2024 Central Illinois Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Central Illinois in 2024, by county

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

Not all areas of a state have strawberries 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.

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Adams County

• Mill Creek Farm - pumpkins, strawberries, and prepicked produce, restrooms
  2833 S. 48th Street, Quincy, IL 62305. Phone: 217-222-8430. Email: roegge@adams.net. Open: Strawberries- open Monday to Saturday, Pumpkins open daily Strawberries available usually mid May thru early June. Directions: 2.5 miles south of Broadway \(Route 104\) on 48th Street in Quincy. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Mill Creek Farm Facebook page. Strawberries- open Monday to Saturday, Pumpkins open daily Strawberries available (usually) mid May thru early June2.5 miles south of Broadway (Route 104) on 48th Street in QuincyPicking Updates: click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in May, June, October., early June begins the strawberry season at. Facebook pageThey also have fresh-picked asparagus. They pick asparagus fresh every day as weather conditions allow, usually from mid April through early June. Please call our answering machine to check availability. (UPDATED: June 17, 2024, JBS)

Cass County

• Bottens Lopez Greenhouse and Garden - beans, broad beans, corn (sweet), cucumbers, herbs or spices, melons, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes,
  4095 Crooked Lane, Beardstown, IL 62618. Phone: 217-371-1492. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 217-320-1886UPDATE for 2021, I haven't had in years. Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were Monday to Thursday, from 9 am to 12 pm; Saturday 8 am to 6 pm; April to October

Christian County (Springfield area)

• Big M Berry Patch - Strawberries, Black Raspberries, Blackberries,
  928 E 1090 North Road, Taylorville, IL 62568. Phone: (217) 824-6625. Open: Call first: 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: Route 48W, right on County Road 900E, first turn right on CR 1090, first place on right. . Click here for a map and directions. click here for a map Big "M" Berry Patch also has hay mazes, and pumpkin picking in the Fall

Edgar County

• Bess Berries - strawberries, U-pick and already picked
  175 Illinois Highway 1 (Oliver), Marshall, IL 62441. Phone: 217/466-0740. Email: mjbess2@yahoo.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 6 pm; Sunday 9 am to 6 pm. Directions: on I-70 MarshallParis Exit; turn north; 4 miles on Highway 1 to Oliver; left hand side. Sign along Highway and a Big wooden Strawberry!. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. on I-70 Marshall/Paris Exit; turn north; 4 miles on Highway 1 to Oliver; left hand side. Sign along Highway and a Big wooden Strawberry!Strawberries: May 15 to June 6 You pick or We pick

Iroquois County

• Mulberry Lane Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, asparagus, beans, beets, blueberries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, currants (red and black), grapes, onions, other berries, peppers, raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, strawberries, Fresh eggs, porta-potties are available, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
  414 N Mulberry Street, Loda, IL 60948. Phone: 217-386-2690. Email: helen@mulberrylanefarm.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 7 pm; Closed Sunday; Open from April 1 to October 1;Strawberry U Pick starts in early May, BY RESERVATION ONLY. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Mulberry Lane Farm Facebook page. Please call ahead and reserve a spot! The demand is high this year, so don't miss out; Farm shop is open Saturdays year round from 8 am to 8 pmWe use natural practices, but are not yet certified OrganicFacebook page. 2018 Prices starting out were $3.99 per lb. Minimum 5 lbs per person (12 years old and older). Already picked strawberries are also available by reservation only. 2018 prepicked prices are $5.99 per lb for the first week or two. Prices will drop further into the season. You are at the right place for organic food (all our USDA Certified Organic products are non-GMO and glyphosate free; no Roundup!) and canning supplies. Buy in bulk and save BIG money! We are certified organic by the Global Organic Alliance (GOA).

Knox County

• Nyman's Harvest Corner - strawberries.
  390 Knox Hwy. 8, Maquon, IL 61458. Phone: 309-342-5059. Open: They may have closed - the owner passed away in 2020, can anyone confirm ? May 1. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 309-462-5242 cnyman4@insightbb.com Hours: 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm Sunday. Call first. Roadside Market: fresh blueberries, strawberries, asparagus, honey and popcorn. Farm is one mile North of Herman Illinois on Knox County Route 8.

