2024 Northwestern Illinois Pumpkin U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pumpkin U-Pick Orchards in Northwestern Illinois in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for pumpkins that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have pumpkins farms that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Bureau County

• Bureau Creek Orchard - Apples, red raspberries, pumpkins
  14180 1800 East St, Princeton, IL 61356. Phone: (815)875-6137. Open: 9 am to 6:30 pm daily from August 25 to November. Click here for a map and directions. Restrooms on site. Just opened this year in August.

Henry County

• Country Corner - corn (sweet), melons, other berries, pumpkins, raspberries, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other fruit or veg, prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  5333 U. S. highway 150, Alpha, IL 61413. Phone: 309-629-2359. Email: rtf205@sbcglobal.net. Open: daily late July to October 31st Flashlight Maze by apointment Sept 1st to October 31st Haunted Maze Friday and Saturday 7pm to 11pm in Oct. Directions: Halfway between the Illinois Quad Cities and Galesburg, IL. on U.S. highway 150, two miles North of Alpha, IL. Just twenty minuetes from the Quad City Airport. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. Fax: 3096292359 Crops are usually available in May, June, July, August, September, OctoberFarm Market Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm Sunday 10 am to 6 pm May 1st; through October 31st Fall Fun Park open on weekend's starting September 13th through October 31st; 11 am to 7 pm. Strawberries available mid May to mid June U-Pick Vegetables by apointment July to October U-Pick Rasberries mid July to Mid Sept U-Pick Pumpkins Sept 1st to October 31st Corn Maze Open U-Pick Hayrack Rides to the Vegetable Garden, Sweet Corn, Indian Corn, Gourd Patch and Pumpkin Patch New this Fall, Featuring our own Corn Cannon, Cow Train, Mini Corn Shock Maze and Mining For Gems along with Special events every weekend starting September 13th.

Marshall County

• Hilly Lane Pumpkins - carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, sunflowers, zinnias, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs
  465 State Route 17, Sparland, IL 61565. Phone: (309) 238-1057. Email: 4440schaer@yahoo.com. Open: Opens the weekend after Labor Day Daily from 8 am to 7 pm. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: (309) 238-9276 6 miles west of Sparland on 465 State Route 17 Sparland 4 miles East of State Route 40 on 465 State Route 17 Sparland. Sweetcorn and a variety of vegetables through the middle of October Watermelons through September(ADDED: August 17, 2022)
• Schneider Orchard - fresh apples, pumpkins
  1036 County Road, 1150 North; Henry, IL 61537. Phone: . Click here for a map and directions.
• Tanner's Orchard - Pick your own apples, Apples, cider, grapes, pumpkins, cider, Christmas decorations, gourmet foods, candles, jams and apple butter, bakery, deli, School tours, restrooms, picnic areas, kids petting zoo and play area,
  740 State Route 40, Speer, IL 61749. Phone: 309-493-5442. Email: info@tannersorchard.com. Open: July and August, M-Sa 8 am to 5 pm, closed on Sunday; then in September and October: daily 8 am to 8 pm U-Pick open 10 am to 5 pm Daily. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash and credit cards welcome.
  Tanner's Orchard Facebook page. . July and August, M-Sa 8 am to 5 pm, closed on Sunday; then in September and October: daily 8 am to 8 pm (U-Pick open 10 am to 5 pm Daily). and in November: M-Sa 8 am to 5 pm, and closed on SundayTanners Orchard Facebook page. Tanners also has hayrack rides and a corn maze in the Fall! The orchard sports over 11,000 trees and 17 varieties of apples. We grow over 20 acres of pumpkins along with various other fruits and vegetables. Find a large assortment of gifts and delicious food offerings in our Farm Market and Apple Bin Bakery. Our Back 40 Fun Acres will keep the entire family busy for the day.
  Comments from a visitor on September 16, 2012: "I have been going to Tanner's since I was a little girl and now take time out to drive my family a fair distance to visit them every year. We absolutely love the variety of activities, food choices, market items and fun we have when there. I have also taken my girl scouts to do their tour for kids, however they are strict in scheduling these only during their designated time. The tour is a great option and provides a lot. Covered wagon rides out to the orchard and pumpkin patch, samples of donuts and cider (1 donut per person and Gallon(s) of cider, color books, behind scene tour of packing, storing, cider making areas, etc. plus access to the back 40 activity/playground area is included in the price. "
  Comments from a visitor on September 13, 2010: "The has been around for decades as a U-Pick apple farm. They have a great playground and petting zoo for the kids along with corn mazes. They are best known for their apple cider donuts and apple cider, but also have a large bakery/market too. Love the orchard and have been going since I was a kid. Now taking my kids too it, and they keep adding more activities."
  Comments from a visitor on November 18, 2009: "Tanners Orchard has become a family destination with fresh apples and pumpkins, a bakery, a large county farm market, wagon rides to the orchard for pick your own fruit, a corn maze and a children's playground with farm animals. I have a blast every time I visit Tanners Orchard. The people are friendly, the food is good, and the price is right. And it's fun! My husband and I are addicted and visit frequently every year."

