions. . Email us Click here for a map to our farm. We are open September, October. Our store features fruit spreads, local honey and arts and crafts.
Meadowmoor Orchard - apples, picnic area you may bring your own food
1517 N Rte 47, Woodstock, IL 60033. Phone: 815-687-8208. Email: bill.rolain@gmail.com. Open: Reopening September, 2015 to October 22 on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Directions: Take rte 47 north from Woodstock. About 12 mile north of the McHenry County Center is where Meadomoor Orchard is located $on the left as you drive north$. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Take rte 47 north from Woodstock. About 1/2 mile north of the McHenry County Center is where Meadomoor Orchard is located (on the left as you drive north) We have Honeycrisp, Ruby Jonathon, Cortland, Sweet Sixteen, Crimson Crisp and many other varieties available to pick. Please check Facebook for absolute latest info. There is no entertainment and no store-just an old fashioned apple orchard that we started by planting trees in 2006This is a no-frills, no admission fun family orchard with tasty apples and a few early pumpkins and gourds. It's a beautiful place to spend a fall day!
Prairie Sky Orchard - apples, pumpkins, raspberries, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms
4914 N Union Road, Union, IL 60180. Phone: 815-923-4834. Open: Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. Crops are usually available in late August, September, October. Click here for picking updates
Comments from a visitor on October 02, 2009: "Staff was wonderful and I am sure that my family and I will be going back for years to come. Thanks, Rachel" UPDATED: October 02, 2009)
Royal Oak Farm Orchard - apples, blackberries, pumpkins, raspberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, face painting, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
15908 Hebron Road, Harvard, IL 60033. Phone: 815-648-4141. Email: service@royaloakfarmorchard.com. Open: starting in mid August; Monday to Saturday: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm U - Pick closes at 5 pm Closed on Sunday. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. Fax: 815-648-4821 Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in August, September, October, November. Raspberries: August 1 to October 15 or first heavy frost Blackberries: September 15 to October 31 or first heavy frost Apples: August 15 to November 15 Pumpkins: September 15 to November 15 or first heavy frostNo admission fee Monday to Friday $3.00 Admission fee per car Saturdays, Labor Day and Columbus Day Rides in the Entertainment Area include Royal Oak Express, Royal Oak Carousel and Orchard Tours. Each require a $2.50 token. Free Playground and Petting Zoo. Group Tours and School Tours available by appointment Monday to Friday. (UPDATED: October 10, 2020 JBS) See comments about this farm here!
Stade's Farm and Market - apples, beans, beets, peas, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, tomatoes, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, inflatables or bounce houses, jumping pillow, ziplines, train rides (train on a track), pedal kart track, petting zoo, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
3709 Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60081. Phone: (815) 675-6396. Email: thefarm@stadefarm.com. Open: Pick - Your - Own is open 9 am to 5 pm whenever applicable; Visit our Facebook Page and website for current picking information. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
Stade's Farm and Market Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (815) 979-9212 Picking updates: Click here for picking updates Stade's Farm host several special events a year. Please refer to our website for all information about our Classic Car Show, Truck and Tractor Show, and Arts & Crafts on the Farm. UPick strawberries are available from mid June to mid July; Our fall festival in September and October. We are offering both fruits and vegetables for you to harvest, including strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, green beans, peppers, and more. We offer a beautiful apple orchard with many of your favorite apples and about 30 acres of pick-your-own pumpkins in the fall. Stade's is home to a large entertainment area, including a petting zoo, corn maze, giant slides, hayrides, and a large variety of unique attractions. Our fall festival, Shades of Autumn, is a harvest time extravaganza featuring 40+ farm-related attractions, pumpkin picking, special events, great food, and lots of family-orientated fun(UPDATED: September 08, 2020)See comments about this farm here!
Sun Berry Orchard - Uses natural growing practices, apples, cucumbers, pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Fresh eggs
3712 Greenwood Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098. Phone: (847) 404-7555. Email: Sunberryorchard17@gmail.com. Open: Typical season is from early May through November; in season, Everyday from 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Venmo, PayPal, ApplePay, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
Sun Berry Orchard Facebook page. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification (UPDATED: August 29, 2023, JBS) (ADDED: June 17, 2021)
Tom's Farm Market - raspberries, apples, strawberries, farm market
10214 Algonquin Road, Huntley, IL 60142. Phone: (847) 669-3421. Email: info@tomsfarmmarket.com. Open: during the Holiday Season so you can purchase pies and our specialty breads eggnog teacake, cranberry walnut or our miniature fruit cake. Directions: North on Randall Road to Algonquin Road, turn left $west$ 3-one half miles. Located on north side of road OR north on Route 47 to Algonquin Road, turn right $east$, go 1-one half miles. Located on north side of road. We have U-pick strawberries in June, and during our strawberry season, we bake fresh strawberry pies and have shakes and sundaes made to order. What a treat on those hot days! In July and August, we make great peach cakes from the harvest of wonderful Southern Illinois peach - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions.
Tom's Farm Market Facebook page. . call, email or see their website for current hors and availability; strawberry fest on Father's Day weekendNorth on Randall Road to Algonquin Road, turn left (west) 3-one half miles. Located on north side of road OR north on Route 47 to Algonquin Road, turn right (east), go 1-one half miles. Located on north side of road. We have U-pick strawberries in June, and during our strawberry season, we bake fresh strawberry pies and have shakes and sundaes made to order. What a treat on those hot days! In July and August, we make great peach cakes from the harvest of wonderful Southern Illinois peaches we receive. Our market is always filled with a delicious aroma that can be smelled right after walking through the door. Our famous pies, cookies, scones and home- made breads are tasty and baked fresh every day. As the season changes, so do our bakery items. For our Fall Fest in September and October, we he have our famous apple cake that is applelicious! November we begin taking orders for our Thanksgiving pies. Call our bakery, to place an order. We are open during the Holiday Season so you can purchase pies and our specialty breads (eggnog teacake, cranberry walnut or our miniature fruit cake). In the Fall, we have a 5 Acre Corn Maze, Straw Mounds, Petting Zoo, Bunny Village, Goat Walk, Wooden Train/School Bus/Tractor, Spider Web)(ADDED: June 22, 2013X)
Woodstock Country Orchard - raspberries, apples
17015 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock, IL 60098. Phone: (815) 923-4359. Email: bytemecomputing@yahoo.com. Click here for a map and directions. . See these pages for more information: [Hours] [Map] [Schedule] [Varieties] [Prices]. 12 varieties of the best apples. See comments about this farm here!

