Looking for the best farms near me to visit in Illinois? Below you will find the ultimate guide that includes cherry, apple, blueberry, strawberry, and other farms where you can buy produce already picked or the best u-pick farms and orchards in Illinois.
Cherry-picking in Illinois only lasts a few weeks, but it’s something you don’t want to miss. I’ve rounded up the best cherry farms and other fresh produce in the state to visit this summer. I love that there is so much more to this state than exploring Chicago.
Berry Farms Near Me
You’ll find the ultimate list below that includes which beautiful orchard, roadside stand, farm market, and grocery stores you can visit during Illinois cherry-picking season.
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Illinois Cherry Picking
Summer is fast approaching and in mid to late July, Illinois is the place to find u-pick cherries.
The Midwest has several amazing farms to purchase or u-pick the freshest veggies, fruits, and berries. There is something so satisfying eating and baking with fruit that you picked yourself.
In case you are wondering which cherries are for you, it’s good to know that tart cherries are typically used for cooking and sweet cherries are for snacking on during the ride home from the orchards!
Most of Illinois is bursting with cherry trees that are begging to be picked and farm-fresh veggies that need to be gathered. I don’t know what it is, but fresh fruit & vegetables always taste better when you get to pick them yourself.
U-Pick Farms in Illinois
Ackerman Family Farms, LLC
Located outside of Peoria, this is a perfect outing for the entire family. They offer a corn maze, farm animals, and hayride around the property.
The gift shop offers a variety of local food, produce, and home decor. The fall season for picking typically starts at the end of August.
Arends Orchard
Located in Central Illinois, they have been offering fruits, fall veggies, homemade cider, and raw honey since 1956.
They offer 18 different varieties of apples that you can purchase by the half-bushel, peck, or quarter peck. The orchard is open daily from July 1 through December 15.
Christ Orchard
Located near Elmwood, their orchards include everything from apples, pure honey, apple cider, pumpkins, varieties of corn, vegetables, mums, straw, fruit butter, preserves, and more!
The kids will also enjoy interacting with all the farm animals. Apple picking typically runs from the end of August through mid-October.
Garwood Orchards
This farm grows everything from cherries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
A family-run farm for over 200 years, this is the perfect place to grab the entire family and enjoy the day picking fruit. You can bring your container or get one at the orchard.
Johnson’s Farm Produce
Open daily, they have a u-pick option and market store. They offer weekend festivals from June through July that focus on in-season produce.
They have a yearly strawberry festival, pumpkin festival in the fall, and watermelon picking in the summer.
McCann Berry Farm
This farm is located in Woodstock and has over 3 acres of blueberries for picking. Picking typically begins around mid-July and goes into early August. They are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Cash or check only.
Orchard Hill Farm & Country Store
This family-friendly farm has plenty of fun events and a corn maze to entertain your whole crew. Children of all ages will enjoy this farm. The farm is open from July through October.
Guests can purchase apples, peaches, a variety of jams, homemade cider, baked goods, local wines, and other unique items. Check their website for special events.
Partridge Point Orchard
With over 800 apple trees and nine varieties of apples, you are bound to find the flavor you enjoy the most. Spend the day picking apples and head to the farm store to purchase local honey.
Pleasant Row
This orchard may be small, but it’s mighty. The farm offers about 800 trees and fruit that range from apples to u-pick peaches and cherries. They also have fall decorations and produce for purchase.
Roth Pumpkin Patch, Inc
Located in the “Pumpkin Capital of the World” guests will enjoy 150 acres of fun!
They specialize in pumpkins, but also offer a wide array of vegetables and fruit. In the fall they offer pick-your-own pumpkins, gourds, and mums. The gift shop sells a variety of Illinois salsa, jellies, jam, local honey, and fall decorations.
During the winter they have The Red Barn Christmas Tree Farm and Christmas Gift Shop.
Stade’s Farm & Market
Located about 60 miles from Chicago, this farm has over 20-acres of strawberries for picking. They offer a u-pick option and a market to purchase fresh fruit. Prices range from $6-18 depending on the size of the basket.
Stade’s bakery also offers fresh jams and pies for purchase. Their Facebook page has updates and hours.
Stateline Blueberries
This is a fun and beautiful u-pick farm. They offer huge fields of blueberries but be sure to bring your containers for picking, or you can purchase one at the farm.
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Tanners Orchard
Four generations of the Tanner family have been hosting fall activities for the community for over 70 years. Located in Speer, their orchard has over 11,000 trees, 20 acres of pumpkins, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Guests can enjoy lunch at the bakery, shopping at the country farm market, gift shop, wagon rides, corn maze, and the Back 40 Fun Acres filled with farm animals.
Thompson Strawberry Farm
Once visiting you’ll understand why their slogan is “The Berry Best Place to Be!” Technically this farm is just across the Wisconsin border, but I had to add it to the list. Not only do they grow strawberries, but sunflowers in July, and raspberries in September.
Weekday entrance fee is $5 per car and weekends are $10 per car. There is no entrance fee when shopping for pre-picked berries at the store.
Tom’s Farm Market
Located in Huntley, this family-owned farm offers a bakery, farmers market, garden center of u-pick fields. Pickers can check their website for hours and when they are open.
Be sure to stop by the bakery for sweet treats after a day of picking the fresh fruit.