Image © Robert S. Donovan

If you ask me, there’s no better way to connect with nature and my family than picking our own in-season produce together. I’m not sure what’s better, the fun we have wandering the beautiful farms taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery, or returning home with an abundance of fresh, healthy food to be enjoyed for days and weeks to come!

Eastern Iowa

Lincolnway Flower Farm – Lowden, Iowa

Uses natural growing practices

• Products/services available: corn (sweet), flowers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, farm animals, school tours
• Address: 2207 Old Lincoln Hwy, Lowden, IA 52255
• Phone: 563 941-5417
• Directions: On Hwy 30 between De Witt and Cedar Rapids. West side of Lowden on Old Hwy 30.
• Hours: Call ahead for hours.
• Payment accepted: Cash, Check
• Notes: Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October, November. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Iron garden sculpture available for order.

The Orchards on Sand Road – Iowa City, Iowa

No pesticides are used

• Products/Services: apples, blueberries, restrooms
• Address: 5888 Sand Road, Iowa City , IA 52240
• Phone: 319-358-8107.
• Email: teresa-kane@uiowa.edu.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5 pm; closed on Sunday.
• Directions: Click here for a map and directions.
• Payment: Cash only.
• Notes: We do not use pesticides on the crops. Formerly called “Bock’s Berry Farm & Country Gifts”. Payment is on the honor system; leave moneys in the red apple at $3 a bushel
• (UPDATED: July 13, 2014)

St. Bridget’s Flower Farm – Solon, Iowa

Uses natural growing practices

• Products/Services: flowers, already-picked produce, weddings and wedding parties
• Address: 1870 Street Bridget’s Road, Solon, IA 52333.
• Phone: 319-624-3584.
• Email: cathy@stbridgetsfarm.com
• Website: www.stbridgetsfarm.com
• Open: Please call or email for availability, or check website for details.
• Directions: Go east from Solon on East 5th Street seven miles to Street Bridget’s Road. Take a right turn, we are the third driveway on the left. From Iowa City, take a right on Morse Road, continue five miles to Street Bridget’s Road. Turn left, and continue almost 2 miles. We are on the right.
• Payment: Cash, Check
• Notes: Florist quality, fresh flowers available from June through October; Over seventy varieties of annuals and perennials, something for everyone! Due to ongoing construction, please call or email before coming to the farm. Buckets of flowers can be delivered for a reasonable rate. Presentations are available on a variety of topics. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification.
• (UPDATED: May 17, 2009. Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stbridgetsfarm.com)

Bass Farms – Mount Vernon, Iowa

Uses natural growing practices

• Products/Services: Wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, Indoor market, Covered outdoor market, Uncovered outdoor market, Baked goods, Preserves, jams, jellies, beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, herbs/spices, onions, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours
• Address: Across From Palisades-kepler State Park 1325 Highway 30 West, Mount Vernon, IA 52314.
• Phone: 319-895-6480.
• Email: grangergal@bassfarms.org
• Website: www.bassfarms.org
• Hours: Summer/fall June 15 to October 31 Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday 10 am to 5 pm; Monday closed; Winter/spring November to June 15 hours vary or by appointment, please check blog or call (319)8956480 for current hours. Click here for current open hours, days and dates.
• Directions: Bass Farms is located on Highway 30 (US 30) between I-380 and Mount Vernon, Iowa, approx. 4 miles west of Mount Vernon. From the I-380 and Highway 30 intersection (at the southern edge of Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Bass Farms is about 19 miles east. Bass Farms is 4 miles west of Mount Vernon. Click here for a map and directions.
• Notes: We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. If you have a special request for an event or tour that you think might be well served by Bass Farms venue please call Tiffany at (319)895-6480 and we will be pleased to discuss any request.
• Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard, Discover.
• (UPDATED: September 05, 2010. Source: http://www.localfarmmarkets.org/farmmarket.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bassfarms.org and http://www.localhoneysources.org/honey.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bassfarms.org)

