Opening Day for Tanners Orchard’s 76th Season!

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Opening Day for Tanners Orchard’s 76th Season!

Tanners apple cider donuts

Tanners Orchard is gearing up for another lively season, marking their 76th year of apple picking, wagon rides, and freshly baked goods. Starting July 31st, Tanners Orchard opens its doors again, with plenty of activities and events planned to excite fall enthusiasts throughout Illinois!

Tanners Orchard was founded in 1947 on an 80-acre farm outside Speer, Illinois. Locals have come to know Tanners for their apple-growing prowess and delicious baked goods. Over the years, we have developed our farm to welcome visitors from all corners of Illinois by offering apple picking, an onsite bakery, various events, and more.

Welcome Back for Another Year!

“We were so happy to celebrate our 75th Anniversary last season with such incredible guests,” Jenny Tanner, co-owner of Tanners Orchard, had to say about last year. “But don’t think we’re slowing down any this season! Now that we’re on the other end of some difficult years for everyone, we want to offer guests the same traditional Tanners they’ve come to know and love, but with more events and activities than ever.”

In addition to Tanners’ traditional offerings, we plan to host fun, new events for families, children and adults alike. Guests can expect to find delicious baked goods, boutique gifts, fun farm-themed activities, cute farm animals, and plenty more while spending the day at Tanners.

Apples, Dogs, Goats, Yoga and More

Tanners Orchard is also extending the invitation to again bring your dogs out for a day on the farm. For an admission fee of $10 per pet and a portion of proceeds going towards the ARK Humane Society in Lacon, IL, you can share the Tanners experience with your four-legged friends.

And, if you want to experience something truly unique, Tanners Orchard is partnering once more with Willow City Farm to host Goats + Yoga! Sip cider, eat donuts, take amazing fall photos, and get your daily exercise in with Tanners Orchard’s cutest residents. Those interested can sign up for this event with Willow City Farm by calling 217-899-4562. The event takes place on Sunday, September 10th. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for children, with cider and donuts included. A portion of proceeds goes directly to local charities in recognition of Suicide Awareness Month.

What’s Happening at Tanners?

Other exciting attractions, features and events will be available at Tanners Orchard from opening day through November, including:

  • All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes at the Peach and Blueberry Pancake Breakfast, August 5th
  • All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes at the Peach Pancake Breakfast, August 12th
  • Grandma Tanner’s Birthday Celebration, August 14th
  • Sunflower Breakfast & Lady Bug Release, August 19th (Limited seats available, online ticketing)
  • Sunflower Breakfast & Butterfly Release, August 26th (Limited seats available, online ticketing)
  • The Sunflower Fields, Open Daily August 19th – 31st, 10am to 4pm
  • S’mores and More (Adult Night), August 25th
  • Grandparents Day, September 10th
  • Breakfast with Santa – A Fun, Kid’s Pajama Party with Santa, November 18th
  • Christmas Open House, November 4th and 5th
  • *NEW* Happy Grinchmas: Dinner with the Grinch (Adult Night), December 1st
  • The Continued Web Series “Cooking with Grandma Tanner” – On YouTube and Facebook and Filmed Live at Tanners Orchard, Thursdays at 3pm, August through November
  • Unicorns, Pony Rides and Wagon Rides, Every Weekend (Only Saturdays in August)
Little girl petting unicorn at Tanners Orchard

To participate in the festivities at Tanners Orchard or stay up-to-date on the latest happenings on the farm, stay connected with Tanners on Facebook and Instagram. Or, you can visit our events pages on our website to see the fun we have planned. We can’t wait to see you on the farm, come opening day!