2024 Western Wisconsin Winter Squash U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Winter Squash U-Pick Orchards in Western Wisconsin in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for winter squash that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have winter squash 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.

Barron County

• Mommsen's Produce Patch - apples, asparagus, strawberries, corn (sweet), flowers, pumpkins, winter squash, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, child-sized haybale maze, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, petting zoo
  2009 18th Avenue, Rice Lake, WI 54868. Phone: 715-234-6363. Email: hugh@producepatch.com. Open: Strawberries: Call for picking dates and times; Fall Market and Entertainment Farm is open seven days a week 10 am to 6 pm; Asparagus: May Strawberries: Mid June to Mid July Sweet Corn: August to early September; Farm Market and Entertainment Farm: Mid September to October 30 Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Directions: Strawberries: From Menard\'s go east on Cty 0 to the Meng Eye Clinic, turn south, go one half mile, turn left. Fall Market and Entertainment Farm: Exit Hwy 53 at the south exit. Go east to the third stop light \(Cty SS\), turn south, go one and one half miles, farm is on west side of road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Fax:. . Strawberries: From Menard's go east on Cty 0 to the Meng Eye Clinic, turn south, go one half mile, turn left. Fall Market and Entertainment Farm: Exit Hwy 53 at the south exit. Go east to the third stop light (Cty SS), turn south, go one and one half miles, farm is on west side of road. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Pumpkin cannon and Catapult. Weekends only. We grow 5 different varieties in our orchard! We offer pick-your-own apples and sell already picked bags in the barn. Don't forget to grab one of our famous caramel apples or grab one of Grandma Evy's apple pie or crisp out of the freezer. (UPDATED: July 01, 2019, JBS)

Dunn County

• Govin's Meats and Berries - strawberries, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, chicken, lamb, eggs, corn maze, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  N6134 670th Street, Menomonie, WI 54751. Phone: 715-231-2377. Email: jgovin@govinsfarm.com. Open: for Strawberries: Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 7 am to 4 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm Usally starting around the middle of June. Directions: Do not use a GPS or Map Program, it will not get you here!!!From the West: Interstate 94 to exit 45, South\(Right\)County Road B to light at the bottom of the over pass\(at Kwik Trip\). East\(left\)on 610th for 1.5 miles to 670th street. Turn north\(left\) and you are in the yard. From the East: Interstate 94 to exit 45, South\(left\)County Road B to light at the bottom of the over pass\(at Kwik Trip\). East\(left\)on 610th for 1.5 miles to 670th street. Turn north\(left\) and you are in the yard. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, WIC Vouchers.
  Govin's Meats and Berries Facebook page. . . Do not use a GPS or Map Program, it will not get you here!!!From the West: Interstate 94 to exit 45, South(Right)County Road B to light at the bottom of the over pass(at Kwik Trip). East(left)on 610th for 1.5 miles to 670th street. Turn north(left) and you are in the yard. From the East: Interstate 94 to exit 45, South(left)County Road B to light at the bottom of the over pass(at Kwik Trip). East(left)on 610th for 1.5 miles to 670th street. Turn north(left) and you are in the yard. Strawberries start the middle of June and go to the middle of July depending on the year; Our Sweet corn is around the middle of August; Our Corn Maze Starts September 18 to November 1. For up to date information for picking please call the berry Hotline at 715-231-BERRY(2377) or check the website . Join is the last two weekends in March for our Lambing Barn. Here you will be able to see and touch all the baby farm animals. We like to share our family farm with your family. We raise a wide variety of products for you to choose from. Govin's offers 6 acres of Strawberries both U-Pick and Pre-picked, Lamb, by the cut or custom cut, and our all natural Chickens. In the fall we have our 11 acre corn Maze along with out 3 acres of pumpkins and lots of fun fall activities You can also bring the family out in the spring to enjoy see and holding all the baby animals in our Lambing Barn.

Eau Claire County

• Leffel Roots Apple Orchard - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, pumpkins, winter squash, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  W2369 Maple Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Phone: 715-514-5171. Email: leffelroots@gmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021: They are closed until the 2022 season; Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, mid - September through October 31. Directions: From I-94 Eastbound: Take exit 65 for WI-37 toward Eau ClaireMondovi Drive .2 miles and make a slight left onto Co highway B Drive 3.5 miles and make a left onto Maple Road Drive .4 miles and see our orchard on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Leffel Roots Apple Orchard Facebook page. . . From I-94 Eastbound: Take exit 65 for WI-37 toward Eau Claire/Mondovi Drive .2 miles and make a slight left onto Co highway B Drive 3.5 miles and make a left onto Maple Road Drive .4 miles and see our orchard on the right. We use integrated pest management practices. (ADDED: February 17, 2016)

