Many people love autumn for the glorious weather the season provides, which leads to fun outdoor activities cropping up for just a short amount of time. Apple picking is a quintessential fall activity, and some of the best orchards out there are right in our region. Here’s a roundup of some of the best places around to purchase apples. Some locations let you pick away, while others specialize in pre-picked options.
Curran’s Orchard
6385 Kilburn Ave., Rockford, (815) 963-7848, curransorchard.com
This family-run destination is known for using fewer chemicals to grow its apples, resulting in pure, delicious fruit. In addition to treats, enjoy hay wagon rides, a farm animal corral, climbing bales, a straw bale mini-maze, apple launcher and more.
Valley Orchard
811 E. State St., Cherry Valley, (815) 332-9696, thevalleyorchard.com
This family-owned orchard offers approximately 30 varieties of apples. Pick your own or purchase pre-picked apples in the store.
Edwards Apple Orchard East & West
7061 Centerville Road, Poplar Grove, (815) 765-2234, edwardsorchard.farm
8218 Cemetery Road, Winnebago, (815) 963-2261, edwardsorchardwest.com
These destinations are famous for their apple cider donuts. Find crisp apples, freshly pressed cider and more.
The Apple Hut
1718 W. Walters Road, Beloit, (608) 362-1961, facebook.com/The-Apple-Hut
A haven for fall treats, The Apple Hut offers 17 varieties of apples, apple pies (both baked and frozen), caramel apples and other goodies. This location doesn’t accept credit, but there is an ATM on site.
Ten Eyck Orchard
W968 Highway 11 & 81, Brodhead, Wis., (608) 447-0034, teneyckorchard.com
Six generations of Ten Eycks have operated this orchard that today offers more than 50 varieties of apples, from the popular U-Pick Honeycrisp to unique pre-picked antique options such as Russet, Snow, Winesap and others. ❚