Find a local pick your own farm here!

Looking for a local, pick-your-own farm in Northwestern Illinois? Scroll down this page and you will see the U-Pick farms in Northwestern Illinois, sorted by county. Those that offer organic or sustainably grown produce are identified by the words "organic" and/or "sustainable" in Green, next to their name  (see "What does Organic mean?"). The U-pick crops they offer follow the name of the farm. To search the page for a specific crop, use Ctrl-F (or on an ipad or Mac, use their "search on this page" function) If they have a website, the name will be in blue and underlined; click on it and it will open their website. If you find anything outdated or inaccurate, see the customer and farmer menus (as appropriate) at the top menu bar to submit updates and corrections and help me keep each current!

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Note: Beware the copycat websites like the one that stole our name and uses .farm extension: they copied my work and do NOT even update the info! I make updates EVERY day. They use tech tricks to get higher rankings, but have many more inaccuracies and out-dated info. Obviously, I cannot check every farm every day, but I do check as many as I can every day, and respond to all requests.  They don't. Don't support the scammers!

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! And if you know of any farms I missed and want to add a farm, please let me know!   I'm making updates for this year as fast as I can - if you find anything out-of-date, wrong or not working - please let me know! This website is supported by purchases you make through the links to products on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This allows me to continue to maintain the website and make improvements!

What's in season in March 2024, and other timely information:

Notes for March 2024: Summer is almost over and that means apples are here (see this new page for Apple Orchards in your area!), and except in northern areas, peaches and blueberries are finished. Some crops continue until frost, like raspberries, blackberries, figs, corn and tomatoes. Check your area's specific crop calendar (see this page) and call your local farms for seasonal updates.

See these pages to find a local Apple festival, and other festivals. We have a extensive guide to apple varieties and a guide to peach varieties. Also recipes, canning and freezing directions for apples, tomatoes, corn blueberries, peaches, etc.

And don't forget CORN MAZES are open now - find a local maze here.

See our comprehensive list of easy home canning, jam and jelly making, preserving, drying and freezing directions. You can access recipes and other resources from the drop down menus at the top of the page or the site search. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to write me! It is easy to make your own ice cream, even gelato, or low fat or low sugar ice cream - see this page. Also note, there are many copycat website listing U-pick farms now. The worst is the one that stole our name but ends with .farm.  (Yes, I've got lawyers on it)  They have all copied their information from here and usually do not ever update. Since 2002, I've been updating the information every day but Christmas; so if you see anything wrong or outdated, please write me!

Children's Consignment Sales are a great way to save money on clothes, toys, books, etc, They occur in both the Spring and Fall See our companion website to find a local community or church kid's consignment sale!

Northwestern Illinois U-Pick Farms and Orchards in 2024, by county

Click on the resources drop-down above, if you need a county map

Bureau County

  • Bureau Creek Orchard - Apples, red raspberries, pumpkins
    14180 1800 East St, Princeton, IL 61356. Phone: (815)875-6137. Open: 9 am to 6:30 pm daily from August 25 to November. Restrooms on site. Just opened this year in August.
  • Hungry World Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries,
    9295 1925 East Street, Tiskilwa, IL 61368. Email: hungryworldfarm@gmail.com. Open: TBD.Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Picking updates: blueberries (tentatively, June 29-July 15). Click here for picking updates. Directions: Blueberries are located 1/2 mile east of Tiskilwa on CR23 (Bottom Road). East of white barn, see signs for blueberries. Farm store is located on 1925 East Street. East of blueberries, take 1925 East Street to the south. The farmstead and store are the first farm on the right (west) side of the street. Blueberry season is typically late-June through mid-July;. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Check, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. Click here for our Facebook page. We are a not-for-profit learning farm inspiring and educating about "healthy fields, food, and bodies while caring for the Earth." We all hunger. Come to the farm. (ADDED: December 03, 2019)