Pierce County

• Circle K Orchard - apples, herbs or spices, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash
  9 mi. East of River Falls on off Hwy 29 N7653 650th Street, Beldenville, WI 54003. Phone: 715 273-7799. Email: wkmills@redwing.net. Open: Daily, 10 am to 6 pm, from Aug 18th to Nov 4th, 10am to 6pm daily. Directions: 9 mi east of River Falls WI on hwy 29, turn south on 650th street From the Twin Cities. Take Interstate 94 east to the Hammond Ext. Turn south on Co Rd.Y and follow the signs From Ellsworth WI take State Hwy 65 to Co Rd J turn Right and follow the signs . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Fax: n/a. . click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in August, September, October. Lions Apple Festival is September 22 and 23 10 am to 5 pm both days. Pasteurized cider available from Mid September to end of season Locally produced carmel apple pies and hand dipped caramel apples. Apple wood for smoking.

Polk County

• Apple River Vegetables - broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, melons, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, and prepicked produce
  117 hwy. 65, Star Prairie, WI 54026. Phone: 715-338-8165. Open: 8am to7pm daily; Please call to schedule visit. Directions: 2 miles north of Star Prairie, WI. on State Hwy. 65 . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Crops are usually available in July, August, September. cauliflower, brussel sprouts, spinach, lettuce, radish.
• Buttermilk Falls CSA & Folk School Retreat - Uses natural growing practices, beets, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, peas, peppers, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, group reservations
  599 280th Street, Osceola, WI 54020. Phone: 612-567-7551. Email: csa@buttermilkcsa.com. Open: Monday to Friday from 7am to 5:30pm; 7 days a week, most days of the year. Directions: From the Twin Cities: Take 35W or 35E North past the merge to 97. Turn right at 97 heading east \(with a short zig zag on 61\) and continue until it ends at MN95. Turn left \(North\) on 95 to 243. Turn right on 243 \(East\) over bridge to Osceola. In Osceola, turn right \(South\) until Ridge Road on the right. Take a right at Ridge Road and continue until it T\'s at the horse farm. Turn right and look for sign for Philadelphia Community Farm on the outside of the first curve. That\'s our driveway. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Buttermilk Falls CSA & Folk School Retreat Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 715-294-4048. . From the Twin Cities: Take 35W or 35E North past the merge to 97. Turn right at 97 heading east (with a short zig zag on 61) and continue until it ends at MN95. Turn left (North) on 95 to 243. Turn right on 243 (East) over bridge to Osceola. In Osceola, turn right (South) until Ridge Road on the right. Take a right at Ridge Road and continue until it T's at the horse farm. Turn right and look for sign for Philadelphia Community Farm on the outside of the first curve. That's our driveway. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. We are a community farm and folk school retreat center. In addition to delicious chemical free CSA shares from June-October, we also offer seasonal farm memberships year-round that allow you to come and share/enjoy the resources this farm has to offer, including some pick-your-own opportunities! Visit our website to find out more about our CSA, farm memberships, folk school classes or retreat opportunities. (ADDED: February 25, 2015)
• Glenna Farms - corn (sweet), cucumbers, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  1333 - 120th Street, Amery, WI 54001. Phone: 800-310-5050. Email: info@glennafarms.com. Open: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm Maple Syrup: March to April Cucumbers: July to August Sweet Corn: July to August Tomatoes: August to September Pumpkins: September to October Squash: September to October Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Directions: Located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Turtle Lake, WI, 14 mile north of US Hwy 8 on 120th Street. Look for signs! . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Turtle Lake, WI, 1/4 mile north of US Hwy 8 on 120th Street. Look for signs! And Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available all year.

 

Choosing a winter squash

Winter squash comes in many sizes, shapes and colors.  Choosing a winter squash that meets your needs and the taste you will like can be tough without a guide!  This page provides you that information, plus nutritional analysis and links to our freezing and canning pages!

Unlike its summer squash, which is best when harvested very young and used right away, winter squash is harvested at a mature age, which makes the outer skin hard and inedible. The skin, however, is protective and increases its storage life. Winter squash can be stored for 3 months or longer if kept in a cool dark place, like a basement or garage.  I've had winter squash last a full year when stored like this!

The yellow and orange flesh of the winter squash is more nutritious and richer in vitamins, especially beta carotene, than summer squash. Winter squash is always served cooked and, because of its tough skin, only the inside flesh is eaten. The flesh, is sweet and great to make pie (pumpkins are a winter squash)

Size:

Choose a size based on your cooking needs. There's no difference in flavor based on size of the same variety of a squash.

