Apple Picking in Indiana
Apple Picking in Indiana – 2023
As the weather begins to cool and the leaves start to change colors, it’s the perfect time to head out to the orchards for some apple picking in Indiana.
Apple picking is a fun family activity that not only allows you to enjoy the great outdoors but also provides a chance to experience some of the beautiful farms and orchards in Indiana.
In this post, we will explore the best places to go apple picking in Indiana, the best times to visit, the types of apples to look for, and tips for a successful apple-picking trip. So grab your baskets and let’s head out to the orchard!
10 Best Places to Go Apple Picking in Indiana
Here are some of the best apple orchards in Indiana. I’ve been to many of them and enjoyed each one!
Apple Picking in Northern Indiana
Northern Indiana is home to several apple orchards that offer a unique apple-picking experience. One of the most popular orchards is McClure’s Orchard in Peru, Indiana. The orchard features a variety of apple trees, a petting farm, a restaurant, and more family-friendly activities.
Another popular orchard in northern Indiana is Phil’s U-Pick in Hungtington. This family-owned orchard offers over 20 varieties of apples, a pumpkin patch, and more. With so many options, northern Indiana is a great destination for apple-picking enthusiasts.
1. Phil’s U-Pick – Huntington
Phil’s U-Pick Orchard, located in Huntington, Indiana, is a family-owned orchard that has been in operation for over 50 years. The orchard spans over 100 acres and features a variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, Jonathan, and Golden Delicious.
What makes Phil’s U-Pick Orchard unique is its emphasis on providing a hands-on experience for visitors. You are encouraged to walk through the orchard and pick apples, creating a fun and memorable experience for families and groups.
Additionally, the orchard offers a country store where visitors can purchase apple butter, apple cider, and other homemade treats.
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2. McClure’s Orchard – Peru, IN
McClure’s Orchard is located in Peru, Indiana right off of US31. Anytime we are headed North on 31, if McClure’s is open, we make it a point to stop in! The orchard spans over 60 acres and features a variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, Gala, and Jonathan.
In addition to apple picking, McClure’s Orchard offers a range of family-friendly activities, including hayrides, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze.
The orchard also has a country store and a restaurant where visitors can purchase homemade apple cider, apple butter, and other seasonal treats. One of my favorite parts of McClure’s is the cider/wine bar in the back of the restaurant where you can sample their hard ciders and other drinks and even fill up a growler to enjoy at home.
McClure’s Orchard is a popular destination for fall festivals, featuring live music, food trucks, and other fun activities. Overall, McClure’s Orchard is a great place for families and friends to enjoy a day of apple picking and seasonal activities in a picturesque setting.
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3. Wea Creek Orchard – Lafayette
Wea Creek Orchard, located in Lafayette, Indiana, is a 7th-generation farm that offers a unique apple picking experience as all the trees are dwarf trees, so the perfect height to pick apples.
What sets Wea Creek Orchard apart from other orchards in Indiana is its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. The orchard uses integrated pest management and sustainable farming practices to ensure the highest quality apples while minimizing its impact on the environment.
Not only can you pick apples in season, but also peaches and pumpkins! Overall, Wea Creek Orchard provides a unique apple-picking experience that combines traditional farming practices with a commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness.
4. Jacobs’ Family Orchard – New Castle
Jacobs’ Family Orchard, located in New Castle, Indiana, is a family-owned orchard. The orchard features acres of apple trees, including a wide variety of apples. Although there are a lot of fun things to do at the farm, Jacobs’ Family Orchard doesn’t offer U-Pick.
You can have fun on a wagon ride, selecting fresh apples (and other goodies like apple cider donuts!) from the store, and even walking through the sunflower field!
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Apple Orchards near Indianapolis
There are several apple orchards near Indianapolis that offer a fun apple-picking experience. Tuttle Orchards, located in Greenfield, Indiana, features over 25 varieties of apples, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze.
