Picking your own apples is a quintessential fall experience in the Chicago suburbs. It’s a hands-on adventure that allows you to select crisp and juicy apples straight from the trees. But the apple-picking experience is just the beginning! Many of these orchards offer a variety of activities to complement your visit. Families can enjoy tractor rides through the orchards, navigating rows of apple-laden trees while learning about the orchard’s history and cultivation techniques. Some orchards even feature petting zoos, corn mazes, and hayrides, adding an extra layer of excitement for visitors of all ages. Don’t forget to take home some other freshly baked pies, apple cider, and other seasonal treats.
When visiting local orchards, keep in mind that apple picking season typically runs from late summer to early fall, usually around September to October. Check out our map and guide to the U-Pick apple orchards throughout the Chicago Suburbs.
Please note, each apple ripens at a different rate depending on amount of rain, planting time, variety, etc. Before traveling, review each orchard’s website for availability by clicking the underlined headers.
Wondering what variety of apples you should pick? Check out our guide below.
Local Orchards
All Seasons Orchard
Woodstock, IL
All Seasons Orchard is one of the largest u-pick apple orchards in northern Illinois with more than 15,000 apple trees and two orchards. A wagon ride will take you to one or both orchards, depending on the apple varieties that are currently available.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Apple Barn Orchard & Winery
Elkhorn, WI
Family-owned and operated since 1848, Apple Barn Orchard & Winery is known for its donuts, you-pick fruits and wine tastings.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Apple Holler
Sturtevant, WI
Voted one of the “Top Ten Best Orchards” in the country by USA Today, Apple Holler is a 78-acre orchard with over 30,000 trees and 30 varieties of apples.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Apples on Oak
Lockport, IL
Apples on Oak is very small, family-owned orchard in Homer Township, Ill. with a natural approach to growing apples with no pesticide.
Bronkberry Farms
Plainfield, IL
Tucked away in a rural residential neighborhood, Bronkberry Farms has a u-pick apple orchard, greenhouse, market and general store, as well as quite a few seasonal offerings.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
County Line Orchard
Hobart, IN
Enjoy Apple Picking, a Corn Maze, a Petting Zoo & more. Famous for their Apple Cinnamon and Pumpkin donuts!
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Goebbert’s Farm
Pingree Grove, IL
The 30 acre apple orchard isn’t the only attraction to Goebbert’s Farm! When you enter into the farm, you will have access to so many fun fall activities such as pedal karts, pig races, and The Pumpkin Express Train.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Heinz Orchard
Libertyville, IL / Green Oaks, IL
Open for over 70 years, Heinz Orchard is a family-favorite, no-frills orchard. Note: no bathrooms, hayrides, or other “agri-tainment” offerings.
Call 847.770.3449 for a list of currently available varieties.
Homestead Orchard
Woodstock, IL
Homestead Orchard is a quiet orchard nestled in the country with 15 varieties of apples and pears to pick. They also have their own apiary with bee hives and sell their own honey.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Keller’s Farmstand
Oswego, IL
The apple orchard is home to over 16,000 apple trees. More fall fun can be found on the farm on Saturdays and Sundays including a corn maze, wagon rides, farm animals, and more.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Kuipers Family Farm
Maple Park, IL
Pick or buy apples on the 160 acre orchard. Don’t miss the FunFarm with a corn maze, pedal tractors, farm animals and more!
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Lang’s Orchard
Woodstock, IL
Enjoy a simple apple picking adventure with over 13 varieties of apples to choose from.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
Harvard, IL
The numbers speak for themselves : 21,600 apple trees; 30 varieties of apples; 160 acres of farmland. In addition to the U-pick apple orchard you will find a gift shop, bakery, restaurant, children’s play area, and more.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Stade’s Farm and Market
McHenry, IL
With over 6,000 apple trees, a farm market and a ton of family-friendly attractions, you may just make a trip to Stade’s Farm and Market a tradition.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Sun Berry Orchards
Woodstock, IL
Bring the family to pick ‘Gala Wildlife’ apples and enjoy a range of farm adventures, including a petting zoo, children’s playground, horse and pony rides, farm games, and a food truck and picnic area.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Woody’s Orchard
Plano, IL
After enjoying a day full of fun on the farm and apple picking, treat yourself to a delicious apple cider donut and pure apple cider.
Click for a list of currently available varieties.
Apple Varieties
When it comes to apple orchards in the Chicago area, there’s no shortage of delicious apple varieties to choose from. Whether you’re planning a family outing to pick your own apples or simply looking for the best apples to enjoy, here are a few of the common apple types you’ll find:
-
Gala:
- Gala apples are another popular option, prized for their sweet, crisp, and juicy flesh.
- They are excellent for both eating fresh and making homemade applesauce.
-
Golden Delicious:
- Golden Delicious apples are known for their mellow sweetness and thin skin.
- They are versatile and can be used in everything from pies to applesauce.
-
Granny Smith:
- Granny Smith apples are famous for their tartness and firm texture.
- They are excellent for baking, as they hold their shape and provide a delightful contrast in pies and crisps.
-
Honeycrisp:
- Honeycrisp apples have taken the apple world by storm with their exceptional sweetness, satisfying crunch, and a hint of tartness.
- Their versatility makes them suitable for various culinary purposes, from pies to cider.
-
Jonathan:
- Jonathan apples are cherished for their tart and tangy flavor with just a hint of sweetness.
- They are great for making applesauce and are often enjoyed as a snacking apple.
-
Red Delicious:
- A classic choice, Red Delicious apples are known for their vibrant red color and mildly sweet flavor.
- These apples are perfect for snacking and adding a crisp texture to salads.
Beyond these top varieties, you might also encounter other gems like Fuji, Cortland, and Jonagold apples. Each of these varieties has its unique taste and texture, adding diversity to your apple-picking experience. Don’t miss the chance to savor the flavors of these top apple varieties while enjoying the beauty of the orchards during the harvest season.
Did we miss any of your favorite apple orchards in the area? Don’t miss our sunflower field and pumpkin patch guides! For more information about Naperville and the Western Chicago Suburbs, click here.