Who doesn’t love a nice, juicy berry? You can buy them at the grocery store, but it’s a chore to go shopping and you often find the strawberries (or raspberries, or blueberries) are just not that fresh. Treat yourself and your kids to super fresh, ripe berries right off the vine at one of the pick-your-own farms. Not only will you have delicious strawberries, but it’s a great family activity!
Don’t forget your sunscreen and cash (many farms only accept cash or checks).
I do my best to provide accurate information, but it’s always best to double check and call before you go, especially because picking conditions can change daily, or even hourly.
Illinois
- Strawberry picking begins the week of June 9 and runs through the end of June.
- Hours are 10:00 am-6:00 pm daily; 10:00 am-5:30 pm for strawberry picking.
- U-pick apples and pumpkins are available in the fall.
- Several fruits and vegetables are available for purchase at the farm stand.
Guelde Strawberries, 4779 E. 1525th Road, Earlville, 815-228-9603
- Closed for the 2019 season.
Heider’s Berry Farm, 1106 N. Queen Anne Road, Woodstock, 815-338-0301
- Strawberry picking usually begins in mid-June and runs through September.
- Hours are 8:00 am-5:00 pm daily.
- Raspberries are available for picking July through September.
- The market sells rhubarb, black raspberries, and cherries when in season, as well as jam.
- Cash or check only.
McCann Berry Farm, 18110 Kishwaukee Road, Woodstock, 815-568-8810
- Strawberries are no longer being grown at McCann. Blueberries available July through early August (Wednesdays & Sundays only).
- Open Wednesdays and Sundays from 8am-2pm or until picked out, once the season begins.
- Cash or check only.
Olive Berry Acres, 2575 West Mine Road, Mazon, 815-474-6511
- Strawberry picking begins Friday, June 7 from 9:00 am-noon. Regular hours begin June 10 or 11.
- See Facebook page for current hours.
- Tomatoes will be available later in the season.
Stade’s Farm & Market, 3709 Miller Road, McHenry, 815-675-6396
- Strawberry picking begins in mid-June; see Facebook page for updates. Raspberries available July-October.
- Open 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily.
- Apples, pumpkins, and lots of vegetables are available when in season. Bakery items and other food are available.
Susie’s Garden Patch, 10258 US Highway 20, Garden Prairie, 815-597-3011
- Strawberry and cherry picking will be announced. See Facebook for updates.
- Open 9:00 am-6:00 pm Tuesday-Saturday, Noon-5:00 pm Sunday. Closed Mondays.
- Asparagus and pumpkins also available when in season. Country Store has additional items.
Tom’s Farm Market, 10214 Algonquin Road, Huntley, 847-669-3421
- Strawberry picking begins on June 15 & 16 with Tom’s Strawberry Fest.
- The farm market has fruits & vegetables available for purchase.
Valley Orchard, 811 E. State Street, Cherry Valley, 815-332-9696
- Strawberry picking should begin in late June. Cherry picking start date will be announced. See Facebook for updates.
- Open 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday.
- Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and apples also available to pick when in season.
- Store and bakery.
Indiana
Garwood Orchard, 5911 W. 50 South, LaPorte, IN, 219-362-4385
- Strawberry picking will begin the week of June 10; cherry picking starting date to be announced.
- Open 9am-5:30pm daily.
- Also available when in season: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, apples, pumpkins, and more.
- Farm market and special events.
Johnson’s Farm Produce, 8960 E. Ridge Road, Hobart, IN, 219-962-1383
- Strawberry picking begins on June 15 with a Strawberry Festival.
- Open 8am-7pm Monday-Saturday, 8am-6pm Sunday.
- Also available when in season: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries.
- Farm market and special events.
Wisconsin
Berryville Farm, 424 13th Avenue, Racine, WI, 262-498-6648
- Strawberry season is expected to begin in late June.
- Open 8am-6pm Monday-Saturday, 8am-4pm Sunday.
Thompson Strawberry Farm, 14000 75th Street, Bristol, WI, 262-857-2353
- Strawberry picking is expected to begin around June 20; check the website for current picking conditions. Raspberries are available in late August.
- Monday-Friday 8:00 am-6:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday 8:00 am-4:00 pm.
- Pumpkins available when in season.
- Cash only.
Walvoord Berry Farm, W2160 Smies Road, Oostburg, WI, 920-668-6481
- Strawberry picking is expected to begin in late June; see Facebook page for updates on strawberry picking and hours.
Do you have a favorite spot to pick berries?
