U-Pick Strawberries and Berries in Lake County {2016}
Who says that picking your own fruit is just for apples in the fall? Make your summer a little sweeter this year by picking your own juicy berries. Berry picking season typically starts in June with strawberries and then moves on to raspberries, blueberries, and cherries in July. You have a just few short weeks to pick them, so make plans soon for a visit to one of these farms.
I have rounded-up a list of U-Pick berry locations that are within driving distance from anywhere in the Lake County area. Many can be found in nearby McHenry County, as well as just over the border in southern Wisconsin. Some have more frills and activities than others, while some are purely picking fun.
Summer weather and crops can be unpredictable so be sure to call ahead or check the website before rounding up the kids into the car. Also many farms only accept cash; call ahead or go prepared.
Strawberry season typically starts mid-June and lasts 2-4 weeks, and some farms harvest a second round in late-summer.
U-Pick Strawberries in Lake County
Berryville Farm
424 13th Avenue, Racine, WI | (262) 498-6648
Picking daily from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. on Sundays)
Check their Facebook page for updates and picking conditions.
This is a no-frills farm, just simply strawberry picking fun.
Cody’s Farm & Orchard
19502 River Road, Marengo, IL | (815) 482-4125
Picking daily from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Open for picking starting early June.
Watch their website and Facebook page for strawberry availability.
U-pick strawberries were $2.00/lb in 2015, 2016 pricing is not yet posted.
The farm provides boxes for picking. The farm has also put hay in between strawberry rows to prevent muddy shoes. Be warned, there is a bit of a walk to the patch so this might not be the best choice if you have very little ones. Strawberry Festival dates will be announced soon. The festival offers crafts, food, family fun and, of course, U-Pick strawberries.
Heider’s Berry Farm
1106 N. Queen Anne Road, Woodstock, IL | (815)338-0301
Picking daily 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for updates and picking conditions.
U-Pick strawberries were $4.00/qt in 2015, 2016 pricing is not yet posted. Please note, this farm only accepts cash. Drinks are available for purchase at their farm stand. You are welcome to bring your own food to have a picnic lunch in their picnic area.
McCann’s Berry Farm
18110 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock | (815) 568-8810
Picking daily 8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
June 10, 2016 - July 4, 2016
U-pick strawberries were $1.85/lb in 2015, 2016 pricing is not yet posted. Containers are provided, however if you bring your own container you receive 50¢ off your berries. Cash or checks only, so please be sure to bring some. Check out our review!
Stade’s Farm & Market
2709 W. Miller Road, McHenry | (815) 675-6396
Picking daily from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Strawberry U-Pick Pricing for 2016:
• $3 for a 1-quart basket
• $6 for a 2-quart basket
• $12 for a 4-quart basket
• ONE 4-quart basket FREE for every FIVE 4-quart baskets purchased
Note: There is a $3 minimum purchase per person required to enter the strawberry patch. Baskets are included in the price. You can only pick into Stade’s containers.
The Farmtractions area will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. during the U-pick strawberry season. The admission price allows you unlimited access to all available attractions, until 5 p.m. (approximately 12 attractions). Credit Cards & Cash are accepted. Check Stade’s Facebook Page for updates and picking conditions. Read our detailed Stade’s Review of Stade’s Farm.
Thompson Strawberry Farm
14000 75th Street Bristol, WI | (262) 857-2353
Picking on Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Strawberry U-Pick Pricing for 2016: $8.00 per 4 qt basket; When you pick six baskets, only pay for five baskets. Also, $0.25 off when you re-use your baskets the next time you stop by! Cash only. Check their Facebook page for updates and picking conditions. Loralie visited the farm in 2011, read her detailed review here.
Tom’s Farm & Market
0214 Algonquin Road, Huntley | (847 )669-3421
U-Pick Strawberries are priced by the pound. Hats, water & sunscreen are a good idea, as the patch offers little shade.
Call ahead and check field conditions or visit their website. Check out Little Lake County’s list of 10 reasons to visit Tom’s Farm & Market.
