Make summer a little sweeter by picking your way through Chicago’s best spots for homegrown berries and other fruits and veggies. The U-pick berry season kicks off with strawberries in June and continues through early August, with veggies cropping up now through fall. Be sure to research your farm’s produce availability through their Facebook page and website before dusting off the wagons. Scroll down for u-picks that will help make this a summer to remember!
Tom's Farm Market
What was once a small farmstand over 40 years ago is now an expansive farm 50 miles northwest of Chicago, which includes 13 greenhouses where you can find anything from plant seedlings to hanging baskets and a bakery that features freshly baked seasonal fruit pies and cakes, cookies, scones and homemade breads. During strawberry picking season, pickers are treated to four acres with four different varieties and can recharge with made-to-order shakes and sundaes. Pickers will only find strawberries in the U-Pick fields, but the fresh market offers a selection of homegrown produce, including corn, summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. Baskets are supplied for U-Pick and pickers pay by the pound.
In the neighborhood: Nearby Union is home to the Illinois Railway Museum, which houses over 375 pieces of equipment, including electric and steam locomotives and street, passenger and baggage cars. If you catch berry fever in July, coordinate a play date with Thomas and Percy at the Day Out with Thomas event planned for Jul. 9, 10, 16 & 17.
10214 Algonquin Rd., Huntley; Online: tomsfarmmarket.com
Heider's Berry Farm
Five generations of family have been running this farm that had a typical Midwestern start of raising hogs, sheep and chicken and producing dairy, oats and hay. Today their focus is on quality fruit, good customer service and offering families memorable, wholesome fun. Red raspberries and strawberries make up the bulk of their U-Pick business, but they also have rhubarbs, black raspberries, cherries, gold raspberries and homemade jams. There is no admission and parking is free.
In the neighborhood: Woodstock, was the location for many of the outdoor scenes shot for the Groundhog Day movie starring Bill Murray, so superfans can still take a peek at the most memorable shoot locations on a walking tour. If you’re in the area May-October on a Tuesday or Saturday morning, stop by the Farmers Market in downtown Woodstock’s historic square with vendors selling produce, knitted items, soaps, honey products, baked goods, cheese and more.
1106 N. Queen Anne Rd., Woodstock; Online: heidersberryfarm.com or get picking updates on their Facebook page
Olive Berry Acres
The growing season begins in May with traditional green and exotic purple asparagus at this seven-acre farm 70 miles southwest of Chicago. Fresh, sweet strawberries make up their U-Pick business, and they will hopefully be reintroducing their raspberries in the future. There is no entrance fee for picking and supplies are provided.
In the neighborhood: Grab a pastry to compliment your berries at Morris Bakery, browse the quaint shops in downtown Morris or hit up 3 French Hens Market held the second Saturday, May through October at Grundy County Fair Grounds. If you find yourself in the area for lunch, Letty Mae's Tea Room offers a made-from-scratch menu with decor reminiscent of an English Tearoom. Enjoy your meal on vintage mismatched china surrounded by kitschy decor or have it wrapped up for a picnic on the farm.
2575 W. Mine Rd., Mazon; Online: For picking updates on their Facebook page
Stade's Farm Market
Stade’s is famous for its popular Fall Festival, a fall blitz featuring live music, hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Leading up to the festival, you can visit this countryside paradise for U-Pick strawberries beginning in mid-June, raspberries in July, tomatoes and a variety of summer veggies in starting in July and pumpkins in September and October. Also available at the onsite market is homegrown asparagus, rhubarb, spinach, radishes and lettuce, as well as their privately harvested local honey.
In the neighborhood: McHenry, Illinois is known for having a bustle of activity along the Fox River, so check out Stratton Lock & Dam and Fort McHenry Playground for picturesque outdoor fun. Authentic steam engines from the golden age of railroad are on display at the Illinois Railway Museum (if you go picking in July, double the fun with a Day Out with Thomas).
3709 W. Miller Rd., McHenry; Online: stadesfarmandmarket.com
Susie's Garden Patch
Asparagus launches the six-month u-pick season and pumpkins and fall squash close it down, with deliciously sweet strawberries, onions, spinach, rhubarb, lettuce, kale, radishes, garlic, peas and green beans available at different times in between. Have your own box or bag for picking weighed at the farm stand before you get started because you pay for produce by the pound.
In the neighborhood: Take in the collection of pre-World War II planes and automobiles and early 20th-century airplane hangars and automobile garages that have been salvaged and relocated to the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum.
10258 US Highway 20, Garden Prairie; Online: facebook.com/SusiesGardenPatch
— Maria Chambers
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