Summer in Chicagoland is sublime, and once it starts to dwindle into fall, there’s a whole other slew of activities to get behind. Apple picking is one that tops the list, especially in early autumn when the weather is just starting to get crisp and an abundance of apple cider awaits.
The Chicago suburbs and surrounding countryside are full of pick-your-own orchards and a wide variety of apple trees, from Gala to Honeycrisp. (Though, if you’re in the market for a specific apple, call the orchards ahead of time to ask which ones are in-season.)
While there are dozens of places to pick from, listed below are just a few well-loved apple orchards within a 70-mile radius of the Hinsdale area.
Jonamac Orchard
Jonamac is a family-owned orchard with 105 acres and more than 20,000 apple trees. Their website has an interactive scroll to swipe through which varieties are ripe for picking and how to use them. Besides apple picking, you can wander through the corn maze or dip into the Cider House for apple wine and hard cider to take home. And don’t forget the Country Store Bakery — they’ve got special made jams, jellies and apple butter. 19412 Shabbona Rd, Malta, IL; jonamacorchard.com
Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard
Goebbert’s has everything under the fall sun: Apples, pumpkin picking, a straw maze, a giant pumpkin slide, a haunted house and more. Not to mention their popular Fall Festival. Depending on traffic, it’s about an hour drive from Hinsdale so you can even make a couple trips before winter. 42W813 Reinking Rd, Pingree Grove, IL; goebbertspumpkinpatch.com
Stade’s Farm and Market
For eight weekends through Sunday, Oct. 31, Stade’s Farm and Market rotates a variety of attractions and surprises to celebrate the fall festival season. On Sept. 25, for instance, they’re hosting the Annual Arts & Crafts Show. “Shade’s of Autumn” offers family fun, pick your own pumpkins, fresh produce, a petting zoo and the Farmtractions Theme Park. And most importantly, a bakery full of apple cider doughnuts. Visit the website for a calendar of events. 3709 Miller Road, McHenry, IL; stadesfarmandmarket.com
All Seasons Orchard
What’s cozier than taking a wagon ride to an apple orchard? Once inside the All Seasons Orchard, there are over 15,000 apple and pear trees to pick from, including the highly coveted Honeycrisps. If you want to skip the U-Pick fun, already picked apples can also be purchased in their Farm Market. 14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock, IL; allseasonsorchard.com
Homestead Orchard
According to Homestead Orchard’s website, they’re currently picking the No. 1 apple in sales: the McIntosh. “It is the best all purpose apple for juicing, eating and applesauce,” the orchard points out. Homestead Orchard is a quaint countryside spot with 23 varieties of apples and pears. It’s home to one of the oldest and largest maple trees in McHenry County, which the owners welcome people to sit and unwind under. To make matters sweeter, Homestead also sells honey and beeswax candles from their own bee hives. 11802 Charles Rd. Woodstock, IL; homesteadorchard.net
Apples on Oak
At Apples on Oak, ‘U-Pik’ is only available on Saturdays and those who are interested are asked to sign up using the registration link on their website to reserve a spot. Everyone 12 years and older will have to buy a $10 half peck bag to enter the orchard. 16146 W Oak Ave, Lockport, IL; applesonoak.com
For visiting hours and more information, please visit each orchard’s website.
![Glencoe residents will have a nearly $15 million decision to make this fall on whether they want to fund a series of improvements proposed by the Park District. The Park District board unanimously voted July 17 to put a 25-year, $14.7 million bond sale referendum on the November 2024 ballot. “The proposed bond referendum would protect and improve some of our most important assets,” Park District Executive Director Lisa Sheppard said. Among the changes envisioned is a replacement of beach playground equipment, an enhanced interior at the Safran Beach House and greater accessibility to the beach and boardwalk with new […]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PPN-L-GLN-parkdistrictreferendum-072524-01.jpg?w=467 "Glencoe residents will have a nearly $15 million decision to make this fall on whether they want to fund a series of improvements proposed by the Park District. The Park District board unanimously voted July 17 to put a 25-year, $14.7 million bond sale referendum on the November 2024 ballot. “The proposed bond referendum would protect and improve some of our most important assets,” Park District Executive Director Lisa Sheppard said. Among the changes envisioned is a replacement of beach playground equipment, an enhanced interior at the Safran Beach House and greater accessibility to the beach and boardwalk with new […]")
