Know the North Shore: Gierach Orchards in Mequon

North Shore families searching for an authentic agricultural escape will find their perfect destination at Gierach Orchards, a intimate 30-acre family farm that offers seasonal fruit picking, sunflower mazes, and genuine Wisconsin farming experiences just 30 minutes from Milwaukee.

Gierach Orchards represents the best of North Shore agricultural tourism - a sixth-generation family operation where Keith and Hannah Gierach have transformed traditional farming into an educational, engaging experience that connects families with Wisconsin's rich agricultural heritage.

Since opening for pick-your-own activities in 2019, they've maintained their commitment to sustainable farming practices while creating memorable experiences for visiting families. The farm sits perfectly within Mequon's diverse landscape of working farms, restored woodlands, and Lake Michigan shoreline, making it an ideal anchor for broader North Shore family adventures.

This working farm combines quality fruit production with family-friendly activities in a peaceful, uncrowded setting that feels worlds away from commercial agritourism. The farm's unique two-style apple picking experience and recent additions of peach orchards and cut-flower fields make it a standout destination for families seeking authentic rural adventures without the crowds.

Related: See our full guide to apple picking in the Milwaukee area.

Orchard experiences

Gierach Orchards sets itself apart from typical apple picking destinations by offering two completely different picking experiences on the same property. The traditional orchard near the red barn provides the classic apple-picking atmosphere families expect, with mature trees and established rows perfect for family photos and easier picking for younger children.

The vineyard-style picking experience across the property offers something entirely unique in Wisconsin - apple trees grown on trellis systems similar to grape vineyards. This innovative approach creates easier access for all family members while providing a distinctly different agricultural experience. With over 10,000 apple trees planted using modern sustainable techniques, visitors can explore both styles and discover their preference.

The orchard produces 30+ apple varieties ranging from early-season favorites like Lodi and Zestar to late-season storage apples like Rome and Evercrisp. Premier Honeycrisp remains the most popular variety, typically ready in mid-September, while early varieties like Paula Red and Ginger Gold begin the season in late August. This extensive variety selection means multiple visits throughout the season offer completely different experiences and flavors.

Seasonal calendar

Strawberry season launches the farm year with their inaugural strawberry crop starting in 2025. This ultra-short season runs only 2-3 weeks from mid-June to early July, requiring families to monitor the farm's social media for exact timing announcements. Given Wisconsin's brief strawberry window, this represents the most time-sensitive opportunity of the year.

Peach season begins in early August, featuring Garnet Beauty and Reliance yellow peaches known for exceptional sweetness. This newer addition to the farm's offerings provides families with a unique North Shore peach-picking opportunity that's rare in Wisconsin's agricultural landscape.

Apple season spans September through October, with peak picking occurring in mid-September through early October. Early varieties like Premier Honeycrisp and Zestar begin the season, followed by traditional favorites like McIntosh, Gala, and Cortland in mid-September. Late-season varieties including Rome, Jonagold, and Evercrisp extend picking opportunities into late October, weather permitting.

The sunflower maze and cut-flower fields operate throughout summer months, with peak sunflower blooming typically occurring in mid-to-late summer. At $5 per person (children 4 and under free), this activity includes five cut flowers plus access to the maze. The $10 pick-your-own bouquet option provides a large cup for flower collection and represents exceptional value for families who love fresh flowers.

Family amenities

The farm maintains its working agricultural atmosphere while providing essential family conveniences. The charming white sales barn serves as the central hub where families must purchase picking bags before heading to orchards. The barn stocks fresh cider, pre-picked apples, and local products including pasture-raised meats, non-GMO eggs, local honey, and maple syrup from their own operations.

Farm animals add educational value without the petting zoo chaos. Families can observe chickens, ducks, and baby lambs from designated common areas near the parking area. While these are working farm animals rather than petting zoo attractions, children consistently enjoy watching the chickens and ducks, making this a highlight for younger visitors.

