Come join us for some good old fashioned outdoor fun at Wills Family Orchard located just 20 minutes west of Des Moines! This orchard is Iowa’s first and central Iowa’s ONLY certified organic apple orchard!
We are so excited and thankful to Wills Family Orchard for making this a PRIVATE and affordable event just for the Des Moines Moms Blog!!
Details:
When: Wednesday, September 18th from 10:00am -12:00pm
Cost: $7.00 per family which includes 1 admission through the 2 acre corn maze, and a hayride tour of the beautiful orchard, access to the barnyard filled with chicken, goats, and kittens and tons of play in wide open spaces! (Normally there is a charge per person for both the maze and the hayride but we are able to offer families one affordable price)
**May bring in your own food/drink for picnic while at the orchard! Also, you may want to bring blankets to sit on as there are limited picnic tables.
Things to do:
- Shop in the orchard store for all your fall goodies
- Stroll down the “Off the Beaten Path” trail
- Take a ride on the hay wagon
- Find your way through the Corn Maze
- Relax and enjoy the fresh air, good food, and beautiful view!
Products and In Store Purchase:
The lowest price on organic apples can be purchased in the store. They range from $1.70 lb. – $2.50 lb. Retailers sell organic apples for usually $2.99 a lb. Great deals all while supporting our local farmers!
Some of the other items that you’ll find when you visit include frozen apple pie, organic fruit spreads, homemade caramel dip, honey, applesauce and more!
Address/Directions:
Wills Family Orchard
33130 Panther Creek Road
Adel, IA 50003
See google map here
From I-80
Take I-80 west out of DSM to exit 106. Drive north on Hwy P58 (L Ave) for approximately 2 ½ miles to river bridge then turn west off of P58 immediately north of river-bridge onto E Panther Creek Road. Drive west for approximately 1 mile, then north for ½ mile on Panther Creek Road.
About Wills Family Orchard:
Wills Family Orchard is a family-owned orchard that was established in 1992. Located in the rolling hills of Adel, Iowa this orchard is the perfect day trip. There are many varieties of apples including Enterprise, Freedom, GoldRush, Liberty, Pristine, Jonafree, Redfree, and Williams Pride. We also offer apple butter, apple pie, honey and many other delicious products. Seasonal and specialty products are available in our store.
Certified Organic:
Wills Family Orchard is Iowa’s first and central Iowa’s only certified organic apple orchard. They have managed the orchard organically since the first trees were planted in 1992. They began certifying the orchard in 2000. Organic requirements are set in federal regulations. Insect pests are monitored with traps and organic practices are implemented to prevent these insects from destroying the apples. Consequently, they do use organic approved spray products to protect the apples from insects and diseases.
They have cooperated with Iowa State University in several organic apple research projects. Projects have included organic management of codling moth, organic management of sooty blotch and fly speck and food safety aspects of organic apple production and handling. We strive to produce and offer the highest quality apples available anywhere.
[…] There is no admission fee to the farm, however, the hay ride and other events do come at a cost. We had a blast hosting a play date here last fall! […]