The heartland of America is ripe with apple orchards, and Nebraska stands out as a prime destination. If you’re on the hunt for the finest apple picking in Nebraska, your search ends here.
Across the state, numerous orchards beckon with a myriad of apple varieties, from the well-loved classics to unique heirlooms that are a treat to the palate.
With such a bountiful selection, the question arises: which orchard should be at the top of your list?
We plan to share with you the best apple picking orchards in Nebraska for you to visit this season.
Picnic Hill Orchard
Picnic Hill Orchard is a delightful u-pick orchard located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nestled in the heart of the state, this orchard is a favorite destination for many looking for a genuine apple picking experience. Picnic Hill Orchard has been serving the Lincoln community for some time, offering a range of fresh produce and locally made goods.
The orchard boasts more than 20 different types of apples, ensuring that visitors have a wide variety to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Honeycrisp or looking to try something new, Picnic Hill Orchard has something for every apple enthusiast.
Apart from apple picking, Picnic Hill Orchard has a fresh produce market where visitors can purchase a range of fresh produce and locally made goods. If you’re short on time, they also offer an online market for pickup or delivery.
The orchard is dedicated to serving the local community, accepting SNAP/EBT payments, and actively participating in the Nebraska Double Up Food Bucks program. They also offer fantastic orchard tours for schools and community groups.
- Address: 10500 Yankee Hill Road Lincoln NE 68526
- Phone: (402) 417-0734
- Website: Picnic Hill Orchard
- Social Media: Facebook
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard is situated in Nebraska City, Nebraska. This orchard has been a staple in the community since 1925, founded by Richard and Laurine Kimmel. Their belief in caring for and sharing the land’s richness with family, friends, and neighbors continues to this day.
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard is not just about apple picking. They are deeply rooted in agricultural education, research, and historic preservation.
The orchard offers immersive learning experiences in nature, focusing on foundational principles of science, entomology, and orchard-related habitats. They host various events throughout the year, such as the Agriculture Career Day and Ice Cream Social.
Additionally, they provide tours that can accommodate groups of all sizes, ensuring a fun and educational experience for visitors.
- Address: 5995 G Road Nebraska City NE 68410
- Phone: (402) 873-5293
- Website: Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Union Orchard
Union Orchard is nestled in Nebraska’s Apple Country, located in Union, Nebraska. This historic farm has been serving the community for over a century, offering fresh produce, wine grapes, and, most notably, juicy apples.
Union Orchard boasts 18 varieties of crisp apples, ranging from the popular Honeycrisp to the unique Arkansas Black. Each apple variety has its distinctive flavor and ripens at various times throughout the season. For those keen on knowing the availability of specific apple varieties, updates are frequently posted on their Facebook page.
During the fall season, Union Orchard is a hub of activity. The orchards and fields brim with nutritious farm-fresh apples, plump pumpkins, squash, and other gourds. It’s an ideal destination for families to enjoy a day of apple and pumpkin picking, basking in the sunshine and fresh air.
The orchard’s Country Store is a must-visit. Here, visitors can sample farm-fresh fruit and vegetables and indulge in baked delights like home-baked pies, cider donuts, and tasty turnovers.
The store also offers a range of country staples, including apple butter, pumpkin butter, unique jams, and preserves. Wine enthusiasts can browse and purchase a selection of local Nebraskan wines.
Union Orchard also hosts seasonal festivals, celebrating their farm-fresh produce. For more details on upcoming events, one can check their farm news page.
- Address: 2405 South Hwy 75 Union NE 68455
- Website: Union Orchard
- Social Media: Facebook
Trees, Shrubs & More
Trees, Shrubs & More is situated in Bellevue, Nebraska. This establishment is more than just an orchard; it’s a place where small-town values and friendly service are at the forefront.
At Trees, Shrubs & More, customers are treated like friends and family. The establishment is committed to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and a dedication to superior plants and service.
They offer a wide variety of gardening and landscaping needs, ensuring each client’s projects are unique and tailored to their desires.
- Address: 3803 Cornhusker Rd Bellevue NE 68123
- Phone: (402) 291-9374
- Website: Trees, Shrubs & More
- Social Media: Instagram
Martin’s Hillside Orchard
Martin’s Hillside Orchard is located near Ceresco, Nebraska. This orchard provides a memorable experience for visitors, allowing them to immerse themselves in the joys of fruit picking and enjoy various fun activities.