Carroll County

Henry County

  • Country Corner - corn (sweet), melons, other berries, pumpkins, raspberries, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    5333 U. S. highway 150, Alpha, IL 61413. Phone: 309-629-2359. Fax: 3096292359. Email: rtf205@sbcglobal.net. Directions: Halfway between the Illinois Quad Cities and Galesburg, IL. on U.S. highway 150, two miles North of Alpha, IL. Just twenty minuetes from the Quad City Airport. Click here for a map and directions. Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October. Open: Farm Market Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm Sunday 10 am to 6 pm May 1st; through October 31st Fall Fun Park open on weekend's starting September 13th through October 31st; 11 am to 7 pm. Strawberries available mid May to mid June U-Pick Vegetables by apointment July to October U-Pick Rasberries mid July to Mid Sept U-Pick Pumpkins Sept 1st to October 31st Corn Maze Open daily late July to October 31st Flashlight Maze by apointment Sept 1st to October 31st Haunted Maze Friday and Saturday 7pm to 11pm in Oct. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. U-Pick Hayrack Rides to the Vegetable Garden, Sweet Corn, Indian Corn, Gourd Patch and Pumpkin Patch New this Fall, Featuring our own Corn Cannon, Cow Train, Mini Corn Shock Maze and Mining For Gems along with Special events every weekend starting September 13th.
  • Strawberry Flats - blueberries, raspberries, sweet corn.
    23787 E. 1260 Street, Geneseo, IL 61254. Phone: 309-944-5065. Call for directions.

Jo Daviess County

  • Terrapin Orchard - Strawberries. More fruits, in addition to apples, in the future!,
    1063 US Route 20, Elizabeth, IL 60128. Phone: (815) 202-2180. Open: See their website for for hours and availability. Directions: See their website for directions. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.. Click here for our Facebook page. We have about 4 acres of Strawberries at Terrapin Orchards. The berries typically start to ripen around Memorial day (last weekend in May) and continue to be available through the end of June. We have pre-picked berries for the folks who are just in it for the flavor, but we also offer pick your own berries for those who want the full experience. For those looking to do some canning, baking or are looking to pick a whole bunch of berries, we offer a discount for bringing your own bucket or ice cream pail to pick into. We simply weight your pail empty and again when full and charge by the pound. If you've never had a farm fresh strawberry, you've never really had a strawberry. Our berries are fully ripe when picked and offer a tremendous amount of flavor. Our strawberries have a red juice filled center, instead of the unripe white pith that we have come to view as normal. (ADDED: June 17, 2018, Suggested by a visitor)
    A visitor writes on June 17, 2018: "Loved it! New farm and the strawberries were perfect! We look forward to their future crops as everything matures. "
  • Wooded Wonderland - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, porta-potties are available, picnic area, school tours
    616 S. Devil's Ladder Road, Galena, IL 61036. Phone: 815-777-1223. Alternate Phone: 815-777-3426. Email: john@wwhardwood.com. Open: Monday to Sunday, from 7am to 7pm, July to September for Blueberries Monday to Sunday, from 8am to 5pm, September to June for Country Store and Sawmill. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Blueberries: July 1 to September 15 Honey: Year-round. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, Check. Click here for our Facebook page. Organic Blueberries, Honey.