Mercer County

• Country Corner - strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins, corn maze, Petting zoo
  5333 US Highway 150, Alpha, IL 61413. Phone: (309) 629-2359. Email: info@countrycornerfarm.com. Open: April through October, Every Day: Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Click here for directions. Restrooms, Picnic area, crops CC accepted, Petting zoo, u-pick strawberries, raspberries. Fall festival: Haunted corn maze, Kid friendly corn maze, bounce houses, hay rack rides,concessions and much much more!
  Comments from a visitor on September 15, 2011: "Love going every year! my family has such a GREAT time..I was looking for something similar in Peoria and noticed that your site did not have this place listed, and since we love it I thought you should add it..(I believe organic but not certain),"

Putnam County

• Boggios Orchard and Produce - Pick Your Own apples and pumpkins, petting zoo, fresh apple cider, Indian corn, variety of squash, Corn Maze, popcorn, and gourds, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, group tours
  12087 Illinois Hwy 71, Granville, IL 61326. Phone: 815-339-2245. Email: info@boggiosorchardandproduce.com. Open: SUMMER HOURS Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Directions: From the intersection of SR \(State Route\) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go east on I 80 for 4.3 miles to Exit 61I 180. Go south on I 180 for 13.4 miles. At the Connecting Road exit, take the ramp for SR 71 and go east 4.9 miles to the market on the right. Daily, July through mid November. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Boggios Orchard and Produce Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 815/339-2460 From the intersection of SR (State Route) 26 and I 80 in Princeton, go east on I 80 for 4.3 miles to Exit 61/I 180. Go south on I 180 for 13.4 miles. At the Connecting Road exit, take the ramp for SR 71 and go east 4.9 miles to the market on the right. Daily, July through mid November. Boggio's Orchard and Produc Facebook page. Handicap Accessible; Restrooms; Hiking; Picnic area, Fresh picked vegetables and bake items. Peddle cars, jumping pillow, bunny bounce, animal feeding and climbing tunnels.
  Comments from a visitor on October 20, 2012: "I had a blast petting the animals and they have a delicious bakery! "
  Comments from a visitor on October 08, 2010: "I'm originally from that area so I've been there several times. It's a nice time with the family, but not as big as Tanner's Orchard in Speer, IL "

Rock Island County

• Happy Hollow U-Pick - asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, broad beans, broccoli, carrots, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant (aubergine), flowers, melons, onions, other berries, peas, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables
  17325 - 20th Avenue North, East Moline, IL 61244. Phone: 309-496-1515. Email: Owners@HappyHollowUPick.com. Open: May: Asparagus Monday-Saturday from 12:00-5:00; June-July-Sept. Directions: 1 mile north of the Quad City Downs or 1 mile west of the Interstate 80 and 88 interchange. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Happy Hollow U-Pick Facebook page. . May: (Asparagus ) Monday-Saturday from 12:00-5:00; June-July-Sept.: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., from 8:30-5:00, Wednesday 8:30-7:00 and Saturday 8:30-6; Closed Sundays and Holidays; then in October: Mon, Tues., Thurs - Fri 8:30-5, Wed., 8:30-7:00 and Saturday 8:30-6, Sunday 12:00-5; HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT A DAYS NOTICE; If you arrive at the farm 15 minutes before closing, you will not be allowed to go to the field to pick. Facebook pageClick here for a map to our farm. We are open May, October. Our claim to fame is the number of varieties of Hot Peppers that we grow. We grow about 30 varieties ranging from 0 on the Scovill rating up to 550,000. Our 48 varieties of vegetables are grown for taste and not high production yields. We also raise goats and sheep for meat and or pet sales. Month of October, We have a Haunted Hovel in conjunction with our local Barstow Volunteer Fire Dept. Voted in the Quad Cities to be the best for the last couple of years. Weekend Evenings in October.
• Shady Knoll Farm - flowers, pumpkins, squash
  3115 Dennhardt Road, East Moline, IL 61244. Phone: 309-496-9636. Email: shadyknollfarm1863@yahoo.com. Open: 10 am to 5 pm daily. Directions: I-80 exit 4A west, 1 mile on Rte. 5, right on Hubbard, quick right; or call for directions. The ONLY pyo . Click here for a map and directions. Shady Knoll Farm crops offered are Pumpkins and flowers. . We have a variety of fresh-picked vegetables available to buy through the summer and our pumpkins are you-pick in the fall. raise 30 varieties of squash and pumpkins that we sell in the fall at our pumpkin patch. At our traditional family patch we have 2 corn field mazes, a bale maze for the kids, bunnyville, and a petting zoo. (UPDATED: May 26, 2020)

