Updated August 21, 2025
Looking for the best places to go apple picking near Milwaukee in 2025? You’re in the right place.
Over the years, my family has visited nearly every orchard on this list, and I’ve learned that each one offers something unique. Some are full of family adventures with hayrides, corn mazes, and play areas. Others are quieter apple farms where you can pick organic fruit and enjoy a slower afternoon in the country.
This 2025 guide to Milwaukee’s best apple orchards pulls everything together so you can find the perfect spot for your family – whether you’re chasing cider donuts, exploring a sunflower maze, or just looking for a classic apple-picking day.
And since apple picking is just the beginning of fall fun in Wisconsin, don’t miss our complete Milwaukee Fall Family Fun Guide for hayrides, festivals, and more family adventures.
Apple Orchards Near Milwaukee: Interactive Map
Planning your fall outing? Use this interactive map to find apple orchards near Milwaukee. Click on each pin for details like location, website, and family-friendly features.
For even more seasonal fun, check out our interactive Milwaukee Fall Fun Map with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and local favorites!
What’s New at Milwaukee-Area Apple Orchards in 2025
Each fall brings something new to local orchards, and 2025 is no exception. If you’ve been apple picking before, here are the fresh updates you’ll find this season:
- Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Co. (Colgate) – This year brings brand-new apple varieties and an expanded bakery menu featuring apple spice cake, cream puff cider doughnuts, salted caramel cookies, and apple sticky bread with seasonal toppings. They’ve also added Organic Cider Chills (apple cider slushies) and gourmet caramel apples. Don’t miss their updated cidery lunches and redesigned retail barn.
- Old Homestead Farm: Kids will love the new old-fashioned farm games and activities, including a Music Wall, Hopperball basketball game, and a brand-new Gaga Pit. The U-Pick apple orchard is now open, and the farm’s friendly chickens and animals are still a big part of the experience. This season, the sunflower maze is half-price due to heavy summer rain, but there’s still plenty of fun to enjoy across the farm.
- Apple Holler (Sturtevant) – Families can enjoy tractor-drawn orchard tours, more than 40 apple varieties, and expanded fun park activities. New treats include cider floats and, of course, their famous cider doughnuts.
- Honey Creek Orchard (Cedarburg) – New for 2025 are a Gaga ball pit, football grain toss, additional snacks in the barn, and some new animals to visit. Fresh cider donuts are still a weekend staple.
- Weston’s Antique Apple Orchard (New Berlin) – With more than 150 apple varieties, Weston’s continues to be a one-of-a-kind experience. This year you can find them at local farmers markets, and the orchard is hosting Historic Day (Sept 7) and Applefest (Oct 12). Visitors can also take self-guided tours highlighting orchard history, integrated pest management, and a kid-friendly “bugs are good” treasure hunt.
- Gierach Orchards: Families can now explore a pick-your-own flower field and sunflower maze, where you can purchase admission to pick a few blooms or build your own bouquet. Starting in August, pick-your-own peaches kick off the season, followed by apples through September and October. Stop by the sales barn for meats, cider, and other farm goods.
Best Organic Apple Orchards Near Milwaukee
Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Co.
5454 County Road Q, Colgate, WI 53017
What’s special?
- Southeastern Wisconsin’s only organic apple farm
- Largest certified organic apple orchard in the upper Midwest
- More than 40,000 apple trees and 30 organic apple varieties.
- New landscaping & Instagram-worthy spots including nature trail with swing and benches
- New porch venue with family restroom overlooking the orchards.
- New flower pollinator plantings including hibiscus, dahlias, antique zinnias, sunflowers and more.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, and do not leave without trying their apple cider doughnuts.
Read our full Peck & Bushel Fruit Company Review.
Some orchards, including Peck & Bushel even have sunflower gardens & mazes – see our Best Sunflower Fields Near Milwaukee.
Apple Orchards With Hayrides & Activities
Elegant Farmer
1545 Main St., Mukwonago, WI 53149
What’s special?
- Apple pies baked in a paper bag
- Hayrides and pony rides
- Corn maze and pumpkin patch
- Apple picking
- Smilin’ Barn Cafe
Pro Tip #1: To make your day extra special, ride the East Troy Electric Railroad from the historic depot directly to the Elegant Farmer.
Read our full review of Elegant Farmer.