Walking Stick Adventures Farm – Williamsburg, Iowa

• Products/Services: apples, asparagus, blueberries, gooseberries, grapes, peaches, plums, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (black), rhubarb, tomatoes, Other fruit or veg, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), Bed and Breakfast
• Address: 2347 L Avenue, Williamsburg, IA 52361.
• Phone: 319-329-9821 (Alternate Phone: 319-668-1355)
• Email: maria@walkingstickadventures.com
• Website: www.walkingstickadventures.com
• Hours: Year-round; Mondays- 8am-9pm; Tuesday-Sunday-8am-1 pm.
• Directions: From I-80, exit 216 (KInze Exit) drive south 2miles to stop sign. Drive west 1 mile, take curve north ½ mile to first farm with red barn on west side of road to 2347 L Avenue , Williamsburg, IA 52361. Click here for a map and directions.
• Notes: Please contact us for Harvest dates. Hazelnuts in September, Black walnuts in September/October. Our bed and breakfast site is an 18ft tipi, that sleeps 6-8 people to sleep in small beach and fishing jetty, prairie trails and small woods to explore. Recreation equipment such as kayaks, canoe, fishing equipment and pond nets are included. We have everything you might need for cooking marshmallows to Dutch oven cooking. Clients only need to bring their food, bait and sleeping bags. Water and electricity are available. Photos: Click here for photos of the rooms and farmhouse.
• Payment: Cash, Check

(UPDATED: February 15, 2014. Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walkingstickadventures.com and http://www.farmbedandbreakfasts.org/bb.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walkingstickadventures.com)

Madison and Southwest Wisconsin:

Turkey Ridge Organic Apple Orchard – Gays Mills, Wisconsin

Organic

• Products/Services: raspberries and strawberries, squash and pumpkin patch
• Address: 50350 Turkey Ridge Road, Gays Mills, WI, 54631.
• Phone: 608-735-4660.
• Email: fayerogers2000@yahoo.com.
• Notes: Pick-your-own raspberries, strawberries, squash and pumpkin patch. Also cord firewood during the fall season.

(Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.turkeyridgeorganic.com)

Appleberry Farm – Cross Plains, WI

Uses integrated pest management practices

• Products/Services: apples, blueberries, pears, pumpkins, raspberries (red), strawberries, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, picnic area, school tours
• Address: 8079 Maurer Road, Cross Plains, WI 53528.
• Phone: 608 798 2780. Email: fun@theappleberryfarm.com.
• Website: theappleberryfarm.com
• Open: Labor Day through Halloween, Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 12 pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm; For Summer Berry hours, call ahead.
• Directions: Westside of Madison 12/18 Beltline, Exit Mineral Point Road, West 4 miles, turn left on Timber Lane, 1 mile, turn right on Maurer Road. Click here for a map and directions.
• Notes: Call ahead to verify what is ripe and available. We use integrated pest management practices.
• Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard.
• Notes: Come feed the Chickens and sit by the Duck pond. Enjoy a Hayride or walk through the Orchard and explore our oak savanna with beautiful views towards Blue Mounds. Apple varieties: Over 30 Antique apple varieties, plus McIntosh, Cortland, Connell Red, Idared, Empire, Jonathan, NW Greening, Russets, & Prairie Spy.

(UPDATED: November 19, 2010. Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theappleberryfarm.com)

Beelafarm – McFarland, WI

Uses natural growing practices

• Products/Services: asparagus, raspberries (Autumn, red), pumpkins
• Address: 2512 Evans Road, McFarland, WI 53558.
• Phone: (608)320-0157.
• Email: beelafarm@yahoo.com.
• Open: Monday to Sunday from 7 am to 7 pm but always call before coming! Sometimes I am not on the farm.
• Directions: From Madison take highway 51 South to Mahoney Road, turn Right onto Mahoney and take the first Left onto Dead End Evans Road. We are the 3rd driveway,(hot pink mailbox post) on the right – a very long gravel drive. Click here for a map and directions.
• Notes: Red Raspberries available for U Pick from August 1 until frost. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification.
• Payment: Cash, only.

