Where to go apple picking near St. Louis

As much as flannel shirts, cozy sweaters, cooler weather, and crispy leaves are signs of fall, no activity signals the start of the season like going apple picking at a local orchard. There are several farms in the St. Louis region that allow families to do exactly that. Below, you’ll find some of the top destinations.

Centennial Farms and Orchard

• Overview: After beginning to ripen in August, apples are usually available for picking late September through early October. Check the farm’s website for the latest crop updates. For families looking for extra fun, Centennial added to its playground area a bounce pad and a giant spider web. The bounce pad has been especially popular. 
• Types of apples: 16 varieties, including Mutsu, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Jon-A-Gold, and Fuji
• Prices: $5 admission; apples cost $2.35 per pound.
• Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. 
• Contact Info: 636-228-4338; 199 Jackson, Augusta.

Courtesy of Eckert's

Courtesy of Eckert's

Eckert’s

• Overview: Eckert’s farm has been a mainstay in the Metro East for more than a century. It welcomes guests at its Belleville, Millstadt, and Grafton locations to find their own sweet treats in its pick-your-own orchards. Before you go, check which varieties of apples are ripe for picking on the Eckert’s website. The Belleville farm often has an expansive selection of apples from which to choose. Each location will be open for apple picking starting in the month of August. Weekday field access at Belleville and Grafton starts at $3 for everyone 2 years old and up. Weekend access starts at $5 per person. Kids under two are admitted free.
• Types of apples: Different varieties are available at each site, beginning with Sweet Maia, Gala, and Honeycrisp varieties at the start of the season.
• Prices: Field access is $3 during the week and $6 on the weekend at Belleville and Grafton Farm; apples cost $2.99 per pound.
• Hours: Fields are accessible from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
• Contact Info: Belleville: 618-310-2758, 951 S. Green Mt., Belleville, Illinois. Grafton: 800-745-0513, 20995 Eckert Orchard, Grafton, Illinois. Millstadt: 618-233-0513, 2719 Eckert Orchard, Millstadt, Illinois.

SrdjanPav / iStockphoto / Getty Images Plus

SrdjanPav / iStockphoto / Getty Images Plus

Herman’s Farm Orchard

• Overview: Head to this pick-your-own orchard in St. Charles to find a variety of apples ready to take home. Pick until you fill your 6-pound bag. Admission includes a hay ride around the farm and 90 minutes of access to the farm’s kid’s play area. Herman’s apple season begins September 1 this year.
• Types of apples: Honeycrisp, Jonathan, and Jon-A-Gold
• Prices: $5 admission per child; fill a 6-pound bag for $10
• Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m., daily, depending on heat
• Contact Info: 636-925-9969, 3663 N. Highway 94, St. Charles.

Braeutigam Orchards

• Overview: At this family farm located in Belleville, Illinois, nine varieties of apples are available for picking each fall. After picking apples, you’ll also want to be sure to grab some fresh cider and apple cider doughnuts to take home.
• Types of apples: Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Empire, Jon-A-Gold, Red Delicious, Fuji, Winesap, Granny Smith, and Gold Rush
• Prices: Apples cost $1.99 per pound.
• Hours: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday & 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday
• Contact Info: 618-233-4059. 2795 Turkey Hill, Belleville, Illinois.

Read More: A guide to fall family fun in St. Louis

Mills Farm

• Overview: More than a dozen varieties of apples are typically available on this farm in Metro East throughout September and October. The tractor takes guests to the orchard only on weekends. Rides are free—just be sure to arrive before 4 p.m. in order to get a tractor ride to the orchard.
• Types of apples: Earliblaze, Ginger Gold, Jonathan, Ozark Gold, Royal Gala, Empire, Jon-A-Gold, Senshu, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Blushing Golden, and Winesap; call for latest crop update.
• Prices: Purchase bags by the half-peck, peck, and half-bushel.
• Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday. Closed Thanksgiving Day. Closed Mondays except for Labor Day and Columbus Day.
• Contact Info: 618-887-4732. 11477 Pocahontas, Marine, Illinois.

Thies Farm and Greenhouse

• Overview: Starting mid-August, stop by this 17-acre site in the city, which has been in operation since 1885, for a classic apple-picking experience. Once you check in for your picking session at the market, a bag will be provided. If visiting in the month of October, stick around and play at “Pumpkinland,” a family-friendly play area that includes a straw castle, corn maze, pirate ship, swing set, and more.
• Types of apples: Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Evercrisp, Ambrosia, Empire, Enterprise, Gala, and Gibson Gold
• Prices: There is no cost to enter orchard. Apples are $2 per pound.
• Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday
• Contact Info: 314-429-5506, 4215 N. Hanley.

branex / iStockphoto / Getty Images Plus

branex / iStockphoto / Getty Images Plus

Thierbach Orchards

• Overview: Throughout the month of September—and as far into October as the apple trees will allow—Thierbach Orchards offers pick-your-own sessions on weekend mornings and afternoons. There are more activities for kids, who can play in the bounce house, explore the maze, and ride pedal carts.
• Types of apples: Thierbach offers 15 types of apples, including Prima, Gala, Honeycrisp, Missouri Red, Jonathan, Lura Red, Ellstar, Empire, Ultra Red Delicious, Jon-A-Gold, Golden Delicious, Blushing Gold, Mutsu, Rome Beauty, Keystone Gold and Granny Smith. 
• Prices: $3 field access; apples are priced by the pound
• Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Contact Info: 636-433-2299, 18427 State Highway 47, Marthasville.

Broom Orchard

• Overview: Stick around after you pick your apples from mid-August–mid-October. Stop by Broom Orchard’s market to snag apple butter and sweet cider. Once the apples are gone in October, the farm pivots to pumpkins. Check the Broom Orchard website for updates on the annual Pumpkin Festival in mid-October and the annual Apple Festival near the end of September.
• Types of apples: Zestar, Paula Red, Blondee, Gala, Honey Crisp, Jonathan, Ambrosia, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Ida Red, Jon-A-Gold, Cameo, Mutsu, Winesap, Fuji, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Scarlet Beauty, Pink Lady and EverCrisp; call for latest crop update.
• Prices: Call for latest prices.
• Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday; noon–5 p.m. Sunday.
• Contact Info: 217-854-3514, 12803 Broom, Carlinville, Illinois.