U-pick Blueberries, Raspberries and Cherries
Grace Farm Studios
2719 Franklinville Road, Woodstock | (815) 790-8895
Picking: Call ahead to confirm Monday-Thursday - 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday - Saturday- 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00– 4:00 p.m.
Crops: Red, purple and black raspberries
Check out Loralie’s Review!
Harvest Time Orchards
36116 128th St, Twin Lakes, WI | (262) 877-4831
Picking Friday - Sunday 8:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.
Crops: Cherries (late June/early July) There is a very small window for cherries, so please check often for opening. Usually cherries are only available for one weekend.
You must use Harvest Time buckets for picking and then bring your own containers to bring your cherries home. Most people use Ziploc bags. Women strongly are advised not to wear perfume at the orchard due to the high amounts of bees. Check out Loralie’s Review!
Heider’s Berry Farm
1106 N. Queen Anne Road Woodstock | (815) 338-0301
Picking daily 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for updates and picking conditions.
Crops: Raspberries (July – September), Black Raspberries (July), Cherries (July 1-15), Gold Raspberries (July and September until the first frost.)
Please note, this farm only accepts cash. Drinks are available for purchase at their farm stand. You are welcome to bring your own food to have a picnic lunch in their picnic area.
Homestead Orchard
11802 Charles Rd., Woodstock | (815) 338-7443
Monday- Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Crops: Pie cherries (beginning at the end of May), and blackberries (July).
Parking and admission is free. The farm has not posted the 2016 pricing yet, but in the past berries were $5.00 a pint. The farm takes cash or check only, so leave the debit cards at home.
Klee’s Out on a Limb Acres
4704 West 7 Mile Road, Caledonia, WI | (262) 835-7728 * (if using GPS to locate farm, enter the FULL zip code – 53108-9740 for correct location)*
Generally Open between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Call ahead to confirm availability and picking conditions.
Crops: Currants (June), Gooseberries (limited-July), Elderberries (August)
Currants may be a new fruit for your children, and picking your own is a great way to learn about them. These berries come in red, white and black varieties. The red and white currants are great for eating out of hand while black currants are best for preserves. Have fun experimenting with new recipes!
McCann’s Berry Farm
18110 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock | (815) 568-8810
Wednesdays and Saturdays only for blueberries, 8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
Crops: Blueberries (July through early August)
CALL AHEAD for afternoon picking conditions. They accept cash or checks only, so please be sure to bring some. Check Little Lake County’s review!
Stade’s Farm and Market
2709 W. Miller Road, McHenry | (815) 675-6396
Picking daily from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Crops: Raspberries
Raspberry U-Pick Pricing for 2016:
• $4.00 for a 1-pint
• $7.00 for a 1-quart basket
• $14.00 for a 2-quart basket
Note: There is a $3 minimum purchase per person required to enter the pick-your-own patch. Baskets are included in the price. You can only pick into Stade’s containers. Credit cards and cash are accepted. Check Stade’s Facebook page for updates and picking conditions. Read Little Lake County’s detailed review of Stade’s Farm.
Tammen Treeberry Farm
37131 Essex Rd, Wilmington | (815) 458-6264 (Editor’s note: this is located in Will County, about an hour and a half south of Lake County.)
Picking Monday- Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Crops: Blueberries
They have over 50 acres of blueberries. They are $2 per pound for you to go out and pick them. This farm is unique as they let you pay by debit or credit card. They have restrooms and a shaded picnic area if you want to bring your own lunch. Be sure to check their Facebook page before you get the kids in their car seats as they post daily field updates.
Thompson Strawberry Farm
14000 75th Street, Bristol, WI | (262) 857-2353
Picking on Monday-Friday 8:00a.m.- 6:00 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Check their Facebook page for updates and picking conditions.
Crops: Raspberries
Loralie visited the farm in 2011, read her detailed review.
Did we miss your favorite farm? Tell us in the comments and we will include it in the list!
