The Incredible Farm In Missouri Where You Can Pick Buckets Of Berries
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 12, 2024
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
One of my favorite childhood memories is of exploring the woods with my friends – when we stayed outside until the lights came on or our parents called us – and picking berries. If we squished the raspberries, our fingers would turn red. That was probably just as much fun as the sweetness of that first bite. That rush of nostalgia is just part of what makes going berry picking as an adult so much fun. Next time you’ve got an hour or two, stop by this U-pick farm in Eldridge, Missouri, where you can reminisce about days gone by and make new memories.
Just about 20 minutes north of Lebanon and nestled in the small town of Eldridge, IronGate Berries is all about creating memories and picking the freshest fruits in season.
The story of IronGate Berries began in 2018 when Mark and Kim Newell decided to turn their 20 acres of land into a u-pick berry farm, planting strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
What started one spring day in 2018 has grown to fields of fresh fruits - around 400 blueberry plants, 375 blackberry plants, and more than 17,000 strawberry plants.
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Before heading over to IronGate Berries, make sure you have a few things - sunscreen, a hat, and hand wipes. Closed-toed shoes are encouraged.
If you don't have the time or are unable to pick berries, you don't have to miss out. Just let one of the staff members know, and they'll pick the berries for you.
Berry-picking season usually begins in mid-May, but the farm sometimes opens earlier. Check the U-pick farm's Facebook page for days and hours.
Have you been to IronGate Berries, a U-pick farm in Eldridge, Missouri? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! For more warm-weather fun, set off on one of the best hiking trails in Missouri. You’ll even find a few trails along which you can pick wild berries. For a comprehensive list of hikes in Missouri, including maps and photos, check out AllTrails.