Fall Fun: Apple orchards in Dane County opening for business

Heading to an apple orchard in the fall is a great tradition held by many in the Dane County area. It’s a great opportunity to get outside on a beautiful fall weekend. COVID-19 is affecting the way many apple orchards are doing business, but they are still open and excited to welcome visitors. Since policies may change at any time, be sure to check the orchard’s website or Facebook page before your visit to familiarize yourself with their protocols.

Appleberry Farm, Cross Plains

Appleberry Farm small family-owned orchard in Cross Plains. They will be open to the public beginning in September. In order to limit the number of visitors at a time and to allow for physical distancing, they will be using a sign-up form on their website for visitors to reserve a time. Apples can be picked through the end of October. They have many varieties of apples, plus heirloom varieties that aren’t typically available in a commercial setting. Be sure to pick up a jug of fresh-pressed apple cider.

Location: 8079 Maurer Road Cross Plains, WI 53528
Hours: Friday-Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - noon
Website: Click here to visit their website

Eplegaarden, Fitchburg 

Eplegaarden is located just outside of Fitchburg and has several varieties of apples all season long. Most apples are available for U-pick, although they have some pre-picked available at their farm store. In addition to delicious apples, they are known for their fresh apple cider, apple cider donuts, and local honey. Masks will be required in their farm store, and recommended outside.

Location: 2227 Fitchburg Road Fitchburg, WI 53575
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. - noon; Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m; Sunday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Website: Click here to visit their website

Eugster’s Farm Market

Eugster’s Farm Market is just 15 minutes south of Madison between Oregon and Stoughton. They are known for their 15-acre petting farm and farm market. They have 2,500 apple trees, and offer U-pick apples starting in mid-September. In addition to apples, they have several other types of produce available for sale at their market. Masks are required inside their farm market. Eugster’s will offer an outdoor farm stand as another way to purchase.

Location: 3865 WI-138 Stoughton, WI 53589
Hours: Wednesday - Monday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Website: Click here to visit their website

Green’s Pleasant Springs Orchard

Green’s Pleasant Springs Orchard is located outside of Stoughton, not far from Lake Kegonsa State Park. The orchard store opens August 29th for the season and is open daily except for Wednesdays. They will not offer U-pick this year, but you can choose from their pre-picked varieties at their farm store. Masks will be required in the store, and social distancing is recommended. You can call ahead for faster pickup. In addition to apples, they have many other types of farm-fresh produce available for sale. They make their own apple cider weekly throughout the season!

Location: 2722 Williams Drive Stoughton, WI 53589
Hours: Thursday - Tuesday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Website: Click here to visit their website

Lapacek's Orchard, Poynette

Lapacek’s Orchard is located outside of Poynette and is just 30 minutes from Madison. The orchard has over 60 varieties of pre-picked apples to choose from. Due to COVID-19, they will limit 20 customers inside at a time and playgrounds are closed this season. But, you can still hike through the orchards to enjoy the fall weather after you visit their shop. You can even call ahead for pickup. Their caramel apples and apple cider donuts are a great fall treat!

Location: N1959 Kroncke Road, Poynette, WI 53955
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Website: Click here to visit their website

Sutter’s Ridge, Mount Horeb

Sutter’s Ridge is located just south of Mount Horeb, and opens on August 20th for the season with pre-picked or U-pick apples. Their corn maze and activity will be open, and will be hands free. Some play areas will be closed and there won’t be wagon rides this year, but there is still plenty to do on the farm! Masks must be worn inside and are recommended for the outside areas as well. They have over 20 varieties of apples. Check out the convenient chart on their website that indicates when specific varieties will be ready for picking.

Location: 2074 Sutter Drive, Mount Horeb, WI 53572
Hours: Thursday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Website: Click here to visit their website