Beasley’s Orchard, located in Danville, Indiana, features apple picking, a corn maze, and a market where visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and other seasonal treats. These orchards are just a few of the many options available for those looking for a fun and memorable apple-picking experience near Indianapolis.
5. Stuckey’s – Sheridan, IN
Because it’s the closest apple picking near me, Stuckey’s is often the apple orchard I visit when I’ve got just a few hours free for apple picking. Plus, they have AMAZING apple cider donuts!
Stuckey’s Orchard, located in Sheridan, Indiana, has been in operation for over 50 years. The orchard is fun to walk (and pick apples) and features plenty of apple varieties, including the always-coveted Honeycrisp, as well as Jonathan, Gala, and more.
In addition to apple picking, there is a pumpkin patch, other family-friendly activities, frequent fall festivals, and more. If you just want some fresh produce, local honey, apple cider, or other seasonal treats you can stop by the market and purchase what you need!
6. Beasley’s Orchard – Danville, IN
Beasley’s Orchard is the preferred orchard for those on the West side of Indianapolis (and its suburbs). It’s a large operation and every year hosts a Heartland Apple Festival the first two weeks of September along with other fun events going on.
In addition to apple picking, Beasley’s Orchard offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including hayrides to the pumpkin patch, and even apple cannons. The orchard also has a market where visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and other seasonal treats.
Even on a rainy day when apple picking isn’t the best idea, you can still visit the market and pick up some yummy goodies! That’s what we did the last time we visited on a rainy weekend.
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7. Tuttle Orchards – Greenfield, IN
Tuttle Orchards, located in Greenfield, Indiana, is a family-owned and operated orchard that has been in operation since 1928. The orchard features over 30 varieties of apples, including classic favorites such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, as well as lesser-known varieties like Crimson Crisp and Goldrush.
You can enjoy apple picking, hayrides, and a corn maze, as well as a petting zoo and a playground for children. The orchard also has a farm store where visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and other seasonal treats and a lovely cafe with delicious food! There is even an outdoor patio where you can enjoy your treats in the sunshine on a beautiful Indiana fall day!
The orchard also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year as well as classes on topics such as canning. Overall, Tuttle Orchards is a great destination for families and friends to enjoy a day of apple picking and seasonal activities in a beautiful and welcoming setting.
8. Pleasant View Orchard – Fairland
If we feel like venturing a little farther, Pleasant View Orchard is one of my top picks. On the way to Shelbyville, easily accessible from I-74, it is a wonderful little day trip from Hamilton County Indiana (especially when combined with a visit to the nearby Buck Creek Winery).
Pleasant View Orchard allows pets, which our pup appreciates, so when we go pick apples here, he gets to come along.
In addition to plenty of apple trees (and varieties of apples), Pleasant View Orchard has the standard farm market with lots of fresh veggies and other goodies and a food stand.
I can attest that their fried biscuits and apple butter are outstanding. YUM!
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Best Apple Picking Southern Indiana
Heading to Southern Indiana and want to add an afternoon of apple picking to your day? There are several excellent choices, but here are my two favorite options!
9. Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyard – Starlight
Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyard has been a family farm since 1843, so how’s that for longevity? It’s of course grown a LOT since then, and has really become an entire complex, where you could easily spend an entire day!
It’s been years since I’ve been to Hubers Orchard and Winery, but I would still highly recommend it! Not only can you pick apples, but you can taste wine, do a little shopping, check out the newer distillery, and so much more. At the winery, you can sample a variety of wines made from grapes grown on the property, or enjoy the farm-to-table restaurant serving locally sourced food and ingredients.
10. Anderson Orchard – Mooresville
When I was a kid, Anderson Orchard is the one we used to always visit. I have so many memories of loading up in the car with my grandparents and spending the day picking as many apples as we could!
Anderson Orchard, located in Mooresville, Indiana, is a family-owned and operated orchard that has been in business for over 50 years. The orchard features 150 acres with a wide variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, Gala, and Jonathan.