Lee County

Marshall County

  • Hilly Lane Pumpkins - carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, sunflowers, zinnias, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs
    465 State Route 17, Sparland, IL 61565. Phone: (309) 238-1057. Alternate Phone: (309) 238-9276. Email: 4440schaer@yahoo.com. Open: Opens the weekend after Labor Day Daily from 8 am to 7 pm. Directions: 6 miles west of Sparland on 465 State Route 17 Sparland 4 miles East of State Route 40 on 465 State Route 17 Sparland. Sweetcorn and a variety of vegetables through the middle of October Watermelons through September. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. (ADDED: August 17, 2022)
  • Schneider Orchard - fresh apples, pumpkins
    1036 County Road, 1150 North; Henry, IL 61537. Directions: 2 miles South of Henry on Rte 29, West 2 miles. Watch for signs.
  • Tanner's Orchard - Pick your own apples, Apples, cider, grapes, pumpkins, cider, Christmas decorations, gourmet foods, candles, jams and apple butter, bakery, deli, School tours, restrooms, picnic areas, kids petting zoo and play area,
    740 State Route 40, Speer, IL 61749. Phone: 309-493-5442. Email: info@tannersorchard.com. Open: July and August, M-Sa 8 am to 5 pm, closed on Sunday; then in September and October: daily 8 am to 8 pm (U-Pick open 10 am to 5 pm Daily). and in November: M-Sa 8 am to 5 pm, and closed on Sunday. Payment: Cash and credit cards welcome. Tanners Orchard Facebook page. Tanners also has hayrack rides and a corn maze in the Fall! The orchard sports over 11,000 trees and 17 varieties of apples. We grow over 20 acres of pumpkins along with various other fruits and vegetables. Find a large assortment of gifts and delicious food offerings in our Farm Market and Apple Bin Bakery. Our Back 40 Fun Acres will keep the entire family busy for the day.
    Comments from a visitor on September 16, 2012:
    "I have been going to Tanner's since I was a little girl and now take time out to drive my family a fair distance to visit them every year. We absolutely love the variety of activities, food choices, market items and fun we have when there. I have also taken my girl scouts to do their tour for kids, however they are strict in scheduling these only during their designated time. The tour is a great option and provides a lot. Covered wagon rides out to the orchard and pumpkin patch, samples of donuts and cider (1 donut per person and Gallon(s) of cider, color books, behind scene tour of packing, storing, cider making areas, etc. plus access to the back 40 activity/playground area is included in the price. "
    Comments from a visitor on September 13, 2010:
    "The Tanner's Orchard has been around for decades as a U-Pick apple farm. They have a great playground and petting zoo for the kids along with corn mazes. They are best known for their apple cider donuts and apple cider, but also have a large bakery/market too. Love the orchard and have been going since I was a kid. Now taking my kids too it, and they keep adding more activities."
    Comments from a visitor on November 18, 2009:
    "Tanners Orchard has become a family destination with fresh apples and pumpkins, a bakery, a large county farm market, wagon rides to the orchard for pick your own fruit, a corn maze and a children's playground with farm animals. I have a blast every time I visit Tanners Orchard. The people are friendly, the food is good, and the price is right. And it's fun! My husband and I are addicted and visit frequently every year."

Mercer County

  • Country Corner - strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins, corn maze, Petting zoo
    5333 US Highway 150, Alpha, IL 61413. Phone: (309) 629-2359. Email: info@countrycornerfarm.com. Open: April through October, Every Day: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Directions: Click here for directions. Restrooms, Picnic area, crops CC accepted, Petting zoo, u-pick strawberries, raspberries. Fall festival: Haunted corn maze, Kid friendly corn maze, bounce houses, hay rack rides,concessions and much much more!
    Comments from a visitor on September 15, 2011: "Love going every year! my family has such a GREAT time...I was looking for something similar in Peoria and noticed that your site did not have this place listed, and since we love it I thought you should add it...(I believe organic but not certain),"

Ogle County

  • BerryView Orchard - Aronia berries, U-pick and already picked
    7504 West Midtown Road, Mount Morris, IL 61054. Phone: 815-734-7551. Email: berryvieworchard@gmail.com. Open: Seasonal: call for hours. Directions: From the stop light in Mt. Morris, IL. Travel north 1 mile, turn left (west) onto Midtown Road Travel straight 2.5 miles, farm on the right. 7504 W. Midtown Road. Click here for a map and directions. Aronia: August 23 for two to three weeks; Call first. Payment: Cash, only. Click here for our Facebook page.
  • Stillman Valley Nursery - raspberries (Autumn, red), U-pick and already picked
    9979 N. Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, IL 61084. Phone: (815) 645-8113. Email: tbrass1@comcast.net. Open: Late August through frost; Monday through Saturday 9 am to 3 pm or Call for appointment; Please call for picking conditions. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Natural grown garlic available for sale. (ADDED: September 01, 2017)