Winnebago County

• Curran's Orchard - Tart Cherries (on dwarf trees) Apples (on dwarf trees), raspberries, straw maze, hayrides and pumpkins.
  6385 Kilburn Ave. (Route 70), Rockford, IL 61101. Phone: 815-963-7848. Email: p.d.curran@att.net. Open: for Cherry picking in summer and for Apples in Fall. Click here for a map and directions.
  Curran's Orchard Facebook page. Raspberries: pick your own in August - October. Tart Cherries, pick your own in late June - early July. Pumpkins, enjoy picking that perfect pumpkin from our pumpkin patch, or chose from our pre-picked pumpkins. Complimentary hay wagon rides through the orchard on weekends. Evening wagon rides for groups (by reservation only). Mini straw bales maze! School Tours! A petting corral with farm animals for the kids to enjoy. A glass observation bee hive in the sales barn with live bees (don't worry, the bees are enclosed in the glass hive). Great tasting jams, apple butter, salad dressings, and real maple syrup. Facebook page. Restrooms and picnic area available. September thru November: 9 am to 6 pm, six days a week (closed Mondays). November thru December: 9 am to 5 pm, six days a week (closed Mondays).
• Edwards Apple Orchards - apples, raspberries, pumpkins
  8218 Cemetry Road, Winnebago, IL 61088. Phone: (815) 963-2261. Open: see their website for current crops and hours. Click here for a map and directions.
  Edwards Apple Orchards Facebook page. For a fun family outing enjoy the experience of picking your own apples, pumpkins and raspberries. Visit the play area featuring our wooden bus and train, the corn cribs, the wagon slide and our animals in the "Petting Farm."
• Valley Orchard - apples, beans, blackberries, blueberries, corn (sweet), pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), rhubarb, winter squash, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, picnic area, school tours
  911 East State Street, Cherry Valley, IL 61016. Phone: 815-332-9696. Email: thevalleyorchard@outlook.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. These are some of the apples that we offer; if you do not see your favorite apple listed, please call, we have over 28 varieties. (This is only an estimate of when the apples will be ready, please call for U-Pick availability.) facebook page. Early Season (August ~ September) has Early Gold, Paula Red, Royal Gala, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Jonamac, Snow Sweet, Haralson, Sept. Wonder Fugi, Wolf River. Mid Season (September ~ October) offers Ozark Gold, Senshu, Cortland, Jonathan, Jonagold, Empire, MaCoun, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, Golden Russet, Crimson Crisp, Autumn Blush, Autumn Gala, Ida Red. Late Season (October ~ November) is Shizuka, Blushing Gold, Rome, Fuji, Winesap, Suncrisp, Candy Crisp, Braeburn, New Town Pippin, Cameo, See comments about this farm here! Click here for farms in South and Central Illinois

 

Pumpkin

Pumpkin Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Do you want it for a party, decoration or eating?

For a wedding or party:

See this page: Finding pumpkins for weddings

Decoration to paint or carve:

OK, Then you need only look for any pumpkin that is

• visually appealing, evenly a deep orange. The shape is just whatever appeals to you. If it grew on its side and has a flat spot, you can either make that the make or use it as part of your design!
• free from cuts, soft spots, bruises. The flesh should feel hard, and not give easily. Infections can invade easily and cause rot
• Make sure the stem is attached.

Store it carefully, especially if you pick it from the vine yourself. Cure a fresh-picked pumpkin by keeping it in a dry place. Don't handle or disturb it. Curing toughens the rind, making it less prone to rot. Pumpkins will keep for months in a cool (50 F to 65F dry, low humidity environment; such as a cool, dry basement.

Tip: If you like roasted or baked pumpkin seeds, you can save the seeds from any pumpkin!

To make a pumpkin pie!

Then you need a small, sweet type of pumpkin that has been developed for eating. They are smaller, typically about 8" to 10" diameter. The meat is much less stringy and smoother than a decorative pumpkin variety. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and potassium. One-half cup of cooked pumpkin provides more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains only 81 calories. It's low in fat and sodium! Usually you can get these at the grocery store, and some of the pumpkin patches and farm stands have them. Be sure to tell them that you intend to use it for a pumpkin pie. Again, look for firm, no soft spots, or signs of any rot. See this page for easy, illustrated directions to make a pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin!

Varieties of Pumpkins

• Sugar - Excellent for baking
• Jack O'Lantern - most common for carving
• White Lumina - unusual, medium-sized white pumpkin
• Mini - Great for decoration
• Gourds - Many varieties, used for decorations

For a very complete, detailed list of many varieties of pumpkins and where to get the seeds, see this page!

Want to Grow Your Own Pumpkins?

Then see this page!

Pumpkin recipes

• How to prepare cooked pumpkin from a fresh pumpkin (for use in all the recipes)
• Illustrated instructions to make a pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin - the best pumpkin pie you will ever taste! (metric version for the UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, etc.)
• How to home-can pumpkin (in a cooked, cubed form) and why you shouldn't home-can the pureed forms.
• Traditional Pumpkin Pie
• Chocolate pumpkin pie
• Pumpkin Spice Muffins
• Pumpkin muffins
• Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Butter!
• Pumpkin cheesecake - INCREDIBLE!!! You have to try this one!
• Pumpkin Cookies
• Pumpkin soup - even if you normally aren't a soup lover; you will love this one.
• Butternut-Chestnut Panchetta-Bacon Soup - Pumpkin or Butternut squash combines with chestnuts and bacon, ham or panchetta in this great soup
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
• No Sugar Pumpkin Pie
• Apple Cider Doughnut Recipe (with maple glaze or sugar glaze)

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers