Where To Pick Apples In Crystal Lake, Cary: 2024 Guide

CRYSTAL LAKE AND CARY, IL — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Sunday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at apple orchards in the Crystal Lake and Cary area.

There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.

Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around Crystal Lake and Cary. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples.

All Seasons Apple Orchard

• Address: 14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock
• Season dates: Open daily through Nov. 2
• Details: sunflower trail, corn maze, petting zoo, bunny village, giant swings, spider web, tire mountain, pedal carts, goat bridge, tube slide, bubble barn, sand box, corn hole and more.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
• Cost: Tickets starting at $9 per person. More information is available on the All Seasons Apple Orchard website.
• Phone: 815-338-5637

Homestead Orchard

• Address: 14510 IL Route 176, Woodstock
• Details: A list of apples available to pick is posted on the Homestead Orchard website.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
• Phone: 815-338-7443

Cody's Farm & Orchard

• Address: 19502 River Rd, Marengo
• Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Phone: (815) 568-7976

Stade's Market

• Address: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
• Season dates: Open Aug. 31 through Oct. 27
• Details: Hayrides, petting zoo, pumpkin picking, pumpkin barrel train and more.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays
• Cost: Tickets are available online.

Goebbert's

• Address: 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington
• Details: Animal land, giraffe barn, pumpkin-eating dinosaur, pig races, corn stalk maze, magic show, wagon rides, haunted house, derby gem mining, pony rides, camel rides and the jumping pillow.
• Season dates: Sept. 7 through Oct. 31
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Halloween hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cost: Tickets are $18 per person and $23 per person (when purchased online) on weekdays

The U.S. Apple Association estimates this season’s crop at 259,517,252 bushels, a 10 percent decrease from last year’s record harvest. Growers across the country report an excellent crop, Chris Gerlach, the trade group’s vice president of insights and analytics, said in a news release.