Best Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches Near Lake Geneva

Quick answer: For a full apple-picking day close to Lake Geneva, start with Royal Oak Farm Orchard about 15 minutes south of town. For pumpkins, hayrides and a corn maze close to Geneva Lake, Pearce’s Farm Stand in Walworth is the easiest first look. Munster Orchard is the value pick for U-pick apples, with free admission, free parking and 2026 apples priced at $1.75 per pound.

If your group wants a bigger fall attraction, Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove has the large corn-maze day, U-pick pumpkins and late hours. If you care more about the apples than the rides, Hafs Road Orchard and Brightonwoods Orchard are the quieter choices.

Apple and pumpkin season moves with the crop. A farm can have Honeycrisp on Friday and be picked through by Sunday afternoon. Check the farm’s current picking report before you leave Lake Geneva.

2026 update, checked September 9: Apple season is underway around the region. Royal Oak, Munster and Apple Holler are actively picking apples. Hafs Road Orchard opened August 21 and has warned that its 2026 crop is smaller than recent years, so its season may be shorter. Most pumpkin picking builds from mid-September into October.

Pick the fall day you actually want

The Lake Geneva fall farm comparison

Prices and crop availability can change during the season. The notes below reflect information posted for the 2026 season as of September 9.

1. Royal Oak Farm Orchard: best all-around apple-picking day near Lake Geneva

Royal Oak Farm Orchard is at 15908 Hebron Road in Harvard, Illinois, about 15 minutes south of Lake Geneva. The state line sounds farther than it is. From downtown Lake Geneva, this is one of the simplest full orchard days to build.

The 2026 apple-picking price is $12 per person age 4 and older. That includes orchard entry and a 1/4-peck bag, about 3 pounds, to fill. Children 3 and younger can enter free without a bag.

As of September 9, Royal Oak lists Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Jonamac, Gala and Blondee for picking. McIntosh, Cortland and Fuji are scheduled to join the picking list Friday, September 11. Crop conditions can move that schedule.

Why pick Royal Oak

The orchard gives families enough to do after the apples are picked. The playground and petting zoo are free. Amaze ‘N Apples, the farm’s apple-tree maze, costs extra. Weekend orchard tours and children’s rides run during fall dates.

Royal Oak’s 2026 HoneyCrisp Fest runs daily September 4 through September 13. AppleFest runs daily September 19 through October 11.

The farm currently lists pre-picked pumpkins and gourds in its fall market. Its public 2026 pages are much clearer about apple U-pick than public pumpkin U-pick, so choose Royal Oak for the apple side of this guide. If picking your own pumpkin is the main goal, Pearce’s, Munster, Harvest Time, Richardson or Apple Holler gives you a clearer plan.

Kim and Joel’s planning note

Royal Oak works well for a family that wants 2 to 4 hours of farm time without turning the whole day into an admission-ticket marathon. Go early on a fall Saturday. Pick first. Bakery second.

Best for: Families, first-time apple picking, Honeycrisp fans Skip it if: Your only goal is a public U-pick pumpkin patch Parking: Free Pets: The farm asks guests to leave pets at home 2026 fall hours: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Official site: Royal Oak Farm Orchard

2. Pearce’s Farm Stand: best close pumpkin patch and corn-maze day

Pearce’s Farm Stand sits at W5740 North Walworth Road in Walworth, between the west side of Geneva Lake and the village of Walworth. For people staying in Williams Bay, Fontana or Geneva National, it is especially easy.

Pearce’s is known for pumpkins, gourds, sweet corn, bakery goods and a 12-acre corn maze. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch traditionally begin in mid-September. The farm is open daily from June 17 through October 31, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with its concession stand open weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 2026 calendar adds a few dates worth planning around. Customer Appreciation & Sweet Corn Fest is September 19 and 20. October Fest Weekend is October 3 and 4. Pumpkin Fest Weekend is October 10 and 11.

Why pick Pearce’s

This is the Lake Geneva-area answer for the family that wants pumpkins and a corn maze without driving toward Milwaukee or Kenosha.

You can also treat Pearce’s as a stop rather than a full-day commitment. Buy pumpkins, get donuts or kettle corn on a weekend, let the kids burn off some energy, then head back toward Fontana or Williams Bay.

Best for: Pumpkins, corn maze, families staying on the west side of Geneva Lake Go when: Mid-September through October for the full fall setup Parking: On site Accessibility: The farm says its facility is handicap accessible Official site: Pearce’s Farm Stand

3. Munster Orchard: best U-pick value and apple variety

Munster Orchard is at 36315 Geneva Road in Burlington, about 10 miles east of Lake Geneva. The orchard opened its 2026 season August 29 and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here is the price that gets attention: U-pick apples are $1.75 per pound, with no admission fee and no parking fee.

