2024 Central Wisconsin Corn U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Corn U-Pick Orchards in Central Wisconsin in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for corn that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have corn orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Juneau County

• Northwoods Orchard and Farm Market - strawberries, Corn Maze, Petting Zoo, U-Pick Apples and Pumpkins, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, gift shop, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  W7428 State Road 82, Mauston, WI 53948. Phone: 608-847-7028. Email: northwoods.orchard1948@gmail.com. Open: Strawberries in June 7am to 5:30pm. Directions: From Wisconsin Dells, take I9094 west to Mauston exit, Highway 82 west 2 miles outside of town. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. . From Wisconsin Dells, take I90/94 west to Mauston exit, Highway 82 west 2 miles outside of town. facebook page. A family owned and operated Apple Orchard since 1948 right in Central Wisconsin providing quality greenhouse products, strawberry fields, apples, apple products and plenty of seasonal fun. (UPDATED: October 22, 2022, JBS) (ADDED: October 01, 2015)

Monroe County

• M & M Ranch & Outfitters - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, raspberries, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, Precut Christmas trees, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, haunted corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, horse-drawn hay rides, wagon rides, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  4494 Jackpot Avenue, Sparta, WI 54656. Phone: 608-486-2722. Email: mmoffice@centurytel.ne. Open: 12 months a year. Directions: I-90 Hwy 27 go south 1.50 miles turn right on Jackpot Ave. go 3 34 miles west north side of hiway . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Fax: 608-486-2724. . I-90 Hwy 27 go south 1.50 miles turn right on Jackpot Ave. go 3 3/4 miles west north side of hiway Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. From 9 a.m. 8 pm. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Working recreational ranch.

 

 

Choosing and Picking Corn

Corn reaches it's peak sweetness and flavor when the kernels are full, and just touching each other, like a good set of teeth!  They should not be bloated and smushed so tightly that there is no space left at all. The bloated overripe ears will have a bland, starchy taste.

Here's what to look for:

• The tips of the silks coming out of the ear should be a light brown.
•  If you break a kernel with your fingernail, the liquid should be slightly milky in color.
•  The ears should be filled out and have developed good girth but not bloated.

Harvesting

 To harvest, snap off the ears by hand with a quick, firm, downward push; then twist and pull.
 Avoid twisting or yanking the ears, as this can damage the stalk or the ear itself.

Storing the corn

Corn is at its prime eating quality on the stalk for only 72 hours before becoming over mature. The most important factor is cooling it as soon as possible after harvesting it.  Get it into the fridge or cover it with ice! Many farmers say you should remove the shucks right away, too.  I've found that removing most of the shuck, but leaving a few leaves to cover each ear is best to prevent the kernels from drying out.  See this page for more about storing corn before using it.

Cooking:

The worst mistake people make is overcooking corn.  In fact, corn isn't really cooked; it's just heated up. If you cook it form more than a few minutes (3 minutes), then you are simply breaking down the sugars and turning a nice, crisp sweet ear into bland mush. It's not a pot roast; the purpose of heating it is NOT to break down the cells, just to heat them to bring out the flavor and melt the butter!

Here's how to cook the corn:

1. Fill a large pot (large enough so the shucked ears can fit inside, laying down) about 2/3 full of water and start bring it to a boil
2. Shuck the ears, and snap off the stalk end and the very tip of ear (especially if you will use "corn stickers" , (handles) to hold the ears.
3. When everyone is sitting down at the table and you are serving the rest of the meal, put the corn in the boiling water and set the time for 3 minutes.
4. After 3 minutes, using tongs, retrieve the ears and serve them with butter (Corn boats are wonderful for corn!

 

Freezing Corn

You can easily freeze the sweet corn and have that great taste in the dead of winter! 

• Freezing whole ears of corn on the cob
• Freezing corn, cut off the cob

Canning Corn

This too, is easy... but it DOES require a Pressure Canner.  You cannot safely do this with a water bath canner.  Food poisoning is no joke!

• Here is how to can corn!
•  how to make canned creamed corn.
• Southern Chow-Chow (also called Piccalilli)
• Pickled corn relish

Other corn recipes

• How to make sweet corn ice cream
• Corn bread, or sweet corn muffins (like Chi Chi's)

• Corn fritters (a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers