These 5 farms near Belleville offer u-pick apples, pumpkin patches and other fall fun
This weekend will bring the official start of fall, and those looking to celebrate in an autumnal fashion can check out several places to pick pumpkins and apples in the metro-east and St. Louis area.
Southwestern Illinois has no shortage of options for fall activities, including apple orchards, pumpkin patches, a corn pit, train rides and more.
Saturday should be mostly sunny in Belleville, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service, but there is a 30% chance of showers with possible thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Sunday’s forecast to be mostly cloudy, with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures should be relatively mild, with a high near 84 degrees Fahrenheit Saturday and 75 degrees Sunday.
Here’s what to know about fall activities in the metro-east area and beyond.
Pumpkin Blossom Hill
You can take a stroll through the patch at Pumpkin Blossom Hill, stop by the craft/antique store or ride a mechanical bull for $1 on the weekends. There is no admission fee for Pumpkin Blossom Hill, though there are charges for some activities.
The family-owned business will offer a playground this season, including a corn pit, slides, swings, a tractor playground, Thomas the Train, a yellow submarine and rides in a four-car train.
Ice cream bars, soda and bottled water are available to purchase, along with kettle corn on Sundays and select Saturdays in October.
Location: 5483 IL-154, Red Bud, IL 62278
Hours: Opening day is Sept. 21. The business is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Eckert’s
Along with apple picking, children can go on a pony ride for $8 and and adults can ride camels for $8 at Eckert’s Belleville farm. Carnival ride tickets are also available for purchase at the Belleville location.
Locations: Eckert’s farms in Belleville (951 S Green Mt Road, Belleville, IL 62220), Millstadt (2719 Eckert Orchard Lane, Millstadt, IL 62260) and Grafton (20995 Eckert Orchard Road, Grafton, IL 62037)
Hours: Field access is ticketed and available hours vary by day and location.
Braeutigam Orchards
Braeutigam Orchards offers pick-your-own apples, and you can also purchase apple cider, apple cider donuts, autumn sprinkle cookies and more.
Pick-your-own pumpkins are typically available for purchase beginning the third week of September, according to Braeutigam Orchards’ website, but you can call farm staff at 618-233-4059 if you want to make sure they’re available before you head out.
Location: 2795 Turkey Hill Lane, Belleville, IL 62221
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Brookdale Farms
Brookdale Farms offers a variety of fall activities, including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, a petting zoo and more.
Fall Szn is HERE! Come visit Brookdale Farms this September for beautiful fall views, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, hayrides, games, and so much more! https://t.co/8xZQ2xZ34S#brookdalefarms #fallseason #fallactivities pic.twitter.com/CD0im9jx27
— Brookdale Farms (@Brookdale_Farms) September 18, 2023
A fall day pass costs $12 per person if you buy online beforehand, or $14 same-day onsite. Children 3 years and younger can attend for free.
Location: 8004 Twin Rivers Road, Eureka, MO 63025
Hours: Brookdale Farms’ fall calendar is available online.
Thies Farm and Market
Thies Farm’s Pumpkinland will be open for the fall season Sept. 30 to Oct. 31. Stop by to pick out a pumpkin or explore the corn maze.
Children’s activities include a straw castle, swings, a slide, tunnels and a pirate ship.
Location: 14101 Creve Coeur Airport Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Hours: Sept. 30 to Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