Munster has more than 1,500 apple trees and more than 75 varieties. As of the current 2026 farm notice, Paula Red, Ginger Gold, McIntosh and Honeycrisp are among the apples being picked.

Pumpkins are part of the fall plan too. Munster has 2 pumpkin patches. Its 2026 price page lists small pumpkins at $2, medium at $5 and large at $8. The farm says pumpkin picking usually begins in mid- to late September, depending on weather.

Why pick Munster

Munster makes sense when you actually want to pick fruit. The price structure is simple, and the farm puts the orchard ahead of add-on attractions.

The variety count matters too. If your group wants more than Honeycrisp and Gala, this is one of the more interesting U-pick lists close to Lake Geneva.

Best for: Value, apple variety, U-pick apples and pumpkins in one stop Go when: Weekends; check the picking schedule for the variety you want Parking: Free Admission: Free Official site: Munster Orchard

4. Hafs Road Orchard: best quiet apple stop close to Lake Geneva

Hafs Road Orchard is on Hafs Road in Genoa City, east of Lake Geneva. The orchard’s own pages describe it as about 6 to 7 miles from Lake Geneva, while Visit Lake Geneva lists it at about 5 miles east. Either way, it is close.

Hafs grows 50 apple varieties and has a long Honeycrisp history. You buy apples from the orchard-side store. Hafs does not offer U-pick.

That distinction is the whole reason to choose it. This is where you go when you want a bag of well-picked apples, cider, a hand-dipped Honeycrisp caramel apple and a country-road stop without needing 4 hours of activities.

A 2026 crop note that matters

Hafs opened August 21. The orchard has posted that its 2026 crop is far below the previous 5 harvests because bloom was light, and it expects a shorter sales season.

If Hafs is on your list, go earlier in the season and check availability before the drive.

Pumpkins, squash, gourds and fall decorations arrive later in the season. Visit Lake Geneva says pets are welcome on leash.

Best for: Apple quality, cider, caramel apples, a quieter stop Skip it if: The kids have been promised U-pick apples 2026 hours through Halloween: Monday through Thursday noon to 5 p.m.; Friday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Official site: Hafs Road Orchard

5. Apple Barn Orchard & Winery: best apple stop for adults and mixed-age groups

Apple Barn Orchard & Winery is at W6384 Sugar Creek Road in Elkhorn. The family farm dates to 1848, and the current operation combines apples, pumpkins, a bakery, country store and winery.

The winery makes fruit wines on site, including estate wines made with farm-grown fruit. Complimentary sampling is currently listed on the farm’s home page.

Apple Barn’s current picking page lists Honeycrisp in the store, with McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Holiday, Honey Gold, Empire and other varieties coming during fall 2026. The farm says apple season normally starts in early September and pumpkins are typically available in October.

One thing to check before you go

Apple Barn’s own pages currently show conflicting store hours. Its home and picking pages list Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its contact page lists Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Use the farm’s Latest News notice, social feed or call 262-728-3266 before leaving. Small farms change hours with crop and staffing, and this is exactly the kind of detail that can wreck an otherwise easy afternoon.

Best for: Couples, adults, apples plus wine, groups with mixed interests Pumpkin timing: Typically October; verify 2026 picking status before going Pets: The farm asks visitors to keep pets at home Official site: Apple Barn Orchard & Winery

6. Brightonwoods Orchard: best for rare apples and a slower walk

Brightonwoods Orchard is at 1072 288th Avenue in Burlington. The farm posted on September 2 that its store is open for the 2026 harvest season.

Brightonwoods has 150 apple varieties across the season. It is not a U-pick orchard. You buy picked fruit, then you are free to walk the orchard and woods trails.

There is no admission fee, parking is free, and kids have a 2-story treehouse. On fall weekends, the orange food truck sells cider donuts.

AeppelTreow Winery & Distillery is a separate business on the same property, producing cider, perry and spirits. That makes Brightonwoods a good adult stop that still works when kids or grandkids are along.

The fall market also carries cheese, garlic, sunflowers, gourds, squash, honey and pumpkins.

2026 dates

Brightonwoods has a Braise Orchard Dinner September 12, a Fall Craft Fair September 26 and 27, and the Caledonia Lions Orchard Cruise-In October 4.

Best for: Apple variety, walking, adults, people who want to taste beyond supermarket apples Admission: Free Parking: Free U-pick: No Official site: Brightonwoods Orchard

7. Harvest Time Orchards: best traditional U-pick day near Twin Lakes

Harvest Time Orchards is at 36116 128th Street in Twin Lakes. The farm was reestablished under the current family operation in 2023, on land that has hosted family orchard operations for generations.

It has 12 acres with 13 apple varieties for U-pick. The farm describes its approach as a simple, traditional apple-picking experience, and the setup backs that up.

The original Harvest Time donut recipe is back too, with donuts made fresh during the season. Twin Lakes Local operates from the Red Barn on the property for food and drinks.

