With apple picking season on the horizon, you may be searching for the ideal spot to encounter a variety of freshly picked apples in the beautiful state of Illinois. Illinois, undoubtedly, is a great destination to experience classic apple picking thanks to its vast selection. The Goldrush apple has even been designated the state fruit!
Discover a wide variety of apple types such as Honeycrisp, Gingergold, and Idared, in addition to dozens more. Hand-select your perfect apple, and enjoy fall activities such as hay rides, festivals, and cider tastings when you visit Illinois in the Autumn season.
Plan your ideal apple-picking trip by checking out these incredible orchards. Separated by region to help you in your travels, you certainly won’t be disappointed in the plentiful options you have to discover on your apple-picking adventure.
Northern Illinois
1. Edwards Apple Orchard
Address: 7061 Centerville Rd, Poplar Grove, IL 61065
If you’re looking for a wide selection of apple types, Edwards Apple Orchard is a great option. With over 30 different kinds of apples, they also boast pick your own pumpkins, mums, squash, and berries seasonally.
Family-owned for four generations and offering fresh pressed cider and apple cider donuts, this classic orchard is a must-visit. Starting in early September and ending in mid-November, you can look forward to picking fan favorites such as McIntosh and Fuji. You simply can’t go wrong with this classic apple-picking experience.
2. Seasons Orchard
Address: 14510 Il Rte 176, Woodstock, IL 60098
All Seasons Orchard is a widely known orchard near Woodstock, Illinois, offering a family fun experience you won’t soon forget. In addition to traditional apple picking and visiting the pumpkin patch, there are a plethora of activities for both children and adults to participate in.
Enjoy other activities like the petting zoo, playground, or pony rides when you visit this orchard. They even have an on-site concession stand with farm-inspired cuisine. In the fall, you can enjoy a corn maze. Its location sits right outside of Chicago so it makes for a feasible day trip if you’re visiting the metropolitan area!
3. The Valley Orchard
Address: 811 E. State St. Cherry Valley, IL 61016
This 35-acre orchard holds about five thousand apple trees, so get your arms ready to find your ideal apple. Famous for its juicy Honeycrisp apples, this local orchard gets a lot of praise for its delicious apples.
Their on-site store is well-known for its comfort foods like apple cider donuts, cinnamon bread, and fudge. Don’t forget to try their hand-pressed cider or cider slushies; yes, you heard that right! This unique find offers a classic apple-picking experience with a twist, thanks to their homemade goodies.
4. Jonamac Orchard
Address:19412 Shabbona Rd, Malta, IL 60150
This generational farm is a local gem; boasting a wide variety of apples. This orchard will be the pit stop that turns into a whole day of fun. When you visit in the fall, you will find a fun corn maze, a petting zoo, the apple train, apple cannons, and so much more.
Fun for the whole family is a guarantee when you visit Jonamac Orchards. Don’t forget to try their freshly pressed cider and wine made on-site for all to enjoy. Expect to find varieties such as Evercrisp and Pink Lady, starting as early as late August and ending in November.
5. Kuipers Family Farm
Address: 1N318 Watson Road Maple Park, IL 60151
This 71-acre farm has a whole lot of fall fun to offer. Sitting on a picturesque plot with beautiful varieties of you-pick apples, this orchard is a must-experience. The on-site country store boasts one-of-a-kind home decor and farm-fresh dishes. When you visit in the fall, you can stroll the pumpkin farm and on the weekends, there are fall festivals with loads of family activities.
Locals rave about their homemade pies, butter fudge, and donuts. So be sure to check out the deliciousness they have to offer at the bakery. Enjoy unique apple varieties such as Candy Crisp and Pink Luster when you check out Kuipers Family Farm.
6. Cody’s Farm & Orchard
Address: 19502 River Rd, Marengo, IL 60152
This family-owned orchard offers a wide variety of fresh produce and boasts a specialty strawberry donut you will want to check out! Enjoy apple varieties such as Gingergold and Blondee starting in early September.
If you visit in the fall, you can participate in their weekend fall festivals which offer a plethora of fun activities for all ages. From corn mazes to games and hay rides, you can get a true taste of autumn when you head out to this massive orchard in the cooler weather. Check out their calendar for additional activities all the way through to the holidays!
Southern Illinois
1. Rendleman Orchards
Address: 9680 State Route 127 N, Alto Pass, IL 62905
For over 150 years, Rendleman Orchards has been a leading apple farm in Southern Illinois. Known for its incredible peaches, apples, and nectarines, this you-pick farm is ready to wow you with its selection.
As early as late August you can enjoy Golden Supreme apples with Gold Rush apples ending the season in mid-October. This orchard is also well-known for its flower fields and apple cider concoctions, so be sure to check them out when you visit!
2. Okaw Valley Orchard
Address: 724 Cr 1750n, Sullivan, IL 61951
Discover over twenty-five varieties of you-pick apples, peaches, plums, and pears at Okaw Valley Orchard. From early September to late October, you can have a true fall experience as you explore hundreds of apple trees and marvel over delicious baked treats at their country store.
From honey to cider donuts, grab a seat at the picnic table area or visit the playground with your little ones as you pick your apples. From Blushing Gold to Red Delicious, the options are certainly plentiful!
3. Royal Oak Farm Orchard
Address: 15908 Hebron Rd, Harvard, IL 60033
Discover one of Southern Illinois’ gems when you venture out to Royal Oak Farm Apple Orchard. This spectacular you-pick farm boasts over thirty apple varieties and is ranked as one of the top orchards in the state.
Enjoy a maze through the apple trees if you’re feeling adventurous or hit the bakery for apple cider donuts if you’re in the mood for a treat. Their country market holds unique items you will love perusing and hay rides are offered in the fall additionally. Check out their event calendar online!
Western Illinois
1. Tanners Orchard
Address: 740 State Route 40, Speer, IL 61479
This local farm is well-known in the area for hosting fun events, so if you’re looking to get a little extra excitement while you pick apples, this farm is the way to go. Some events include the Pancake Breakfast, Grandparents Weekend, and more. Be sure to check the calendar so you visit during the event you want to participate in.
Boasting over 11,000 trees, you will love strolling this twenty-plus-acre farm. They also offer fresh farm ingredient cuisines that you can snack on while you explore the orchard. Don’t forget to grab some homemade fudge on the way out!
2. Broom Orchard
Address: 12803 Broom Road Carlinville, IL 62626 (W)
Visit Carlinville, IL for a fun-filled farm experience that includes a variety of you-pick apples in addition to other seasonal fruits and vegetables like pumpkins! From Ambrosia Apples to Scarlet Beauty, the selection is plentiful and the orchard is beautiful to explore on a lovely fall day.
At their market, you can enjoy specialty food items such as freshly made popcorn, honey from on-site hives, and hand-churned butter created by the local Amish. Starting in late August, various apples are available so be sure to check out the harvest schedule on their website!
3. Liberty Apple Orchard
Address: 8308 Kuhn Station Road, Edwardsville , IL 62025
This modern apple orchard was recently established and boasts enticing scenery and a vast selection of you-pick apples. Choose from over 18 different varieties including fan classics like Granny Smith and Fuji starting as early as late August.
This family-owned orchard also offers a variety of apple-infused treats such as cider, donuts, and more. Visit their on-site store for unique gift finds that are all things “apple.” One unique thing about this farm is its sole focus is apples so if you’re looking for strictly apple everything, you’ve found it in this orchard!
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