The self-serve roadside stand operates daily during farm hours, stocked with eggs, maple syrup, honey, and cider on an honor system basis. This authentic farm experience teaches children about trust and community while providing convenient access to farm-fresh products.

Mequon's position in Wisconsin's North Shore region creates opportunities for extended family adventures beyond the orchard. The Mequon Nature Preserve spans 510 acres just minutes from Gierach Orchards, featuring six miles of free trails, a 40-foot observation tower, natural playspace, and winter snowshoe rentals. The preserve's ADA-accessible trails make it suitable for all family members.

Lake Michigan access through Virmond Park provides beach experiences, playground facilities, and scenic bluff views within 15 minutes of the orchard. This combination of agricultural and lakefront experiences exemplifies the North Shore's diverse recreational offerings.

The region's dining scene complements farm visits perfectly. Highland House offers family-friendly California/Caribbean fusion cuisine, while Zaffiro's Pizzeria at Marcus North Shore Cinema provides convenient post-orchard dining. St. Paul Fish Company's famous lobster rolls and Friday fish fry represent quintessential Wisconsin dining experiences that pair well with agricultural tourism.

Competing orchards within the region create opportunities for orchard-hopping adventures. Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Company in Colgate represents Wisconsin's largest organic apple operation, while Barthel Fruit Farm offers a 180-year family operation with extensive fall festivals. This competitive landscape benefits families by providing multiple authentic agricultural experiences within a compact geographic area.

Practical visit planning

Successful Gierach Orchards visits require specific preparation that differs from commercial entertainment venues. Bug spray and protective clothing represent essential items, as mosquitoes consistently represent the primary visitor challenge. Close-toed shoes prevent muddy conditions after rain, while bringing your own flower clippers (though available to borrow) speeds up flower-picking activities.

Apple picking pricing at $18 for a peck bag provides sufficient fruit for most families while supporting the farm's sustainable operations. Cash represents the preferred payment method, though the farm accepts Venmo, personal checks, and credit cards for convenience.

Timing visits for optimal experiences requires understanding both seasonal availability and crowd patterns. Weekday mornings generally provide the most peaceful experiences, while weekend visits during peak apple season may involve slightly larger crowds though never approaching commercial orchard levels.

Age-appropriate expectations help families plan successfully. All ages enjoy the farm experience, but school-age children typically engage most fully with picking activities and animal observation. Very young children may find extensive walking challenging, while teenagers might prefer the authentic farm experience over more entertainment-focused venues.

Authentic agriculture

What distinguishes Gierach Orchards from entertainment-focused agritourism venues is its commitment to authentic agricultural experiences. This working farm prioritizes fruit quality, sustainable growing practices, and educational opportunities over amusement park-style attractions. Families seeking genuine connections to Wisconsin's agricultural heritage find exceptional value in this approach.

The farm's sustainable practices including OMRI-certified mating disruption, natural fungicides, and wood chip mulching demonstrate modern environmental stewardship while producing exceptional fruit quality. These practices create educational opportunities for children to understand responsible agriculture and food production.

Multi-generational family appeal stems from the farm's balance of traditional and innovative approaches. Keith Gierach's family has farmed on Bonniwell Road since the mid-1800s, providing historical continuity, while modern techniques and recent additions like peach orchards and flower fields create contemporary relevance.

Gierach Orchards represents the evolution of Wisconsin family farming into sustainable agritourism that maintains authentic agricultural values while creating meaningful family experiences. Its position within Mequon's North Shore landscape provides families with opportunities to combine fruit picking with beach visits, nature preserve exploration, and excellent dining experiences. The farm's intimate scale, two distinct apple-picking experiences, and commitment to quality over quantity create visits that feel more like visiting farming relatives than commercial entertainment venues. For North Shore families seeking authentic agricultural adventures that connect children with food production while supporting local sustainable farming, Gierach Orchards delivers exceptional experiences that create lasting memories and deeper appreciation for Wisconsin's rich agricultural heritage.