Wills Family Orchard in Adel grows organic apples on a portion of the property. The harvest continues through mid-October. Photo: Ryan Arnst
This year’s autumnal equinox will occur precisely at 2:50 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, but some harbingers of fall are more obvious — like big, beautifully ripe apples. Here are three spots where you can pick your own. For more options, check out a bigger list from Travel Iowa.
3 Bee Farms Market & Orchard, Griswold: You may have seen its stand during the summer farmers market season, but this fall, why not go right to the source? This hidden gem in southwest Iowa is open daily through September and October, with a barnyard, pumpkin patch, corn maze and, of course, plenty of apples.
Wills Family Orchard, Adel: The central Iowa destination has a dozen varieties you can pick yourself or purchase in the farm store. There’s also a pumpkin patch, plus festival weekends with apple cider doughnuts, home-baked pie and caramel apples, a corn maze and hayrides.
Wilson’s Orchard & Farms, Iowa City: More than 80 varieties grow on the property’s 88 acres. In addition to apple-picking, there are tractor rides, plus a smokehouse, retail shop and a restaurant at Wilson’s Ciderhouse in a century-old barn.
