Here's where to pick your own apples, pumpkins and pears around Peoria

Dean Muellerleile, Peoria Journal Star
·3 min read

In the tree and on the vine, early fall is harvest time. And amid the changing seasons, multiple Peoria-area orchards and farms let you pick your own autumn produce, from apples to pumpkins to pears. Many offer other family-friendly activities to make a day of your own personal harvest.

Tanners Orchard

The fourth-generation family farm near Speer offers pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. The orchard features some 11,000 apple trees with 17 varieties. The website's apple chart details the apple types and when they are ready for picking. Some are already available. Later in September, Tanners' 20-acre pumpkin patch will offer six varieties of pumpkins. Visitors can walk (on weekdays) or ride a covered wagon (on weekends) to the picking sites. Pick-your-own hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in September and October. Last admission is at 4:15 p.m. For updates, visit the Tanners Orchard Facebook page.

The orchard also offers family activities on its Back 40 Fun Acres, farm animals and "unicorns," a corn maze, food, a market and more. Tanners' apple cider doughnuts are renowned.

More: Tanners Orchard marks seven decades of apples and customer satisfaction

  • Tanners Orchard

  • 740 Illinois Route 40, Speer

  • (309) 493-5442

Ackerman Family Farms

The farm near Morton grows over 160 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds. A pick-your-own pumpkin patch is to open in late September. Call (309) 266-7459 for a harvest update. Other attractions include farm animals, a corn maze, weekend hayrack rides and a gift shop. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

  • Ackerman Family Farms

  • 27158 U.S. Hwy. 150, Morton

  • (309) 266-7459

Braffet Berry Farm & Orchard

The orchard offers pick-your-own apples. Opening date is Sept. 16. Supply is limited. Call 376-2012 for more information. Visit the farm's Facebook page for harvest updates.

Other attractions include a cafe, a corn maze, hay rides, a children's play area and more.

  • Braffet Berry Farm & Orchard

  • 9010 E. 2250 North Road, Carlock

  • (309) 376-2012

Christ Orchard

Pick-your-own apple season has begun at the family operation near Elmwood. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday. For updates on pick-your-own varieties available, visit the Christ Orchard Facebook page. Pick-your-own pumpkin season begins on Sept. 30.

Other attractions include a market and farm animals.

  • Christ Orchard

  • 4317 N. Texas Road, Elmwood

  • (309) 446-3324

Crooked Row Farm Illinois

The farm offers pick-your-own pumpkins, berries, vegetables and melons. Check its Facebook page for availability. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

  • Crooked Row Farm Illinois

  • 4623 Lakeland Lane, Chillicothe

  • (309) 657-5544

Partridge Point Orchard

The orchard north of Metamora offers eight varieties of apples available for picking. Visit the orchard's Facebook page for harvest updates. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Partridge Point Orchard

  • 807 Partridge Point Road, Metamora

  • (309) 367-4052

River Hills Farm

The Chillicothe farm will offer pick-your-own pears beginning Oct. 1. Picking hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

  • River Hills Farm

  • 6420 E. Hart Lane, Chillicothe

  • (847) 612-2450

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Orchards and farms near Peoria, IL, pick your own apples, pumpkins and pears