Where To Pick Apples In Lake County, Chicago Area: 2023 Guide

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 23, but the season is already underway at Lake County's apple orchards.

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 in and around Lake County and family friendly fall attractions. 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.

Lake County

Heinz Orchard

• Address: 1050 Crest Road, Green Oaks
• Hours of operation (opening Sept. 15): Open days and hours will be updated on the orchard's website weekly.
• Details: A schedule of available apples can also be found online.
• Cost: A 1/2-peck bag costs $10 and a 1-peck bag costs $20.
• Phone: 847-770-3449

More information via the Heinz Orchard website.

McHenry County

All Seasons Apple Orchard

• Address: 14510 IL-176 in Woodstock
• Hours of operation through Oct. 29: Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekends, plus Labor Day and Columbus Day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last entry for the apple orchard and corn maze is 60 minutes before closing.
• Details: Along with an apple orchard, All Seasons also has a corn maze, pumpkin patch, barnyard and petting zoo. On weekends, they also offer pony rides, live shows and an apple cannon. The pumpkin patch and pick-your-own pumpkins starts mid-September, according to its website.
• Cost: Parking is free. Tickets are not required for the farmers market, country kitchen or concession stand. Apple picking and entrance is $17 per person. Price includes 1/4 peck bag of apples and a wagon ride (weather permitting). More details on pricing can be found here.
• Phone: 815-338-5637

More via the All Season website

Lang's Orchard

• Address: 17411 Secor Road, Woodstock
• Hours of operation: Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends staring Sept. 9.
• Details: McHenry County favorite for more than 20 years now. This is the perfect small mom & pop orchard for those who just want to pick apples without the fuss of some of the bigger orchards.
• Cost: Prices are $20 per peck bag. Free parking and no admission charges.
• Phone: 815-568-7547

Find out more about Lang's Orchard on their website.

Prairie Sky Orchard

• Address: 4914 N. Union Road in Union
• Hours of operation (opening Sept. 1): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
• Details: Bags of picked apples are available in store, along with pies and apple cider donuts.
• Cost: Free parking and admission. U-Pick minimum is limited to one bag for every four people. A 1-peck bag costs $24, 2-peck bag costs $48.
• Phone: 815-923-4834

More information via the Prairie Sky Orchard's website.

Royal Oak Farm Orchard

• Address: 15908 Hebron Road in Harvard
• Hours of operation (through Halloween): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
• Details: In addition to apple picking, Royal Oak Farm also has a pumpkin patch, orchard tour, farm carousel and an apple tree maze.
• Cost: Apple picking admission costs $12 per person and includes access to the orchard and pollination garden, and a 1/4-peck bag to fill with apples. See the full price list on the website.
• Phone: 815-648-4141

More information via the Royal Oak Farm website.

Stade's Farm & Market

• Address: 3709 Miller Road, McHenry
• Hours of operation: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31
• Details: Stade's Farm offers both fruits and vegetables for you to harvest, including strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, green beans, peppers, and more. The apple orchard features also offers about 30 acres of pick-your-own pumpkins in the fall. Stade's is home to a large entertainment area, including a petting zoo, corn maze, giant slides, hayrides, and a large variety of unique attractions. The fall festival, Shades of Autumn, is a harvest time extravaganza featuring 40+ farm-related attractions, pumpkin picking, special events, great food, and lots of family-orientated fun.
• Cost: A 1/4 bag costs $10, a peck bag is $30 and a 1/2 bushel is $50. Bags are included in the price, but apple pickers must use bags provided by the orchard.
• Phone: 815-675-6396

Find out more at Stade's Farm & Market's website.

For those looking for more apple orchards beyond the Lake County area, the full 2023 Chicagoland guide can be found here.