Visit One of the Best Orchards in Bloomington IL
Are you looking for a fun fall activity for the whole family? Perhaps it’s time to plan a trip to the farm. At Tanner’s Orchard, located near Speer, IL, we’ve got enough activities to keep the kids busy for hours on end. We’ve got pony rides, pedal carts and a petting zoo, but that’s just the tip of the attractions we offer at Tanners. When you visit us, you’ll also find several other options for those that want to pick, play or shop. Find out why many regard this apple picking farm as one of the best orchards near Bloomington IL!
A Humble Beginning
Tanner’s wasn’t always the huge family attraction that it is now. Several decades ago, in 1947, the farm was just a small apple orchard located in Walde, Switzerland. At the time, it was owned by our ancestor, Rudolph Tanner, and then brought to the US with his new bride Mina. After settling in Deer Creek, Illinois, their son, John, took over the orchard for a time and brought it to its current location. Since then, the farm has changed hands a couple of times, though always remaining in the family. Today the orchard is owned and managed by Richard and Marilyn and their two children, Craig and Jennifer. To learn more about our humble beginnings, check out our About Page today.
4 Things to Do at Tanners Orchard
At Tanners Orchard, we pride ourselves on being a place that offers plenty of family activities. The following items are just some of the many things you can do when visiting our apple orchard near Bloomington IL:
- Feed Our Furry Friends – It doesn’t matter how old you are; if you love animals, then you will love interacting with the goats and llamas at Tanners Orchard. These friendly farm animals love receiving pats and food from our customers. So come prepared with a couple of quarters to access our feed machine!
- Take the Kids Out to the Back 40 – The Back 40 is a fan-favorite among many families who visit our orchards near Bloomington IL. One of the main reasons for this is the seemingly endless amount of attractions it contains. Admission for this area grants access to a sandbox, swings, a wooden ship, pedal carts and more!
- Snag a Snack from the Bakery – When the sun has sucked all your energy, you can come inside and recharge with a delicious treat from our Apple Bin Bakery. Among the items we offer are apple cider donuts, caramel apples, homemade fudge and pies. Not a huge fan of these foods? No worries! Our bakers typically make apple fritters, muffins, cookies, strudels and turnovers too. If you are looking for something more substantial, you can order off of our lunch menu as well.
- Visit Our Farmer’s Market – No trip to Tanner’s is complete without a quick look around our Farmer’s Market. This indoor shopping center is full of various products that make great gifts for friends and family. Some of the items we sell include sweatshirts, scarves, soaps and spices. Toys and ornaments are available in this area as well.
Learn More
See why many consider Tanners one of the best orchards near Bloomington IL. To inquire about any of our products or attractions, call (309) 493-5442 or connect with us through our online contact form. We are located at 740 State Route 40, Speer, IL 61479, and proudly welcome individuals from both near and far.