Updated August 2023! Enjoy!
We’ve put together a list of great U-pick apple orchards, which are the closest in proximity to the North Shore area. In recent years a few of our beloved orchards have permanently closed so please always call ahead to make sure that orchard still has apples, what is in season and when to pick. We hope this list saves you time searching through the dozens of apple orchards in Illinois and Wisconsin- and more time enjoying!
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: Apple Pie, Apple Crumble, Apple Tart.
**Pro tips:
- Be sure to call or check the orchard’s website for up-to-date picking information, including hours and varietals.
- 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!
Stade’s Farm & Market Open now! 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 for picking now! Open 9am-4pm M-F, Saturdays and Sundays 9am-5pm
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!
This one is a favorite, in part because of the close proximity to the North Shore. It’s also a bit crowded but doable nonetheless. Try to go during the week if you can!
Brightonwoods Orchard Opening day 8/19. Open daily 9am – 5pm (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!
Kuipers Family Farm Opening day 8/26 Monday – Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 10am-6pm
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! Grab your combo sunflower and apple picking tickets – reserve ahead!
Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch It appears that they are not offering apple picking anymore here! But there’s still plenty of fun fall pumpkin and spooky inspired activities here for the whole fam so check it out.
42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove, IL 60140
847-464-5952
Heinz Orchard (Opening day is September 15th! Open days are limited with limited pick)
1050 Crest Road (corner of Atkinson & Crest)
Green Oaks, IL 60048
847-770-3449
No bathrooms!
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) OPEN NOW! Use code ALLSEASONS23 to save $2.
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!
Lang’s Orchard Opens 9/9 and open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 4pm.
17411 Secor Rd.
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-568-7547
1 peck is $20 which is approx. 10 lbs. of apples which for reference is about 2.5 apple pies. This is a really good price and you won’t find apple picking for less. However, this is a no frills place, just good ole fashioned apple picking.
Cody’s Farm & Orchard Opens 9/10, Saturdays and Sundays 10am-5pm
19502 River Road, Marengo IL
815-568-7976
This is a young farm, only in its 5th season. After planting the orchard in 2012 and adding trees the last 6 years, our 1st, 2nd and 3rd plantings are now ready for u-pick. They will begin offering u-pick in September & October please watch the website and Facebook page for updates on when the picking season will begin! They provide 1 peck bags for picking. Cody’s also has a wonderful market filled with seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables and it’s only about an hour away.
Homestead Orchard Open Now! Monday through Saturday 10-4pm and Sundays 12-4
11802 Charles Rd.
Woodstock, IL
815-338-7443
A no frills picking site with great apples. Check the website for their picking guide.