HONEYCRISP – Starting August/September
A balanced content of sugar and acid gives this pleasant sweet- tart flavor that varies in strength depending upon maturity.
PIXIE CRUNCH – Starting September
Small, sweet flavored, crisp and juicy apple that starts in early September. Greenish yellow base color with 90-100% red-purple color.
CRIMSON CRISP – Starting September
Very good, rich flavor apple that starts in mid-September. Sweet/ sharp flavor, spicy. Originally known as Coop 39.
SUMMERSET – Starting Late September
A modern apple variety with parents of Honey Crisp & Fuji that ripens in early September. This larger apple has a texture much like Honey Crisp with a tangier flavor. Pairs well with our Butterkase cheese.
JONAGOLD – Starting Late September
A very popular commercial variety, with a good flavor . Inherits many of the good qualities of its parents Jonathan and golden delicious. Starts late September.
CAMEO – Starting Early October
A balanced content of sugar and acid gives this pleasant sweet- tart flavor that varies in strength depending upon maturity. It ripens in early October.
EVERCRISP – Starting Mid-October
Large, sweet, crisp, and firm apple that starts mid-October. Blushed rosy red over a cream background. Best for snacking or paired with our Mild cheddar.
GOLD RUSH – Starting Late October
Related to Golden Delicious starts in late October, with crisp hard flesh and good sugar/ acid balance.
GALA – Come Back Next Season
One of the most widely- grown apple varieties t with a sweet, pleasant flavor, and good keeping qualities.
Join us across the campus at Fair Oaks Farms as we showcase the versatility of the apple!
Take your pick of apple-centric entrees, desserts like apple donuts, and drinks like our apple cider slushie from all our locations at The Farmhouse, Cowfé, BP & Dairycatessen, The Market, and the Food Truck in the Orchard.
Music in the Orchard: Saturdays from 1-3 pm CT during Harvest Season
The Market: Open Daily from 10am-6pm CT during Summer & Harvest Season
The Orchard U-Pick Sunflowers and Apples: Open NOW – October
Pumpkin Patch Opening: Mid-September
Applefest: September 14 & 15
Oktoberfest: September 28 & 29
Pumpkinfest: October 12 & 13
Halloween Trail: October 26
Pumpkin Smash Bash: November 2
Hotel Packages: Available all season long!
Stop by for carving pumpkins, gourds, and novelty pumpkins… all available in our U-Pick pumpkin patch! Visit the Admissions building for Harvest Admission and Pumpkin picking tickets.
Picking pumpkins not your thing? Select beautiful pre-picked pumpkins at The Market in a variety of colors. We’ll also have lots of pumpkin baked goods available, including our signature pumpkin donuts, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin cheesecake!
When can I plan to visit?
U-Pick will be open daily 10am-6pm CST. Last admission is sold at 5:30pm CST. Specific dates are announced one week before they are available – check back, or keep in touch with us on social, to make sure you have the latest details!
How much is Orchard admission for sunflowers and U-Pick?
Orchard admission is $3 per guest, ages 2 and under are free and Cream of the Crop Membership holders receive free admission. Sunflower buckets, apple bags, and pumpkin picking tickets are an additional purchase.
Do I need to schedule a visit to the orchard?
With 40 acres of apple trees and 200 trees per acre, there’s always room for you in The Orchard at Fair Oaks Farms. No reservations required!
Do I need to bring anything?
No! Pruners are provided and buckets are available for purchase.
Can my leashed dog go to U-Pick with me?
Dogs can be with you when picking in the sunflower field. Due to food and safety compliance pets are not permitted in The Orchard.
Does my Fair Oaks Farms membership cover admission?
Admission to the Orchard and Sunflower field is free for all Cream of the Crop members.
Can I rent a golf cart?
Golf carts are $30.00 for 4-seater per hour or $35.00 for a 6-seater per hour. Golf carts are rented on a first-come basis the last time slot of the day is 4:30. You can drive the golf carts in the orchard, nature trail or out to your car. Please Note – Golf Carts are not be driven on sidewalks to other buildings.
Is the Orchard wheelchair accessible?
Our complimentary wagon rides to and from the Orchard are wheelchair accessible. The Orchard paths are made of grass, dirt, and gravel so depending on the type of wheelchair and path conditions, the Orchard—in its entirety—may not be readily accessible by all wheelchairs.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, please email [email protected].
Can I take professional photography on-site?
Please email [email protected] 219-394-2025. There is a $25 for access to the Fair Oaks Farms grounds for professional photography. Admission is an additional cost.
Is there a place to stay?
Yes! The Fairfield by Marriott at Fair Oaks Farms features a pool, water-slide, and fitness center.