Fall is in the air, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a family outing to an apple orchard. Gerstad Builders is proud to offer new home communities in stunning locations that are just a short drive away from some of the best apple picking spots in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Crisp Autumn Days and Delicious Apples

There is nothing more refreshing than walking through rows of apple trees at your local orchard. Bring the whole family for a full day of festive, autumn fun and enjoy a delicious bounty sure to last you all season long!

Local Orchards Near Your Gerstad Home

Looking to find an apple orchard near you? Here is a list of local favorites near your new home in Illinois or Wisconsin:

• All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock, Il. – Since 1993, All Seasons Orchard has been a popular destination for apple picking and fall family fun! Visitors can participate in just apple picking or stay for over 30+ attractions, including a barnyard with live animals, hayride, pumpkin patch, farm market and corn maze. Apple picking starts at $12, or you can upgrade to the combo pass and gain additional access to the barnyard. The farm is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Apple Barn Orchard and Winery in Elkhorn, Wi. – The Apple Barn Orchard and Winery invites you to stop by during the fall season for 10+ apple varieties and so much more! During your visit, make sure to stop by the country store for delicious treats made right on the farm. Craving something sugary? The orchard bakes an array of pies, doughnuts, caramel apples and ciders during the season that will satisfy your sweet tooth. The winery is open for 21+ guests to sample homemade wines that feature notes of apple, strawberry, mulberry and other non-grape fruits. The farm is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
• Edward’s Orchard in Poplar Grove, Il. – Just down the street from the The Trails of Dawson Creek in Poplar Grove, Edward’s Orchard has been family-owned and operated since 1964, providing locals with 20+ apple varieties. Varieties vary throughout the fall season, so make sure to review the growing schedule found on the website. In addition to the orchard, Edward’s also features a farm market full of specialty foods, baked goods, ciders and pre-picked fruits. U-Pick started September 6 and lasts until November, so plan your visit now! Visitors are welcome daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Homestead Orchard in Woodstock, Il. – It’s apple season at Homestead Orchard! Families with children can purchase a 1-peck bag (10 lbs.) for the U-Pick orchard for $20. Groups of 4 or more adults must purchase two bags or more. With 20+ varieties to choose from, you will not want to miss out on apple picking at Homestead Orchard this fall. Stop by Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
• Johnny Appleseed Festival in Crystal Lake, Il. – Join the town of Crystal Lake for the 31^st annual Johnny Appleseed Festival and enjoy a full day of family fun! Try your hand at pumpkin bowling and axe throwing this year or browse the craft fair for unique finds. There is also a designated children’s area with games and inflatables. Looking to spend the whole day? Live music and food trucks will be available for the event, ensuring your family is fed and entertained. The FREE festival is set for September 28 and will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Lang’s Orchard in Woodstock, Il. – The U-Pick apple orchard is now open at Lang’s Orchard, bursting with dozens of varieties that will make your mouth water. Open weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this is your destination for crisp apples all autumn long. Visitors can purchase a U-Pick quarter bushel for $20.
• Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard – Have you ever heard of an apple tree maze? Visit Royal Oaks Farm Orchard and experience the Amaze ‘N Apples Adventure for yourself! In addition to the expansive, 1.5-mile apple orchard, Royal Oak Farm also features farm tours and festive shopping. If you get hungry after walking around, the farm’s bakery and country kitchen are ready with delectable sweets and comfort food favorites like chicken tenders, chicken pot pie and meatloaf. The Amaze ‘N Apples Adventure starts at $8 or visitors can take the orchard tour for $15, including a ¼ peck per person. The farm is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Stade’s Farm & Market in McHenry – Located near our Bailey Estates community in McHenry, Stade’s Farm and Market is home to an expansive array of fruits and vegetables, including its popular apple orchard. The U-Pick orchard is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is included with the Farmtractions admission pass. Other attractions include a petting zoo, hayrides, pumpkin cannons, corn maze, giant slides and kids’ activities. Tickets start at $10 and go up as the fall season progresses. Don’t wait, plan your visit today!

Apple Tips

Before you visit an orchard, it is good to know what kind of apples you want and understand the fruit’s stages of maturity. How do you know if an apple is ready for picking? A good rule of thumb is to always pick fruit on the outer limbs because those ripen faster. If you are picking a red apple variety like red delicious, gala or Honeycrisp, ensure that the fruit is fully formed and demonstrates its rich color all over. Although known as “green” apples, varieties like Granny Smith and golden delicious will become more yellow as they ripen, so keep an eye out for that!

After picking your apples, make sure to wash them and store them in your refrigerator. Apples have a short shelf life, so keeping them cool ensures that you can enjoy your selection for up to two months.

Looking for ways to eat them up? Get baking this season and turn your apples into pies, applesauce, muffins, fritters and more! They can also be eaten on their own or converted into preserves for long-term enjoyment.

There’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of autumn than by spending time outdoors with family and friends. Apple picking is a wonderful tradition that creates lasting memories. And when you choose a Gerstad Builders home, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the area, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Learn more about our new home communities in McHenry and Poplar Grove, Illinois and Williams Bay, Wisconsin.