Editor’s note: updated to reflect current Phase 3 conditions.
My kids can’t get enough of berries. For them, the only thing better than eating sweet strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries is picking them. We are very fortunate that we live in an area where picking unlimited berries are within driving distance. So my family makes a point to go out every year and make a family tradition out of it.
U-Pick Strawberries Near Lake County
Strawberry picking season usually starts the middle of June and lasts anywhere from 2-4 weeks, so plan your visit(s) accordingly. All dates are tentative and you must call ahead to confirm crop status and picking conditions.
Straerry Picking in Southern Wisconsin
Berryville Farm
424 13th Ave., Racine, WI| (262) 498-6648
Currently not opening to the public. Check the Facebook page for updates near the end of June.
Thompson’s Strawberry Farm
14000 75th St., Bristol, WI.| (262) 857-2353
Weekday picking from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on weekends in June and July, opening weekend was June 12 and it was picked out. They expect heavy picking this year so check the Facebook page for updates and picking conditions. Thompson’s strawberry farm provides a traditional strawberry picking experience for the whole family with 20 acres of strawberries. This business ONLY accepts CASH. And be sure to read Loralie’s review of Thompson’s before heading out to pick strawberries!
Berry Farms in McHenry County
Full details on all these farms can be found on Little McHenry County.
Cody’s Farm and Orchard
19502 River Rd., Marengo | (815) 482-4125
Daily picking hours, once the season opens, is from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Opening June 13. You must buy containers from Cody’s.
Heider’s Berry Farm
1106 N. Queen Anne Rd., Woodstock | (815) 338-0301
Daily picking hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., June 15- September (Frost). They offer strawberry and raspberry picking. Cash or check only.
Stade’s Farm and Market
2709 W. Miller Rd., McHenry
Daily picking hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m; farm opens in mid-June (exact day to be announced). There is a $4.00 minimum purchase per person required to enter the strawberry patch (which is a 1-quart basket). Read Little Lake County’s review of Stade’s — it may answer any questions you may have.
Tom’s Farm and Market
10214 Algonquin Rd., Huntley | (847) 669- 3421
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Harvest happens only once a year and is expected to open June 16,
U-Pick Blueberries, Raspberries, and Cherries in Southern Wisconsin
Klee’s Out on a Limb Acres {Currants, gooseberries, and elderberries}
4704 W. Seven Mile Rd., Caledonia, WI *| (262) 835-7728
(* when using GPS to get here, be sure to enter the full zip code 53108-9740 to find the exact location.) Klee’s is generally open between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. but call ahead to confirm. Currents are offered during the last week of June, and gooseberries starting the first week of July. They also offer elderberries starting in August, but the birds tend to diminish this crop early. 2020 Plans are still pending so watch their Facebook Page.
Thompson’s Strawberry Farm {Raspberries}
14000 75th St., Bristol, WI | (262) 857-2353
Raspberry picking is available Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., depending on conditions. Raspberries are $5 per pint or $10 per quart. Containers are provided for picking and transporting. Check out Loralie’s review of Thompson’s Strawberry Farm for more information.
U-Pick Berries in McHenry County
See Little McHenry County for full farm information on these farms.
Heider’s Berry Farm {Black raspberries and gold raspberries}
1106 Queen Anne Rd., Woodstock | (815) 338-0301
Picking daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Black raspberries are offered from July until August and gold raspberries can be picked July through September. There are also pre-picked cherries for sale. Please note that currently only cash or checks are accepted here.
McCann’s Berry Farm {Blueberries}
18110 Kishwaukee Valley Rd., Woodstock | (815) 568-8810
Blueberry picking is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. Wednesday hours are from 8:00 a.m. until picked out (generally by 2:00 p.m.) and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until picked out (generally by 1:00 p.m.).
U-pick Blueberries will be ready in July. Read Little Lake County’s review of McCann’s before heading out!
Stade’s Farm and Market {Raspberries}
2709 W. Miller Rd., McHenry | 815-675-6396
Raspberry picking offered daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The summer crop begins early in July and the fall crop begins in mid-August and continues to produce until early to mid-October.
Do you know of any other places to pick delicious berries? Tell us about them in the comments section below.
Any organic places for strawberry picking? Usually kids eat while picking before washing and if pesticides and herbicides are used, so many chemicals we are consuming.
I don’t know of any nearby. There was one in Libertyville (Radical Roots) but they closed last fall.