Putnam County

  • Boggios Orchard and Produce - Pick Your Own apples and pumpkins, petting zoo, fresh apple cider, Indian corn, variety of squash, Corn Maze, popcorn, and gourds, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, group tours
    12087 Illinois Hwy 71, Granville, IL 61326. Phone: 815-339-2245. Alternate Phone: 815/339-2460. Email: info@boggiosorchardandproduce.com. Open: SUMMER HOURS Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Directions: From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go east on I 80 for 4.3 miles to Exit 61/I 180. Go south on I 180 for 13.4 miles. At the Connecting Road exit, take the ramp for SR 71 and go east 4.9 miles to the market on the right. Daily, July through mid November. Boggio's Orchard and Produc Facebook page. Handicap Accessible; Restrooms; Hiking; Picnic area, Fresh picked vegetables and bake items. Peddle cars, jumping pillow, bunny bounce, animal feeding and climbing tunnels.
    Comments from a visitor on October 20, 2012:
    "I had a blast petting the animals and they have a delicious bakery! "
    Comments from a visitor on October 08, 2010: "I'm originally from that area so I've been there several times. It's a nice time with the family, but not as big as Tanner's Orchard in Speer, IL "
  • Morrissey Family Farms - strawberries, raspberries.
    County Line Rd, Putnam, IL 61560. Phone: (309) 236-8837.

Rock Island County

  • Happy Hollow U-Pick - asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant (aubergine), flowers, melons, onions, other berries, peas, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables
    17325 - 20th Avenue North, East Moline, IL 61244. Phone: 309-496-1515. Email: Owners@HappyHollowUPick.com. Open: May: (Asparagus ) Monday-Saturday from 12:00-5:00; June-July-Sept.: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., from 8:30-5:00, Wednesday 8:30-7:00 and Saturday 8:30-6; Closed Sundays and Holidays; then in October: Mon, Tues., Thurs - Fri 8:30-5, Wed., 8:30-7:00 and Saturday 8:30-6, Sunday 12:00-5; HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT A DAYS NOTICE; If you arrive at the farm 15 minutes before closing, you will not be allowed to go to the field to pick. Happy Hollow U-Pick Facebook page. Directions: 1 mile north of the Quad City Downs or 1 mile west of the Interstate 80 and 88 interchange. Click here for a map to our farm. We are open May, October. Our claim to fame is the number of varieties of Hot Peppers that we grow. We grow about 30 varieties ranging from 0 on the Scovill rating up to 550,000. Our 48 varieties of vegetables are grown for taste and not high production yields. We also raise goats and sheep for meat and or pet sales. Month of October, We have a Haunted Hovel in conjunction with our local Barstow Volunteer Fire Dept. Voted in the Quad Cities to be the best for the last couple of years. Weekend Evenings in October.
  • Shady Knoll Farm - flowers, pumpkins, squash
    3115 Dennhardt Road, East Moline, IL 61244. Phone: 309-496-9636. Email: shadyknollfarm1863@yahoo.com. Open: 10 am to 5 pm daily. Directions: I-80 exit 4A west, 1 mile on Rte. 5, right on Hubbard, quick right; or call for directions. The ONLY pyo crops offered are Pumpkins and flowers. . We have a variety of fresh-picked vegetables available to buy through the summer and our pumpkins are you-pick in the fall. raise 30 varieties of squash and pumpkins that we sell in the fall at our pumpkin patch. At our traditional family patch we have 2 corn field mazes, a bale maze for the kids, bunnyville, and a petting zoo. (UPDATED: May 26, 2020)

Stark County

See Tanner's in Marshall County, above

Stephenson County

Whiteside County

  • Hazel Creek Vineyard - grapes
    23060 Hazel Road, Sterling, IL 61081. Phone: 815-499-5229. Email: vonda.miller1@gmail.com. Open: Weekends from 8 am to 8 pm and by appointment; Harvest varies annually and is typically from late August to early September. Directions: Interstate 88 to Sterling/Rock Falls. Take Exit 36 to US-30 West. From the stop sign go straight on US-30 West for 2.6 miles. Turn right on Habben Road and travel 1.7 miles. Turn right on Hazel Road and travel 1/2 mile. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. U-Pick and pre-picked grapes available.
  • The Pumpkin Ranch and Corn Maize - permanently closed
    11555 Albany Road, Albany, IL 61230. UPDATE for 2021, Their website says they are permanently closed.
  • Wainwright Orchards - raspberries, Roadside Market
    922-265th St North, Hillsdale, IL 61257. Phone: (309) 658-2475. Their retail outlet in Hillsdale, but the telephone number is for the farm.

