After visiting most of the orchards on this list over the years, I’ve realized that each one offers something unique.
Whether you’re looking for an all-out family adventure with hayrides and corn mazes, a quiet spot for organic apples, or a low-key afternoon in the country, this guide will help you find the perfect apple-picking experience for your family. Let’s get started!
For even more seasonal fun, check out our Interactive Fall Fun Map with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and more!
Organic
Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Co.
5454 County Road Q, Colgate, WI 53017
What’s special?
- Southeastern Wisconsin’s only organic apple farm
- Largest certified organic apple orchard in the upper Midwest
- More than 40,000 apple trees and 30 organic apple varieties.
- New landscaping & Instagram-worthy spots including nature trail with swing and benches
- New porch venue with family restroom overlooking the orchards.
- New flower pollinator plantings including hibiscus, dahlias, antique zinnias, sunflowers and more.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, and do not leave without trying their apple cider doughnuts.
All The Bells & Whistles
Elegant Farmer
1545 Main St., Mukwonago, WI 53149
What’s special?
- Apple pies baked in a paper bag
- Hayrides and pony rides
- Corn maze and pumpkin patch
- Apple picking
- Smilin’ Barn Cafe
Pro Tip #1: To make your day extra special, ride the East Troy Electric Railroad from the historic depot directly to the Elegant Farmer.
Apple Holler
5006 S Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, WI 53177
What’s Special about Apple Holler?
- 78-acre family farm & Family Fun Park
- Tractor Rides
- Conveniently located right off I-94 south
- More than 30 varieties of apples, plus pick your own peaches, pears and pumpkins
Pro Tip: Your picking package includes a tractor-drawn tour of the orchard, family farm and Enchanted Forest, plus admission to the Farm Park with plenty of kids activities like a corn maze, giant slide, goats, and more.
Some Bells & Whistles
Barthel Fruit Farm
12246 N. Farmdale Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
What’s special about Barthel’s Fruit Farm?
- Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and pears.
- Fairy-tale Italian plum grove
- Corn maze
- Bakery food truck that serves up apple cider donuts, apple streusel muffins, apple cinnamon scones, mini pumpkin cheesecakes, mini apple crisp, apple cider slush and more.
- Oktoberfest
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their Oktoberfest event! They sell local craft beer, draft beer and soft warm pretzels made by Milwaukee Pretzel Company.
Basse’s Taste of Country
3190 County Rd Q., Colgate, WI 53017
What’s special about Basse’s Taste of Country?
- Pick your own apples between several varieties including but not limited to Honeycrisp, Ida Red, and Fuji (when available and while supplies last)
- Sunflower Maze (weather permitting, pick your own sunflowers are extra cost)
- Grain Train ride to and from apple and sunflower fields
- Fun games for the whole family (bag toss, connect 4, spun chairs, box maze)
Honey Creek Orchard
8210 Pioneer Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012
This family farm offers pick-your-own apples, play areas, farm animals, and more. It’s very welcoming to families!
What’s special about Honey Creek Orchard?
- Old Western Buildings
- Tractor Basketball
- Farm animals, including emus!
- Fresh apple cider donuts made on-site
- Pumpkin picking
Old Homestead Orchard
7814 Raynor Ave, Franksville, WI 53126
What’s special about Old Homestead Orchard?
- Sunflower maze with a short & long route
- Old-fashioned games and activities for kids
- Serama Chickens and Ducks
Pro tip: Don’t miss the apple slingshot near the Sunflower Maze! You can win a prize if you make it into the target.
Appleland Farm Market
4177 WI-57, Fredonia, WI 53021
What’s Special about Appleland Farm Market?
- Apple cider slushies!
- Playground featuring an old-fashioned tractor, sand tire pyramid, & horse swings.
- Picnic area overlooking the scenic grounds.
- Corn maze open daily
Jelli’s Market
N5648 S. Farmington Rd., Helenville, WI 53137
Website
What’s special?
- Pick your own apple, raspberries, grapes, pumpkins, gourds and squash.
- Peaches, pears and plums are available in late August.
- Free fall activities: a selfie scavenger hunt, lawn game, corn box, amazing race, and Angry Birds For Real slingshot game.
Pro Tip: Take a ride around the farm on the Berry Blue Barrel Train!
Quiet & Low-Key
Awes Apple Orchard
8081 S. 100th St., Franklin, WI 53132
What’s special about Awe’s Apple Orchard?
- Smaller than the others, without the bells and whistles (or crowds).
- Locally famous hot ham and rolls.
- Homemade apple pies, apple cider donuts, apple turnovers and caramel apples, plus apple cider by the pint and half gallon.
Pro Tip: Bring cash or checks, they don’t accept credit card.
Gierach Orchards
9616 W. Bonniwell Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
What’s special?
- Colorful garden and chicken coop
- Sprawling fruit trees
- Relatively new location, opened in 2019.
Pro Tip: If you visit early in the season, you can cut your own sunflowers, too. They also sell cider, meat, pre-picked apples and more.
Rim’s Edge Orchard
W220N10540 Amy Belle Rd., Germantown, WI 53022
Website
What’s special?
- 20 apple varieties
- Honey is made onsite by their resident bees.
- Frozen cider pops and caramel apples.
Photo Credit: Facebook, Rim’s Edge Orchard
Westons’ Antique Apple Orchard
19760 W. National Ave., New Berlin, WI 53146
Website
What’s special?
- While you’re not able to pick your own apples from the antique trees, you can take your children on a self-guided orchard tour of this fascinating place, including an Orchard Scavenger Hunt, located adjacent to the New Berlin Historical Park.
- This family-owned orchard is owned by Ken Weston. The farm began in 1936 when his grandfather planted apples over 11 acres. They planted varieties that were prevalent in the 1930s but are now antiques. Some varieties go all the way back to 300 AD. According to Ken, some don’t even taste like apples.
- The oldest active orchard in Waukesha County (1901), Westons’ has more than 600 trees and 100+ varieties. This historic property looks exactly the way it did in the 1930s, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Landscapes.
Apple Barn Orchard and Winery
W6384 Sugar Creek Rd., Elkhorn, WI 53121
Website
What’s special?
- Off the beaten path in a beautiful country setting
- 13 different apple varieties to choose from, including Ginger Gold, Paula Reds and Honey Crisp.
- Pick-your-own apples are available on a “pay per bag” basis, so you only have to pay for what you’re going to pick.
Pro Tip: If you’re lucky, you may catch some live music!
Photo Credit: Facebook, Apple Barn Orchard & Winery
Want more ideas? Discover more fall family activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and Halloween fun:
- Best Pumpkin Patches for Kids
- Best Corn Mazes for Kids
- 10 Best Places for Hay Rides Near Milwaukee
- Gorgeous Fall Hikes
- Best Lookout Spots to See Fall Colors
- Harvest Festivals
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
