You’ll Have Loads Of Fun At These 7 Pick-Your-Own Fruit Farms In Illinois
By Elizabeth Crozier|Updated on April 21, 2023(Originally published April 20, 2023)
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Fruit picking is the next best thing to buying fresh grown produce straight from the farm. Why let someone else do the work, when you can choose the best fruit yourself? Here are seven fruit farms in Illinois that let you do just that. It’s fruit picking season in Illinois so you best get to collecting berries! Rather than searching through plastic cartons at the store for the perfect bunch, pick one yourself at one of these pick-your-own Illinois fruit farms. Just be prepared for when you visit the farms by checking the weather advisories, wearing sunscreen, and wearing comfortable clothing.
This incredible place has been around since 1972 and pick-your-own is a summer tradition for young and old.
Pick-your-own and prepicked strawberries are available mid-June to mid-July; red raspberries, early July to late August; black and purple raspberries, July to early August; and tart cherries, early July.
Vern Stade started his career as a dairy farmer in 1977. Since then, many crops and attractions have been added to the farm including the Farmtractions Theme Park.
Here you will find a large variety of in-season vegetables, fruits, bakes pies, spices, soup mixes, eggs, gluten-free items, gifts, and canning supplies.
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5.The pick-your-own blueberry picking season at Prairie Hill Blueberry Farm begins in mid-June.
Prairie Hill Blueberry Farm, 424 County Rd 1400 N, Bethany, IL 61914, USA
Open through the end of July, this fresh fruit farm in Illinois sells strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Be sure to visit during fruit-picking season.
6. Scharf Farm is a family owned farm, operating since 1946. Visit the farm during fruit-picking season.
Scharf Farm, 8132 IL-163, Millstadt, IL 62260, USA
It provides such fresh, home-grown goodness as asparagus, strawberries, peaches, blackberries, cherries, blueberries, potatoes, tomatoes, and sweet and hot peppers.
In the spring, the greenhouses are in full bloom with flowers, hanging baskets, and the fall brings mums and festive decorations.
In addition, the farm is known for its yummy, sweet corn, cauliflower, broccoli, beets, cabbage, green beans and many other homegrown produce. And yes, don't forget the pumpkins in the fall!
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Boxes and containers are provided for pick-your-own strawberries.
While there is a bit of a walk to the strawberry patch, enjoy the view as it is very scenic.
If you’ve ever enjoyed these fruit farms, we’d love to hear from you. Share your fruit picking experiences with us in the comments below. For more simple country charm, check out 11 farms in Illinois you must visit. And discover more places in Illinois to pick your own food. As you can see, Illinois offers an abundance of fresh produce, vegetables, and wide-open spaces.
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Carolyn Harmon|April 28, 2022
When is blueberry season in Illinois?
Pick-your-own blueberry season in Illinois usually begins in early July and runs through the first week of August. Most orchards offer other berries, produce, and gift items.
What are some of the best strawberry-picking farms in Illinois?
While there are many, pick-your-own strawberry farms in Illinois, a few include:
Stade's Farm & Market, mentioned above and located in McHenry County, is about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, offering a wide array of fruits and vegetables with a pick-your-own option. In addition, Stades offers its Farmtractions Theme Park.
