You had me at Honeycrisp.

We’ve rounded up 8 of the best apple orchards in Wisconsin within driving distance from Milwaukee for your family to check out this apple picking season. (August – September 2023)

Which apple orchards in Wisconsin made the cut? The kinds best enjoyed with the whole family; where we can pick our own apples, eat apple cider donuts and other apple treats, or those offering activities for the kids.

Best Apple Orchards within 30 Minutes of Milwaukee

For U-Pick Honeycrisp Apple Orchards in Wisconsin: Appleland in Fredonia

Appleland is our go to spot to U-Pick Honeycrisps. I grew up near this orchard, otherwise I don’t know that I would’ve heard of them as their web and social media communication on opening dates could use some work. That said, they’re endlessly forgiven for growing the biggest, tastiest honeycrisps we’ve found in the area. I tell everyone I can about this hidden gem.

Appleland’s Fall Festival and next U-Pick Honeycrisp is typically in the last half of September. Throughout the month, other varieties are available for u-pick; Cortland, McIntosh, Gala, and Empire.

U-Pick available: Yes
Varieties: 16
Hours: Late August – October Sunday to Wednesday 10am – 5pm and Thursday to Saturday 9am – 6pm
Address: 4177 Highway 57 Fredonia, WI 53021

For Convenience: Barthel’s Fruit Farm

Many orchards require a shuttle ride or a lengthy walk from the parking lot to reach the ready-to-pick rows of the orchard. Barthel’s allows you to drive through the orchard and park near your picking row which is a huge selling point for a visit with children. They recently addeda corn maze too!

We visit Barthel’s at least once a year for one of their many U-Pick produce options and delicious bakery.

U-Pick available: Yes
Varieties: 16
Hours: Open daily 9am-6pm.
Address: 12246 N Farmdale Road Mequon, WI 53097

For Unique Flavor: Weston’s Antique Apples in New Berlin

There are apple varieties grown here that you literally will not find anywhere else. (Old Church apples) I’m quite certain this is the orchard with the most varieties in the state of Wisconsin.

You can’t pick your own at Weston’s, but their Home Stand or Farmer’s Market stands warrant a visit and a sturdy grocery bag.

U-Pick available: No
Some Stats: 700 trees and over 100 varieties.
Hours: Check their latest Facebook posts for updated hours.
Address: 20040 W National Ave. New Berlin, WI 53146

For Apple Cider Donuts: Basse’s Taste of Country in Colgate

Talk about an agri-entertainment destination! This place is awesome for families at their Apple & Sunflower and Pumpkin fests. The Apple & Sunflower festival is over for the year, having taken place the first two weekends of September. Don’t miss their October festivities though!

They do not accept cash at the orchard.

U-Pick available: Yes, during the Festival dates
Hours: U-Pick Apple Hours, specifically are Weekends Only 10-5:30.
Address: 3190 County Line Q Colgate, WI 53017

Best Apple Orchards within 1 hour of Milwaukee

For Family Fun: Apple Holler in Sturtevant

A local favorite with crowds to prove it. Try to visit this Family Farm during the week so your time here isn’t hampered by the throngs of people. It really is a wonderful place.

Try an Apple Cider Slushie while you’re out there.

U-Pick available: Yes
Some Stats: 30,000 trees & 30 varieties of apples
Hours: 9am-5pm Daily (Last picking bag sold at 3pm)
Address: 5006 South Sylvania Avenue Sturtevant, WI 53177

Apple Orchards within 2 hours of Milwaukee

For the Most Picturesque: Ten Eyck in Brodhead

It’s a bit of a haul from Milwaukee, but I couldn’t write this post without mentioning the delightful setting you’ll find at Ten Eyck. Not only do they have a historic and architecturally interesting round barn, their corn maze is a work of art!

For a Day Trip with Kids: Rasmussen’s in Oshkosh

Oshkosh has an abundance of unique things to do with the family, so make this orchard one stop on your Oshkosh adventure from the Milwaukee area. Our favorite kid-friendly Oshkosh attractions are the (free) Menominee Park Zoo and the nearby Playground, Ardy & Ed’s Drive In, and the EAA Aviation museum.

U-Pick available: Yes
Varieties: Cortland, Honeycrisp & McIntosh
Hours: 1pm-4pm Daily Mid August – October (weather permitting)
Address: 3871 WI-21, Oshkosh, WI 54904

For more Variety: Door Creek Orchard in Cottage Grove

Door Creek grows 95 varieties of apples with only a few of those unavailable in any given year. They don’t have a ton for the kids, but do welcome kids to check out the sheep.

Door Creek is a family run place where passion for agriculture resonates.

U-Pick available: Yes, expecting to start around Labor Day
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 12-6pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm
Address: 3252 Vilas Road Cottage Grove, WI 53527