Peach Picking Guide to Milwaukee

Great news for peach lovers! While Gierach Orchards in Mequon is indeed the closest option to Milwaukee's North Shore, there are actually three fantastic peach picking destinations within driving distance, and August 2025 is turning out to be an exceptional season with outstanding crops available right now.

Wisconsin peach harvest is currently at peak season through early September, with farmers reporting this as one of the best years in recent memory due to perfect winter conditions and ideal growing weather. This makes it the perfect time to visit these orchards for the freshest, sweetest peaches.

Your peach picking options

Gierach Orchards remains the crown jewel for North Shore residents, located right in Mequon at 9616 W. Bonniwell Rd. This family-owned 30-acre orchard offers the most convenient option, just minutes from communities like Grafton and Cedarburg. They're currently open Tuesday through Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm (closed Mondays) with both pick-your-own and pre-picked options available. Follow @gierachorchards on Instagram for real-time updates, and you'll discover this hidden gem features farm animals, a sunflower maze, and sustainably raised products beyond just peaches.

Apple Holler in Sturtevant emerges as the premium destination for families willing to make the one-hour drive south. Located at 5006 S Sylvania Ave, this 78-acre farm is offering peaches for the first time since 2022 and boasts their biggest crop ever with 10,000 trees. USA Today voted it among the "Top 10 Best Orchards," and it delivers on that reputation with their Red Barn Restaurant, Family Fun Park, tractor-drawn hayrides, and bakery with fresh donuts. Follow @applehollerwi to see their current peach varieties including Starfire and Early Red Haven. Open Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm and Friday-Sunday 8:30am-4pm.

Creek Bed Farmacy in Poynette offers the most unique experience for adventurous pickers, about 45 minutes northwest at N2767 Mountford Rd. This 150-year-old family farm grows nine varieties of rare cold-hardy peaches - unusual for Wisconsin's climate. The Schoeneberg family has been farming here since 1871, and they've created Wisconsin's largest corn maze (18+ acres) alongside their peach orchards. Follow @creekbedfarmacy for updates on their harvest schedule, which varies by weather and variety.

All three farms maintain active social media presence with real-time picking updates, which proves crucial since peach availability changes daily based on weather and picking volume. Weekend mornings offer optimal conditions when fruit is cool and dew has dried, but popular farms can be picked clean by noon on busy weekend days.

Current season status couldn't be better. Wisconsin experienced crop failures in 2024 due to unusual weather, but 2025 provided perfect winter dormancy periods and ideal growing conditions. Farmers across the state report exceptional quality and quantity, with harvest extending into early September at most locations.

Pricing and logistics vary by location - Gierach operates on an honor system for their self-serve stand, Apple Holler charges $23 per person including Family Fun Park access, and Creek Bed pricing requires direct contact. All locations recommend calling ahead or checking social media before visiting, as Wisconsin's shorter peach season means availability can shift rapidly.

Conclusion

Families have access to three distinctly different peach picking experiences, from the intimate family atmosphere at Gierach Orchards in Mequon to the comprehensive agritourism destination at Apple Holler to the historic charm and rare peach varieties at Creek Bed Farmacy. With 2025 delivering one of Wisconsin's best peach seasons in years and peak picking happening right now, there's never been a better time to experience the sweet reward of picking your own Wisconsin peaches. Each location offers Instagram-worthy moments and farm-fresh flavors that showcase the best of Wisconsin agriculture during this exceptional harvest season.