Pumpkins typically become ready in October. The patch ranges from smaller decorative pumpkins and gourds to carving pumpkins and Atlantic Giants that can top 200 pounds.

Best for: Traditional U-pick, a calmer orchard day, apples and pumpkins in the same season Hours: Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; latest orchard entry 4:30 p.m. Pets: No pets in the orchard Official site: Harvest Time Orchards

8. Quednow’s Heirloom Apple Orchard: best small heirloom stop

Quednow’s Heirloom Apple Orchard is north of Elkhorn at W5098 County Road ES.

This is another pre-picked apple stop. The orchard says plainly that it is not U-pick. Its strength is heirloom fruit and cider, including an award-winning apple cider from the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association convention.

The orchard season usually runs from August through the end of October, weather permitting. Its current hours page lists Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with hours subject to change. The 2026 home page also posts Labor Day weekend hours.

This is a small operation. Call 262-501-9033 before making it the one fixed stop in your day.

Best for: Heirloom apples, cider, people who would rather talk apples than stand in an attraction line U-pick: No Official site: Quednow’s Heirloom Apple Orchard

9. The Elegant Farmer: best classic Wisconsin harvest-festival day

The Elegant Farmer is at 1545 Main Street in Mukwonago. It is farther north than the Walworth County orchards, so give it a real block of the day.

Autumn Harvest Fest runs Saturdays and Sundays from September 12 through October 25, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

The orchard has U-pick apples, a pumpkin patch, a 5-acre family corn maze, tractor hayrides, pony rides and an East Troy Electric Railroad stop. The market is also home to The Elegant Farmer’s Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag.

For 2026, U-pick apple bags are $15 for a half peck, $25 for a peck and $45 for a half bushel. The corn maze is $7. Hayrides are $7 for ages 12 and older and $5 for ages 3 to 11. Children 2 and younger ride free.

Pair it with the train

If you want the day to feel like a fall outing before you even reach the orchard, use the East Troy community side of the region and check the East Troy Electric Railroad schedule. The railroad runs to The Elegant Farmer during the harvest season on selected dates.

Best for: Classic Wisconsin fall day, multi-generation groups, pie and a train outing Admission: Free; activities cost extra Pets: Registered service animals only under the farm’s posted policy Official site: The Elegant Farmer Harvest Fest

10. Richardson Adventure Farm: best big corn-maze and pumpkin day

Richardson Adventure Farm is at 909 English Prairie Road in Spring Grove, Illinois. It sits south of the Wisconsin line and close enough to combine with a Lake Geneva weekend.

The 2026 fall season runs September 12 through November 1. Parking is free.

Richardson’s corn maze covers 28 acres for the 2026 season. Admission also includes many of the farm activities, including the train, wagon ride, carousel, pig races, pedal bikes, slides and more. Pumpkins cost extra.

September admission is $22 for ages 3 to 12 and $26 for ages 13 and older. October Friday-through-Sunday pricing rises to $26 for ages 3 to 12 and $32 for ages 13 and older. Ages 2 and younger are free.

The farm stays open late. Fridays and Saturdays reach 11 p.m. during much of the season, and Maze ‘Til Midnight is scheduled for September 26 and October 24.

Why it earns the longer block

Teenagers can burn 20 minutes at a cute farm and be ready to leave. Richardson gives them a lot more ground to cover.

Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome under the farm’s current policy.

Best for: Teens, big corn maze, pumpkins, evening fall outing 2026 season: September 12 to November 1 Parking: Free Official site: Richardson Adventure Farm

11. Apple Holler: best full-day orchard destination east of Lake Geneva

Apple Holler is at 5006 South Sylvania Avenue in Sturtevant. It is a longer drive from Lake Geneva, so choose it when the orchard is the destination.

The 78-acre farm has U-pick apples, pears and pumpkins, plus a Family Fun Park, bakery, farm shop and food options. Apple Holler’s current 2026 picking list includes Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Gala, Asian pears, Autumn Crisp, Summerset, Blondee, Fuji and Paula Red.

Apple-picking admission works by bag size. Every person entering the orchard needs a picking bag. The minimum is a 1/4-peck bag, about 3 to 4 pounds, at $26 per person. That price includes the picking bag, orchard access and Family Fun Park admission.

You can visit the Farm Shop, Bakery or Restaurant without paying orchard admission.

Who should make this drive

Apple Holler is for the group that wants a full farm day and is comfortable with a higher per-person price. People looking for a quick bag of apples have closer choices.

Best for: Full-day family outing, U-pick apples, farm activities and food Pets: No pets other than qualifying service animals Official site: Apple Holler

12. Jerry Smith Farm: best pumpkin-first family festival on the Kenosha side

Jerry Smith Farm is at 7150 18th Street in Kenosha. This is another longer-drive choice from Lake Geneva.

