HONEYCRISP – Starting 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.
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, The Red Barn Milk Bar, and the Dairycatessen in the Gas Station.
Music in the Orchard: Saturdays from 1-3 pm CT during Harvest Season
The Orchard U-Pick Apples: Open September through October
Pumpkin Patch Opening: Mid-September
Applefest: September 13 & 14
Oktoberfest: September 27 & 28
Pumpkinfest: October 11 & 12
Halloween Trail: October 25
Pumpkin Smash Bash: November 1
Hotel Packages: Available all season long!
Stop by for carving pumpkins, gourds, and novelty pumpkins… all available in our U-Pick pumpkin patch! Orchard Admission sold in The Adventures.
When can I plan to visit?
U-Pick will be open 9 am – 5 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 am – 5pm on Sunday (Central Time). Last admission is sold 30 minutes prior to closing. Specific apple availability dates are announced one week before they are available – subscribe to our email list here to get the latest updates.
How much is Orchard admission for sunflowers and U-Pick?
Orchard admission is $5 per guest, ages 2 and under are free and Cream of the Crop Membership holders receive free admission.
Do I need to schedule a visit to the orchard?
With 20 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!
Can my leashed dog go to U-Pick with me?
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 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.