The Absolute Best Apple Orchards in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Luckily, I've had plenty of experience visiting different orchards over the years and have narrowed down my top 12 favorites. From crisp Autumn days spent picking apples to sipping warm cider and enjoying freshly made apple donuts, these orchards offer the full seasonal experience.

So, whether you're a fellow Chicagoan or just passing through, grab your favorite sweater and join me in exploring the best apple orchards in Chicago.

Heinz Orchard

Highlights
Beautiful view
Delicious apples
Warm welcome

First off, the view of the orchard is absolutely breathtaking! The rows and rows of apple trees tastefully arranged with a few cozy benches here and there make for an idyllic setting. I was instantly drawn in by the charm of this place.

As I walked around, I couldn't resist grabbing a few apples. They were delicious. Juicy, crispy, and with the perfect amount of sweetness; they had me hooked! Not only that, but the variety of apples available was impressive. From Granny Smith to Honeycrisp, they had it all.

But what made my experience at Heinz Orchard truly special was the warm welcome from the staff. They were knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions I had about their orchard. Their passion for their work shone through in every interaction.

Overall, if you're looking for an apple orchard that offers both beautiful views and delicious apples with a friendly atmosphere, look no further than Heinz Orchard. It's definitely one of my top picks for the best apple orchards in Chicago!

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Ferro Farms Cider

First of all, the ambiance was charming and cozy, perfect for a fall day. The cider selection was impressive, with several unique flavors to choose from. I especially enjoyed the spiced apple cider, which had a rich and aromatic taste.

Their staff were knowledgeable and friendly, providing us with a tour of their orchards and explaining the cider-making process. The highlight of my visit was trying their freshly baked apple pie, which had a perfectly flaky crust and a filling that was deliciously sweet but not too overpowering.

Overall, Ferro Farms Cider is definitely one of the best orchards in Chicago! If you're looking for an enjoyable experience filled with flavorful ciders and delectable treats, then be sure to add this place to your list!

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Stade’s Farm & Market

Highlights
Well-Organized
Friendly Staff
Convenient Parking
Train Ride Available
Apple Cider and Donuts

First of all, let me tell you that this place is well-organized and offers a variety of activities for visitors. I was greeted by their friendly staff who were more than happy to guide me through the orchard. The best part was the convenient parking which made my visit hassle-free.

One highlight that stood out to me was the train ride available for visitors. It was a fun way to see the entire farm and learn about different types of apples. As an apple lover, it was intriguing for me to see how they grow apples in different seasons.

Of course, no apple orchard experience is complete without tasting their apple cider and donuts. The aroma of freshly-made donuts wafted through the air and drew me in. They tasted even better than they smelled! I couldn't resist getting more than one.

Overall, Stade’s Farm & Market left a lasting impression on me with its well-organized setup, friendly staff, train ride option, and delicious treats. If you're looking for an entertaining day out with your family or friends while indulging in some sweet treats, then Stade’s Farm & Market is definitely worth checking out!

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Garden Patch Farms

Highlights
Free apple
Not crowded
Fall festival

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they give you a free apple when you arrive! Who doesn't love free stuff? It's a small detail, but it made me feel welcome and appreciated as a customer.

The best part about Garden Patch Farms is that it's not crowded like some of the other orchards in the area. This means you can take your time picking apples without feeling rushed or claustrophobic. Plus, you won't have to worry about bumping into other people while carrying your basket full of apples.

I visited during their fall festival, and it was a blast! They had various activities for kids and adults alike, such as hayrides and a corn maze. The atmosphere was lively and fun, which added to the overall experience.

One thing to note is that they do not have as many apple varieties as some other orchards in the area. However, this didn't bother me too much because the quality of the apples they do have is top-notch.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Garden Patch Farms for an enjoyable apple-picking experience that won't break the bank. Plus, who can resist a free apple?

