By Sue Zeiler

Top 10 Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking Near Chicago

Looking for the best places to go apple picking near Chicago this fall? Whether you’re planning a family day trip, a fun fall date, or just want to stock up for your favorite apple pie recipe, there are plenty of apple orchards close to Chicago that offer fresh u-pick apples, cider donuts, and fun farm activities.

From family-friendly apple orchards with hayrides and corn mazes to traditional farms where you can pick your own apples straight from the tree, Chicagoland has no shortage of fall fun.

Keep in mind that apple orchard admission, U-Pick prices, and activities vary at each farm. Always check the orchard’s website for the latest hours, ticketing info, apple supply updates, and seasonal events before you go.

Here are our top picks for apple picking near Chicago:
These orchards are some of the most popular spots in the area, but you can also find an even bigger list of local farms and orchards on our [Farms and Orchards page].

Here are some of our picks for your picking - and you can see a more complete list by visiting our Farms and Orchards page.

All Seasons Apple Orchard-Pumpkin Patch
14510 Illinois 176, Woodstock IL
(815) 338-5637
Take a wagon ride to the apple orchard and go apple picking among 16,000 apple trees in two orchards, highlighted by the most popular Honeycrisp apples. Pre-picked apples can also be purchased in our Farm Market. Fall family-friendly activities include a corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch and more. In honor of Sesame Street's Roadtrip Across America, this year's adventure Barnyard includes a Sesame Street-themed sunflower maze Some fees may apply.
Hours: August 30-October 26. Mon-Fri: 10 am – 5 pm. Sat, Sun, Columbus Day: 10 am – 6 pm.

Apple Holler
5006 S. Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant WI
(262) 884-7100
Open year round - pick peaches before apple season! Apple Holler is located just north of the Illinois/Wisconsin border, and offers over 30 varieties of apples for you to pick. Pick-your-own apples, peaches and pears. Visitors will enjoy four seasons of family fun on our 78-acre farm. With tractor drawn hayrides, Farm Park fun, crazy corn maze, farm animal visits and more.
Hours: Apple picking daily 9am - 4pm through October, last admission at 3pm.

County Line Orchard
200 S. County Line Road, Hobart IN
(219) 947-4477
Check web site for seasonal open dates. Located in Hobart, Indiana, County Line Orchard is the closest U-Pick apple orchard to downtown Chicago. Spending a day at the orchard and make lasting memories with your children hunting for the "perfect" apple, getting lost in the Corn Maze, or visiting with some farm animals in the Kids Farm.
Hours: Check web site for dates and hours.

Edwards Apple Orchard West
8218 Cemetery Rd, Winnebago
(815) 963-2261
Check web site for seasonal open dates. Located in Hobart, Indiana, County Line Orchard is the closest U-Pick apple orchard to downtown Chicago. Spending a day at the orchard is one of the best family activities around. Come out and make lasting memories with your children hunting for the "perfect" apple, getting lost in the Corn Maze, or visiting with some farm animals in the Kids Farm.
Hours: Opens August 22nd, daily 9am - 6pm.

Honey Hill Orchard
11783 Waterman Rd., Waterman
(815) 827-5200
Honey Hill Orchard is a family-owned and operated orchard with 2,100 apple trees, with an additional 500 trees at a second farm location. What started out as a simple farm stand has grown to include pick your own apples, raspberries and pumpkins, a bakery, the Apple Barn Country Store and family activities. Kids will also enjoy meeting the barnyard animals such as horses, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens and turkeys, and they can have fun in the straw maze and climbing the straw pyramid.
Hours: Opens early September.

Heinz Orchard
1050 Crest Road, Green Oaks
(847) 770-3449
If you're looking for pure apple picking fun without the distraction of attractions, this orchard is just what you need. Located just next to Libertyville, this no-frills spot offers free parking and no admission fees (must buy one bag of apples.)
Hours: Opens mid-September and open on select dates through the season; check web site for other picking dates and hours.

Jonamac Orchard
19412 Shabbona Road, Malta IL
(815) 825-2158
Jonamac Orchard is a three generational family farm owned and operated by the McArtor Family since 1984. The apple orchard is part of the 105 acre farm in Northern Illinois, with over 20,000 apple trees. At the Farm Park, try the Corn Maze, Little Red Haybarn, Giant Slide, Corn Palace Corn Box, Straw Mountain, and visit the Goats at the Golden Goat Bridge, PLUS Pony Rides for kids and Peddle Cart Rides on the weekends
Hours: Opens August 20. See web site for hours as they vary by activity.

Lang's Orchard
17411 Secor Rd., Woodstock
(815) 568-7547
This old-fashioned orchard focuses on apple picking and nothing more. With no parking or admission fees, you'll only pay for the apples that you take home. Check web site for seasonal open dates.
Hours: Opens September 6. Open Sat and Sun from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and closed on weekdays.

Kuipers Family Farm Orchard
1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park
(815) 827-5200
Select from over 20 varieties of apples during the harvest season. Apples are available by the bag fresh from the orchard, or you can pick your own. Admission includes 1/4 peck of apples, and is $11.99-13.99. Children 2 and under free (no bag of apples included).
Hours: August 23rd - November 2nd. Visit web site as hours vary and some days are closed.

Royal Oak Farm Orchard
15908 Hebron Rd., Harvard IL
(815) 648-4141
This u-pick apple orchard, located in Northern Illinois near the Wisconsin state line, offers family fun and entertainment in a beautiful 120 acre setting from mid-August through mid-November. $12 per person age 4 and up. Admission fee includes Access into the Orchard, Access into the Pollination Garden, 1/4 Peck (3lb) Bag to Fill in the Orchard. Featuring over 21,000 apple trees, plus pumpkins, giant pumpkins, gourds and winter squash. Entertainment includes a Train, Carousel, Hay Ride and Orchard Tour rides, tokens required. Please check for operating hours and fees of all rides.
Hours: August 22 through October 31. See web site for hours.

Stade's Farm and Market
3709 Miller Road, McHenry IL
(815) 648-4141
Stade’s Farm and Market offers apple picking as well as u-pick vegetables and fruits, plus a hands-on petting zoo experience. Visitors can learn about agriculture and farming in field trip sessions and shop in the farm market and farm stands for local and regional produce as well as unique country gifts. A $10 minimum apple purchase per person is required to enter the apple orchard (ages two years and under are free). Shades of Autumn 2024 is nine weekends of family fun from August 30 through October featuring 40+ farm-related attractions, pumpkin picking, special events, great food, and lots of family-orientated fun.
Hours: Through October 10am-6pm daily. Closes sometimes so always check their Facebook page first.