Door County Apple Picking 2026: Orchards, Cider Donuts and Family Fall Fun
When autumn arrives in Door County, cherries surrender the spotlight to crisp apples, warm cider donuts and orchard markets filled with fall flavors. The peninsula best known for its summer Montmorency cherry crop becomes an equally appealing apple destination from September into October.
Apple picking is one of the easiest ways for families to experience Door County beyond its waterfront villages and state parks. Kids can pick fruit directly from the trees, parents can stock up on Honeycrisp and McIntosh apples, and everyone can enjoy caramel apples, cider, pies and bakery treats along the way.
For Milwaukee-area families, Sturgeon Bay is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive, making a Southern Door orchard outing possible as a long day trip. Orchards around Fish Creek, Egg Harbor and Sister Bay are better suited to a full weekend.
This guide includes Door County orchards that offer—or have recently offered—pick-your-own apples, plus farm markets worth visiting even when picking is unavailable. Because crop conditions and picking schedules can change quickly, always confirm availability directly with the orchard before leaving home.
Planning a longer trip? Start with our complete Door County family travel guide and our guide to Door County with kids.
🍎 Pick Your Door County Apple Adventure
Search the peninsula’s orchards and farm markets, filter by experience or let the apple choose your next stop.
When Is Apple-Picking Season in Door County?
Door County’s apple harvest generally runs from early September through late October, with the widest selection usually available from mid-September through mid-October. The exact schedule changes each year based on the weather, crop size and apple variety.
Early varieties such as Red Free, Zestar and Ginger Gold can begin ripening in early September. Gala, Jonamac and McIntosh follow during the middle of the month. Cortland and Honeycrisp typically arrive from late September into early October.
Later varieties can include Macoun, Spartan, Fuji, Red Delicious, Wolf River, Empire, Snowsweet, Northwestern Greening, Ambrosia and Jonagold.
These dates are only estimates. A warm season can move the harvest forward, while cool weather can delay it. Some orchards sell pre-picked apples throughout the fall but open their pick-your-own rows for only a few days or weekends.
Before visiting, check the orchard’s website or social media page—or call its harvest phone line—to confirm:
Whether pick-your-own is open
Which varieties are ready
Current hours
Pricing and payment policies
Whether bags or baskets are provided
For broader seasonal planning, see our guides to Door County in September and Door County in October. You can also follow Destination Door County’s fall color report as your trip approaches.
Best Door County Orchards for Pick-Your-Own Apples
Choice Orchards, Sturgeon Bay
Choice Orchards is currently the easiest Door County apple-picking destination to plan around because it has published firm dates for 2026.
The orchard’s 2026 apple season is scheduled for September 1 through October 31, with hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Choice grows approximately 20 apple varieties, which are offered pre-picked or through pick-your-own as they ripen.
Visitors should check in at the market before entering the orchard. You will receive a picking ticket, pick your apples and then return to the market to pay. Pick-your-own apples are priced by the pound rather than by a predetermined bag or basket.
Approximate harvest times include Ginger Gold and Zestar in early September; Gala and Jonamac in mid-September; McIntosh, Cortland and Honeycrisp from mid-to-late September into early October; and Fuji, Empire, Snowsweet, Ambrosia and Jonagold later in October.
Families can also explore the tree maze, see a historic picker’s shack and orchard museum, enjoy a picnic and browse the farm market.
Details: 4594 County Road HH, Sturgeon Bay. Call or text 920-743-8980. Check the Choice Orchards apple page before visiting because individual varieties and pick-your-own rows remain subject to crop conditions.
Best for: Families who want a traditional apple-picking experience with published 2026 operating dates.
Hyline Orchard Farm Market, Fish Creek
Hyline Orchard Farm Market offers pick-your-own cherries, raspberries and apples during their respective harvests. The orchard’s apple rows include a mixture of Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Wolf River, Zestar, Red Delicious, Northwestern Greening and other varieties.
Hyline’s online picking page is labeled for 2026, but its apple notice was still carrying an October 2025 update as of August 2026. That means the orchard has not yet announced its 2026 apple-picking opening date.
A six-passenger golf cart is available to help transport visitors into and out of the orchard. Families can also visit the market for fruit, cider, preserves, baked goods and other seasonal products.