The orchard offers a u-pick experience for apples, allowing visitors to select from a range of apple varieties.
Martin’s Hillside Orchard is a place where memories are made. Visitors can experience the thrill of picking fresh fruit right from the tree. In addition to apples, the orchard also offers u-pick options for peaches, raspberries, and pumpkins.
They also provide bulk apple wood for those interested. The orchard is known for its kid-friendly outdoor activities, ensuring a fun-filled day for families.
For those interested in learning more about the orchard, tours are available upon scheduling, making it a popular choice for school groups, scout troops, daycares, and church groups.
- Address: 2024 Ashland Road Ceresco NE 68017
- Phone: (402) 665-2140
- Website: Martin’s Hillside Orchard
- Social Media: Facebook
Arbor Day Farm
Arbor Day Farm spans 260 acres of natural beauty in Nebraska City, Nebraska. This national historic treasure is the birthplace of Arbor Day, making it a significant landmark. The farm is a destination filled with adventure and fun for families, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and entertainment.
Arbor Day Farm is a place where discovery awaits at every turn. Visitors can explore the farm and embrace the wonders of nature. The farm offers a range of activities, from the Treetop Village® to seasonal events that celebrate the farm’s produce.
Some of the events include Oktoberfest, Discovery Rides, Cider Makers Tasting Experience, Sunset & S’mores Discovery Ride, Wine, Cheese, and a Walk Among the Trees, AppleJack Weekends, and the Harvest Festival.
The farm also features the Apple House Market, where visitors can indulge in cider tastings and purchase fresh produce. Additionally, the farm hosts the Antique Apple Tasting event, providing a unique experience for apple enthusiasts.
- Address: 2611 Arbor Avenue Nebraska City NE 68410
- Phone: (402) 873-8717
- Website: Arbor Day Farm
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch And Apple Orchard
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch And Apple Orchard is a renowned destination located in Gretna, Nebraska. This family-friendly venue is not just an apple orchard but a place filled with fun, laughter, and memories waiting to be made. It’s a place where families come to celebrate the joys of autumn.
The venue hosts a plethora of events throughout the season, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening. From campfire reservations to seasonal hiring, ticket sales, and special festival weekends, Vala’s is bustling with activities.
They also have a cider press, and visitors can enjoy the last cider press day at Vala’s. The venue is also known for its Thanksgiving market, where visitors can purchase pies, ciders, and other treats. Their Instagram feed showcases a glimpse of the fun-filled activities and delicious treats available at the venue.
- Address: 12102 S 180th St Gretna NE 68028
- Phone: (402) 332-4200
- Website: Vala’s Pumpkin Patch And Apple Orchard
- Social Media: Instagram
Super Bee Orchard
Super Bee Orchard is a family-owned and operated apple orchard located in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. While they don’t have a dedicated website, their active presence on Facebook keeps their patrons informed about the latest happenings and offerings.
Based on seasonal offerings, visitors can expect to find popular apple varieties like Jonathan, Jonagold, and Golden Delicious.
Super Bee Orchard is not just about apples. Depending on the time of year, visitors can also indulge in fresh peaches and a variety of vegetables. The orchard store is stocked with canned goods, preserves, and other delights available year-round.
Freshly-made pies, apple cider, jelly, and preserves are some of the treats that visitors can look forward to during their visit.
- Address: 4571 US-75 Fort Calhoun NE 68023
- Phone: (402) 468-5265
- Social Media: Facebook
Degroot Orchards
Degroot Orchards is a family-owned apple orchard located in Madison, Nebraska. The orchard takes pride in offering a wide variety of apples to its visitors.
But apples aren’t the only attraction; the orchard has been known to offer other produce and products, enhancing the overall farm experience.
Degroot Orchards is more than just an apple orchard. They have been featured in the “Nebraska Life” magazine’s 2021 September-October issue, showcasing their dedication and passion for farming.
The cover even featured a heartwarming picture of their grandson, Teagan. The orchard’s Apple Barn opens its doors in September and October, inviting visitors to experience the joys of the harvest season.