Macoupin County

• Backwoods Berry Farm - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches
  227244 Hettick & Scottsville Road, Hettick, IL 62649. Phone: (217) 436-2510. Email: info@backwoodsberryfarm.com. Open: U-Pick hours vary by season, call or check Facebook for more information. Click here for a map and directions. ick & Scottsville Road, Hettick, IL 62649., Closed Sundays; Strawberries - Mid to Late May; we start taking orders May 1st; Blueberries - Late June; we take orders in May & June; Blackberries -Mid to Late July; we take orders in May & June on a "first come/ first served" basis; Peaches - Early AugustAlways closed on Sundays. *Peaches - Early August;A visitor writes: "The owners are SO nice and helpful. They sell some related items, such as cookbooks too.."

McLean County

• Braffet Berry Farm - strawberries,
  9010 E 2250 N Rd, Carlock, IL 61725. Phone: 309-376-2012. Email: brafberi@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Sunday seven days a week from7 am to 6 pm; call for picking conditions. Directions: 5 miles west of Interstate 39 at Hudson, IL \(mile marker 5\) on county road 2250. Off 74 at the Carlock exit \(exit 120\) east on 150 follow U-pick signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Braffet Berry Farm Facebook page. Monday to Sunday (seven days a week) from7 am to 6 pm; call for picking conditions5 miles west of Interstate 39 at Hudson, IL (mile marker 5) on county road 2250. Off 74 at the Carlock exit (exit 120) east on 150 follow U-pick signsStrawberries usually begin on Memorial DayFacebook page. Strawberry season tends to start around Memorial Day weekend, and continue for 3-4 weeks depending again on Mother Nature. We sell them by the pound, and provide buckets which our customers can pick in. (UPDATED: June 1, 2024, JBS)

Montgomery County

• Kern Family Orchard - apples, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs
  7375 Mackay Avenue, Raymond, IL 62560. Phone: (217) 820-1266. Open: Call the farm for hours and crop availability. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Be sure to confirm crop availability and dates with the farm before you go there; they have no website, Facebook page, Instagram or anything online, and we no longer receive updates from the farm. (UPDATED: June 1, 2024, JBS) (ADDED: August 27, 2015)

Peoria County

• Crooked Row Farm - No pesticides are used raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked
  4623 E Lakeland, Chillicothe, IL 61523. Phone: (309) 657-5544. Email: crookedrowfarm@yahoo.com. Open: Times for U pick will be decided on a day to Day bases do to any weather changes. Directions: 3 miles south of Chillicothe 3 drive to the right off 29 look for sighs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Crooked Row Farm Alternate Phone: (309) 214-2896 U pick Strawberries is usually from June 1 to the 3 week of June Fall Red Raspberries is usually form Mid to late August to Frost. We do not use pesticides on the cropsStrawberries, Raspberries and some vegetables we are a U pick or we pick of any thing that is ready Only Organic fertilizers and natural pesticides are used (ADDED: May 06, 2021)
• The Weedy Garden - No pesticides are used, strawberries,
  13215 N Bland Road, Dunlap, IL 61525. Phone: (309) 645-1807. Email: theweedygarden@hotmail.com. Open: See our Facebook page for current hours; Strawberry season usually starts around Memorial Day the end of May and runs for about 3 to 4 weeks. Directions: Heading north on Knoxville Avenue, turn west \(left\) on Cedar Hills Drive. Follow Cedar Hills drive \(towards Dunlap\) until you reach Bland Road \(1.5 miles\). Make a right on Bland Road \(north\). We are 12 mile down Bland Road on the left hand side. You will see a white ranch, white pole barn and banner in the front yard. We do not use pesticides on the . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Venmo, PayPal, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . See our Facebook page for current hours; Strawberry season usually starts around Memorial Day (the end of May) and runs for about 3 to 4 weeksHeading north on Knoxville Avenue, turn west (left) on Cedar Hills Drive. Follow Cedar Hills drive (towards Dunlap) until you reach Bland Road (1.5 miles). Make a right on Bland Road (north). We are 1/2 mile down Bland Road on the left hand side. You will see a white ranch, white pole barn and banner in the front yard. We do not use pesticides on the crops(UPDATED: August 29, 2020) (ADDED: April 26, 2016)