Details: 8240 State Highway 42, Fish Creek. Phone 920-868-3067. Follow the Hyline pick-your-own page for the 2026 opening announcement.
Best for: A casual orchard experience near Egg Harbor, Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park.
Seaquist Orchards Farm Market, Sister Bay
Seaquist Orchards is one of Door County’s largest orchard destinations, combining seasonal fruit, a bakery, farm market, playground and fall family activities.
Seaquist generally offers pick-your-own apples on weekends in October, but the exact 2026 dates have not yet been posted. The orchard advises visitors to watch its social media channels or call closer to harvest. Option 1 on its phone system carries frequently updated picking information.
When pick-your-own is available, the stand operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are asked to check in by 4 p.m. and finish picking by 4:30 p.m. Seaquist provides a one-peck basket that visitors pick into and take home. Admission is free, and apples are priced by the basket.
The pick-your-own orchard is across Highway 42 from the main market. Do not park at the market and attempt to cross the highway on foot. Follow the signs to the dedicated orchard parking area.
Even when apple picking is unavailable, Seaquist is worth visiting for its playground, indoor straw maze, bakery, fresh apples, cider, jams, sauces and other Door County products.
The farm market is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Sundays. Its confirmed 2026 season runs through October 31. Seaquist’s 2026 Apple Festival is scheduled for September 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: 11482 Highway 42, Sister Bay. Phone 920-854-4199. Check the Seaquist pick-your-own page for current conditions.
Best for: Families staying in Sister Bay, Ellison Bay or northern Door County.
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery and Market, Fish Creek
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country combines an orchard, farm market, bakery, winery, cider company, tasting room and family recreation area just south of Fish Creek.
The orchard has offered fall apple picking in past seasons, generally from mid-September into early October. However, Lautenbach’s has not yet posted firm 2026 apple-picking dates. Call before visiting if picking is an essential part of your trip.
The market and bakery carry seasonal fruit, fresh bakery items, specialty foods and gifts. Adults can create tasting flights from more than 50 wines and hard ciders produced on-site, while families can enjoy the playground, yard games and outdoor grounds.
Lautenbach’s does not currently offer guided orchard tours, but visitors may stroll designated areas of the orchard and vineyard. Bakery items are made fresh during the season, and calling ahead is recommended if you want to reserve donuts, pie, turnovers or strudel.
Details: 9197 Highway 42, Fish Creek. Phone 920-868-3479. Current store hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Confirm seasonal information at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country.
Best for: A multigenerational outing combining orchard scenery, shopping, bakery treats and adult tastings.
Robertson Orchards, Sturgeon Bay
Robertson Orchards is a long-running family farm near Sturgeon Bay that grows apples, cherries, pears, plums and other seasonal fruit.
The orchard has traditionally offered pick-your-own apples during the harvest, but dates and hours can vary as individual varieties ripen. Visitors should call or check the orchard’s current social media updates before driving to the farm.
Families who do not have time to pick can visit the self-service Orchard Store, where pre-picked fruit is sold with information about the best varieties for eating, baking and applesauce.
Details: 2575 South Shiloh Road, Sturgeon Bay. Phone 920-743-1351.
Best for: A quieter farm experience close to Sturgeon Bay.
Cherry Lane Orchards, Sturgeon Bay
Cherry Lane Orchards is a small family-owned orchard with cherry and apple trees in Southern Door County.
The orchard has historically offered pick-your-own McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp and Gala apples from September into October. Because current information is limited and availability changes by crop, call the orchard’s recorded harvest line before visiting.
Details: 7525 Cherry Lane, Sturgeon Bay. Phone 920-856-6864.
Best for: A simple, low-key orchard stop away from the busier Highway 42 corridor.
Fellner Orchards, Sturgeon Bay
Fellner Orchards is a historic Southern Door County apple farm dating to 1923. The orchard grows varieties that have included McIntosh, Cortland and Honeycrisp and has traditionally offered both pre-picked and pick-your-own apples.
Fellner does not maintain a comprehensive seasonal website, so its current phone message and social media updates are the best sources for 2026 picking dates.
