Nothing says autumn more than a bite of a fresh, crisp apple picked right off the tree. Give it a quick polish, sink your teeth in and let all that delicious sweetness explode in your mouth. Missouri apple orchards are located throughout the state and feature different varieties, from sweet to tart and everything in between. While you’re there, check out the extra offerings, like freshly baked apple desserts, warm apple cider, and pre-picked apples that you can easily grab and bring home for a quick treat.
When are apples ready to pick in Missouri?
Different apple varieties ripen at different times — some start as early as mid-August. However, many varieties are ready for picking in September, and some Missouri favorites include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Gala. Later-ripening varieties, like Fuji, extend the fun of picking your own fruit until November. Check the orchard’s website before you go to see what’s ready for harvesting.
Missouri U-Pick Apple Orchards
Apple of My Eye Farms & Orchard, Platte City
A small u-pick Missouri apple orchard located north of Kansas City, Apple of My Eye invites visitors to pick their own apples. The owners, Rachel and Stephen Greathouse, value sustainable farming, and their vision is “to create a space where family and friends can slow down, connect and making lasting ‘core’ memories together.” Hayrides, friendly barnyard animals, a train ride, jump pad and Mega Slide combine to make for an unforgettable day.
Centennial Farms, Augusta
Starting the first weekend in September, most of the 16 varieties of apples grown at Centennial Farms are available for pick-your-own. Later in September, Fuji apples will be ripe for picking. They usually have at least 10 different varieties available in the market for sale, as well as their delicious apple butter.
The Fun Farm, Kearney
The Fun Farm is located just 20 minutes outside of Kansas City and offers more than 300 acres of fun. In August, visit the farm for their annual CiderFest. Try their apple cider flights, apple cider slush, candy apples and so much more. Sit back and relax while aboard a nostalgic train or hop in the barrel train and take it all in. The fall fun continues into September with a fall festival including mums, pumpkins, corn mazes and more late fall varieties of apples.
Hamilton Orchard, Rolla
The Hamilton Orchard is a third generation run orchard offering more than 12 different varieties of apples in a beautiful setting. The two-story white farmhouse provides a bright contrast against the lush green fruit trees and blue lake adjacent to the orchard. The season runs from August to October (while supplies last).
Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard, Weston
There’s u-pick fun for the entire family at Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard. With 7,000 trees (featuring 12 varieties) on 15 acres, there’s plenty of apple-picking to go around. Plus, from hayrack rides and a pumpkin patch to zip-lining and eating at the in-house bakery, there is plenty of entertainment and quality outdoor bonding for the family. The apple-picking season runs August-November; the orchard is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hilltop Orchard, New Franklin
A small, independent orchard just north of Booneville, Hilltop Orchard features u-pick apples in a simple setting. Check the orchards Facebook page for when you can come pick-your-own from September to October (while the fruit lasts).
Knowlan Family Farm, Burfordville
With more than 20 varieties of u-pick apples, you will find something new to try throughout the season at Knowlan Family Farm. Fall is a great time to visit — savor u-pick apples and cider; find a pumpkin to carve; get on a hayride and more! If you aren’t in the mood to pick, drop by the farm store for some prepicked apples, bagged and ready to go. The farm is slightly more than a 30-minute drive from Cape Girardeau.
Schweizer Orchard, St. Joseph
U-pick apple season starts by the middle of August at Schweizer Orchard and continues to first fall freeze. They offer a wide range of apple varieties from sweet to tart and — get this — spicy. The family-owned orchard also offers you-pick and prepicked produce, a gift shop, a snack and refreshment stand, and a picnic area.
Sunshine Valley Farm, Rogersville
Sunshine Valley Farm, located less than a half-hour from Springfield, has been providing apples and other fruit and vegetables for more than 30 years. They offer u-pick and prepicked produce at their roadside farmstand. Check their website for exactly what produce is available when you’re ready to visit. To that point, be sure to check when they’re open as well. Their Farmstand hours and Pick-your-own hours vary from day to day.
Thierbach Apple Orchard, Marthasville
The most popular apple varieties at Thierback Apple Orchard are easily the Mutsu and the Missouri Red. They may not be familiar to you, but once you taste them, you’ll know why people keep asking for them. They sell their apples pre-picked and washed in the market. U-pick opportunities are on Saturdays and Sundays, in early September and October.
Whether you like sweet or tart, Missouri is sure to be the apple of your eye when it comes to apple picking activities. Always be sure to check the orchard’s individual websites for updates on what’s in season and available before you go. Then, grab the family, your camera and an appetite for fall fun as you set out on an adventure. Load more fun into your itinerary by adding a fall festival to your trip.