Apple Picking Guide for Milwaukee Families: Fall 2025

🍎 Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: September through early October
Peak Honeycrisp Season: September 20 - October 5
Driving Distance: 20-60 minutes from Milwaukee's north shore
Budget: $10-75 per family depending on activities

Top Pick: Premium Family Destinations

Apple Holler (Sturtevant)

Cost: $20-22 adults (includes activities)

• What's Included: Tractor tours, Enchanted Forest, corn maze, giant slide, farm animals

• Apple Varieties: Multiple varieties including Honeycrisp

• Other Activities: Pony rides, pig races, Red Barn Restaurant, peach-picking

• Best For: Full-day family entertainment experience

Honey Creek Orchard (Cedarburg)

Cost: Varies by activity package

• Activities: Hay maze, playground, corn silo sandbox, tunnel slides, basketball trailer

• Animals: Old West Village with rescued animals (no feeding/petting)

• Apple Varieties: Multiple varieties across 2,500 trees

• Best For: Families wanting 3+ hours of entertainment

Appleland Farm Market (Fredonia)

Cost: No admission fee, pay per bag

• Early opening date - August 20th start

• Initial hours - 9 AM to 4 PM

• Seasonal expansion - longer hours as season progresses

• Variety count - 15 different apple varieties including Honeycrisp

• Experience type - traditional farm market with pick-your-own

• Additional offerings - seasonal produce and baked goods

🌱 Organic & Specialty Orchards

Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Co. (Colgate)

Cost: No admission fee, pay per bag

Peck and Bushel celebrates their 15th anniversary season starting Saturday and Sunday, August 23rd-24th from 10am-4pm with the very first apples of the year: Pick your own and pre-picked Organic Williams Pride and Organic Redfree apples, fresh-pressed onsite organic apple cider, and hot, fresh apple cider doughnuts.

• Specialty: Certified organic apples from 40,000+ trees

• Varieties: 25+ different organic varieties

• Schedule: Weekends only during peak season

• Best For: Health-conscious families, quality over activities

Brightonwoods Orchard (Burlington)

Cost: No admission fee

• Specialty: 150+ apple varieties (not pick-your-own)

• Unique Features: Weekly newly picked varieties, orchard walking trails

• Other Products: Wisconsin cheese, garlic, sunflowers, gourds, honey

• Best For: Apple variety enthusiasts, scenic walks

Budget-Friendly Options

Barthel Fruit Farm (Mequon)

Cost: Pay per bag only

• Heritage: Operating since 1840

• Unique Feature: Drive through orchard, park near picking rows

• Food: Famous hot ham and rolls, apple cider donuts

• Activities: Corn maze

• Best For: Families in the North Shore looking for the closest option

Rim's Edge Orchard (Germantown)

Cost: Pay per bag

• Varieties: 20+ apple varieties including Honeycrisp, Zestar!, EverCrisp

• Products: WI maple syrup, local honey, fresh apple cider, caramel apples

• Specialty: Onsite honey from resident bees, frozen cider pops

• Best For: Peaceful, intimate orchard experience

Awe's Apple Orchard (Franklin)

Cost: Pay per bag

• Size: Smaller, less crowded

• Food: Apple donuts, individual apple juice containers

• Payment: Cash or checks only (no credit cards)

• Best For: Quick, close-to-home apple picking

🚜 Complete Milwaukee-Area Orchard List

North Shore (20-35 minutes)

• Barthel Fruit Farm - Mequon (historic, drive-through orchard)

• Gierach Orchards - Mequon (farm animals, sunflower field)

• "R" Apples - Mequon (family-owned operation)

• Honey Creek Orchard - Cedarburg (kid activities, animals)

• Rim's Edge Orchard - Germantown (20+ varieties, honey)

• Peck & Bushel - Colgate (organic, 40,000+ trees)

South & Southwest (15-45 minutes)

• Awe's Apple Orchard - Franklin (closest to downtown Milwaukee)

• Apple Holler - Sturtevant (comprehensive experience)

• Auntie Evie's Apple Orchard - New Berlin

• Patterson Orchard - New Berlin

• Weston's Antique Apple Orchards - New Berlin (100+ varieties, historic)

• The Elegant Farmer - Mukwonago (famous "Apple Pie in a Bag")

West & Northwest (30-60 minutes)

• Apple Barn Orchard & Winery - Elkhorn (13 varieties, wine)

• Appleland Farm Market - Fredonia (15 varieties including Honeycrisp)

