Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Mequon, Gierach Orchards offers a tranquil and charming escape for families looking to enjoy an authentic farm experience.
This small, family-run orchard feels like a hidden gem, far from the bustle of the city and crowds. It’s a place where you can truly slow down and savor the beauty of the country.
Gierach Orchards, owned by Keith and Hannah Gierach, opened for pick-your-own apples in 2019, and it still holds onto that intimate, down-to-earth feel.
As soon as you pull into the orchard, you’re greeted by the sight of colorful gardens, rows of fruit trees, a lively chicken coop, and a charming white barn. It’s the kind of place where time seems to slow down, and you can feel the love and care that goes into every detail of the farm.
A Cozy Farm Experience
One of the first stops is the bustling chicken coop near the parking area. The kids loved watching the chickens and ducks clucking and waddling around, and while you can’t feed them, it’s a delightful way to start your visit.
From there, step into the old-fashioned barn to purchase your apple-picking bag and admission to the sunflower and cut flower fields. Inside, you’ll find a selection of fresh cider, apples, local meats, and more—a perfect taste of the farm’s bounty.
A Flower-Filled Adventure
For just $5 per person (children 4 and under are free), you can explore the beautiful sunflower maze and cut flower field. With admission, each guest can pick three flower stems, making it an ideal activity for little ones and adults alike.
Clipping your own bouquet from the vibrant selection of blooms feels like a simple pleasure, and we had a wonderful time creating a bouquet to bring a bit of the farm’s charm back home with us.
Pro tip: Bring your own clippers, but if you forget, the orchard has some you can borrow.
A Stroll Through the Sunflowers
The sunflower maze is a must-see! Wandering through rows of towering sunflowers, some in full bloom and others just beginning to open, was a peaceful way to spend the afternoon.
If we’ve had rain recently, wearing close-toed shoes is a smart idea, as the field can get a little muddy.
Apple Picking at Its Finest
The highlight of our visit was, of course, the apple picking. Gierach Orchards offers a variety of apple trees to choose from, with two distinct options: the traditional orchard near the barn or a vineyard-style picking experience across the property.
Personally, I loved the traditional orchard. Wandering from tree to tree, plucking apples straight from the branches, felt like the quintessential orchard experience—a relaxed, free-flowing adventure among the rows of fruit-laden trees.
We opted for a peck bag at $18, which was more than enough for our family to enjoy at home.
Plan Your Visit
Gierach Orchards is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., making it easy to fit into your weekend plans. Located at 9616 W. Bonniwell Rd. in Mequon, this charming orchard is the perfect place for a peaceful afternoon in the country.
To learn more or plan your visit, head to gierachorchards.com.
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing apple-picking experience surrounded by the beauty of a small, family farm, Gierach Orchards is the perfect spot.
Related Post: 10 Best Places to go Apple Picking Around Milwaukee
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
