Updated September 2021! Enjoy!
Below is a list of great U-pick apple orchards, which are also the closest in proximity to the North Shore area. In recent years a few of our beloved orchards have permanently closed so please. Please always call ahead to make sure that orchard still has apples, what is in season and when to pick. Anywho, this list is going to save you so much time because there are dozens of apple orchards in Illinois and Wisconsin. When you go be sure to leave some room for those fresh off the press donuts, apple cider and perhaps an apple cider milkshake depending on where you go. Some U-pick orchards also have U-pick pumpkins (beginning late September)! And finally, head over to our FAVORITE and EASY Grandma’s Apple Pie recipe to make great use of those delicious apples: https://chicagonorthshoremoms.com/recipe-grandmas-apple-pie/
**Pro tips:
- Be sure to call or check the orchard’s website for up-to-date picking information.
- Avoid wearing extra perfumes, I highly recommend it because where there are apples, there are bees here and there.
- Be prepared for those amazing apple cider donuts, found at just about any u-pick farms.
- It may be a warm day but do wear close-toed shoes! Some of those apples on the ground are well into the decomposing process (ew!)
- Bring cash! Most u-pick orchards are cash only!
Harvest Time Orchards (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)
36116 128th St.
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
262-877-4831
Stade’s Farm & Market Open 9am-6pm daily
3709 Miller Rd.
McHenry, Illinois
815-675-6396
Cool features: Besides being a great u-pick apple farm, they are also home to u-pick raspberries, green beans, peppers, and sunflowers, depending on availability. And tomatoes may still be available due the late tomato season this year. There are loads of special events going on all fall and you’ll have to go to their Facebook page to stay up-to-date. PLUS a petting zoo, corn maze, giant slides, hay rides, and a large variety of unique attractions. Their fall festival Shades of Autumn is a harvest time extravaganza featuring 30+ farm-related attractions, pumpkin picking, special events, great food and lots of fun.
Apple Holler Open 9am-4pm daily
5006 South Sylvania Ave
Sturtevant, WI 53177
262-884-7100
Cool features: Apple Holler has everything from u-pick apples to loads of children’s entertainment. Kids love it, adults not so much as it can get very crowded. Be sure to carve out a half-day excursion to this orchard, which features a farm-to-table restaurant, bakery, gift shop, orchard, farm tours, hay rides, children’s programs, harvest moon hayrides, and barnyard animals to visit. Apple Holler features programing year-round, almost 365 days/year!
Brightonwoods Orchard (okay, okay so this one is NOT a u-pick apple orchard but…)
1072 288th Ave.
Burlington, WI 53105
262-878-3000
Cool features: Brightonwoods Orchard features a real two-story treehouse for the kiddos to explore, forested walking trails, cider, Wisconsin cheese, award winning caramel apple pie, apples, gourds, squash, honey, jams, jellies, AeppelTreow Winery & Distillery, a separate on-site business, that produces small batch cider, perry and spirits and Glas All Naturals products. A beautifully serene background, bring your family photographer for some truly unforgettable family photos!
1N318 Watson Road
Maple Park, IL 60151
815-827-5200
Cool features: U-pick apple orchard, pumpkin farm, tractor-train rides, corn maze, pig races, tractor-tire mountain, haunted forest, farm animals, hay wagon rides and more!
Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard Open through Halloween Day and close for the season on October 31. Hours are 9-6 daily, including Labor Day and Columbus Day.
42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove, IL 60140
847-464-5952
This orchard is about an hour away from the heart of the North Shore and could be worth the drive with over 18 attractions crammed into this farmstead, including pig races!
Heinz Orchard (Opening day is September 17th, 2021! Open days are limited with limited pick)
1050 Crest Road (corner of Atkinson & Crest)
Green Oaks, IL 60048
847-770-3449
Due to flooding damage to another fabulous apple orchard the season at the beloved Heinz Orchard is very limited. Be sure to check the website for the most current picking information.
Cool features: Not only this the closest u-pick apple orchard to the North Shore area, it’s also a perfect no frills apple picking orchard. Just drive up, pick your bushels and head home for some good ‘ole fashion apple pie baking, strudel-making, jam cooking and munching fun!
All Seasons Orchard (Woodstock, IL about 1 hour west Deerfield, IL)
14510 IL Route 176
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-5637
Why it’s worth the drive (and it is): u-pick apples, pumpkin patch, barnyard, local market featuring apple cider donuts, kettle corn, fudge and caramel made from scratch, of course apple pies, local honeys, sauces There is also a 10-acre corn maze featuring over 3 miles of pathways for the enthusiast or 2 short paths to tackle with the wee ones. And, not to miss is the barn – with activities like jumping pillow (I have no idea what that is but it sounds too fun to miss), giant rooster, mini zip-line and more!
Extra note: Check out PickYourOwn.org for a really great resource on U-pick seasonal produce, from strawberries to green beans, a complete list of U-pick orchards in Illinois and Wisconsin, canning and freezing instructions and much more! You’re welcome!