• Jacobson Orchards - Waterford (corn maze, pumpkin patch)

• Harvest Time Orchards - Twin Lakes (weekends only)

• Door Creek Orchard - Cottage Grove (95 varieties, sheep)

📅 When to Visit

Early Season (Mid-Late August)

• Varieties Available: Zestar, Paulared, Ginger Gold

• Pros: Less crowded, good weather

• Best For: Beating the crowds

Peak Season (September)

• Varieties Available: McIntosh, Sweet 16, early Honeycrisp

• Pros: Widest selection, perfect weather

• Best For: Maximum variety selection

Late Season (October)

• Varieties Available: Fuji, Rome, Northern Spy, late Honeycrisp

• Pros: Excellent storage varieties, fall colors

• Best For: Long-term apple storage, scenic beauty

Pro Tips for Timing

• Best Time of Day: Morning visits (fruit is firmest)

• Best Days: Weekday mornings (least crowded)

• Weather Impact: Ripening can vary 1-2 weeks based on conditions

🎯 Other Things to Do

At the Orchards

• Corn Mazes - Apple Holler, Barthel Fruit Farm, Jacobson Orchards

• Hayrides & Tractor Tours - Apple Holler, Honey Creek Orchard

• Farm Animals - Apple Holler, Honey Creek Orchard, Gierach Orchards

• Pumpkin Patches - Multiple orchards offer pumpkins

• Food Trucks - Apple cider donuts, baked goods at various locations

• Wine Tasting - Apple Barn Orchard & Winery

Nearby Attractions

• Door County (if visiting northern orchards)

• Lake Geneva (if visiting southern orchards)

• Wisconsin State Parks for hiking

• Local farmers markets in orchard towns

🥾 What to Bring

Essential Items

• Cash (many orchards prefer cash payments)

• Comfortable layers (weather can change)

• Water bottles & snacks

• Camera for fall photos

• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes

Optional Items

• Small wagon for large quantities

• Sunscreen

• Blanket for picnicking

• Reusable bags (though orchards provide containers)

🍎 Apple Selection & Storage Guide

How to Choose Perfect Apples

• Look for: Firm fruit, smooth unblemished skin, vibrant colors

• Avoid: Bruises, soft spots, broken skin around stem

• Technique: Lift and twist (don't pull straight down)

• Handle: Like eggs to prevent bruising

Storage Tips

• Immediate use: Room temperature, away from sunlight

• Extended storage: Refrigerate in crisper drawer with air holes

• Optimal conditions: 30-35°F with high humidity

• Duration: 6-8 weeks when properly stored

Best Keepers vs. Eat First

• Excellent Keepers: Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp

• Use First: Gala, McIntosh

• Pro Tip: Store apples separately from other fruits

💰 Pricing Guide

Budget Breakdown

• Basic Apple Picking: $10-25 per family

• Premium Experiences: $50-75 with activities and food

• Apple Quantities: Quarter-peck to full bushel options

• Parking: Usually free at all locations

Money-Saving Tips

• Visit pay-per-bag orchards (no admission fees)

• Bring your own snacks and drinks

• Visit during weekdays for potential discounts

• Check orchard websites for coupons

🚗 Getting There

From Milwaukee's North Shore

• I-43 North: To Cedarburg, Mequon orchards

• I-94 West: To Apple Holler, western orchards

• Highway 45: To northern and western locations

• Peak Weekend Traffic: Add 15-30 minutes

Parking Tips

• Arrive early during peak season

• Some orchards offer shuttle service from parking

• Barthel Fruit Farm allows driving through orchard

✅ Before You Go Checklist

• [ ] Check orchard website for current hours

• [ ] Confirm apple availability and varieties

• [ ] Check weather conditions

• [ ] Bring cash and backup payment methods

• [ ] Call ahead for large groups

• [ ] Review orchard-specific rules (pets, etc.)

• [ ] Plan for traffic during peak weekends

Bottom Line: Milwaukee families have incredible apple picking options within an hour's drive. Match your family's interests with the right orchard, time your visit for optimal apple quality, and prepare for a memorable fall tradition that combines outdoor fun, education, and delicious rewards!

More Fall Adventures

Looking to pair your apple picking with more fall activities? We have you covered:

• Best corn mazes in the Milwaukee area

• Pumpkin picking guide to the Milwaukee area

• Thiensville-Mequon Lions Club's 10th Annual Applefest