Pick your peck of precious and delicious apples this fall season at a local apple orchard. Gather your friends and prepare to be amazed with the treasured orchard gems DeKalb County has to offer. I’ve visited the closest orchards in proximity to NIU’s campus and my experience was truly remarkable. Each of these orchards have something unique to offer, so if you have the chance, visit all three.

Jonamac Orchard

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Malta, IL

5.7 miles

This family-owned and operated orchard has been open since 1984 and holds a special place in the hearts of locals living in DeKalb County. The first thing you see is the oversize wooden rocking chair that people wait for their chance to sit and take their seasonal family photos.

Walking into the store and restaurant, there is much to see from the bakery, from cases of donuts to home knick knacks for the fall season. For kids and for those who are still kids at heart, the orchard has a maze, petting zoo and playgrounds to explore. The Jonamac Orchard Cider House appeals to the 21 and over crowds with a wide variety of hard ciders and wines to enjoy. Jonamac has much to offer for every age group, so add them to you family’s fall bucket list.

via GIPHY

Honey Hill Orchard

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Waterman, IL

10.8 miles

The comfort of the country welcomes you home when walking through the doors of Honey Hill Orchard. A barn from 1880 is now the centerpiece of the orchard and encases gorgeous, from home decorations to honey from the orchard’s very own bees.

The interior walls of the barn are filled with country chic props and pictures of the owner’s family, giving those simple family farm vibes that enchant Honey Hill Orchard.

The cider, donuts and pies are such a hit that they have separate stands to contain the crowds. Who knew you can pick raspberries? Honey Hill Orchard has the cutest patch to pick raspberries as well as their rows of apple trees. Don’t miss the hay rides. If you’re looking for a simple, chic orchard, Honey Hill Orchard is the place to be.

via GIPHY

Kuipers Family Farm

Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Maple Park, IL

12 miles

From a 71-acre pumpkin patch in 1998 to 230 acres now, Kuipers Family Farm has been drawing big crowds. There are two sides to visit with one half of the orchard having a bakery and store and the other having a petting zoo and other activities for the kids. There is also a train track that goes around the property. The farm offers thousands of items and decorations for the holiday season as well as snacks to munch on, such as their kettle corn popcorn. The barn is overwhelming with stuff you never thought you would need.

You can go apple picking in their huge selection of apples and also find the great big pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.

On the other side, you can visit the petting zoo and other attractions for the kids to run around and play. Adults can have fun too because Kuipers has plenty to offer, such as the corn maze.

Since there is much to see and it is a popular attraction, the maze is a place you want to visit early before it gets crowded.

via GIPHY

Before campus turns into a frozen tundra, hurry to the orchards and enjoy what the family farms have to offer. Visiting these places gives students something unique to do and also supports these local farms with your patronage. Happy picking!