10 Unique Apple-Picking Orchards in Southern Wisconsin

Apple season is colorful and crisp, warm enough that there’s no need to bundle up, but cool enough to pull out those cozy hats and sweaters. Southern Wisconsin is apple country, without a doubt. We’ve talked about apples in past editions of Edible Madison, but it’s always worth bringing up because apple-picking is such a sweet way to spend a fall afternoon. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a family-friendly day trip, or an adults-only day with glasses of wine in hand, there’s something for everyone around here. The following featured orchards are just a few of so many in our region, but they each offer something just a little different from the usual u-pick experience. See websites for hours and pricing.

DANE COUNTY

Door Creek Orchard
Cottage Grove

This orchard makes our list because they’re giving love to ugly apples. Low-input farming methods can result in some odd- looking apples. But did you know many of these blemishes can be simply peeled away? The fruit underneath is perfectly edible and delicious. Door Creek has a page on their website with examples of cosmetic damage that you might see. When we choose imperfect fruits, we’re helping to reduce food waste as well. So let’s all #EatUglyApples this season!

Eplegaarden
Fitchburg

This orchard revels in its “Norvegian” background (see their website for a chuckle). Besides apple and pumpkin “plukkin,” they offer story hours, “possibly haunted” Halloween fun, and every Sunday they give away Badger football tickets and host folk and bluegrass music. Be sure to keep an eye out in the woods for the family of trolls!

Appleberry Farm
Cross Plains

What makes this farm stand out is it’s one of the few that allow your furry best friend. They do have to be well behaved and on a leash, and remember to clean up after Fido so that this perk continues for future seasons.

SOUTH AND WEST OF MADISON

Apple Barn Orchard and Winery
Elkhorn

The Jacobson homestead has been in the family for more than 150 years and has evolved from a 19th century dairy to the orchard, bakery and winery it is today. Escape with a bucket into the orchard to peacefully pick your own apples and then relax with a glass or two of wine in the tasting lounge.

Elegant Farmer Autumn Harvest Festival
Mukwonago

Although the market is open year-round, their Harvest Festival days, every weekend in September and October, are extra special. Apple and pumpkin picking, five-acre corn maze, hayrides and pony rides, but here’s what caught our eye: train rides on the East Troy Electric Railroad’s turn-of-the-century train.

Skelly’s Farm Market
Janesville

The standouts here are multiple corn mazes— with one dubbed the “Impossible Maze” for those who love a challenge—and a “Choose-Your-Own Farm Adventure,” where you help Farmer Jack follow clues on the wagon ride, and how you vote determines which way the adventure goes. Plus, apple cannons, which are as fun to watch as they are to shoot.

WESTERN REGION: CRAWFORD COUNTY

Gays Mills Annual Apple Fest
September 27-29, 2019
Gays Mills

This annual festival celebrates the apple harvest of the entire Gays Mills area. Downtown hosts parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, music, dancing, a run/walk, food and more. Visit the ridgetop orchards and shops along highway 171, and go home with bushels of fresh-picked apples, pumpkins, baked goods, apple pizza, preserves, cider, and so much more.

Turkey Ridge Organic Orchard
Gays Mills
608-735-4660

Although many of the orchards listed here use low-input farming practices, Turkey Ridge is one of the few certified organic orchards in the region, that we are aware of. Tour the farm to learn how they control the pests and fungal infections common to apple production with only organic-approved methods. Their u-pick operation is a bit more rugged, but we think that adds to its charm. Kids will enjoy visiting the pigs, cows, horses, cats and sheep that all serve a purpose in the orchard.

Shihata’s Orchard
Prairie du Chien

At the westernmost point of our Southern Wisconsin region is Shihata’s Orchard and the only pick-your-own operation in the Prairie du Chien area. Shihata’s offers a classic experience with kids’ activities, a bakery and shop, and an Orchard Festival mid-season (see website for current-year dates). A stop at Shihata’s would be perfect after visiting the Villa Louis Historic Site or hiking the bluffs in Wyalusing State Park where the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers meet.

WESTERN REGION: CASHTON

Maple Ridge Orchard
Cashton

Along with picking from their 4,000+ trees, families will enjoy the hay bale mountain, “ziggle cars” and meeting all the farm’s animals, including Nitro and Cosmo the alpacas. Well behaved, leashed pets are also allowed and will be greeted by Riley the Golden Retriever.