While the start of the fall season looks quite a bit different this year, there is one activity that is still available for you to participate in -- apple and pumpkin picking!
Most apple orchards and pumpkin patches have put protocols in place to do their part to ensure that guests stay safe and socially distanced from one another. Some have cancelled their big fall festivals, closed their hayrides or added curbside pickup to their offerings. However you choose to participate in apple and pumpkin picking this year, here is your updated list of your options close(ish) to Milwaukee, with Covid-19 protocols added!
As always, check the website of the orchard or patch you choose to make sure they are still offering what you're looking for and to make sure you're prepared for their Covid protocol as well as the recommended CDC guidelines! While we have tried to be as informational as possible, there may be information related to individual protocol that we have missed, so PLEASE call the orchard before you plan your trip.
Happy picking!
Apple and Pumpkins (for those of us who like to pick both in one day)
Apple Holler : All pickers must wash hands upon entering the orchard and all guests must wear a mask. Masks are available for purchase.
The Appleberry Farm : Weekend reservations are required.
Appleland Farm Market : Masks are required in the market and strongly encouraged in the orchard. Now offering curbside pickup.
Barthel Fruit Farm : Strict signage posted, please follow posted signs.
Basse's Country Delight Farm Market
Basse's Taste of Country : Masks are required indoors and strongly encouraged for guests over 2 years of age in the orchard. All transactions are cashless -- credit, debit, or mobile payments only. Capacity is set to reflect government recommendations.
The Little Farmer : Masks are required indoors. No self-serve bakery this year. Playground is closed and hayrides are cancelled. Orders can be placed 24 hours in advance and must be pre-paid.
Apples
Door Creek Orchard : Reservations are required for pick-your-own. Masks required for anyone over the age of 5 in all areas except the pick-your-own apple rows where they are strongly suggested. You may not bring your own bag/container, you must purchase a recyclable plastic bag in 5 or 10 lb sizes at the main garage. Pre-picked fruit is available at an outdoor station where credit is preferred.
Elegant Farmer : Masks are required.
The Orchard Store at Old Homestead : Pre-orders are available on their website for contactless pickup. Indoor store is closed, but a walk-up window is available.
Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Company : Masks are required indoors and strongly encouraged outdoors.
Pumpkins
The Barn at Buechler Farms : Masks are required indoors and strongly encouraged outdoors.
Busy Barns Adventure Farm : Masks are required on hayrides, indoors, and outdoors when you are within 6 feet of others outside of your group.
Creekside Valley Farm : No hayrides this year.
Jerry Smith Country Store & Pumpkin Farm : Masks are strongly encouraged at all times.
Jim's Pumpkin Farm : No hayrides this year.
Land of the Giants Pumpkin Farm
Linders Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze : Petting zoo and train ride closed this year.
Meadowbrook Pumpkin Farm & Market
Swan's Pumpkin Farm : Fall 2020 safety precautions will be listed at a later date.