It wouldn’t be a proper autumn without a trip to one of the many picturesque and delicious apple orchards that surround the Chicago area. These family-operated farms and orchards boast a plethora of apple varieties for picking as well as plenty of fall activities and fresh-baked treats that the whole family can enjoy. Take a drive this season and pick a bushel!

Prairie Sky Orchard
Union, Illinois

Open daily starting September 3rd

Located just an hour and a half’s drive away from the city, this orchard specializes in 15 different varieties of apples as well as Asian pears. Stop by daily starting in September and prepare to walk away with enough apples or pears for the whole family. Before picking, visit the farm's Koffee Kiosk and try their apple cider doughnuts or fresh pie, and be sure to stop by the bar store to purchase charming fall decor.

Honey Hill Orchard
Waterman, Illinois

September 8th - October 31st

This orchard is worth the drive—and since it is nestled near Shabbona Lake State park, Honey Hill Orchard makes the perfect reason to make a day trip. Expect to find more than two dozen varieties of apples for picking, a country store which also stocks apple cider and fresh-baked fall treats, and a children’s play area that includes a petting zoo and straw maze. Regular food truck stops, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more make this orchard the perfect destination for the whole family.

Jonamac Orchard
Malta, Illinois

Open daily starting August 29th

This family-owned property boasts 105 acres and more than 20,000 apple trees to pick from, as well as helpful experts to guide you on what is ripe for picking and how to use each apple variety. In addition, the orchard features a corn maze, private campfire site for groups, and the Cider House, which boasts an impressive selection of apple wine and hard cider to take home.

Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard
Pingree Grove, Illinois

August 27th - October 31st

Famous throughout the state, Goebbert’s annual Fall Festival is your one-stop shop for Illinois’ best apple varieties, plus so much more. A great jack-o-lantern slide, pumpkin patch, straw mazes, and hay rides are just a few of the fall attractions that Goebbert’s puts on each year. Stop by for some quality apple picking, or stay the afternoon to attend the festival with the whole family.

Stade's Farm and Market
McHenry, Illinois

Open daily

This quaint farm and market in suburban McHenry has offered apple picking for over five years, since its owners planted and studied thousands of dwarf apple trees over the course of several growing seasons. Visitors can witness benefits of that research via the farm’s bountiful picking options, including varieties like Sansa, Orange Cox Pippin, Winecrisp and Goldrush spread throughout the fall season.

Kuipers Family Farm
Maple Park, Illinois

August 27th - October 30th

Since 1998, Wade and Kim Kuipers have offered their pumpkin patch and apple orchard to the public with the simple intention of sharing the pleasures of spending a day on their farm. Today, the growing operation includes hay rides, Christmas trees, and an orchard shop and bakery for sweet fall treats. This picturesque location has even been the venue for multiple weddings.

All Seasons Orchard
Woodstock, Illinois

August 27th - October 30th

This family-run orchard in Woodstock, Illinois boasts more than 15,000 apple and pear trees for picking. In addition, visitors can play corn hole with the family or get lost in a 10-acre corn maze; then, starting in late September, walk through the 10-acre pumpkin patch and munch on hand-dipped caramel apples.

This guide is part of our Chicago Connected: Fall Edition series. Stay tuned for more ways to enjoy Chicago this autumn!