Pike County

• Harvest Ridge Farm - Strawberries, eggs, fresh baked goods. farm market,
  18695 County HW 7, Pittsfield, IL 62363. Phone: (217) 982-9029. Open: Grand opening early May May 6, 2024 through June or until crop is done; Monday to Saturday 9 am to 4:30. Directions: See their website for directions. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Grand opening early May (May 6, 2024) through June or until crop is done; Monday to Saturday 9 am to 4:30. This is a local Pittsfield Amish family, Melvin and Lizzie Miller, that have recently moved to the area and getting their 1 acre U-pick patch up and going. Very nice family, bringing a great offering to the area. More offerings geared to families and children expected to come as they get settled and are able to expand. Also offer eggs, poly lawn furniture and fresh baked goods. pick your own crops, farm market, . (ADDED: April 29, 2024, Suggested by a visitor)

Sangamon County

• Jefferies Orchard - blueberries, cherries, strawberries, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises)
  1016 Jefferies Road, Springfield, IL 62625. Phone: 217/487-7845. Email: apples@jefferiesorchard.com. Open: Daily, from 7 am to 6 pm. Directions: Five miles north of Springfield, Illinois at intersection of Route 29 and Jefferies Road. Strawberries: late May to early June Cherries: June Blueberries: early July. Payment: Cash, Check. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Jefferies Orchard Facebook page. Facebook page.

Shelby County

• Just Berries - blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, picnic area, school tours
  233 N 2900 East Rd, Stewardson, IL 62463. Phone: 217-682-5588. Email: justberries1@gmail.com. Open: Strawberries open during May to June, Blueberries open June to July and Blackberries open July to August; All information is posted on Facebook or our website. Directions: From Effingham: Take Route 33 to 32 going to Stewardson. Turn right \(east\) at County Road 300. Go to the first intersection and turn right onto Cnty Road 2900. Go 12 mile and on the right side of the road is our farm. Please park in our circle driveway or alongside the road. To start picking, head to the tent . See the website for more detailed directions. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Just Berries Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 217-343-8348 Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesFrom Effingham: Take Route 33 to 32 going to Stewardson. Turn right (east) at County Road 300. Go to the first intersection and turn right onto Cnty Road 2900. Go 1/2 mile and on the right side of the road is our farm. Please park in our circle driveway or alongside the road. To start picking, head to the tent . See the website for more detailed directions No pets of any kind allowed on the farm. (UPDATED: July 30, 2016)

Tazewell County

• Schaer's Country Market - strawberries
  1118 Spring Bay Road, East Peoria, IL 61611. Phone: (309) 698-2234. Open: June, 10 am to 6 pm on Monday thru Friday, 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday; Call 309-369-8034 after 8 am to make appointments. Directions: 1 and 12 miles off Rte. 116 on Rte. 26 \(Spring Bay Road\). We are a farm market specializing in U pick strawberries, fresh picked homegrown sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes and more. Fall takes us into pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks etc. . Click here for a map and directions. 1 and 1/2 miles off Rte. 116 on Rte. 26 (Spring Bay Road). We are a farm market specializing in U pick , fresh picked homegrown sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes and more. Fall takes us into pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks etc. Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, grave blankets begins day after Thanksgiving. (ADDED: December 05, 2020, JBS)

Warren County

• Monmouth College Educational Farm and Garden - blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, vegetables, eggs
  N. 12th Street, Monmouth, IL 61462. Phone: . Email: craigw@monmouthcollege.edu. Open: see their Facebook page for updates. Click here for a map and directions.
  Monmouth College Educational Farm and Garden Facebook page.

 

Strawberry

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S. strawberries typically peak during April in Florida and Texas, May in the deep South, and in early June in middle sections and later June in the far North and Canada. Keep in mind that crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part of the state you are located. In order to produce good local strawberries, producers depend on ideal spring weather conditions. 