Love pumpkins, too? Check out our full Pumpkin Patches Near Milwaukee Guide.
Apple Holler
5006 S Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, WI 53177
What’s Special about Apple Holler?
- 78-acre family farm & Family Fun Park
- Tractor Rides
- Conveniently located right off I-94 south
- More than 30 varieties of apples, plus pick your own peaches, pears and pumpkins
Pro Tip: Your picking package includes a tractor-drawn tour of the orchard, family farm and Enchanted Forest, plus admission to the Farm Park with plenty of kids activities like a corn maze, giant slide, goats, and more.
Read our full review of Apple Holler.
Corn mazes more your style? Don’t miss our Best Corn Mazes for Families.
Apple Orchards With Extra Fall Fun
Barthel Fruit Farm
12246 N. Farmdale Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
What’s special about Barthel’s Fruit Farm?
- Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and pears.
- Fairy-tale Italian plum grove
- Corn maze
- Bakery food truck that serves up apple cider donuts, apple streusel muffins, apple cinnamon scones, mini pumpkin cheesecakes, mini apple crisp, apple cider slush and more.
- Oktoberfest
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their Oktoberfest event! They sell local craft beer, draft beer and soft warm pretzels made by Milwaukee Pretzel Company.
Read our full review of Barthel Fruit Farm.
Basse’s Taste of Country
3190 County Rd Q., Colgate, WI 53017
What’s special about Basse’s Taste of Country?
- Pick your own apples between several varieties including but not limited to Honeycrisp, Ida Red, and Fuji (when available and while supplies last)
- Sunflower Maze (weather permitting, pick your own sunflowers are extra cost)
- Grain Train ride to and from apple and sunflower fields
- Fun games for the whole family (bag toss, connect 4, spun chairs, box maze)
Read our full review of Basses’ Taste of Country.
If you’re planning a full fall weekend, we’ve also rounded up the best hayrides near Milwaukee and family-friendly fall festivals around Milwaukee.
Honey Creek Orchard
8210 Pioneer Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012
This family farm offers pick-your-own apples, play areas, farm animals, and more. It’s very welcoming to families!
What’s special about Honey Creek Orchard?
- Old Western Buildings
- Tractor Basketball
- Farm animals, including emus!
- Fresh apple cider donuts made on-site
- Pumpkin picking
Read our full review of Honey Creek Orchard.
Love farm animals? Check out our Best Petting Zoos Near Milwaukee.
Old Homestead Orchard
7814 Raynor Ave, Franksville, WI 53126
What’s special about Old Homestead Orchard?
- Sunflower maze with a short & long route
- Old-fashioned games and activities for kids
- Serama Chickens and Ducks
Pro tip: Don’t miss the apple slingshot near the Sunflower Maze! You can win a prize if you make it into the target.
Read our full review of Old Homestead Orchard.
Appleland Farm Market
4177 WI-57, Fredonia, WI 53021
What’s Special about Appleland Farm Market?
- Apple cider slushies!
- Playground featuring an old-fashioned tractor, sand tire pyramid, & horse swings.
- Picnic area overlooking the scenic grounds.
- Corn maze open daily
Read our full review of Appleland Farm Market.
Jelli’s Market
N5648 S. Farmington Rd., Helenville, WI 53137
Website
What’s special?
- Pick your own apple, raspberries, grapes, pumpkins, gourds and squash.
- Peaches, pears and plums are available in late August.
- Free fall activities: a selfie scavenger hunt, lawn game, corn box, amazing race, and Angry Birds For Real slingshot game.
Pro Tip: Take a ride around the farm on the Berry Blue Barrel Train!
Smaller Apple Farms Near Milwaukee for a Relaxed Visit
Awes Apple Orchard
8081 S. 100th St., Franklin, WI 53132
What’s special about Awe’s Apple Orchard?
- Smaller than the others, without the bells and whistles (or crowds).
- Locally famous hot ham and rolls.
- Homemade apple pies, apple cider donuts, apple turnovers and caramel apples, plus apple cider by the pint and half gallon.
Pro Tip: Bring cash or checks, they don’t accept credit card.
Gierach Orchards
9616 W. Bonniwell Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
What’s special?
- Colorful garden and chicken coop
- Sprawling fruit trees
- Relatively new location, opened in 2019.
Pro Tip: If you visit early in the season, you can cut your own sunflowers, too. They also sell cider, meat, pre-picked apples and more.