(UPDATED: August 14, 2014)

Blue Skies Farm – Brooklyn, WI

ORGANIC

• Products/Services: raspberries, restrooms, picnic area
• Address: 10320 N. Crocker Road, Brooklyn, WI 53521.
• Phone: 608-455-2803. Email: paul@blueskiesfarm.com.
• Website: www.blueskiesfarm.com
• Directions: From Madison we are 16 miles south of the Beltline highway, along Highway 14 heading past Oregon and toward Evansville. At Union, and the Union Tavern, you’ll see our sign. Turn right onto Union Road, follow it to the end (about 1.5 miles) then turn left. We are 500 feet ahead. And for a map to our farm, click here.
• Open: daily except Saturday for reasonable daylight hours daily. Reasonable means after the dew has lifted (about 9 a.m.) and until an hour before dusk. Always call ahead  to ensure availability. On Sundays we are usually picked clean by noon.
• Payment: Cash, Check.
• Notes: Crops are usually available in August, September. Raspberries August 15 to early October. We are certified organic for all crops! We have market vegetables available while they are in season. Our short list include onions, garlic, carrots, beets, fingerling potatoes and heirloom tomatoes. Prepicked berries are often available.

(Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blueskiesfarm.com)

Door Creek Orchard – Cottage Grove, WI

Uses integrated pest management practices

• Products/Services: apples, grapes, pears, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals
• Address: 3252 Vilas Road, Cottage Grove, WI 53527.
• Phone: 608-838-4762.
• Email: tom@doorcreekorchard.com.
• Website: www.doorcreekorchard.com
• Open: Labor Day weekend through November; Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Closed Monday.
• Directions: Click here for a map and directions.
• Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard.
• Notes: We use integrated pest management practices. Also available: Black Welsh Mountain Sheep meat and yarn. Sheep are raised on rotating pasture on the orchard grounds. Queen’s Apple dessert on weekends. Tom and Gretchen Griffith of Door Creek Orchard, LLC grow over 80 varieties of apples, modern and heirloom. All crops are grown with loving care and the absolute minimum of chemicals.

(UPDATED: July 28, 2014. Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doorcreekorchard.com)

JenEhr Family Farm – Sun Prairie, WI

ORGANIC

• Products/Services: Organic Strawberries
• Address: 6837 Elder Lane, Sun Prairie, WI, 53590.
• Phone: 608-825-9531. Email: jenehr@aol.com.
• Website: www.jenehrfamilyfarm.com
• Open: U-Pick only on Friday and Sunday from 9AM to 5PM , but please, please, please phone: ahead (just before you leave home) to make sure we haven’t picked out for the day or inclement weather closes the patch.
• Notes: Certified Organic-safe & fun picking for family members of all ages & sizes. Beginning June 24th 2005, Friday, we will offer U-Pick berries here at the farm. 2009 Prices (from their website) are $2.65 per pound U-pick and $32 for 10-pound pre-picked flat (at farm during U-Pick days/hours).
• Payment: cash, checks and credit cards.  read more.

(UPDATED: June 22, 2009. Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wisconsingrown.com)

L’Arc-en-Ciel Prairie – Sun Prairie, WI

Uses natural growing practices

• Products/Services: strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties
• Address: 5486 Town Hall Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
• Phone: 608-444-1451. Alternate Phone: 608-577-2078.
• Email: larcencielprairie@gmail.com.
• Open: Last day to pick in 2014 season is Monday, June 30, 2014, Open 8:00am to 5:00 pm.
• Directions: Please see our website. Click here for a map and directions.
• Notes: We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification.
• Payment: Cash, Check.

(UPDATED: June 30, 2014. Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.larcencielprairie.com)

Mitchell Vineyard – Oregon, WI

Uses integrated pest management practices

• Products/Services: grapes, porta-potties, picnic area, weddings and wedding parties
• Address: 4252 Sunny Ridge Rd, Oregon, WI 53575.
• Phone: 608-225-9210.
• Email: dave@mitchell-vineyard.com.
• Website: www.mitchell-vineyard.com
• Open: GRAPE PICKING HOURS IN 2012 Tuesday 1 pm to 5:00 Saturday 11 am to 4 Sunday 12 pm to 4. Click here for current open hours, days and dates.
• Directions: Click here for a map and directions.
• Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
• Notes: Grapes available early September through middle of October, depending on seasonal differences in the ripening of grapes. We use integrated pest management practices. We provide the free use of crusher/destemmers and wine presses for processing picked grapes. We also provide winemaking recipes, clippers to use and bucket to pick grapes in. Please bring your own containers to take large amounts of grapes with you. We can also help you bring your grapes to your vehicle. Winemaking and jam recipes are free for the taking.  In addition, the vineyard carries basic winemaking equipment and supplies, including carboys, yeast, nutrients, acids, and most other commonly used ingredients.