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
    
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for strawberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   
   
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping strawberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

Tips on How to Pick Strawberries

1. Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.

2. With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.

3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. 

4. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.

5. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick strawberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Be careful that your feet and knees do not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
   
2. Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
   
3. To help the farmers, also remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. If they are left in the plants, the rot will quickly spread to other berries.
   
4. Berries to be used immediately may be picked any time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked during the heat of the day become soft, are easily bruised and will not keep well.
   
5. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.
   
6. For interesting and fun strawberry facts and trivia from the California Strawberry Commission, click here!

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
3. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) See this page about how to freeze strawberries.
4. If you like the strawberries you picked, ask the farm what variety they planted, and not the weather conditions the week or two before. The flavor of a strawberry is affected by the variety, the weather and the degree of ripeness when picked.
5. Now, get ready to make strawberry jam. It is VERY easy - especially with our free strawberry jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy.

Strawberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Strawberries

• How to freeze strawberries!
• Strawberry jam (with pectin) (uses less sugar or honey and less cooking)
• Strawberry jam (without pectin) (requires much more sugar and cooking)
• Strawberry (and other berry) jams without sugar
• Strawberry jelly
• Strawberry-rhubarb jam!
• Homemade strawberry ice cream (regular, low fat, nonfat, low sugar, vanilla and even gelato)
• Canning strawberries
• Make gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries
• How to make fruit juice -  strawberry and other berries
• Strawberry pie filling
• Strawberry pie
• Easy Rhubarb-Strawberry pie
• Fig-strawberry jam
• Fig-strawberry jam, made with Jello gelatin

Strawberry Facts, Measurements and Tips

• Picking the best strawberries: Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue ripen after they are picked! In the photo, only the berry on the far right is completely ripe.
• Strawberry festivals: Most areas that grow strawberries have a strawberry festival, at which you can taste all kinds of fresh strawberry foods, pies, jams, cakes - and most commonly, fresh strawberry shortcake.  To find out where and when there is one near you, see this page for a list of strawberry festivals, sorted by state!
• Strawberries measurements: government agriculture websites tell us that
  1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and
  1 quart of fresh strawberries weighs 1 lbs to 1.25 lbs (or 450 to 600 g). Of course, the weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 
  1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings, although I'll admit my son can eat 1 pint by himself!
• How much to pick? In general, 1 quart of fresh, whole, just-picked strawberries = approximately 3.5 cups hulled, whole berries. In other words, removing the caps/hulls and the occasional mushy berry means you lose 1/4 cup to 1/2 (it depends how much fruit you remove with the hull) or about 7 to 12% of every quart you pick.
• One cup of strawberries contains only about 50 calories
• U-pick strawberries are much healthier than store-bought.  Consumer reports says store bought strawberries have so many pesticide and fungicide residues on they, that they don't recommend you eat them at all!
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. 1 lbs of fresh strawberries is about 2/3 of a quart.
• It takes about  10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries are reasonably plentiful
• The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds through plastic mulch!
• Cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the 1300's, but the berry only became very popular in the early 1900's in California.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as strawberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
• Want to grow your own strawberries?  Here's an article about how to: Strawberries are an Excellent Fruit for the Home Garden, HYG-1424-98!
• See this page for many more fun and interesting strawberry facts, nutritional information and trivia

Other weird strawberry facts

• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
• Strawberries were originally called strewberries because the fruit was 'strewn' amongst the leaves of the plant.
• California is king of strawberry productions because: California produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops; one billion pounds of strawberries each year.  If all the strawberries produced in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around the world 15 times. Each acre of land in California in strawberry production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually, with a total of 23,000 acres of strawberries planted in California each year.

More conversions

1 pint (2 cups)  of fresh whole strawberries

• = about 8 oz (1/2 lb) of strawberries
• = 2.25 cups of sliced strawberries
• = 1 cup pureed strawberries
• = 12-14 large strawberries

2 quarts of fresh strawberries are needed for a 9" pie

A 10 oz package of frozen berries is about the same as 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries

References:

• University of Illinois Extension
• Driscolls
• Ohio State University Extension
• Strawberries-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

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