Read our full review of Gierach Orchards.
Rim’s Edge Orchard
W220N10540 Amy Belle Rd., Germantown, WI 53022
What’s special?
- 20 apple varieties
- Honey is made onsite by their resident bees.
- Frozen cider pops and caramel apples.
Photo Credit: Facebook, Rim’s Edge Orchard
Westons’ Antique Apple Orchard
19760 W. National Ave., New Berlin, WI 53146
What’s special?
- While you’re not able to pick your own apples from the antique trees, you can take your children on a self-guided orchard tour of this fascinating place, including an Orchard Scavenger Hunt, located adjacent to the New Berlin Historical Park.
- This family-owned orchard is owned by Ken Weston. The farm began in 1936 when his grandfather planted apples over 11 acres. They planted varieties that were prevalent in the 1930s but are now antiques. Some varieties go all the way back to 300 AD. According to Ken, some don’t even taste like apples.
- The oldest active orchard in Waukesha County (1901), Westons’ has more than 600 trees and 100+ varieties. This historic property looks exactly the way it did in the 1930s, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Landscapes.
Apple Barn Orchard and Winery
W6384 Sugar Creek Rd., Elkhorn, WI 53121
What’s special?
- Off the beaten path in a beautiful country setting
- 13 different apple varieties to choose from, including Ginger Gold, Paula Reds and Honey Crisp.
- Pick-your-own apples are available on a “pay per bag” basis, so you only have to pay for what you’re going to pick.
Pro Tip: If you’re lucky, you may catch some live music!
Want to soak in fall colors after your orchard trip? Try one of these Gorgeous Fall Hikes Near Milwaukee or Best Fall Views in Milwaukee.
Apple Picking Near Milwaukee FAQs (2025)
Apple picking season in Southeastern Wisconsin typically begins in late August and runs through October, depending on the weather and apple variety. Early in the season you’ll find Paula Reds and Ginger Golds, while September and October bring Honeycrisp, Cortland, Gala, and other favorites. Always check the orchard’s website or social media before heading out, since availability can change daily.
There are dozens of apple orchards within an hour of Milwaukee. Popular family favorites include Peck & Bushel (organic apples), Barthel Fruit Farm (with a bakery and corn maze), Apple Holler (with a full farm park), and Elegant Farmer (home of the famous apple pie in a bag). Our full guide below lists the best options for every kind of fall experience.
For the full family fun experience, orchards like Apple Holler, Basse’s Taste of Country, and Elegant Farmer offer hayrides, corn mazes, farm animals, and play areas for kids. If you’re looking for something more low-key with little ones, try Awe’s Apple Orchard or Honey Creek Orchard, which are smaller and less crowded.
Yes! Cider donuts are a fall tradition in Wisconsin. You’ll find them at many local orchards, including Peck & Bushel, Barthel Fruit Farm, and Awe’s Apple Orchard. Each has its own take on the recipe, but they’re best enjoyed warm — and usually sell out quickly on weekends.
Most apple orchards charge by the bag or container, with prices usually ranging from $15–$30 depending on size and variety. Some larger farms bundle extras like a hayride or play area admission with the cost. Smaller orchards may be more affordable if you’re just looking to pick apples without the extras.
If you want “all the fall fun” in one place, head to Apple Holler, Elegant Farmer, or Basse’s Taste of Country. These orchards typically offer hayrides, pumpkin patches, sunflower mazes, and family games, making them a great choice for a full day out.
Policies vary by orchard. Some allow leashed dogs in outdoor areas, while others do not permit pets for safety and health reasons. If you’re planning to bring your dog, always check the farm’s rules online or give them a quick call before you go.
Wisconsin’s cool climate is perfect for crisp, flavorful apples. Common varieties include Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Jonathan, and Empire. Many orchards also grow specialty varieties, and some offer more than 20 different kinds throughout the season.
Yes. Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Company in Colgate is the largest certified organic apple orchard in the upper Midwest, with more than 30 organic varieties. It’s the only fully organic orchard in Southeastern Wisconsin, making it a great choice for families who prefer pesticide-free fruit and a beautiful, scenic setting.
Once apple season winds down, keep the fun going with Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Milwaukee.
- Gorgeous Fall Hikes
- Best Lookout Spots to See Fall Colors
- Harvest Festivals
- Peach Picking at Apple Holler
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
