Whether looking for apples, berries, pumpkins or other numerous vegetables, the St. Louis area has it all with great produce sold at local markets and family owned farms. Among these great places to get fresh produce are the pick your own apple orchards. There is nothing more refreshing than a tree ripened apple fresh for picking and eating. The eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois border has some fantastic country stops that are prime places to spend a day picking apples, perusing baked goods, and taking in an afternoon hayride with the family. Here is a guide to some of the more popular pick your own apple orchards in the greater St. Louis area.
Located in nearby Augusta is Centennial Farms. This family farm has over 1000 apple trees that include over twenty four varieties of apples. This great orchard has apples available for picking between mid August through mid October. Additional autumn fun on the farm includes mazes, forts, grain bin, play tractors, and hay rides. Centennial Farms also has onsite store that sells fruit butters, preserves, and locally made honey. Centennial Farms is located at 199 Jackson Street in Augusta, Missouri. For hours of operation and apple availability, call (636) 228-4338.
A drive west of St. Louis into Warren County will take the weekend apple picker to Thierbach Orchards at 18427 State Hwy 47 in Marthasville, Missouri. Aside from numerous apples to pick, this farm also offers hayrides and other fun fall activities. For more information call (636) 433-2299.
Northeast of St. Louis is Eckert’s Grafton Farm located at 20995 Eckert Orchard Road in Grafton, Illinois. This orchard is approximately forty two miles or an hour drive from St. Louis. In addition to apple picking, the farm offers petting zoo, inflatable jumping attractions, miniature golf, and large barn that sells locally made goods and produce. For hours of operation and apple availability, call (618) 786-3445.
Mills Apple Farm at 11477 Pocahontas Road in Marine, Illinois is about a forty five minute drive due west of St. Louis on interstate 70. This orchard dating back to 1973 offers up fifteen different varieties of apples and sells freshly made cider and baked goods on site. The farm includes wagon rides and petting zoo for children. For more information, call (618) 887-4732.
One of the closest apple orchards to St. Louis is Braeutigam Orchards which is a half hour drive southeast of the city. The apples are available for picking from early September through October with over fourteen varieties of apples to pick during the fall season. The farm also has pick your own peaches, blueberries, pumpkins, blackberries, cherries, apricots, and watermelon. Braeutigam Orchards is at 2795 Turkey Hill Lane in nearby Belleville, Illinois. For produce availability and hours, call (618) 233-4059.