Published address and phone information varies across local directories. Destination Door County currently lists 4214 Cherry Road and 920-883-1174. Confirm both before navigating to the orchard.
Best for: Visitors looking for an old-fashioned apple orchard with deep family-farming roots.
Door County Markets for Apples and Fall Treats
These markets are worthwhile fall stops, but pick-your-own availability is either not offered or not reliably confirmed. Visit for pre-picked apples, cider, donuts, pies and other seasonal products.
Wood Orchard Market, Egg Harbor
Wood Orchard Market is one of Door County’s most popular destinations for apple treats. The family farm grows cherries, raspberries, strawberries and apples, including Honeycrisp and SweeTango.
The market is known for apple-cider donuts, hand-dipped caramel apples, apple pie, caramel-apple-nut pie, cherry strudel and other bakery items. Families can also enjoy a playground and complimentary samples.
Some tourism listings describe Wood Orchard as offering pick-your-own apples, while the market’s own current website focuses on its retail and bakery experience. Because the status is unclear, do not count on apple picking without confirming directly with the market.
Wood Orchard becomes especially busy during peak fall weekends and Egg Harbor’s Pumpkin Patch Festival. Arrive early if cider donuts or caramel apples are a priority.
Details: 8112 Highway 42, Egg Harbor. Phone 920-868-2334. Check Wood Orchard Market for current hours.
Best for: Cider donuts, caramel apples and an easy family market stop.
Door County Fruit Connection, Carlsville
Door County Fruit Connection operates a seasonal farm market in Carlsville selling apples, pears, plums, peaches, cherries, pumpkins and homemade preserves.
The market offers an unusually broad selection of fruit varieties throughout the season. Apples and pears generally begin appearing in late summer and continue through the fall.
Details: 5807 Highway 42, Carlsville. Check the farm’s current social media updates before visiting, as days and hours may change after Labor Day.
Best for: Fresh seasonal fruit and a quick roadside stop between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor.
Soren’s Valhalla Orchards, Sturgeon Bay
Soren’s Valhalla Orchards grows strawberries, cherries, apples and pumpkins in Southern Door County. Apples and pumpkins are sold pre-picked from its farm stand rather than through pick-your-own.
Apple varieties have included Red Free, Ginger Gold, Paula Red, McIntosh, Cortland, Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Ida Red.
Details: 2912 Idlewild Road, Sturgeon Bay. Phone 920-746-1102. The strawberry fields are located separately, so confirm the correct address for the product you want.
Best for: Pre-picked apples, pumpkins and a low-key farm-stand stop.
Kielar Akers Orchard, Sturgeon Bay
Kielar Akers has operated as a family-owned Southern Door orchard since 1927. The farm grows Montmorency cherries along with an extensive selection of apples, pears and plums.
Its apple varieties have included McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Winesap, Northwestern Greening, Snowsweet, Jonagold, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious. Apples are picked by the family and sold at the roadside market; this is not a pick-your-own orchard.
The selling season can extend into November, making Kielar Akers a useful option after many visitor-oriented orchards have closed.
Details: 648 Highway 42, Sturgeon Bay. Phone 920-856-6978.
Best for: Pre-picked apples and later-season varieties.
Which Apple Varieties Should You Choose?
Think about how you plan to use your apples before filling a basket.
Honeycrisp apples are crisp, juicy and sweet, making them excellent for eating fresh. They are also extremely popular and may sell out quickly.
McIntosh apples have softer flesh and a sweet-tart flavor. They work especially well for applesauce.
Cortland apples are useful for salads, fruit trays and baking because their flesh browns relatively slowly after cutting.
Gala apples are sweet and mild, making them a dependable choice for kids and lunchboxes.
Jonagold apples combine sweet and tart flavors and can be eaten fresh or used for baking.
Macoun apples are juicy and aromatic and are generally best enjoyed fresh.
Empire apples are firm and versatile enough for snacking, baking and sauce.
Snowsweet apples are sweet, crisp and slow to brown after being sliced.
For pie, try combining two or three varieties. Mixing a firm apple with a softer or more tart variety usually creates better flavor and texture than using only one kind.
Tips for Apple Picking With Kids
Call before you go. An orchard can sell fresh apples even when its pick-your-own rows are closed.
