The apple picking season has officially arrived in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, drawing families to orchards filled with Honeycrisp, EverCrisp, and dozens of other varieties. From cider doughnuts and pumpkin patches to petting zoos and tractor rides, orchards across the Midwest are blending harvest traditions with family fun — making fall weekends a time to savor.

Story Highlights

• Apple picking season is underway in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

• Honeycrisp apples ripen in early to mid-September, while EverCrisp lasts into late fall.

• A late spring and hot summer delayed ripening but promise a large harvest.

• Orchards feature family-friendly activities: corn mazes, pumpkin patches, petting zoos, and wagon rides.

• Season runs through October 31, with some locations open into November.

A Seasonal Tradition Returns

The apple picking season has begun in Illinois and surrounding states, drawing city families to the countryside for one of autumn’s most beloved traditions. The experience goes beyond filling baskets with fruit — it’s about cider doughnuts, wagon rides, pumpkin patches, and meeting farm animals.

“It’s not often you get to be in the field where your food is produced,” explained Andy Smith, co-owner of Edwards Orchard in Poplar Grove.

For him, the orchard offers something more than produce: “That’s a unique opportunity that we get to provide. You get to see where your food comes from.”

Weather Challenges and Delayed Ripening

This year, orchard owners agree the apple picking season started later than usual. A late spring pushed back the ripening of apples by about two weeks, and the hot summer slowed down sugar development.

“Customers may just have to wait a bit longer than usual for their favorites to ripen,” said Brittany Richey of Honey Hill Orchard in Waterman.

She added that the earliest variety, Zestar, had just been harvested. “They are tasting and looking great,” Richey said, but many families are waiting eagerly for the mid-September arrival of Honeycrisp apples.

Smith confirmed the effects of summer heat. “Apples really love cooler temperatures when it comes to the development of sugars,” he noted.

He admitted the first apples of the season might not be as sweet as expected but expressed optimism. “As soon as that temperature drops … the apples will just love it, and they’ll increase in quality every day,” Smith said.

He believes this year could turn into a record harvest. “It’s gonna be a bumper crop this year.”

The Honeycrisp Craze

For many visitors, Honeycrisp apples are the highlight of the apple picking season. They typically ripen in early to mid-September and sell out quickly.

But orchard owners remind customers that other varieties are worth attention too. At Edwards Orchard, the Somerset — a Fuji-Honeycrisp cross — is praised as a “big, beautiful juicy apple with incredible flavor and a really great crunch.”

Similarly, the EverCrisp, a hybrid with remarkable shelf life, remains a favorite. “The EverCrisp is the apple that we keep for ourselves after we close our doors,” Smith admitted. “We’ll be eating crunchy, sweet EverCrisp well into May and June.”

Orchards to Visit in Illinois

All Seasons Orchard – Woodstock

Known for its large Honeycrisp orchard, All Seasons also offers EverCrisp later in the fall. Families can enjoy pig races, a corn maze, and pumpkin patches. Manager Jocelyn Calderon suggests arriving before 11:30 a.m. on weekdays to avoid crowds.

Cost: U-pick pricing starts at $12 per person for a quarter peck and includes a wagon ride.

Curtis Orchard – Champaign

Founded in 1977, Curtis grows nearly 30 apple varieties. Popular picks include Fuji, Pixie Crunch, and Arkansas Black.

“We’ve given the place a facelift this year,” said Randy Graham, co-owner. Visitors will find a zinnia maze and the new Wicked Orchard shootout. “The whole purpose of the orchard is to have experiences all ages could enjoy, both educational and fun.”

Cost: U-pick pricing starts at $9 per person for a quarter-peck bag.

Edwards Orchard – Poplar Grove

Alongside Honeycrisp, Edwards Orchard offers Somerset, Crimson Crisp, and EverCrisp. A tractor-drawn tour with antique John Deere tractors debuts this season. Families can also meet goats, chickens, and Otis, a Highland calf described as “so spoiled.”

Pro tip: Visit the sample tables to learn which apples are best for pies or sauces.

Honey Hill Orchard – Waterman

Offering around 30 apple varieties, Honey Hill emphasizes a quieter, less commercial atmosphere. Gala, Jonagold, and Fuji are top picks, while Crimson Crisp and Pixie Crunch are gaining fans.

The orchard features a petting zoo with goats, chickens, and Missy the Belgian Draft horse. Visitors also enjoy cider slushies, caramel apples, and the famous cider doughnut sundae.

Pro tip: Pumpkins, raspberries, honey, and sunflowers make this a full-day stop.

Kuipers Family Farm – Maple Park

Boasting more than 45 apple varieties, Kuipers is also known for its Sunflower Festival and Pumpkin FunFarm. Weekend attractions include live music, pig races, and a giant corn box.

Cost: $14.99 per person on weekends; admission includes a quarter-peck bag of apples.

Jonamac Orchard – Malta

This four-generation orchard offers apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and even camel rides. Sustainability practices, campfire rentals, and wine tastings add to its appeal.

Cost: U-pick pricing starts at $16 for a half peck.

Beyond Illinois: Indiana and Wisconsin Orchards

Apple Holler – Sturtevant, Wisconsin

With over 40 fruit varieties, Apple Holler also offers pony rides, train rides, and an enchanted forest. Families enjoy cider doughnuts, slides, pedal karts, and goat encounters.

Cost: U-pick starts at $24 per person, including orchard access and kids’ play areas.

County Line Orchard – Hobart, Indiana

Famous for its giant corn maze, County Line grows nearly 30 apple varieties and features goats, pigs, and novelty treats like “goat floats” and apple cider boba.

Cost: U-pick starts at $10 per person for a quarter peck.

Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Company – Colgate, Wisconsin

This certified organic farm grows over 50,000 dwarf apple trees and keeps prices stable. Owner Jenny Fahey recommends the apple cider slushy and gourmet caramel apples.

Cost: U-pick pricing starts at $10 for a quarter peck.

Radke Orchards – Michigan City, Indiana

A smaller, family-run orchard, Radke is ideal for a quiet outing. It offers budget-friendly picking and homemade fritters, doughnuts, and apple cider.

Cost: U-pick starts at $1.60 per pound.

A Season to Remember

The apple picking season stretches until late October, with some orchards open into November. Families can look forward to a variety of apples, seasonal foods, and activities that mix tradition with modern attractions.

As Smith of Edwards Orchard put it, “We’re excited. It’s going to be a bumper crop this year.”

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