Winnebago County

  • Bethkes' Farm Apples - raspberries.
    6587 Cherry Valley Road, Cherry Valley, IL. Phone: 815-522-2215. Open: June - October, 10 am to 6 PM daily. Apples: Royal Gala, Big Jon, Ozark Gold and cider.
  • Curran's Orchard - Tart Cherries (on dwarf trees) Apples (on dwarf trees), raspberries, straw maze, hayrides and pumpkins.
    6385 Kilburn Ave. (Route 70), Rockford, IL 61101. Phone: 815-963-7848 . Email: p.d.curran@att.net. Open: for Cherry picking in summer and for Apples in Fall. Raspberries: pick your own in August - October. Tart Cherries, pick your own in late June - early July. Pumpkins, enjoy picking that perfect pumpkin from our pumpkin patch, or chose from our pre-picked pumpkins. Complimentary hay wagon rides through the orchard on weekends. Evening wagon rides for groups (by reservation only). Mini straw bales maze! School Tours! A petting corral with farm animals for the kids to enjoy. A glass observation bee hive in the sales barn with live bees (don't worry, the bees are enclosed in the glass hive). Great tasting jams, apple butter, salad dressings, and real maple syrup. Curran's Orchard Facebook page. Restrooms and picnic area available. September thru November: 9 am to 6 pm, six days a week (closed Mondays). November thru December: 9 am to 5 pm, six days a week (closed Mondays).
  • Edwards Apple Orchards - apples, raspberries, pumpkins
    8218 Cemetry Road, Winnebago, IL 61088. Phone: (815) 963-2261. Open: see their website for current crops and hours. For a fun family outing enjoy the experience of picking your own apples, pumpkins and raspberries. Visit the play area featuring our wooden bus and train, the corn cribs, the wagon slide and our animals in the "Petting Farm." click here for a link to our Facebook page.
  • Harrison Market Gardens - certified organic, asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs or spices, melons, onions, peppers, raspberries (black), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area
    9024 Harrison Road, Winnebago, IL 61088. Phone: 815-980-0589. Alternate Phone: 618-967-4729. Email: billjillbeyer@yahoo.com. Open: We are a subscription pick your own and also offer CSA shares; You can choose either a weekly ($475) or bi - weekly ($325) pick that runs from May through October; Once you have had your initial pick/training, your family can come out whenever convenient;; ; any day of the week any time of the day. Directions: We are located aboaut 10 miles northwest of Rockford, Illinois. Click here for a map and directions. We are registered naturally grown for all crops. Payment: Cash, Check.
  • Valley Orchard - apples, beans, blackberries, blueberries, corn (sweet), pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), rhubarb, winter squash, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, picnic area, school tours
    911 East State Street, Cherry Valley, IL 61016. Phone: 815-332-9696. Email: thevalleyorchard@outlook.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. These are some of the apples that we offer; if you do not see your favorite apple listed, please call, we have over 28 varieties. (This is only an estimate of when the apples will be ready, please call for U-Pick availability.) Valley Orchard facebook page. Early Season (August ~ September) has Early Gold, Paula Red, Royal Gala, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Jonamac, Snow Sweet, Haralson, Sept. Wonder Fugi, Wolf River. Mid Season (September ~ October) offers Ozark Gold, Senshu, Cortland, Jonathan, Jonagold, Empire, MaCoun, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, Golden Russet, Crimson Crisp, Autumn Blush, Autumn Gala, Ida Red. Late Season (October ~ November) is Shizuka, Blushing Gold, Rome, Fuji, Winesap, Suncrisp, Candy Crisp, Braeburn, New Town Pippin, Cameo,
    See comments about this farm here!

Click here for farms in South and Central Illinois

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