Fall on the Farm runs September 12 through November 1, 2026. The farm lists more than 40 pumpkin and gourd varieties, a 6-acre corn maze, hayrides, a petting zoo, giant bounce pads, pedal carts and other activities.

The 2026 Activity Area price is currently $10.95 on weekdays and $16.95 on weekends when purchased under the posted pricing, with gate pricing listed at $19.95. Ages 3 and older need a ticket. Parking is free.

You can still visit free fall displays, photo areas and the Country Store without buying the full Activity Area ticket.

Jerry Smith’s dog policy changes during fall. Dogs are not allowed September 1 through October 30, except trained service dogs. The farm lists pet dates again October 31 and November 1.

Best for: Pumpkin-first families, younger kids, fall displays 2026 season: September 12 to November 1 Official site: Jerry Smith Farm

Best orchards and pumpkin patches by category

Best overall apple-picking day: Royal Oak Farm Orchard. It is close, easy to understand and has enough extras for families without requiring a single bundled admission for the whole farm.

Best pumpkin patch close to Geneva Lake: Pearce’s Farm Stand. The pumpkin patch, hayrides and 12-acre corn maze fit naturally into a Lake Geneva weekend.

Best value: Munster Orchard. Free admission and parking plus $1.75-per-pound U-pick apples is hard to beat in 2026.

Best apple selection for U-pick: Munster Orchard, with more than 75 varieties across the season.

Best apple selection for browsing and tasting: Brightonwoods Orchard, with 150 varieties across the harvest season. Remember, the fruit is pre-picked.

Best quiet stop: Hafs Road Orchard. Buy apples, cider and a caramel apple, walk a little, then keep driving.

Best for adults: Apple Barn Orchard & Winery or Brightonwoods with AeppelTreow Winery & Distillery next door.

Best for teens: Richardson Adventure Farm. The scale of the maze and late hours give older kids more to work with.

Best full harvest festival: The Elegant Farmer. Apples, pumpkins, hayrides, corn maze, pie and the East Troy train can fill a day.

Best longer pumpkin trip: Jerry Smith Farm if your group skews younger; Richardson if the maze and larger activities matter more.

When to go for apples and pumpkins near Lake Geneva

Late August through early September

This is apple territory. Early varieties arrive first, Honeycrisp starts showing up, and the farm crowds are usually lighter than they will be in October.

For 2026, Hafs opened August 21 and Munster opened August 29. Royal Oak is already picking, and Apple Holler has a long current picking list.

Mid-September

This is the crossover. Apple picking is strong, corn mazes open, hayrides start running and pumpkin patches begin to come online.

September 12 is a big opening date in 2026. The Elegant Farmer, Richardson Adventure Farm and Jerry Smith Farm all start major fall programming that weekend.

October

October is the easiest month for a true apples-plus-pumpkins day. Later apple varieties are ready, pumpkins are in full swing, and nearly every fall attraction is operating.

Saturday afternoons are also the busiest part of the season. A 9 or 10 a.m. arrival buys you a better first hour.

4 easy fall farm days from Lake Geneva

The close family pumpkin day

Start at Pearce’s in Walworth for pumpkins, the maze and a hayride. Finish in Fontana or Williams Bay for a lakefront walk and an early dinner.

Use our Lake Geneva family activities guide if the kids still have fuel in the tank.

The apple-first day

Go south to Royal Oak early. Pick apples before lunch, then return to Lake Geneva and leave the afternoon open for the Shore Path, downtown or a cruise if it is still running.

Royal Oak is also the easiest orchard to plug into a weekend already centered on Lake Geneva.

The quiet country-road day

Go east for Hafs Road Orchard or Munster Orchard, then use part of the Lake Geneva Rustic Roads and Fall Color Drives route.

Rustic Roads 11, 12 and 36 connect east of Lake Geneva. That gives the apples a reason to turn into a half-day drive.

The East Troy and Mukwonago day

Build the outing around The Elegant Farmer, then add East Troy or a short section of the Kettle Moraine.

For a longer fall day, use the Lake Geneva Kettle Moraine Guide before you go.

What to know before you leave

Farm information changes faster than a restaurant menu.

An apple variety can be ready for 4 days and gone. A pumpkin patch can open a week later after a wet growing stretch. Weekend rides may stop for weather. Small farms sometimes shorten hours once a crop is picked down.

Check 5 things the morning you go: current picking list, hours, admission or bag rules, pet policy and weather status.

Wear shoes that can handle grass, dust and mud. Orchard rows are working farm ground. A wide-wheel stroller or wagon usually handles it better than a small-wheel travel stroller.

And bring a cooler if the car will sit in the sun while you spend the rest of the afternoon around Geneva Lake. Apples keep better cold.

Frequently asked questions about apple orchards and pumpkin patches near Lake Geneva