Are you ready for fall? This season wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a local apple orchard. Here are 10 different apple orchards to visit in Southeast Wisconsin.
As we segway out of summer and into fall, apple picking is on every Wisconsinite’s horizon. In September, the air starts to crispen. The leaves begin to turn and it’s the perfect time of the year for outings with the whole family. Pick at one or visit them all, but be sure to cross this off your bucket list this fall.
1. Apple Barn Orchard & Winery
The Apple Barn Orchard & Winery’s barn doors have been open to the community since 1985. However, the farm has been in the family for numerous generations for over 150 years. The family-owned operation is located at W6384 Sugar Creek Road in Elkhorn, Wisc.
From August until Labor Day, they are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and from noon until 4 p.m. on Sundays. On Sept. 6, they will begin operating Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sundays.
There’s a lot happening at the Apple Barn Orchard & Winery. If you’re looking to pick, you’re in luck! During the months of September and October, they have Cortland, Empire, Holiday, Honey Crisp, Honey Gold, Ida Red, Gala, Ginger Gold, Jona Gold, McIntosh, Paula Red, and Zestor apples available.
Read about what’s in store for them this season by visiting their website.
2. Apple Holler
Apple Holler, 5006 S. Sylvania Ave. in Sturtevant, is open every day. The apple orchard with farm park draws in community members and travelers alike each fall. They offer a farm store, bakery, restaurant, a Biergarten, a u-pick orchard, tours, and more. Hours of operation vary depending on the amenities you are exploring.
Their picking calendar gives a glimpse into what produce is available for picking at what time. Apples are available now through October at Apple Holler. It is important to note that due to weather and the season, availability is subject to change. Various packages are available for apple picking.
Pick a time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to go out into the orchard. The last bags are sold at 3 p.m.; keep that in mind when visiting. For other amenities, hours of operation vary depending on what you are exploring.
Get the full scoop on their website.
3. Barthel Fruit Farm
Paula Red apples will be available on opening day. In addition, their bakery and the corn maze will kick off for the season come September. You can visit the farm seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., but visitors should note that the entrance for pick-your-own closes at 5:30 p.m.
Barthel Fruit Farm, 12246 N. Farmdale Road in Mequon, will open on Sept. 3. This family farm has been growing fruit since 1840.
Check their website in early September for more updates on the progress of the apples ripening. Find out what’s happening on their homestead and plan your visit to their orchards, greenhouse and farm.
4. Brightonwoods Orchard
Apples are available for purchase at Brightonwoods Orchard, 1072 288th Ave. in Burlington, starting on Aug. 20.
They offer over 150 apple varieties throughout the season, including seeded and seedless grapes, quince, and pears.
Note, they are not a pick-your-own apple farm but do allow visitors to roam the orchards and trails. You can even bring your pup with you to frolic through the rows of trees.
They are open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Grab apples, jellies, jams, juices, donuts, and more in their store. Read about what’s in stock at their Apple barn on their website.
5. Ela Orchard
Ela Orchard is located at 31308 Washington Ave. in Rochester. All of their apples are locally grown and pressed at their location in Rochester, Wisconsin. At this time, the orchard is closed for public picking, however, we are still including this fabulous farm in our guide as they remain a favorite like many others.
In January of 2021, their apple barn burned down. Construction on the new barn has taken longer than expected, however, to get a taste of Ela’s Orchard, visit a list of markets they participate in, on their website.
To get a bite of their locally grown apples, refer back to this guide for updates on their progress in the 2022 season. Check out the varieties of apples and even pears grown at their orchard by visiting their website.
6. Gierach Orchards
Gierach Orchards is taking farming to the next level. What started as a place to just purchase apples now offers the chance for you to pick-your-own apples. Find pre-picked apple and pear varieties, as well as cider, when visiting their location at 9616 W. Bonniwell Road in Mequon, Wisc.
In addition to apples and pears, they also have pick-your-own sunflowers. Both will be open in early September. The farm also features farm-fresh eggs and other fun goodies through a self-serve stand and in their barn store.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sundays. Read more about what’s happening at their orchard on their website.
7. Jacobson Orchard
Jacobson Orchard, located at 25911 Malchine Road in Waterford, offers various activities including apple picking. Opening weekend for their orchard started on Aug. 20. There are over 2,000 trees growing at their location, providing Racine County with a bountiful amount of apples to choose from.
At this time, they’ve released apple availability on their Harvest’s dates page. Matters are subject to change as the season progresses. Stay up to date with the harvest by checking out what’s happening online. Stop in on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 until 5 p.m.
Learn more about their orchard online.
8. R&M Orchards
R&M Orchards is open for apple, pear and grape picking. They are open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Find this orchard at 7015 88th Ave. in Kenosha. Paula Reds and some Snow apples are available at this time. For additional variety, wait a week or two for the season to progress.
They are pet friendly, so don’t forget to bring Fido! Plan your next visit to their orchard by visiting their website for additional details.
9. The Elegant Farmer
What’s pickin’ at The Elegant Farmer? A lot, to say the least! Plan your visit ahead of time, visit their website and learn about what they offer. If you want to pick your own apples, get ready for Autumn Fest at The Elegant Farmer, 1545 Main St. (Hwys ES & J), in Mukwonago, Wis.
During Autumn Fest, families are welcome to pick apples, ride their train, ponies, hayrides and more from Sept. 10 through Oct. 23 on Saturdays and Sundays.
There are 13 varieties of apples in their orchard including Honey Crisp, Jonathan, Gala, Ida Red, Cortland, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Wisc. Granny Smith, Fuji, Sweet Tango, Jonagold, and Macoun.
You may also stop by their market for pies, baked goods, deli items and specialty foods. For your taste of Wisconsin, check out their offerings online.
10. The Orchard Store at Old Homestead
For the 76th season, you can pick your own apples at The Orchard Store at Old Homestead, 7814 Raynor Ave. in Franksville. They offer a variety of new age and heirloom apples and will be open starting the weekend of Sept. 3. Due to the weather, the picking season has been altered. Visit their website for a schedule and approximate availability.
They’re open on Fridays from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Guests can pick their own apples on Saturdays and Sundays. The storefront is open otherwise. Check out all that’s happening on their homestead on their events page on their website.
Additional Fall Fun
Did we miss your favorite orchard? Drop us a line and let us know. We are always updating our guides to serve our communities better.
Also, make sure to check out the Racine County Eye’s Best of the Best: Apple Orchards of Southeast Wisconsin contest. Nomination week begins Aug. 29; voting begins Sept. 5.
Looking for more things to do? Check out a sunflower field.
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