Who wants to go berry picking in Des Moines? You can visit strawberry fields and pick other berries such as blueberries, cherries, currants, aronia berries, and more from the end of May until the end of summer. This is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors and savor the sweet taste of fresh, locally grown fruit.
Check out these local farms for a variety of berry crops, or look for fresh fruit at one of the many area farmers markets.
Please check with the farm before you go, both to check on crop availability and make sure that they’re open. Also, remember to check the weather!
Insider tip: You can pick loads of wild strawberries for free in several locations in and around downtown Des Moines. Find them around City Hall between East Locust and Grand Ave and along the trail at Gray’s Lake Park. Berries are usually ripe the first week of June.
Berry Picking in and around Des Moines
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
Where: 3201 15th Ave Cumming, IA
What: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
When: late spring
Berry Patch Farm
Where: 62785 280th St, Nevada, IA 50201
What: Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, cherries, rhubarb, gooseberries, and currants
When: Strawberries are typically ready in June. Blueberries and cherries will be ready in July. Check the website for updates.
Bob’s Aronia Field
Where: 101 NE 72nd Pl, Ankeny, IA 50023
What: Pick your own and pre-picked aronia berries. Cash only.
When: Call or e-mail for times 515-709-0388; [email protected]
Center Grove Orchard
Where: 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046
What: U-pick strawberries. Regular admission to the Farmyard includes access to view the Strawberry Patch. To enter the patch, a picking container needs to be purchased.
When: Starting late May/early June. Check Facebook and website for picking updates.
Edge of the Woods Raspberry Farm
Where: 15285 Fairfax St, Indianola, IA 50125
What: Red and black raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, tart cherries
When: Opens mid-May. Check their Facebook page for details on when the fruit is ready to be picked.
Iowa Orchard
Where: 13140 NW 102nd Avenue, Granger, IA 50109. The patch is located on the south side of Highway 141
What: Pick your own strawberries, you MUST have an appointment to pick.
When: June. Call 515-276-0852 or check their Facebook page to reserve a time slot
Stewart Farm Produce
Where: 11687 NE 126th Ave, Maxwell, IA 50161
What: You pick strawberries and raspberries
When: Call 515-967-6963 for details
Timberlea Farm
Where: 705 SW Ringgold Street, Boone, IA 50036
What: Aronia berries, U-pick, and already picked. Uses natural growing practices.
When: Call for times; 515-432-9251
Upstream Gardens & Orchard
Where: 5987 NE 88th St, Altoona, IA 50009
What: asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, currants, raspberries, cherries, mulberries, peaches, pears, plums
When: Check the Facebook page for dates and times
Berry Meadows
Where: 7157 NE 56th Street, Bondurant (on the bike trail!)
What: Aronia berries
When: April – September
Where is your favorite place to pick berries?
Send us an email if we missed anything, and we’ll add it to the list.
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.