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Meadowmoor Orchard

Highlights
Good apples
Nice location
Great orchard

Firstly, the apples at Meadowmoor Orchard are absolutely divine! They have a variety of different apples to choose from, each with their own unique taste and texture. I could not get enough of them!

The location of the orchard is also quite nice. It's situated in a peaceful area away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The scenery is breathtaking, especially during autumn when the leaves turn to beautiful shades of red and orange.

The staff at Meadowmoor Orchard are also extremely friendly and helpful. They provided me with a map highlighting all the different apple trees and even gave me some recommendations on which ones to try based on my preferences.

The orchard itself is well-maintained and organized. It was easy for me to navigate through the rows of trees without getting lost. I was impressed by how clean it was as well, no litter or debris laying around.

Overall, my experience at Meadowmoor Orchard was fantastic! If you're looking for an apple orchard in Chicago with good apples, nice location, and great atmosphere then look no further than Meadowmoor Orchard!

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Woodstock Country Orchard

Highlights
Off the beaten path
No entry fee
Wide variety
Friendly staff

First of all, I have to say that this is definitely an orchard off the beaten path. If you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, this is it. The peaceful and serene atmosphere makes it easy to forget that you're still in Chicago.

One thing that sets Woodstock Country Orchard apart from other orchards is that there's no entry fee. Yes, you read that right! You can come and enjoy the beautiful scenery without spending a single penny. However, I must warn you – once you see the wide variety of apples they have to offer, it'll be hard not to leave with a bag full of them.

But it's not just the apples that make this orchard special. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about all things apple-related. They were happy to answer any questions I had and even gave me some tips on how to make the best apple pie ever. Who knew adding a little bit of cinnamon could make such a difference?

In conclusion, if you're looking for an apple-picking experience that's both fun and educational, Woodstock Country Orchard should definitely be on your list. Just don't blame me if you end up leaving with more apples than you can carry!

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Green City Market Lincoln Park

Highlights
Local produce
Fresh baked bread
Live music
Unique vendors

First of all, let me tell you that this place is not an apple orchard, but it's a farmer's market with several stands selling fresh and locally grown produce. However, I couldn't help but notice the abundance of different types of apples available at the market.

The highlight of my visit was definitely the local produce, which included a wide variety of apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith. The vendors were very knowledgeable about their products and were happy to share tips on how to use each type of apple in cooking or baking.

Aside from the apples, there were also other highlights such as fresh baked bread and unique vendors selling everything from homemade jams to artisanal cheeses. The live music added to the overall ambiance of the market and made for a fun shopping experience.

I must admit that I was initially disappointed that Green City Market Lincoln Park wasn't an apple orchard, but after visiting I realized that it offered so much more. It's a great place to buy fresh produce and support local farmers while enjoying a lively atmosphere.

If you're looking for an orchard experience, this may not be the place for you. But if you're looking for a fun day out with family or friends while sampling some delicious local produce, then I highly recommend checking out Green City Market Lincoln Park.

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Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up

Highlights
Fun activities and photo props
Variety of food and beverage stands
Well-made and tasty drinks
Clean and well-done decorations
Stunning Chicago skyline backdrop

First off, it's not just a pumpkin patch! They had a variety of fun activities to keep everyone entertained, from axe throwing to mini-golf. They even had larger-than-life photo props that were perfect for capturing the moment with friends or family.

Now let's talk about the food and drinks. Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up was definitely on point with their variety of food and beverage stands. Whether you were craving something sweet or savory, they had it all. The best part? The drinks were well-made and tasted amazing! I highly recommend trying their signature apple cider - it was perfectly spiced and warmed me right up on a chilly day.

The decorations were also top-notch. Everything was clean and well-done, which made me feel safe during these times. The attention to detail was impressive, from the pumpkins lining the paths to the stunning Chicago skyline serving as a backdrop.

Overall, Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up is more than just a place to buy pumpkins - it's an experience. So if you're looking for some autumn fun, don't hesitate to check them out!