In the fall, they host an annual Fall Festival & Craft Fair with live music, vendors, good food, and more! As I can attest, it is a great place for families and friends to enjoy a day of apple picking and seasonal activities in a beautiful and welcoming setting.
Best Times to Go Apple Picking in Indiana
For the best experience, it makes sense to know when to go apple picking in Indiana. A lot of the timing has to do with where you are in the state and the weather. But overall, when is apple picking season in Indiana?
Late August through mid-October is typically the Indiana apple picking season, with September being the best month overall for the largest variety of fresh apples.
By November most (if not all) of the apples have been picked, but you can still pick up bags of apples picked by the orchard themselves at many of the locations.
Types of Apples to Look for in Indiana
Indiana is home to a variety of apple orchards that offer a wide range of apple varieties for visitors to pick. Some of the most popular types of apples grown in Indiana include Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonathan, Fuji, and Rome.
Honeycrisp apples are known for their sweet and juicy flavor and are a favorite among many apple lovers. Gala apples are another popular variety, known for their crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor. Jonathan apples are a classic favorite, with a tart and tangy taste that is perfect for baking.
Fuji apples are a newer variety, with a firm texture and a sweet, crisp flavor. Rome apples are also popular for baking, with a slightly tart flavor and a dense, juicy texture. When I’m out picking apples in Indiana, I always grab a bunch of Cortlands which are also fantastic for baking. Whatever your preference, there is sure to be an apple variety in Indiana that will satisfy your taste buds.
Tips for a Successful Apple Picking Trip in Indiana
Want to make the most of your day of apple picking in Indiana? Follow these tips for a fantastic experience.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
If you plan on being outside walking around, climbing trees, and picking apples, it pays to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You’ll enjoy your day so much more if you are comfortable.
Also, consider the weather before you head out and dress appropriately. Plus, remember that this IS an orchard, so don’t wear something you don’t want to get dirty.
Call the orchard before your visit
If you don’t want to be disappointed, call the orchard before you visit. You can find out what apples are being harvested, the hours they are open, and even how much you can expect to pay so you can be prepared.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray
You don’t want to bring home a sunburn and bug bites with your fresh apples, so take sunscreen and bug spray!
Bring cash for admission and purchases
Many orchards do not accept credit cards, so it’s smart to have some cash on hand just in case. If you call ahead, make sure to ask.
Follow the rules of the orchard
Be a good visitor and follow the rules!
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FAQs about Picking Apples in Indiana
Can I bring my pet to the orchard?
Each orchard has different rules, but most do NOT allow dogs or other pets. There are some exceptions, so if you want to bring your dog be sure to call ahead and ask.
How much is apple picking?
The price of the apples varies by the orchard, but in general, you can expect to pay between $8 and $30 per bag (depending upon the size of the bag obviously).
Most of the orchards will give you a bag to use, and then charge a set price for however many apples you can fit into the bag. Sometimes you’ll have to pay beforehand, sometimes after picking.
Should I wash freshly picked apples?
Yes, you should always wash your apples before you eat or cook with them, but you don’t need to wash them immediately after picking.
What is the best month to go apple picking in Indiana?
Although you can pick apples most days between the end of August and mid-October, the best month to pick apples in Indiana is September.
Do apples need to be refrigerated after picking?
They do not need to be refrigerated after picking, but they will last longer if they are kept cool. If you have a small number of apples they will keep longer in the crisper in your refrigerator, but a cool garage is also a terrific option.
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Conclusion: Apple Picking in Indiana
In conclusion, apple picking in Indiana is a fantastic fall activity that offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside, spend time with loved ones, and sample some of the freshest, most delicious apples around.
With so many apple orchards to choose from, visitors to Indiana are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting a location to visit. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a romantic afternoon with your partner, apple picking in Indiana has something to offer for everyone.
So grab your baskets and head out to one of these amazing orchards to experience the joy of apple picking and all the wonderful activities that come with it.
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