The Best Pick Your Own Farms
🌱 When it comes to apple picking near St. Louis, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the best pick your own farms in the area:
Eckert’s Country Store and Farms
🌳 Eckert’s Country Store and Farms is a family-owned farm that has been operating for over 175 years. The farm is located in Belleville, Illinois, just a short drive from St. Louis. Eckert’s offers a variety of apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, Jonathan, and Red Delicious. The farm also has a variety of family-friendly activities, including a corn maze, hayrides, and a petting zoo. Admission to the farm is free, but there is a fee for apple picking.
Thierbach Orchards and Berry Farm
🍅 Thierbach Orchards and Berry Farm is located in Marthasville, Missouri, about an hour west of St. Louis. The farm offers a variety of apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, Jonathan, and Red Delicious. In addition to apple picking, Thierbach Orchards also has a variety of family-friendly activities, including a corn maze and hayrides. Admission to the farm is free, but there is a fee for apple picking.
Wind Ridge Farm
🌷 Wind Ridge Farm is located in New Melle, Missouri, within the St. Louis metropolitan area. The farm offers pick your own blueberries, peaches, and blackberries, as well as pre-picked peaches throughout the growing season. Wind Ridge Farm is a great option for those looking for a family-friendly experience, as there are several activities for kids, including a petting zoo and playground. Admission to the farm is free, but there is a fee for apple picking.
🌸 These are just a few of the top pick your own farms near St. Louis. Each farm offers a unique experience, so be sure to check their hours and availability before planning your trip.
Seasonal Varieties and Harvest Timing
Apple picking season in St. Louis typically begins in late August and lasts through the end of October. The season is dependent on weather patterns, with cooler temperatures helping to ripen the fruit. As the weather cools down, the apples become sweeter and more flavorful, making it the perfect time to pick them.
St. Louis offers a variety of apple varieties, including Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Empire, Prima, Gala, Missouri Red, Lura Red, Ellstar, Ultra Red Delicious, Mutsu, Jon-A-Gold, Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Keystone Gold. Each variety has its own unique taste and texture, making it important to know which ones are in season before heading out to pick.
Jonathan apples are typically ready for picking in late September, while Golden Delicious and Honeycrisp are usually ready in early October. Red Delicious and Empire apples are ready for picking in mid-October, while Prima and Gala are typically ready in late October.
When planning a trip to a local apple orchard, it’s important to check ahead of time to see which varieties are available for picking. Some orchards may only offer a limited selection of apples, while others may offer a wider variety.
Here are some of the top apple orchards near St. Louis:
- Thierbach Orchards & Berry Farm: This family-owned and operated orchard offers a variety of apples for picking, including Jonathan, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Jon-A-Gold. They also offer a pumpkin patch and hayrides during the fall season.
- Eckert’s Country Store & Farms: With multiple locations in the St. Louis area, Eckert’s is a popular destination for apple picking. They offer a variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, Jon-A-Gold, and Granny Smith. They also offer a variety of fall activities, including a corn maze and wagon rides.
- Herman’s Farm Orchard: This small orchard offers a limited selection of apples for picking, including Honeycrisp, Jonathan, and Jon-A-Gold. They also offer a variety of fall activities, including a pumpkin patch and hayrides.
Overall, apple picking near St. Louis is a fun and enjoyable activity for families and friends during the fall season. With a variety of apple varieties and orchards to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Local Farms and Community Engagement
Apple picking near St. Louis is not just about getting fresh produce, it is also about engaging with local farms and communities. Here are some of the top farms in the area, each with its unique charm and activities.
Eckert’s Farms 🌱
Eckert’s Farms is a family-owned business with three locations in Belleville, Grafton, and Millstadt, Illinois. They offer a wide variety of apples, including Jonathan, Red Delicious, and Honeycrisp. In addition to apple picking, they also have a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and petting zoo. Visitors can also enjoy live music and other events throughout the season.
Centennial Farms and Orchard 🌷
Centennial Farms and Orchard is located in Augusta, Missouri, near the Katy Trail. They offer a variety of apples, including Golden Delicious, Jonathan, and Rome. Visitors can also enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. The farm also hosts special events, such as a Fall Festival and a Christmas Market.
Thierbach Orchards 🌳
Thierbach Orchards is located in Marthasville, Missouri, and has been in operation since 1839. They offer a variety of apples, including Jonathan, Red Delicious, and Honeycrisp. Visitors can also pick their pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, and explore the corn maze. The farm also hosts special events, such as a Fall Festival and a Pumpkin Festival.
Braeutigam Orchards 🍅
Braeutigam Orchards is located in Belleville, Illinois, and has been in operation since 1831. They offer a variety of apples, including Jonathan, Red Delicious, and Honeycrisp. Visitors can also enjoy a hayride, explore the corn maze, and pick their pumpkins. The farm also hosts special events, such as a Fall Festival and a Christmas Market.
Mills Apple Farm 🐝
Mills Apple Farm is located in Marine, Illinois, and offers a variety of apples, including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Rome. Visitors can also enjoy a hayride, explore the corn maze, and pick their pumpkins. The farm also hosts special events, such as a Fall Festival and a Christmas Market.
Each of these farms offers a unique experience, whether it is exploring the corn maze, picking your pumpkins, or enjoying live music. By engaging with local farms and communities, visitors can not only get fresh produce but also support local businesses and traditions.
