La Crosse Local

La Crosse Area Guide to Apple Orchards

 

There’s just something about fall in Wisconsin. Crisp mornings, colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, apple cider and, of course, a trip to the orchard! When apple-picking season rolls around, make a day of it and visit one of these apple orchards in the La Crosse area.

 


 

Ecker’s Apple Farm | Trempealeau, Wisconsin

apple orchards
Ecker’s Apple Farm, Jessica’s twins | photo used with permission

Location: W27062 WI-54, Trempealeau, WI 54661

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 12 PM – 6 PM | Mid August to October 31st

Ecker’s Apple Farm in Trempealeau, Wisconsin, is a fun, family-friendly destination nestled in the scenic driftless region. Known for its wide variety of apples, the farm offers U-pick options that allow visitors to experience the harvest firsthand. Ecker’s Apple Farm is also home to Hog’s Back Brew Farm, a beer destination in the middle of an apple orchard. The mission is to bring you unique, quality craft beers and ciders from around the country and serve them up cold while you take in the sites and sounds of the apple farm. The farm also hosts seasonal events and live music, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists!

 


 

Ferguson’s Orchards | Galesville, Wisconsin

apple orchards
Ferguson’s Orchard – Galesville | photo used with permission

 

Location: N17543 Grover Lane, Galesville, WI 54630

Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM | Saturday – Sunday, 9:30 AM – 6 PM | Season is August 15th – November 1st

Admission: Admission is required for Apple Orchards and Apple Blossom Park.

2 Years Old & Over: $13 | Seniors & Military: $11 | Under 2: Free. Each paid admission comes with a FREE Season Pass so you can come back as many times as you want all season long!

Ferguson’s Orchards in Galesville is one of the largest and most popular apple orchards in the region, offering a classic fall experience for visitors of all ages. This expansive orchard features a wide variety of apples available for U-pick, as well as a farm market filled with fresh produce, homemade cider, and a range of apple-themed treats (don’t skip the apple cider donuts!). Beyond apple picking, Ferguson’s Orchards is renowned for its family-friendly activities, including a corn maze, petting zoo, and hayrides, making it an excellent destination during the autumn season.

 


 

Fruit Acres Apple Orchard | La Crescent, Minnesota

Location: 33309 County Road 1, La Crescent, MN 55947

Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 12 PM – 4 PM | Season is August 22nd – October 11th

Fruit Acres Apple Orchards in La Crescent, Minnesota, is a well-established, family-owned orchard known for its exceptional quality and variety of apples. Situated in the picturesque bluff country along the Mississippi River, the orchard offers a U-pick days on the weekends. Visitors can explore rows of meticulously cared-for apple trees. The farm is celebrated for its commitment to organic farming practices and provides a selection of apple varieties.

 


 

J&R Country Ridge Orchard | La Farge, Wisconsin

apple orchards
J&R Country Ridge Orchard | photo used with permission

 

Location:  S3262 Compton Road, La Farge, WI 54639

Hours: Stay tuned for 2026 information coming soon!

J&R Country Orchard in La Farge, Wisconsin, is a quaint, family-owned orchard that offers a welcoming and peaceful retreat in the heart of the driftless region. Known for its carefully tended apple trees, the orchard provides a variety of apples available for purchase during the harvest season. J&R is a U-pick orchard, offering 19 varieties as well as picking bags. Visitors can enjoy the freshly picked apples and other seasonal produce available at their farm stand.

 


 

Jolivette Family Farms | West Salem, Wisconsin

Location: W3452 WI-16, West Salem, WI 54669

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8 AM – 7 PM | Sunday, 8 AM – 6 PM

Jolivette Family Farms in West Salem, Wisconsin, is a cherished local farm known for its diverse range of fresh produce, including high-quality apples available for purchase during the harvest season. While it is not a U-pick orchard, the farm offers a selection of freshly harvested apples that are carefully cultivated and ready for sale at their farm stand. The farm’s commitment to quality and community is evident in its array of locally grown fruits and vegetables, making it a popular destination for those seeking fresh, farm-to-table produce.