The orchard has also been known to offer squash, gourds, pie pumpkins, and honey. Their Facebook page is filled with warm wishes for various occasions, reflecting the close-knit community and family values they uphold.
- Address: 83275 US Hwy 81 Madison NE 68748
- Phone: (402) 454-3445
- Social Media: Facebook
Apple Acres Orchard
Apple Acres Orchard is a cherished destination located in Kearney, Nebraska. The orchard has been serving the community for years, offering a range of fresh apples and finely-mixed cider.
Apple Acres Orchard offers many varieties of apples, ensuring visitors have a diverse selection to choose from. While the specific types of apples available for picking are not detailed on the website, they ensure that new varieties ripen throughout the weeks of fall, providing a fresh experience for repeat visitors.
The orchard store operates from September to November, or as long as the weather permits. They now accept credit and debit card payments, making it convenient for visitors.
The orchard has been featured in the Kearney Hub and has also been showcased on Nebraska TV.
- Address: 7460 West 100th Street Kearney NE 68845
- Phone: (308) 893-2845
- Website: Apple Acres Orchard
- Social Media: Facebook
Fontanelle Orchard
Fontanelle Orchard is a renowned fruit and vegetable store located in Nickerson, NE, just 6 miles north of Fremont on US Hwy 275 and 4 miles east on NE Hwy 91. This orchard has been a staple in the community, offering a genuine apple-picking experience and a variety of other tree-ripe fruits.
Fontanelle Orchard is a place where visitors can experience the joys of fresh produce. The Apple Barn at the orchard features fresh, tree-ripe fruit of all kinds that visitors can pick themselves. Whether you’re a fan of classic apple varieties or looking to try other fruits, Fontanelle Orchard ensures a diverse selection for every enthusiast.
The orchard is open year-round, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the fresh produce regardless of the season. For those interested in learning more about the orchard and its offerings, tours are available upon request. The orchard’s team is dedicated to providing a genuine experience, ensuring that visitors get a glimpse of the process and the hard work that goes into maintaining the orchard.
- Address: 26982 NE Hwy 91 Nickerson NE 68044
- Phone: (402) 727-5272
- Website: Fontanelle Orchard
- Social Media: Facebook
When Is Apple Picking Season In Nebraska?
The apple picking season in Nebraska typically kicks off in late August and can stretch through October. This is the prime time when apples are at their juiciest and most flavorful, ready to be plucked from the trees:
- Late August to Early September: Early apple varieties like the Zestar and Paula Red start to ripen. These apples are perfect for those who can’t wait to get a taste of the first apples of the season.
- Mid to Late September: This is the peak apple-picking time in Nebraska. Popular varieties like Honeycrisp, Jonathan, and McIntosh reach their prime during this period. If you’re looking for a blend of tart and sweet flavors, this is the time to head to the orchards.
- October: As the leaves begin to change color, late-season apples like the Fuji, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious become ready for picking. These apples are known for their sweet taste and firm texture, making them perfect for pies and other autumnal treats.
Given Nebraska’s vast landscape, the optimal time for apple picking can vary depending on the specific region or town you’re in. It’s always wise to touch base with your local apple orchard to get the most accurate timing.
If you are picking apples in October, many farms can also offer pumpkin picking so be sure to check if both u-pick options are available.
Nebraska’s apple picking window might seem shorter compared to states with milder climates. For instance, in Washington apple picking can begin as early as July and extend into November.
However, what Nebraska’s apples might lack in a prolonged season, they make up for in taste and texture. Many who have tasted Nebraska’s apples vouch for their unparalleled crispness and rich flavor.
If you are planning an apple picking adventure in Nebraska, ensure you are timing it right to savor the best apples the Cornhusker State has to offer!
Get Out And Go Apple Picking In Nebraska This Season!
While Nebraska might not be the first name that springs to mind when thinking of apple orchards, it’s home to some truly delightful hidden treasures. If your travels bring you to Nebraska this fall, don’t miss the chance to pluck a juicy apple straight from the tree.
Have you had the pleasure of visiting one of Nebraska’s apple orchards? Let us know if we are missing a must visit apple orchard!
Interested in picking apples in other states? You can other apple u-pick farms by searching our directory of farms across the USA.
