Ahhhh, fall. So many things to look forward to: the crisp air, the bright blue skies, the crunchy leaves, the vibrant colors, the spiced drinks, the comfy sweaters. Wisconsin never disappoints during the fall. And no proper fall is complete without a trip to one of the apple orchards in the La Crosse area!
Fruit Acres Apple Orchard | La Crescent, Minnesota
Location: 33309 County Rd. 1, La Crescent, MN 55947
Hours: Check here for U-Pick Events
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 few U-pick days every fall. 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. With its stunning views and welcoming atmosphere, Fruit Acres Apple Orchards is a beloved destination for apple lovers and families seeking a quintessential autumn outing.
Van Lin Orchards | La Crescent, Minnesota
Location: 33309 County Road 1, La Crescent, MN
Hours: September – October: Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 12 PM – 6 PM
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 PYO apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. Nestled in the scenic blufflands, the orchard offers a picturesque setting where visitors can enjoy picking from a variety of apple types. 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.
Jolivette Family Farms | West Salem, Wisconsin
Location: W3452 WI-16, West Salem, WI 54669
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8 am – 7 pm / Sunday: 9 am – 5 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. With its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location, Jolivette Family Farms continues to be a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the bounty of the Wisconsin growing season.
Southwind Orchards | Dakota, Minnesota
Location: 45443 Co Rd 12, Dakota, MN 55925
Hours: Season Opening, August 23rd: 9 am – 5 pm. Check the website for hours!
Southwind Orchard in Dakota, Minnesota, is a lovely, family-run orchard nestled along the scenic Mississippi River bluffs. Known for its serene and picturesque setting, the orchard offers a peaceful apple-picking experience with 28 varieties of apples available for U-pick or purchase. Southwind Orchard is dedicated to sustainable farming practices, ensuring that their apples are grown with care for both the land and the community. 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, making it a favorite destination for those seeking a relaxing and authentic apple orchard experience.
Ecker’s Apple Farm | Trempleau, Wisconsin
Location: W27062 WI-54, Trempealeau, WI 54661
Hours: Opening Day – August 17th. Wednesday – Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Ecker’s Apple Farm in Trempealeau, Wisconsin, is a charming and 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, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy the fresh produce, beautiful views, and a taste of Wisconsin’s apple heritage.
Maple Ridge Orchard | Cashton, Wisconsin
Location: 6675 Maple Ave, Cashton, WI 54619
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm, CLOSED on Sundays
Maple Ridge Orchard in Cashton, Wisconsin, is a charming and family-oriented orchard that offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the driftless region. Known for its diverse selection of apples, the orchard provides a delightful U-pick experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the harvest season in a picturesque setting. Beyond apples, Maple Ridge Orchard also features a farm store with gift items made in the US. They also have “Almosta” Bakery. The orchard also has a quaint farm store where they serve up a variety of baked goods, caramel apples, and jams. Remember, they are an orchard first and a bakery second so quantities are limited! Get there early for the best selection. They also are one of the only orchards in the region that serves Apple Cider donuts. Again…get there early!
Ferguson’s Orchards | Galesville, Wisconsin
Location: N17543 Grover Ln, Galesville, WI 54630
Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM, daily
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, Wisconsin, 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. 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. With its combination of agricultural tradition and festive atmosphere, Ferguson’s Orchards provides a delightful outing that celebrates the best of Wisconsin’s apple harvest.v
J&R Country Ridge Orchard | La Farge, Wisconsin
Location: S3262 Compton Rd, La Farge, WI 54639
Hours: Orchard Opens August 28th for the season. Wednesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm / Sunday – Tuesday, CLOSED / LABOR DAY, 9 am – 5 pm.
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. J&R Country Orchard is a beloved local spot for those looking to enjoy the simple pleasures of farm-fresh apples in a beautiful rural setting.
Sunrise Orchards | Gays Mills, Wisconsin
Main Location: 48340 WI-171, Gays Mills, WI 54631
Hillcrest Location: 16602 US Hwy 61, Gays Mills, WI 54631
Retail Season: 8/12/2024 – 12/22/2024
August, September, October: 9 am – 5 pm daily
November, December: 9 am – 4 pm daily
December 22: 9am -Noon
Open Labor Day
Closed Thanksgiving Day
Senior Shopping – Main location only: 8 am – 9 am daily
Online Store Open 24/7
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 flock to Sunrise Orchards during the fall to enjoy not only the apple picking but 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!v
1913 Kickapoo Orchard | Gays Mills, Wisconsin
Location: 46490 WI-171, Gays Mills, WI 54631
Hours: Every Day, 9 am-5 pm
1913 Kickapoo Orchard in Gays Mills, Wisconsin, is a historic orchard that has been nurturing apple trees for over a century. Nestled in the heart of the Kickapoo Valley, this family-owned orchard is celebrated for its rich heritage and wide variety of apples, offering a taste of tradition with every bite. Visitors to 1913 Kickapoo Orchard can enjoy a picturesque setting while exploring their farm market, which features not only fresh apples but also homemade apple cider, baked goods, and other local products. With its deep roots in the community and commitment to quality, 1913 Kickapoo Orchard is a beloved destination for those looking to experience the authentic flavors of Wisconsin’s apple country.
Turkey Ridge Organic Apple Orchard
Location: 50350 Turkey Ridge Rd, Gays Mills, WI 54631
Hours: Every Day, 9 AM – 5 PM
Turkey Ridge Organic Apple Orchard is a charming family-run orchard known for its commitment to organic farming practices. Nestled in the picturesque 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.
OF NOTE…
Hoch Apple Orchard | La Crescent, Minnesota
Harry and Jackie Hoch, the owners of Hoch Apple Orchard for 35 years, decided to find a new buyer for the orchard this year. The Hochs entered into a purchase agreement with the American Farmland Trust in December. They will continue to search for the next farmers to care for Hoch Orchard. If they don’t find a buyer by December this year the Trust will buy out the Hoch’s and continue to search for a farmer/buyer. It is definitely the end of an era! We hope a new buyer will take on the orchard and the incredible legacy the Hochs have left the apple industry in the La Crescent area.