Visit early. Parking lots and markets become busier throughout the day, particularly on September and October weekends.
Wear closed-toe shoes. Orchard rows may be wet, muddy or uneven.
Bring layers. Door County temperatures can change significantly over the course of a fall day.
Teach children to twist rather than pull. Hold the apple, lift gently and twist. A ripe apple should release without pulling on the branch.
Only pick what you intend to purchase. Orchards generally expect visitors to pay for every apple removed from a tree.
Ask which rows are open. Staff can direct you to varieties that are currently ripe and approved for picking.
Check the pricing system. Choice Orchards charges by the pound, while Seaquist charges by the basket.
Bring a cooler. Apples will usually handle a few hours in the car, but a cooler is helpful if you are spending the entire day sightseeing.
Carry some cash. Larger markets generally accept cards, but smaller roadside and self-service stands may have limited payment options.
Build a Door County Apple-Picking Day
For a Southern Door outing, start at Choice Orchards or another Sturgeon Bay-area orchard. Have lunch in Sturgeon Bay, then explore the waterfront, the Third Avenue historic district or Potawatomi State Park.
For a central Door County day, pair Hyline or Lautenbach’s with Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park. Stop at Wood Orchard Market for cider donuts or caramel apples.
For a northern Door County itinerary, visit Seaquist before exploring Sister Bay, Ellison Bay and the winding northern section of Highway 42.
Two major 2026 festivals will affect October traffic. Egg Harbor’s Pumpkin Patch Festival takes place October 10–11, while the 80th annual Sister Bay Fall Fest runs October 16–18. Both events are free and draw large crowds, so schedule your orchard stop early in the day.
One orchard, one farm market and one outdoor destination usually make a better family itinerary than attempting to visit every orchard on the peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month for apple picking in Door County?
Late September through mid-October generally provides the best combination of apple availability, comfortable weather and fall color. Early September offers lighter crowds but fewer varieties.
Do all Door County orchards offer pick-your-own apples?
No. Choice Orchards has confirmed pick-your-own apples for 2026. Hyline, Seaquist, Lautenbach’s, Robertson, Cherry Lane and Fellner have offered apple picking, but their dates and availability should be confirmed directly.
Kielar Akers and Soren’s Valhalla sell pre-picked apples. Wood Orchard Market should currently be treated primarily as a farm market unless it directly confirms that pick-your-own is available.
Which orchard has confirmed 2026 dates?
Choice Orchards has announced a September 1 through October 31 season, with daily hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Picking remains dependent on the ripening schedule and availability of individual varieties.
Are Door County orchards free to visit?
Most farm markets do not charge admission. Seaquist states that entry to its pick-your-own orchard is free and visitors pay for the fruit they pick. Other orchards may charge by the pound, bag or basket.
Can you pick apples in Door County in November?
Most visitor-oriented pick-your-own operations finish by late October. Pre-picked apples may remain available into November at Southern Door farm stands such as Kielar Akers and Soren’s Valhalla, depending on the harvest.
Where can families find apple-cider donuts?
Wood Orchard Market and Lautenbach’s Orchard Country are two of the best-known stops for fresh fall donuts. Hyline and Seaquist also sell seasonal bakery products, but daily selection can change. Arrive early or call ahead if donuts are essential to your trip.
Is Seaquist open on Sundays?
No. Seaquist’s farm market is open Monday through Saturday and closed Sundays. Its confirmed 2026 closing date is October 31.
More Door County Family Guides
Continue planning with these North Shore Family Adventures resources:
Door County, Wisconsin: The Complete Family Travel Guide
The Definitive First-Timer’s Guide to Door County
Door County With Kids: Your Family Guide for Every Season
Door County in September: The Ultimate Family Guide
Door County in October: The Ultimate Fall Road Trip Guide
Door County Cherry Picking Guide 2026
The Best Brunch in Door County
The Complete Hiker’s Guide to Door County
Apple-picking conditions change quickly with the weather, crop size and visitor demand. Several Door County orchards open their rows for only a limited number of days each fall. Always confirm directly with the orchard before traveling, especially when pick-your-own apples are the main reason for your trip.
Door County guide for families with young kids — where to stay, what to eat, and what to do across all four seasons, with drive times.