Illinois Apple Orchards
Go Apple Picking at One of the Best Illinois Apple Orchards
Since 1947, Tanners Orchard has welcomed anyone wanting an authentic country farm experience to one of the best Illinois apple orchards. Call us today at 309-493-5442 to schedule a birthday party, ask about our hours, or find out what’s cooking in our bakery and café.
To get the most out of your trip to Tanners Orchard, you need to take a ride through our orchard to pick your own apples. Enjoy our trademark covered wagon ride during Festival Days or go for a walk on weekdays. Please sign up for a wagon ride at our red U-Pick shed which is northeast of our Market and visible from the parking lot. We offer you over 11,000 trees and 17 unique varieties of apples. Plus, you can choose from six different varieties of pumpkins from our 20-acre pumpkin patch.
Our U-Pick schedule starts the first Saturday in September. It runs daily from 10 am to 5 pm through September and October. However, the last admission to the orchard is at 4:15 pm. Contact us online for more information about our orchard, our Back 40 Fun Acres, farm animals, or a lunch order.
Pick from 17 Varieties of Apple at Tanners Orchard
No two trips need to be the same at one of the best Illinois apple orchards. Tanners Orchard provides you with one of the widest selections of apples in Illinois. Whether you prefer a sweet Royal Gala or a tart Golden Delicious, we are the place to come. For your convenience, look at the following list of our apples and the best time to pick them:
- Early Gold – ripe in early August
- Ginger Gold – middle of August
- Royal Gala – mid August
- Honey Crisp – early September
- McIntosh – early September
- Cortland – early September
- Johnathan – mid September
- Golden Delicious – mid September
- Red Delicious – mid September
- Jonagold – mid September
- Cameo – late September
- Empire – late September
- Fuji – early October
- Braeburn – early October
- Gold Rush – late October
- Granny Smith – late October
- Pink Lady – late October
For your convenience, refer to our full chart for taste and recipe specialties for each variety of apple.
Delight in Sweet Treats from Our Apple Bin Bakery
Bring your sweet tooth when you visit one of the best Illinois apple orchards. Tanners Orchard cooks up home-made goodies all season long at our Apple Bin Bakery. Plus, you can also enjoy a homemade lunch or dinner on the farm as well during the week. Our menu selections include sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. However, we know you cannot leave without trying one of our signature sweet treats such as:
Apple Cider Donuts
Visitors drive from all parts far and wide to snag some of our delectable donuts. Try one of the staples that made our farm famous with a cup of coffee. Then, take home a half dozen or so. They hold up in the freezer and provide a mouthwatering taste when heated up.
Caramel Apples
Since 1975, Tanners Orchard has used an old German caramel recipe to craft our one-of-a-kind caramel apples. We hand dip each apple into our signature velvety caramel and crunchy nut pieces for a tasty bite. Make sure you act fast. Last year, we made more than 51,000 of them as they go fast.
Homemade Fudge
Our fudge kitchen sits right next to our bakery. We prepare 10 to 12 different types of irresistible fudge every year. Make sure you try them all to find your favorite.
Pies
You will not be able to resist our home-baked and frozen pies, which are perfect for any family outing. Choose from our daily selection of the following: apple, dutch apple, and caramel apple nut. Also, we create a variety of seasonal pies throughout the fall. Be sure to check out our 6-inch pies, which are perfect for 2 people to share.
Get Great Gift Ideas from Our Farm Market
Our unique farm market serves as just one more reason Tanners Orchard stands out as one of the best Illinois apple orchards. Whether you want salsas, sauces, seasonings, sweet cider, or jam, we have just what you need to fill out your pantry or gift to friends and loved ones. Here are some of our most popular selections:
- Apples
- Apple cider
- Jams and butters
- Gourmet foods
- Home décor and gifts
- Mums
Schedule Some Family Fun at One of the Best Illinois Apple Orchards
Tanners Orchard offers your family acres of great family fun, even if you are not a big apple fan. Come check out our corn maze, barrel train rides, grain train rides, pony rides, and Tanners’ famous apple-dega pedal carts. Give us a call today at 309-493-5442 to schedule your family outing at one of the best Illinois apple orchards. For your convenience, please visit our site here to find answers to frequently asked questions. You can find our orchard right off Illinois Route 40 at 740 State Route 40, Speer IL 61479.