6 of the Best Midwest Apple Orchards to Explore This Fall

Delectable apples aren't the only draw at Midwest apple orchards. Super-scenic venues, on-tap cider, corn mazes, hayrides and barnyard animals are all part of the experience at these family-friendly favorites.

Cook's Orchard, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Immerse yourself in the bucolic green fields of Cook's Orchard and you'll almost forget you're still in the city. Aside from its pastoral beauty, locals know this orchard as the apple supplier for GK Baked Goods and Provisions, a Fort Wayne-based bakery whose artisan apple hand pies are a beloved delicacy. If you plan to make your own apple pie this year, the orchard has 18 U-pick varieties to choose from. The shop also stocks local honey, apple butter, jams, jellies, fresh peaches, apples, pumpkins and other gourds. Fresh-squeezed cider is made on-site in a large press and available on tap or by the liter.

Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest, Jordan, Minnesota

The first commercial Honeycrisp planting in the world occurred at Ferguson's Orchards, the largest apple grower between the Rocky Mountains and Lake Michigan. And oh, to be a kid here, where fall brings festival fare with an exciting twist. "Instead of a bounce house, we have a giant, 65-foot-high inflatable pumpkin jumping pad," co-owner Andy Ferguson says. "Instead of a sandbox, we have thousands of bushels of corn kernels to play in—a sensory experience like no other." Refuel with the orchard's famous apple cider doughnuts before you hit the road—few visitors leave without them. New in 2023: The Cider Barn, Caramel Apple Shoppe and Harvest Bistro. (In addition to Ferguson's Minnesota Harvest southwest of the Twin Cities, the grower operates Ferguson's Pepin Heights Store in Lake City, Minnesota, plus Ferguson's Orchards in Galesville, Wisconsin, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Each offers different activities and markets.)

Wilson's Orchard and Farm, Iowa City, Iowa

Just 3 miles off Interstate-80 near Iowa City, Wilson's Orchard and Farm is a u-pick farm, market and bakery open year-round. Each summer and fall, its grounds beckon visitors of all ages to explore and take part in the harvest. Farmstead libations and seasonal dishes await at Wilson's Ciderhouse and Venue, a two-story restaurant, bar and venue housed in a barn onsite. Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturdays, and brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays. In 2024, a new Des Moines location will feature a restaurant, farm market and event venue.

Apple Jack Orchards, Delano, Minnesota

Apple Jack Orchards is a fitting stop for those seeking hard-to-find apples in L'Étoile du Nord—and a delectable spread of seasonal comfort foods. U-pick varieties like Honeycrisp, SweeTango and Chestnut Crab are available, and the market's apple selection varies based on what's been picked that day. Grab a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, apple cinnamon doughnuts, hand-rolled pies and caramel apples at the cafe. Visiting with kids? Little ones will love the low ropes course made with their stature in mind, a farm animal petting zoo and jumping pillow.

County Line Orchard, Hobart, Indiana

From its U-pick apples, sunflowers and pumpkins to a one-acre soybean maze in the shape of an Albanese Gummi Bear, classic fall fun is never in short supply at County Line Orchard, an hour southeast of Chicago. "Every orchard has its charms and hidden gems," says Ryan Richardson, apple grower and owner. Hundreds of bees help pollinate the orchard's trees, and guests can pay $2 to visit the "bee yurts." Small children especially will enjoy the Moo Choo, barrel cars painted in milk-cow spots and pulled by a Farmall Cub tractor. And if you're in the market to rent a 30,000-square-foot timber-frame barn, you're in luck—they have one of those, too, and it's used for about 90 wedding receptions each year.

Stone's Apple Barn, East Moline, Illinois

With more than 15,000 trees and two beautiful lakes to explore, it's easy to get lost in the natural beauty of Stone's Apple Barn. Pick your own apples and pears in fall, plus enjoy free hayrides to and from the orchard. Fill your bag with distinctive apple varieties like Empire, Jonagold, Fireside, Ida Red and Winesap. The on-site petting farm—which includes turkeys, alpacas, rabbits and pygmy goats—is a favorite with kids. Three-pound bags of apples are available for purchase to feed your new barnyard friends.