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Kline Creek Farm (living history museum)

Highlights
Local gifts sold
Friendly and welcoming workers
Interesting programs for families/kids
Beautiful fall colors
Operated like a Midwest farm in 1890s

First off, I have to say that the workers at Kline Creek Farm were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made me feel like I was a part of the family. And speaking of family, this is definitely a great place for families with kids! They offer some really interesting programs that are both educational and entertaining.

But let's talk about why we're here - the apples! Now, while it's not necessarily an apple orchard per se, Kline Creek Farm does have some beautiful fall colors that make it worth a visit during apple season. And if you're looking for some local gifts to take home with you, they've got you covered too!

What sets Kline Creek Farm apart from other places is the fact that it's operated like a Midwest farm in the 1890s. It's like stepping back in time! You'll see people dressed in period clothing doing things like churning butter or blacksmithing. It's a really unique experience and one that I highly recommend.

Overall, my visit to Kline Creek Farm left me feeling happy and satisfied. The combination of beautiful scenery, friendly workers, interesting programs, and historical authenticity makes this place truly special. If you're looking for a fun day trip during apple season (or any time of year), give Kline Creek Farm a try!

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Garwood Orchards

Highlights
Great customer service
Beautiful farm
Delicious and fresh peaches, strawberries, and apples
Family-friendly atmosphere
Wagon ride to the fields

Firstly, I must say that the customer service was exceptional. The staff were friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. As I strolled through the beautiful farm, I could see that they take great care in maintaining their orchards.

The fruits at Garwood Orchards were simply delicious! The peaches, strawberries, and of course, the apples were all fresh and juicy. It was a treat to be able to pick my own fruit straight from the source.

The family-friendly atmosphere made it a perfect place to spend an afternoon with loved ones. Children would definitely enjoy the wagon ride to the fields, which adds an extra element of fun for them.

Overall, Garwood Orchards is a must-visit if you're in Chicago! With its great customer service, picturesque farm, and fresh produce, it's not hard to see why this orchard is one of the best in town.

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Kuipers Family Farm

Highlights
Sunflowers
Apple picking
Farm animals
Large play areas
Grocery store/farm stand

First of all, let me tell you that this place is not just about picking apples. They have so much more to offer! As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by the sight of beautiful sunflowers which made me feel like I was in a field of sunshine.

After that, it was time for some apple picking! The orchard had a wide variety of apples to choose from and the staff were very helpful in guiding us towards the best apples for our taste. We even got to try some fresh apple cider!

But wait, there's more! The farm had a bunch of cute farm animals which added a unique charm to the whole experience. My personal favorite were the goats who were always ready for some petting.

If you're bringing your kids along, they will definitely love the large play areas filled with tons of activities including a corn maze and pumpkin patch. And if you're feeling hungry after all the fun, don't worry because they have a grocery store/farm stand where you can buy fresh produce and delicious treats!

Overall, Kuipers Family Farm is definitely one of the best apple orchards in Chicago. With its impressive range of activities and attractions, it's perfect for families or anyone looking for a fun day out.

Prairie Sky Orchard

Highlights
Well-maintained orchard
Reasonable prices
Delicious apple treats
Picturesque location

First and foremost, I was impressed by the well-maintained orchard. The staff had done a fantastic job of keeping the trees healthy and the grounds clean. It's clear that they take pride in their work.

Another highlight of my visit was the reasonable prices. Admission to the orchard was free, and apples were priced per pound, which is great for those who don't want to spend a lot of money.

The delicious apple treats at Prairie Sky Orchard were also a standout feature. I indulged in some freshly baked apple pies and caramel apples, both of which were absolutely divine. They also sold apple cider donuts and other goodies.

Lastly, I can't forget to mention the picturesque location. The orchard is located in a beautiful area with rolling hills and stunning views. It's a perfect spot for families or couples looking for a fun day out or even just a peaceful afternoon.

Overall, my time at Prairie Sky Orchard was delightful! If you're looking for an apple-picking adventure with great prices, tasty treats, and breathtaking scenery, then this is definitely worth checking out!