A Fall Trip Isn’t Complete Without Apple Picking
A trip to Tanners Orchard in September or October just doesn’t feel complete without heading out into the orchard and picking your own apples. It’s one of those simple traditions that brings families together year after year—walking the rows, reaching up into the trees, and filling your bag with as many apples as you can carry.
Here, apple picking isn’t rushed or complicated. It’s meant to be enjoyed. Kids run ahead to find the best apples, parents take their time choosing just the right ones, and somewhere in between, a handful of moments turn into memories you’ll talk about long after the season ends.
With more than 11,000 apple trees and over a dozen different varieties to choose from, there’s always something ready to pick during the season. Whether you’re coming for Honeycrisp in early September or planning a visit later in the fall, your favorite apples are waiting for you.
What Makes Apple Picking at Tanners So Special
Sure, anyone can go to the grocery store to buy apples. But there are far fewer places where you can pick them fresh, right from the tree, with your family beside you. That’s what makes U-Pick apple picking at Tanners Orchard something people come back for every year; it’s an experience unlike any other.
- A Real Orchard Experience – With more than 11,000 apple trees spread across the farm, it’s no “small pickings.” You’re stepping into a true, blue, functioning orchard!
- A Wide Variety of Apples – With 17 different varieties throughout the season, you can find apples that are sweet, tart, or somewhere in between.
- Wagon Rides on Festival Days – On busy fall weekends, hop on a covered wagon ride that takes you out to the orchard, adding a whole new level of fun to your experience.
- Weekday Walk-Out Access – Visiting during the week? You can walk right out to the orchard and start picking at your own pace.
- A Tradition Families Share – For many families, apple picking at Tanners isn’t a one-time visit—it’s something they do every fall.
What to Expect When You Go Pick Your Own Apples
Getting started is simple, and once you’re out in the orchard, the experience feels natural. Just walk to the back and let any of our farmhands assist.
Check In at the U-Pick Shed When you arrive, head to the red U-Pick shed located northeast of the Market. It’s easy to spot from the parking lot.
Choose How You Get to the OrchardOn Festival Days, you can ride a covered wagon out to the apple trees. During the week, you’ll walk out to the orchard.
Pick at Your Own PaceTake your time walking the rows, finding apples that look just right. There’s no rush—this is meant to be enjoyed.
Head Back When You’re ReadyOnce your bag is full, simply return and continue enjoying the rest of your visit.
Apple Picking Season at Tanners Orchard
Apple picking season at Tanners Orchard begins with the first Festival Days of September and continues through October, depending on the harvest.
- U-Pick Hours – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily during September and October
- Last Admission – 4:15 PM
- Open as Long as Fruit is Available – U-Pick remains open as long as there are apples to pick
Because different apple varieties ripen at different times, the best time to visit depends on what you’re hoping to take home. Some apples are ready in early September, while others reach peak ripeness later in the season.
To help plan your visit, check out our handy apple chart showing when each variety is ready to pick.
Apple Varieties Families Love to Pick
With so many options in the orchard, families often have their favorites. Here are a few of the most popular apples you’ll find at Tanners:
Honeycrisp
A semi-tart apple that’s crisp, juicy, and perfect for eating fresh. One of the most popular varieties early in the season.
Jonathan
A tart apple that works well for baking and cooking, but is also great for snacking.
Golden Delicious
Mild and sweet, great for applesauce, baking, or eating right off the tree.
Jonagold
A balanced mix of sweet and tart, making it a favorite for both cooking and eating.
Fuji
A very sweet apple that’s perfect for fresh eating and salads later in the season.With 17 varieties available throughout the season, there’s always something new to try.
Tips for a Great Day in the Orchard
A little planning can make your apple picking trip even more enjoyable.
- Check What’s Ripe – Before you visit, take a look at which apple varieties are currently ready to pick.
- Visit Early on Busy Days – Fall weekends can get busy, so arriving earlier in the day can make for a more relaxed experience.
- Dress for the Orchard – Comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty will help you enjoy your time more.
- Plan Around Festival Days – If you want the full experience with wagon rides, consider visiting during Festival Days.
- Keep an Eye on the Time – Remember that last admission for U-Pick is at 4:15 PM.
More Farm Fun to Explore at Tanners Orchard
Apple picking is just one part of the experience. There’s plenty more to explore during your visit.
You can also explore all available activities on our main Farm Attractions & Activities page, check out our Farm Market & Bakery for fresh treats, or start planning your visit with details on hours, directions, and pricing and options for groups & parties.
Apple Picking FAQs
Apple picking begins with the first Festival Days in September and continues through October.
On Festival Days, you can ride a covered wagon. During the week, you will walk out to the orchard.
Tanners Orchard offers 17 different apple varieties throughout the season.
U-Pick hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:15 PM.
Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted.
Start Planning Your Apple Picking Trip
Ready to head out into the orchard and pick your own apples? Whether it’s your first visit or part of a yearly tradition, U-Pick apple picking at Tanners Orchard is an experience worth making time for.
Call 309-493-5442 to learn more or view hours, directions, and pricing. Or plan your visit to 740 IL-40, Speer, IL 61479 and enjoy a day on the farm with your family.
Make this the season you start a new tradition in the orchard.