The 20 Best Apple Orchards In America

Whether looking for a scenic getaway, all-family fun, or filling up your baskets with seasonal fruit, one of the best ways to celebrate the harvest season is to visit an apple orchard near you. From mid-summer to the first frosts in late autumn, orchards around the country lure apple-pickers with an onslaught of entertainment: Among the corn mazes, hayrides, and wine tastings, you'll find a lingering smell of freshly baked donuts and pies and plenty more activities to fill up your day at the farm.

Starting with the first apple orchard in Boston in 1620s by William Blaxton, there are now over 5,000 apple farms across the country, growing around 2,500 apple varieties, from the old-time favorites like Gala and Golden Delicious to newer breeds like the premium Honeycrisp. It's enough to visit Weston's Antique Apples Orchard in Wisconsin, and you'll be blown away by the names of apples you never knew existed.

To put you on track for the harvest season, we've compiled a list of our favorite apple orchards in America. There's one for everyone, depending on where you are and (or) how far you're willing to travel — just remember to check the harvest calendar, as some fruits run short very quickly.

Terhune Orchards is a year-round farm sanctuary for the whole family. Gary and Pam Mount's hard work has transformed Terhune Orchards from a 55-acre farm in 1975 to a thriving 250-acre property today. The vast landscape is decorated with more than 35 varieties of apple trees, a vineyard, and a wide selection of sustainably grown organic fruits and vegetables.

This family-owned orchard boasts it's own production of crisp cider and wine. The orchard is also known for a generous marketplace brimming with farm-grown and local artisanal products — including Fruitwood Orchard Honey and Arctic Ice Cream.

To fully immerse yourself in farm life, you can enjoy a variety of activities, from picking apples and berries to taking a stroll along the scenic farm trail. The orchard also hosts several events throughout the year, including kite day, firefly festival, and family fun fall weekends.

Within the curves of East Fishkill, New York, you'll find Fishkill Farms, a thriving 270-acre orchard and farm that has been a treasured sanctuary for over a century. Established by Henry Morgenthau Jr. in 1913, this organic-certified orchard perfectly illustrates the balance between the earth's generosity and human effort.

During the spring season, Fishkill Farms is a picturesque sight with its blooming cherries and strawberry fields. The farm transforms into an apple and pumpkin paradise as autumn sets in. While strolling amidst the rows of fruit-laden trees, you can fill your basket with the vast 28 apple varieties, including the farm favorite Pixie Crunch and crispy and sweet Crimson Topaz. They make a delicious Treasury Cider on-site, too — every bottle is a tribute to the legacy of Henry Morgenthau Jr.

Established by Bill and Adele Mercier in 1943, Mercier Orchards is a family-owned orchard that has been thriving for four generations. Today, Tim Mercier carries on the family tradition with the same passion and dedication to this huge 200-acre orchard.

The bustling market at Mercier is stocked with the season's best produce. The spotlight is on the apples, of course, with over 50 seasonal varieties, including the iconic Crimson Crisp and Empire. Along with the apples, you can find sweet potatoes, onions, juicy tomatoes, and a colorful display of squash.

At Mercier Orchards, you'll be treated to a feast. The bakery lures you in with freshly made apple cider donuts, fritters, and pies, while at the winery, you can quench your thirst with house-made ciders and wines.

In the apple-growing foothills of historic Oak Glen, California, Riley's Farm offers an immersive experience that transports you back to colonial America. Here, you can handpick century-old apples while finding yourself shouldering a musket to defend the American Colonies or panning for gold in the gold rush era.

The orchard features a wide selection of heirloom apple varieties, many of which were once forgotten. New trees are planted yearly to restore the old orchards, focusing on flavor rather than appearance. Although their apples may not look perfect, they are downright delicious.

At Riley's Farm, you'll find more than just apple-picking. The Hawk's Head restaurant and bakery serve colonial-inspired treats such as braised beef, potato pie, or soup in a sourdough bread bowl. And for dessert, you don't want to miss their famous apple pie.

