Seeking a Nice Apple Picking Ochard in West or Northwest/Southwest Subs

I "third" Kuipers Family Farm, and "second" Jonamac as well! I grew up out in the country near both those orchards, and my family has been going to Kuipers (it used to be called Pine-Apple Farms) as long as I can remember, pretty much since it was just a barn selling cider and apples. One thing no one has mentioned yet is Kuipers fresh made donuts - they are HEAVEN on earth!! (and well worth the lines you wait in to get them) It can get busy on weekends, so go early. Have fun!

There was just a few orchards mentioned in the Trib the other day and I just happened to clip it for myself! In Woodstock; Homestead Orchards 11802 Charles Rd, HomesteadOrchard.net. $1.25 per pound. Langs Orchard 17411 Secor Rd, LangsOrchard.com the trib said their "must try apple" is the Winesap. Most varieties are only $1 per pound.

In Malta there is Jonamac Orchard 19412 Shabbona Rd. JonamacOrchard.com They have more than 20 varieties and also have a corn maze, barnyard activity area and country store. Their "must try apple" is the Tsugara (pronounced sue-ga-roo). $8 per 5 pound bag, $13.50 for 10 pounds, $25 for 20 pounds.

In Homerglen there is Garden Patch Orchard 14154 W 159th St. GardenPatchOrchard.com They have 60 varieties of apples along with other fruits and veggies and a bunny barn. Kids can also feed the chickens. "must try apple" is Campbells red delicious. Most apples are $1.50 per pound and there is a $3 admission fee per person.

In Joliet there is Apples on Oak 16146 Oak Ave Peceniak.Tripod.com "must try apple" Ashmeads Colonel. $1 per pound.

Hope this helps!! Enjoy your apple picking!

I know it is a bit of a drive, but Edward's Apple Orchard, near Rockford is a great place to take the kids. The apples are already picked, but the kids can enjoy outdoor fun like hayrides, pony rides, music, tractors, yummy food and snacks like homemade apple doughnuts and popcorn balls. It is worth checking out. I take my daughter a few times a year with her cousins and grandparents, and she loves it:)
A.

We're always gone to Edwards Orchard in Poplar Grove, IL and it's been 7 years now. They pull you up to the orchard in a tractor so you got a ride there for free. They have wagon rides, pony rides at additional charge. Petting zoo & playground for free. Apple donuts, apple pie slices (with melted cheese is what we love most) and apple cider and on the other side of road they have tons of pumpkins as well...

I second Kuipers Farm! That place is awesome and their apple pie is sooooo delicious. I can't wait to go pick out pumpkins this year!

After Quigs shut down over a year ago we were in search of a nice orchard as well to keep up our tradition. There are quite a few in the Northern/Northwestern Suburbs. The one we found last year that was very nice was west though, in Maple Park, IL (out near Dekalb). It's called Kuipers Family Farm. They have a very nice orchard, a hayride to the area of the orchard you are picking the apples, a corn maze, a pumpkin farm, and a nice little country store. Everybody was friendly and helpful. We took my two sons (two and three then) and my two nephews (one and 9) and they had a lot of fun. We are actually planning to go back this weekend. They have a website as well if you want to check it out.

http://www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com/

Garden Patch Orchard - http://www.gardenpatchorchard.com/
Bengstons - http://www.pumpkinfarm.com/

We really love Jonamac Orchard in Malta, Il. http://www.jonamacorchard.com/index.php

They have a HUGE corn maze and a play area for the kids, apple and pumpkin patches and a store with baked goods and cider. Another plus is that it is not overly expensive to go there. So many of the local places charge so much for entry into their attractions. You have to pay for the maze and the childrens area, but it is less than $5 each. I think they do a family pass for under $30. They also have an apple launcher and a train on the weekends. It really is a nice place and worth the drive.

Jessica