Appearance:

For a quality squash, choose one that has a smooth, dry rind and is free of cracks or soft spots. Skin that is easily nicked or scraped with a fingernail means that the squash did not reach maturity. Look for rind that has a dull appearance. A shiny rind indicates that is has been picked too early or has a wax coating, which masks the skin. Choose squash that has a deep color and is heavy for its size. It is also best to choose squash with a firm, rounded, dry stem. Squash with no stem permits bacteria to enter.

Cut pieces can be found in the grocery market. Choose pieces that have a good interior color and finely-grained flesh that is not fibrous. Ideal flesh should be barely moist, but not too dry or too watery.

Storing Winter Squash

Winter squash has a long shelf life and can be stored for up to 3 months or longer in a cool, dry place between 55° and 60°F. A higher temperature will shorten storage time, but it will not alter the flavor. Storage temperatures below 50°F (as in a refrigerator) will cause squash to spoil more rapidly. If the squash needs to be refrigerated, it can be stored for 1 to 2 weeks. Cut pieces of squash should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Cooked, pureed squash can be frozen for use later as a side dish or to thicken, color, or flavor soups, sauces, or stews.

Varieties of Winter Squash

Here are a few of the most popular winter squash varieties; see this page for a complete master list of winter squash varieties.

	Acorn This acorn-shaped squash is one of the most widely available among the small winter squash. It measures about 6 inches around and weighs 1 to 2 pounds. Baking is an excellent way to bring out the sweet, nutty flavors of this tender fleshed squash.
	Banana This squash comes in three varieties: blue, orange, and pink. Among the three varieties, the pink banana is the most common in the United States. It is grown commercially in Florida. This large, thick-skinned cylindrical squash averages 20 inches long and weighs around 12 pounds. It is so large that it is usually sold in chunks instead of whole. Its creamy textured orange flesh offers a fruity and buttery delight to your palate. Although both baking and steaming are great ways to prepare this tasty squash, steaming produces a slightly sweeter, yet mild flavor.
	Buttercup This stocky squash is 6 to 8 inches in diameter, averaging 2 to 4 pounds. Its popularity stems from its sweet and creamy orange flesh. Its shortcoming is that it tends to be a bit dry. Baking or steaming can solve this problem; the dry flesh becomes smooth and tastes similar to a mixture of honey, roasted chestnuts, and sweet potato. Even more than baking, steaming softens the flesh and creates a thick puree (Great for pies)
	Butternut This elongated bell-shaped squash measures about a foot long and weighs an average of 2 to 4 pounds. Its popularity is due to its meaty, yet moderately sweet golden orange flesh. Because of its thin skin, this squash can easily be skinned with a vegetable peeler, which makes it easy to cut and prepare. Baking enhances its sweet, moist, and nutty flavors. Butternut squash is usually available from August through March. There are actually many variations of butternut.  It can be used to make great "pumpkin" pies.
	My favorite winter squash is one called "Argos Gold", sometimes also simply called "Mexican Butternut" - it is much longer than the usual "Waltham" butternut, often almost 2 feet long and has a much sweeter taste and smoother texture.  I've finally found one supplier, see this page. I found another winter / butternut-type squash at Gurney's that looks promising .
	Hubbard This tear-shaped squash comes in several varieties: green (true), golden, blue, and baby blue. It ranges from dark green to orange and weighs from 5 to 50 pounds. Because of its size, Hubbard's popularity has decreased over the years. However, pre-cut portions of green and orange Hubbard can be found in markets. Green Hubbard's are thick, sweet, and dry. Golden Hubbard's; a smaller squash than the green or blue; are fairly sweet, but have a bitter aftertaste.The Blue or gray varietiey make wonder pumpkin pies!
	Spaghetti This oval-shaped yellow squash is also called the vegetable spaghetti. It averages 9 inches in length and may weigh 2 to 3 pounds. When cooked, the crisp, tender fhesh falls a apart into spaghetti-like strands that have a mild lightly sweet and fresh taste. Keep in mind that the larger the vegetable, the thicker the strands and the more flavorful the taste. It really is good with spaghetti sauce on the cooked squash "noodles"
	Sweet Dumpling This solid round squash, formerly known as the vegetable gourd, is a perfect serving for one person. It is about the size of an apple and weighs up to 1 pound. The skin is a warm cream color striped with ivy green, and it changes to butter color and orange during storage. The skin is relatively tender and can be eaten. The pale-yellow flesh is smooth, fine, and dry as a potato and produces a rich starchy, light to mild sweetness, with a slight corn flavor.

 

 

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