Looking to pick apples or pumpkins? Check out these 7 places in the Pekin area
As summer wanes and fall approaches, fresh produce aficionados in central Illinois turn their attention from which farmer’s market has the best peaches to which orchards make the best cider and which pumpkin patch will yield the best Jack-o-Lanterns for Halloween.
Some area orchards and pumpkin patches have already opened for fall activities, while others are gearing up for the season. Here are a few apple and pumpkin-picking destinations.
Ackerman Family Farms, LLC
Where: 27158 US-150, Morton
What: As one would expect at a farm located in “The Pumpkin Capital of the World,” Ackerman Family Farms specializes in pumpkins and squash, growing over 160 varieties of pumpkins and squash. Other featured products include a large variety of chrysanthemums, ornamental corn, corn stalks and straw bales. A 1,000 square-foot gift shop on the property specializes in local and regional products.
Ackerman Family Farms opened Wednesday. For more information, visit ackermanfamilyfarmsllc.com.
Christ Orchard
Where: 4317 Texas Road, Elmwood
What: Located near Elmwood, Illinois, Christ Orchard has been growing farm fresh items since 1977. The orchard includes apples, apple picking, pure honey, apple cider, pumpkins, squirrel corn, squash, gourds, Indian corn, chrysanthemums, straw bales, corn stalks, fruit butters, preserves, soy candles. The orchard opened for the 2023 season Aug. 5. U-Pick apples opened Saturday.
More information is available at christorchardonline.com.
More: Central Illinois fall favorite opens for its 76th season
Orchard Hill Farm and Country Store
Where: 15863 County Rd. 9, Lewistown
What: Besides a farm with 18 acres of apple and peach trees, Orchard Hill offers a selection of apples, peaches, jams, jellies, baked goods, cider, and wine. The farm and store are open late July through October.
More information is available at visitorchardhill.com.
Partridge Point Orchard
Where: 807 Partridge Point Road, Metamora
What: This pick-your-own orchard prohibits the use of ladders, but ladders aren’t needed. When Bennie and Shirley Blackburn planted on the property, they chose dwarf apple trees for more convenient picking and pruning. The orchard’s 800 trees yield eight varieties of apples. Partridge Point Orchard opens Sept. 1 and the season will run through October.
For more information, visit partridgepointorchard.com.
Roth Pumpkin Patch
Where: 1811 W. Jefferson St., Morton
What: This family farm was established in 2006 on five acres and has since expanded to over 100 acres of vegetable crops and fruits. Being first and foremost a pumpkin patch, the farm offers visitors pick-your-own pumpkins in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, as well as gourds and chrysanthemums. Family activities at the farm’s Pumpkin Park include “milking” a wooden cow, hayrack rides, a Pumpkin Barrel Train, a straw bale maze, a pedal trike track, and a bucking bronco.
Opening day for Roth Pumpkin Patch’s fall season is Sept. 11. The farm will be open through October. More information is available at rothpumpkinpatch.com.
Tanner’s Family Orchard
Where: 740 State Route 40, Speer
What: One of central Illinois’ best-known fall destinations, Tanner’s Family Orchard is in its 76th year of offering 17 varieties of pick-your-own apples and six kinds of pick-your own pumpkins. Other attractions include pedal carts; barrel train, grain train, pony, and wagon rides; and a corn maze. Tanner’s opened for fall activities July 31 and will remain open through October.
More information is available at tannersorchard.com.
Zaiser Pumpkin Farm
Where: 1010 Dieble Rd. Washington
What: A smaller operation than some, Zaiser Pumpkin Farm has just under three acres of decorative, edible, miniature, and Jack-o-Lantern pumpkins. Family activities include a Pumpkin Bounce House and a hayrack ride. The farm will open for fall activities Sept. 9 and will close for the season Oct. 31.
More information is available on the Zaiser Pumpkin Farm Facebook page.
This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: Here are 7 places to pick apples, pumpkins and more in central Illinois
