Apple Orchards and Picking Apples in Des Moines

1

APPLE ORCHARD GUIDE DES MOINESNot only is apple picking around Des Moines a fun family activity, it’s a great way to stock on healthy treats!

Whether you want to fill a bushel of apples you pick yourself or prefer to buy apples someone else picked, Des Moines and Central Iowa have plenty of apple orchards to choose from. It’s time to start picking!

Remember to check websites or social media for which apple varieties are ready to be picked!

Looking for pumpkins? Check out our pumpkin patch guide

We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change due to weather.

Where to Go Apple Picking in and around Des Moines

Berry Patch Farm

Where: 62785 280th Street, Nevada

When: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Admission: Free

Features:

  • Gala, Ruby Jon, Mollies Delicious, Honeycrisp, Earligold, and Red Free apples to pick
  • Aronia Berries and Raspberries are available to pick
  • Pick your own and pre-picked

Center Grove Orchard

Where: 32835 610th Avenue, Cambridge

When: Daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission: $11.95 and up for ages 3+

Features:

  • 20-acre orchard with 34 apple varieties
  • Free hayride to the orchard
  • U-pick apples and pumpkins or purchase in the Country Store
  • All areas are open except the corn pool and apple slingshot
  • Admission is $11.95 Monday-Thursday and $15.95 Friday-Sunday

Hinegardner Orchard

Where: 1348 295th Street, Montour

When: Monday – Friday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Apple Picking Days – September 17-18 and 24-25, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

Features:

  • Pick your own apples
  • Cider Day in October

Deal’s Orchard

Where: 1102 244th St, Jefferson

When: Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: $11.95 ages 3-64

Features:

  • Play area featuring a 4-acre corn maze, sunflowers, a corn box, petting zoo, giant slides, a jumping pillow, apple slingshots, and much more. 
  • Pick-Your-Own own apples and pumpkins 
  • Retail store and gift shop. 
  • Bakery items including apple cider donuts, caramel apples, apple pies, and fudge.
  • Cider and hard cider made on-site.

Iowa Orchard

Where: 13140 NW 102nd Avenue in Granger on the south side of Highway 141

When: Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday 3 a.m. to 7 p.m, weather permitting until mid-October

Admission: $5 for ages 2+

Features: 

  • 14 varieties of apples including Honeycrisp, Gala, and Jonagold
  • pick by the peck or bushel

Storybook Orchard

Where: 12832 Royal Orchard Dr., Story City

When: Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Features:

  • Varieties available: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, Gala, Jonagold, Jonadel, Jonathan, Cortland, and Zestar, as well as others
  • U-picked and pre-picked apples

Upstream Gardens & Orchard

Where: 5987 NE 88th Street, Altoona

When: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

Features:

  • Natural Growing Practices
  • U-pick Apples and Pre-Picked Apples
  • Raspberries
  • Honey from Hives on the Farm

Wills Family Orchard

Where: 33130 Panther Creek Road, Adel

When: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 2022 Apple & Pumpkin Fest Weekends – Saturdays 9 am – 6 pm; Sundays Noon – 6 pm., starting September 17th thru October 23.

Admission: $7 and up for ages 2+

Features: 

  • Organic apples in 12 varieties
  • Apple cider donuts
  • Pre-picked apples
  • Pick-your-own apples

Winterset Cidery

Where: 1638 Highway 169, Winterset

The 3-acre orchard features 38 different varietals of homegrown dessert, heirloom, and cider apples. There is no admission, but you MUST check in and review procedures with our front-end staff. Check the website for hours and varieties. 

Do you go apple picking in Des Moines? What’s your favorite apple orchard? 

Looking for more things to do in Des Moines? Check out fall family fun! 

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here