Will County

Apples On Oak - apples,
16146 Oak Avenue, Lockport, IL 60137. Phone: 815-726-0386. Directions: 16146 West Oak Avenue$not Oak STREET$ Joliet, IL 60432. We are located just west of Interstate 355, between 159th Street and Route 6. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
Apples On Oak Facebook page. August 1st to Mid October or until we run out of apples; Days/Hours: Wednesday: 9 am to 6 pm; Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm; Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm16146 West Oak Avenue(not Oak STREET) Joliet, IL 60432. We are located just west of Interstate 355, between 159th Street and Route 6 A family owned and operated U-Pick Apple Orchard "Where the people are friendly and the apples are tasty!" Treat yourself to the taste sensation of specialty and traditional apple varieties grown in Peceniak's Orchard. With 90 to 100 different varieties to choose from, there is an apple variety for everyone. It's an apple connoisseur's delight! Two varieties of Asian Pears are also available. Our Goal: To produce the highest quality apples possible, while using a "Low Spray" philosophy for pest control.
Bronkberry Farms - blueberries, apples, pumpkins, farm market, porta-potties are available, hayrides
18108 S. Bronk Road, Plainfield, IL 60586. Phone: 815-436-6967. Email: veen77@sbcglobal.net. Open: Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. spring flowers, fresh vegetables, sweetcorn, pumpkins, tractor pulled hayrack rides. we are just starting up this year so please call or visit our website for availability and hours.

Apple

Apple Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first. Once they are picked, they stop ripening. Picking apples directly from a tree is easy. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull straight away from the tree. If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time. Don't shake the trees or branches. If the apple you are trying to pick drops, (or others on the tree) go ahead and pick it up. They're perfectly fine! But do wash them before you eat them! More info: How to tell when apples are ripe

Once picked, don't throw the apples into the baskets, place them in gently, or they will bruise and go bad more quickly.
Don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage.
For an explanation of why apple slices turn brown and how to stop it, see this page!
Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life. A cool basement is ideal, but the fruit/vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will work, too. A refrigerator is fine for small quantities of apples. Boxed apples need to be kept in a cool, dark spot where they won't freeze. Freezing ruptures all of an apple's cells, turning it into one large bruise overnight. The usual solution is to store apples in a root cellar. But root cellars often have potatoes in them: apples and potatoes should never be stored in the same room because, as they age, potatoes release an otherwise ethylene gas, which makes apples spoil faster. If you can keep the gas away from your apples, they will keep just fine. Just don't store them right next to potatoes.
Prevent contact between apples stored for the winter by wrapping them individually in sheets of newspaper. The easiest way to do this is to unfold a section of newspaper all the way and tear it into quarters. Then stack the wrapped apples. See more here: How to store apples at home
Apples don't improve or "ripen" after being picked - this is an urban myth - see this page for the truth - with references!

Which apple variety is best?

There are tens of thousands of varieties of apples, developed over centuries. They vary in sugar, acoidity, flavors, storing, crispness and many other attributes. See our guides to apple varieties:

Canning apples - fully illustrated, with step-by-step instructions

New!As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

Recipes, illustrated with step by step instructions

Apple pie recipe and directions and illustrated! I can say, with, ahem, no bias at all, that this is the best apple pie recipe in the world! (Alright, I did have an apple strudel in Vienna once at that place listed in Fodors that was REALLY good, but that wasn't a pie, was it? And since this was the recipe my grandmother used, it must be great!)
How to make applesauce for a single meal (not canning it) with NO special equipment
Apple cobbler
Apple crunch - best of all! Moist, low sugar and using oats!
Apple crisp - ever-popular, low sugar and using oats!
Apple, blackberry, cherry, and/or peach cobbler
Apple-blackberry, crumble - a English favorite (or favourite)

2024 Chicago and Northeastern Illinois Apple U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!