FAQS, EVENTS AND HELPFUL INFO

FRIENDLY REMINDERS

We do not charge an admission fee, however everyone over the age of 2 must purchase a picking bag to enter the orchard.
For the safety of our farm dog, customers and your dogs, we do not allow pets to be brought on the orchard property.
We are a family-friendly smoke and alcohol free farm.
Visa, Mastercard & Discover accepted in the Apple Barn, Bakery. and Feeding Trough. There is a $5.00 minimum purchase with credit cards. Cash only at U-Pick.
Please keep children with you for their safety. This is a working farm with equipment and traffic.
Outside food is not allowed. Instead, try some of our delicious orchard snacks. We will have Food Trucks and several organizations serving lunches here on weekends. (See schedule below.)
If you would like more than 3 dozen donuts, please give us one day advance notice.
Our donut fryer shuts down at 4:30 for clean-up. Please consider getting your donuts early in your visit to ensure availability.
We have a 4 pie maximum limit. If you would like more, please place an order at least one week in advance.

THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION!

2023 FALL EVENTS

Sat. Sept. 9, 11:00-2:00 Beach Ave. BBQ (Brookfield)
Sun. Sept. 10, 11:00-2:00 Beach Ave. BBQ (Brookfield)
Sat. Sept. 16, 11:00-2:00 Tinez Taco Truck (Malta)
Sun. Sept. 17, 11:00-2:00 Tinez Taco Truck (Malta) and Battle Axe Coffee Truck
Sat. Sept. 23, 11:00-2:00 For You Appetito (Glen Ellyn) -Gourmet Sandwiches/Pierogis
Sat. Sept. 23 1:00-2:00 Local children's book author Elizabeth Nielsen offering free readings at 1:00, 1:20, and 1:40 down by the petting zoo of her book "Udder Chaos"
Sun. Sept. 24, 11:00-2:00 Tinez Taco Truck (Malta) and Battle Axe Coffee Truck
Sat. Sept. 30, 12:30-5:30 Mallory Taglia Orchard Photo Sessions, click on link:

Apple mini session 2023 - Mallory Taglia Photography

Sat. Sept. 30, 11:00-2:00 Waterman Lions Club Porkchop Lunch
Sat. Sept. 30, 11:00-2:00 Nielsen Belgian Wagon Rides (small fee)
Sun. Oct. 1, 11:00-2:00 Beach Ave. BBQ (Brookfield) and Battle Axe Coffee Truck
Sun. Oct. 1, 12:30-5:30 Mallory Taglia Orchard Photo Sessions, click on link:

Apple mini session 2023 - Mallory Taglia Photography

Sun. Oct. 1, 11:00-2:00 Nielsen Belgian Wagon Rides (small fee)
Fri. Oct. 6, 11:00-2:00 TBD
Sat. Oct. 7, 11:00-2:00 Beach Ave. BBQ (Brookfield)
Sun. Oct. 8, 11:00-2:00 DeKalb County Cattlemen's Steak Sandwiches
Mon. Oct. 9 (Columbus Day) 11:00-2:00 Nina's Taco Shop
Sat. Oct. 14, 11:00-2:00 Beach Ave. BBQ (Brookfield)
Sun. Oct. 15, 11:00-2:00 Beach Ave. BBQ (Brookfield)
October 13, 14, 15th Pumpkin Harvest Weekend. Pumpkins specially priced and we will have our delicious pumpkin donuts on Saturday and Sunday in addition to our cider donuts.
Sat. Oct. 21, 11:00-2:00 Tinez Taco Truck (Malta) and Battle Axe Coffee Truck
Sun. Oct. 22, 11:00-2:00 Tinez Taco Truck (Malta)
Sat. Oct. 28, 11:00-2:00 Nina's Taco Truck
Sun. Oct. 29, 11:00-2:00 Wild Carrot Food Truck (Waterman) and Battle Axe Coffee Truck

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is your barn handicapped accessible?

Yes! When you arrive, please let one of our staff members know in the barn, and we would be happy to assist you to our wheelchair accessible ramp. We also have a handicapped accessible bathroom on site.

Can we bring pets to the farm?

No, we have orchard dogs (Jojo and Mac), who do not like other dogs. We ask for the safety of our dogs and yours, that you leave your pets at home. We are not responsible for vehicle damage if dogs are left in the vehicle. Please give us a heads up if you are bringing a service dog.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash and local checks are accepted at U-pick. We accept cash, local checks, Mastercard, Visa and Discover in our Apple Barn, Bakery and Feeding Trough Restaurant.

What is the best way to defrost frozen donuts?

To get that just fried taste, place frozen donuts on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Donuts may also be thawed in the microwave, however, be careful not to overheat. They will also not be as crisp as when defrosted in the oven.

What is in your apple cider?

Our apple cider is 100% pure raw juice from our apples. There is no sugar or other additives. Our cider will keep approximately 10-14 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for one year.

Is your honey locally produced?

Yes. We have our own honeybees for pollination and honey production. Our honey is pure raw honey.

Do you ship your products?

No, unfortunately, we have no control over how our products will be handled once they leave our farm. There is no way for us to insure quality.

Do you rent out your barn?

At this time, we do not rent out our facilities for weddings, or other large gatherings. We do rent out our party loft for small gatherings/parties. Please scroll down to the last FAQ for more information.

Are you hiring?

We start our fall hiring process in July. Please email or call for an application.

How do I request a donation for my organization?

Please email or mail non-for-profit requests on letterhead. We receive a large number of requests and make every effort to provide our support to charitable efforts in our area.

Are peanuts used at your facility?

We use peanuts in making our caramel apples so they may come in contact with other foods. Our donuts contain wheat, eggs and milk.

Do you give school tours?

Yes, for Fall 2023, we will be giving tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Maximum group size is 75. Please contact us to schedule.

Are you organic?

No, we are not. The climate in northern Illinois is not conducive to organic farming. We utilize an Integrated Pest Management System which allows us to limit spray applications to times that are necessary to prevent crop damage.

Do you have bus parking?

No, we do not have bus parking. Our parking lots are grass fields and are not designed for turning large vehicles.

Do you charge an admission fee?

There are no admission or parking fees. However, everyone over the age of 2 years must purchase a picking bag to ride a wagon and go into the picking areas

Is there a fee for the sunflower patch?

There is no admission fee to enter the sunflower patch. We do have cut sunflowers available for purchase in our barn while they are in bloom. Please do not cut the sunflowers yourself.

Do you host birthday parties/small events?

Yes! We are excited to be renting out our renovated hay loft this season. It accommodates up to 30 people. Cost is $150 for 3 hours. The hours are 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only. No outside food is allowed; however, cake/cupcakes are welcome. No open flames. Please send us a message here or call us at 815-264-3337 and leave a message.