 


 

Maple Ridge Orchard | Cashton, Wisconsin

apple orchards
View from the 40-foot observation tower overlooking the orchard. Anyone can have this view! | photo used with permission from Maple Ridge Orchard

 

Location: 6675 Maple Ave, Cashton, WI 54619

Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM | Season opener is August 27th

Maple Ridge Orchard in Cashton is a family-friendly destination in the beautiful Driftless Region, featuring more than 4,500 apple trees and 15+ varieties throughout the season. Take in incredible views from the orchard’s 40-foot lookout tower, the only observation tower in Wisconsin overlooking an entire apple orchard. Before you go, stop by the “Almosta” Bakery for fresh apple cider donuts fried daily in small batches, hand-dipped gourmet caramel apples, pies, and other seasonal treats. Make sure to go early because they sell out fast!

 


 

Southwind Orchards | Dakota, Minnesota

apple orchards
Kaden bagging up apples at Southwind Orchards | photo by Patrice Brown, store manager. Photo used with permission

 

Location: 45443 County Road 12, Dakota, MN 55925

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM | Season Opener is August 26th.

Southwind Orchards in Dakota, Minnesota, is a family-run orchard nestled along the scenic Mississippi River bluffs. They are dedicated to sustainable farming practices, ensuring that their apples are grown with care for both the land and the community. The orchard offers almost 30 varieties of apples that are freshly picked and can be purchased in 5 lb bags. The available apples change daily, so follow along on Facebook, call ahead, or pop in for a visit to see what is available! In addition to fresh apples, the orchard features a small farm stand where visitors can purchase homemade apple products and enjoy the tranquility of the rural landscape.

 


 

Sunrise Orchards | Gays Mills, Wisconsin

apple orchards
Sunrise Orchards | photo used with permission

 

Main Location: 48340 WI-171, Gays Mills, WI 54631

Hillcrest Location: 16602 US Hwy 61, Gays Mills, WI 54631

Retail Season: August 17st – December 21st
Hours: August, September, October: Daily 9 AM – 5 PM |  November & December: Daily 9 AM – 4 PM | December 21: Open until 4 PM

Sunrise Orchards in Gays Mills, Wisconsin, is a renowned family-run orchard that has been a cornerstone of the local community for generations. Perched on the scenic ridges overlooking the Kickapoo Valley, the orchard is famous for its extensive variety of apples and breathtaking views. Visitors come to enjoy the apple picking and also the farm market, which offers fresh cider, homemade caramel apples, and a wide array of apple-based products. A second location (Sunrise Orchard at Hillcrest) opened in 2024. The orchard is also known for its popular weekend events and endless activities for families!  Enjoy attractions like Apple Corner Shop, home to the beloved Sunrise Express Model Train, Sunrise Family Park, the Sunrise Dog Walk Area, and more!

 


 

Turkey Ridge Organic Apple Orchard

Location: 50350 Turkey Ridge Road, Gays Mills, WI 54631

Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM | Opening day is August 14th

Turkey Ridge Organic Apple Orchard is a charming family-run orchard known for its commitment to organic farming practices. Nestled in the colorful hills of the Driftless Area, this orchard offers a variety of heirloom apple varieties that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Visitors can enjoy the rustic beauty of the farm, explore the orchard, and pick their own apples during the harvest season.

 


 

Van Lin Orchards | La Crescent, Minnesota

apple orchards
Van Lin Orchards | photo used with permission

 

Location: 33309 County Road 1, La Crescent, MN

Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM | Season opener is September 4th.

Van Lin Orchard in La Crescent, Minnesota, is a family-owned orchard that has been cultivating high-quality apples for several generations. The orchard offers free admission and provides pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. Van Lin Orchard prides itself on its attention to detail ensuring that each apple is of the highest quality. In addition to fresh apples, the orchard provides a selection of homemade apple products, local arts and crafts, caramel apples, and packaged apples. They also have a sunflower/corn maze that starts blooming mid September!

 


 

1913 Kickapoo Orchard | Gays Mills, Wisconsin

apple orchards
1913 Kickapoo Orchard, photo taken by Lisa | used with permission

 

Locations: 1913 Main (East): 46490 WI-171, Gays Mills, WI 54631 | 1913 West: 52132 WI-171, Gays Mills, WI 54631

Hours: Daily 9 AM – 5 PM | 1913 East Opens August 17, 1913 West Opens September 17

A century-old favorite in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, 1913 Kickapoo Orchard is a beautiful spot to slow down and enjoy the season. Wander the orchard rows and pick your own apples, peaches, or sunflowers, then browse fresh produce, pantry goods, gifts, and their famous cider donuts. The Main Orchard features a large market, hot food, a full bakery, and cider. Throughout the season, you’ll also find local tastings, live music, festivals, and plenty of reasons to come back.

 

 

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