(UPDATED: March 12, 2012. Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mitchell-vineyard.com)

Penny Hill – South Wayne, WI

No pesticides are used

• corn (sweet), raspberries (red), strawberries, U-pick and already picked
• 6703 Co highway N, South Wayne, WI 53587.
• Phone: 608-439-5393.
• Open: Daylight to dark, every day except Sundays; For pick – your – own, please bring your own buckets!.
• Directions: Penny Hill farm is just north of the village of South Wayne. From highway 11 in South Wayne, right where you see the Woodford State Bank turn north on to County Road D (It’s highway 176 on some maps). Right after you cross the river bridge you’ll turn right onto County Road N. As you head north on N, Penny Hill farm is just up the hill on the left. When there are berries available, there’ll be a big sign in the driveway. Click here for a map and directions.
• Strawberries through June; Raspberries start in July; Sweet corn in late summer; Timing depends on weather so call to check availability. We do not use pesticides on the crops. Bring your own containers, please.
• Payment: Cash, Check.

(UPDATED: June 08, 2012)

Pleasant Valley School Gardens – Baraboo, WI

Uses natural growing practices

• beans, beets, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs/spices, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked
• S4076 Brennan Road, Baraboo, WI 53913.
• Phone: 608-644-9025.
• Email: pleasantvalleyschoolgardens@gmail.com.
• Open: During daylight hours, closed on Sundays.
• Directions: From Baraboo: North on Highway 12 toward Wisconsin Dells from the stoplights at 12 and 33. Take a left on Terry Town Road across from Senger Lumber. Travel 2 miles and turn right on Brennan Road. Click here for a map and directions.
• Notes: We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Additional crops available are zucchini, okra, cauliflower, kohlrabi, banana peppers, hot peppers, watermelon, melons.
• Payment: Cash, only.

(UPDATED: August 24, 2013)

Northwestern Illinois

Wooded Wonderland – Galena, IL

Uses natural growing practices

• blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, porta-potties, picnic area, school tours
• 616 S. Devil’s Ladder Road, Galena, IL 61036.
• Phone: 815-777-1223. Alternate Phone: 815-777-3426.
• Email: john@wwhardwood.com.
• Open: Monday to Sunday, from 7am to 7pm, July to September for Blueberries Monday to Sunday, from 8am to 5pm, September to June for Country Store and Sawmill.
• Directions: Click here for a map and directions.
• Notes: Blueberries: July 1 to September 15 Honey: Year-round. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification.
• Payment: Cash, Check.

(UPDATED: June 05, 2014. Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodedwonderland.com/blueberries.php)

Harrison Market Gardens – Winnebago, IL

Registered naturally grown

• asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs/spices, melons, onions, peppers, raspberries (black), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties, picnic area
• 9024 Harrison Road, Winnebago, IL 61088.
• Phone: 815-980-0589. Alternate Phone: 618-967-4729.
• Email: billjillbeyer@yahoo.com.
• Open: We are a subscription pick your own and also offer CSA shares; You can choose either a weekly ($475) or bi – weekly ($325) pick that runs from May through October; Once you have had your initial pick/training, your family can come out whenever convenient; ; ; any day of the week any time of the day.
• Directions: We are located about 10 miles northwest of Rockford, Illinois. Click here for a map and directions.
• Notes: We are registered naturally grown for all crops.
• Payment: Cash, Check.

(UPDATED: June 05, 2014. Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrisonmarketgardens.com)

Hazzard Free Farm –

Uses natural growing practices

• beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, herbs/spices, melons, onions, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, picnic area, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
• 5111 Ahrens Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063.
• Phone: 815-289-1431.
• Email: hazzardfreefarm@gmail.com.
• Directions: And for a map to our farm, click here.
• Notes: Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, October. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification.
• Open: 7 days a week to members! All others please call ahead; We look forward to meeting you.
• Payment: Cash, only.

(UPDATED: June 05, 2014. Source: http://www.hazzardfreefarm.com/organic/)

Comments

comments