Looking for a classic fall activity the whole family can enjoy? Head out to one of the many apple orchards around Des Moines and make some sweet memories—plus stock up on fresh, local apples while you’re at it!
Whether you love the experience of picking your own or prefer the convenience of ready-to-go bags, Central Iowa has plenty of orchards to explore.
Before you go, be sure to check each orchard’s website or social media to see what apple varieties are currently in season.
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: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 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. Open Weekends Only through September 15. Open Daily (except Tuesdays) starting September 17.
Admission: $19.95 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 – Late September thru Early October
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: Free admission. Apple Acres does have an entrance fee for those 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: Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting; Labor Day Weekend through 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 1 p.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: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $11 and up for ages 2+
Features:
- Organic apples in 12 varieties
- Apple cider donuts
- Pre-picked apples
- Pick-your-own apples
2025 Apple & Pumpkin Fest Weekends – Saturdays 9 am – 6 pm; Sundays Noon – 6 pm., starting September 13 thru October 26.
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Where: 3201 15th Ave., Cumming, IA
When: Hours for picking: Wednesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Ages 3+, Wednesday – Thursday $1, Friday – Sunday $5
Features: You pick farm for apples, flowers, berries and more! Explore the bakery and market for all the goodies, then enjoy the full service restaurant.
We went to Wills Family Orchard this weekend and it was wonderful!!!! So fun and picturesque.