Honey Pot Hill Orchards is a well-known attraction in Stow, Massachusetts. It was established in 1926 when Clifford Martin took over a 70-acre farm, which has since expanded to 186 acres. With the only goal in mind (to grow the best fruit), the father-daughter team of Andrew and Chelcie Martin nurtures the abundance of crops under the New England sky, from rows of apple trees to peaches and blueberries — "Pick your own" is also available.

If you're looking for the fluffiest cider donuts, bottled jams, and jellies, Honey Pot Hill Orchards farm store is a spot you don't want to miss. While there, hop on a hayride and explore the orchard's mazes while taking in the breathtaking scenery. And, be sure not to leave without trying the Honey Pot Hill cider.

Located in the heart of Boulder County, Colorado, YA YA Farm and Orchard greets you with remarkable views of the majestic Front Range. The orchard opens its doors to apple, pear, and berry-picking enthusiasts from July to October. 

YA YA Farm and Orchard is home to over 120 heirloom apple varieties, from the tart Montmorency Cherry that kicks things off in the summer to the crisp and juicy Honeycrisp that dominates the mid-season harvest. You also get a unique opportunity to adopt an apple tree — by contributing to its care, you receive your slice of the harvest each year.

This charming location offers more than a chance to pick great apples. Whether strolling through the lush flower gardens with a freshly baked apple pie or visiting a gourd painting event, you will cherish the time spent here.

Located in the heart of Jefferson, Iowa, Deal's Orchard is a slice of apple heaven. Frank Deal, the orchard's founder, kickstarted this family legacy in 1917, transforming his hobby into a thriving business. Now spanning five generations, the Deal family welcomes you with their warm hospitality.

If you love fruit, you'll find Deal's Orchard to be a paradise. With over 40 acres of apple trees that boast more than 25 unique varieties, there's something for everyone: whether you prefer tangy Honeycrisp or want a bite of nostalgic Red Delicious. And, don't forget to try their award-winning sweet cider.

At Deal's, you can get lost in a corn maze, jump on pillows, and glide down the giant slides, or join the annual Fall Festival. The family-friendly orchard also draws crowds with its pumpkin patches, lively music, and other flavorful surprises.

Spicer Orchards in Fenton has been a family-owned and operated establishment for five generations. Spicers started their first farm near Detroit in the early 1920s, and after years of hard work, they relocated to the Hartland farm in 1967.

During the season, visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the orchards and handpick apples and berries. And, if you come here with the whole family, a corn maze, hayrides, and a pumpkin patch await.

The charming Victorian carriage house-inspired market building at Spicer Orchards provides a range of treats throughout the year. The farm is renowned for its delectable donuts, handcrafted fudge, and artisanal cheeses. In 2009, Spicer added a winery that has taken the orchards' reputation to new heights with an impressive selection of hard ciders, fruit wines, as well as a more classic take on the wine.

The story of Aamodt Apple Farm started in 1948 with Thor and Lucille Aamodt's dream to grow apples. With the help of their son Tom, they made their dream a reality. Today, this beautiful orchard, run by the third and fourth generations of Aamodts, boasts over 6,000 apple trees spanning over 50 acres of land.

Aamodt applies sustainable practices on the farm by using fewer pesticides and allowing fallen apples to enrich the soil naturally. This means you can be sure you will taste naturally delicious apples whatever you pick.

The family also runs a bakery on-site where you can indulge in apple brats, homemade cookies, and the softest cinnamon donuts. Pair these delights with award-winning Minnesota wines from the winery, or savor the freshly pressed Thor's Hard Cider.

Boa Vista Orchards, located in Placerville, California, proudly carries on the Visman family's legacy. Carl Visman Sr. started by growing potatoes on the land and later expanded to plums, grapes, and pears. In the 1960s, apple trees were first introduced to the farm. Today, this orchard — almost 125 years old –  has become known for producing some of the best apples, Asian pears, and peaches in the country.

At Boa Vista Orchards, you can indulge in a fantastic selection of baked goods, including pies, donuts, and freshly made pastries. The cider mill presses fresh cider, and if you fancy a decent American meal, head to the BBQ Grill & Deli, which serves comforting burgers and hot dogs. And, don't forget to treat yourself to a wine tasting that runs daily!