the greater metropolitan Des Moines area of Iowa U-Pick farms: Find a pick your own farm near you in the greater metropolitan Des Moines area of Iowa for fruit, vegetables, pumpkins, organic foods,local produce and more!

Find a local pick your own farm here!

Looking for a local, pick-your-own farm in the greater metropolitan Des Moines area of Iowa? Scroll down this page and you will see the U-Pick farms in the greater metropolitan Des Moines area of Iowa, sorted by county. Those that offer organic or sustainably grown produce are identified by the words "organic" and/or "sustainable" in Green, next to their name (see "What does Organic mean?"). The U-pick crops they offer follow the name of the farm. To search the page for a specific crop, use Ctrl-F (or on an ipad or Mac, use their "search on this page" function) If they have a website, the name will be in blue and underlined; click on it and it will open their website. If you find anything outdated or inaccurate, see the customer and farmer menus (as appropriate) at the top menu bar to submit updates and corrections and help me keep each current!

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather. See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Note: Beware the copycat websites like the one that stole our name and uses .farm extension: they copied my work and do NOT even update the info! I make updates EVERY day. They use tech tricks to get higher rankings, but have many more inaccuracies and out-dated info. Obviously, I cannot check every farm every day, but I do check as many as I can every day, and respond to all requests. They don't. Don't support the scammers!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! And if you know of any farms I missed and want to add a farm, please let me know! I'm making updates for this year as fast as I can - if you find anything out-of-date, wrong or not working - please let me know! This website is supported by purchases you make through the links to products on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This allows me to continue to maintain the website and make improvements!

What's in season in December 2024, and other timely information:

Notes for December 2024: Crop growth is slowing down, except for Christmas tree farms and if you live in southern California, southern Texas, Florida or along the Gulf coast where citrus are starting, and believe it or not, the blueberry and strawberry season in those areas is about to begin. See your state harvest calendar . This year, much of the country is still seeing mild weather, so lettuce, peas, broccoli, cabbage and other greens are thriving. And this is a good time to get a canner and learn how to preserve foods for the winter, like canning some applesauce, apple butter or jam, which make great gifts. As do your own homemade specialty liqueurs! How about homemade cranberry sauce or a pumpkin pie made from a real pumpkin for the holidays? See our comprehensive list of easy home canning, jam and jelly making, preserving, drying and freezing directions. You can access recipes and other resources from the drop down menus at the top of the page or the site search. A fun winter activity is to make your own ice cream, even gelato, or low fat or low sugar ice cream - see this page. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to write me!

Valentine's Day - February 14 - See this website for Valentines Day history, facts and Amazon's top picks for fast, easy, inexpensive gifts for the man, woman or children in your life!

Easter will be April 4, 2021 - if you want to take your children to a free Easter egg hunt - see our companion website to find a local Easter Egg hunt!

Children's Consignment Sales occur in both the Spring and Fall See our companion website to find a local community or church kid's consignment sale!

the greater metropolitan Des Moines area of Iowa U-Pick Farms and Orchards in 2024, by county

Click on the resources drop-down above, if you need a county map

Adair County

Boone County

Timberlea Farm - Uses natural growing practices, Aronia berries, U-pick and already picked
705 SW Ringgold Street, Boone, IA 50036. Phone: 515-432-9251. Alternate Phone: 515-709-0388. Email: ckostelnick@yahoo.com. Open: Please call or e - mail for times. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Check. Aronia berries.
Comment from Blake: Aronia berries are similar to blueberries, but more tart, less sweet, and packed with anti-oxidants. See this page from the University of Wisconsin for a description of Aronia Berries (also called chockeberries) and this page for Aronia berry recipes.

Clarke County

Dallas County

Berry Fresh Farms - Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries,
30339 K Avenue, Adel, IA 50003. Open: Check their website for updates. The new owners (starting in 2017) haven't yet posted hours. Our farm is for family fun. Pick your own . Let the kids run around the farm and see the animals. Picnic while you are here. Enjoy the fresh fruit smoothies and other goodies inside the store. If you don't want to pick call ahead and we will have your order ready when you are.
Iowa Orchard - apples, strawberries,
13140 NW 102nd Avenue on South side of Highway 141, Granger, IA 50109. Phone: (515) 276-0852. Email: iaorchardpies@gmail.com. Open: Monday through Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. For a map to our farm, click here. Strawberry season is usually: late May through late June Apple season is usually: first weekend of September through middle of October. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. Click here for our Facebook page. (ADDED: February 24, 2017)

Greene County

Deal's Orchard - apples, cherries, onions, pumpkins, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, jumping pillow, trike track, farm animals, school tours
1102 244th Street, Jefferson, IA 50129. Phone: 515-386-8279. Alternate Phone: 515-370-8279. Email: dealsorchard@gmail.com. Open: See our website for current hours Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers. Click here for our Facebook page. We have over 25 varieties of Iowa apples as well as tomatoes, sweet corn, pumpkins, holiday gift baskets, and plenty of other seasonal fruits and vegetables. In 1999 we planted our first crop of Scotch Pine trees and now have a wide selection of Christmas trees on our Tree Farm. In the fall, we invite you to come and enjoy our family fun zone, Apple Acres, as well as a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and free weekend hayrack rides. Bring the family out to Deal's Orchard and make some memories finding the perfect Christmas tree or picking some ripe apples. If you'd prefer we do the work for you, visit the Apple Barn to buy something we carefully picked just for you.

Grundy County

Barn Stahl Farm Wellsburg IA - pick your own vegetables (call for specifics and availability), pumpkin patch-pick in the field, corn maze, haunted corn maze, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours
16519 185th St, Wellsburg, IA 50680. Phone: 641-869-3574. Fax: 614-869-3636. Email: flower_farm@ymail.com. Open: Wednesday to Saturday (and Sundays after Labor Day) from 1 pm to 7 pm; large group of 20 or more by appointment. Directions: 1.5 miles East of Wellsburg on D25. Payment: Cash, only. Click here for our Facebook page. We also offer Pick your own vegetables and exotic animals.

Guthrie County

Hamilton County

Hardin County

Jasper County

Lucas County

Madison County

Burr Oak Farms - Apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, pears, peaches, plums, and prepicked produce
1121 220th Street, Winterset, IA 50273. Phone: 515-462-1482. Email: wce1482@yahoo.com. Directions: Turn south from exit 100 on I 80. Go to stopsign (About 10 miles). Turn left to first gravel road (220th Street) Go to "Y". Take right fork on "Y" and we are at top of hill. Click here for a map and directions. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October, November. Open: Mid June to Mid November Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM Payment: Cash, Check.
The Pumpkin Ranch - pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, inflatables or bounce houses, pony rides, school tours
2425 Hiatt Apple Trail, Winterset, IA 50273. Phone: 515-490-9281. Email: info@thepumpkinranch.com. Open: Call or check website for seasonal hours. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Go to website for complete directions. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Click here for our Facebook page.

Mahaska County

Marion County

Marshall County

Appleberry Farm (Atha's Orchard) - pick your own apples
2402 West Main Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158. Phone: (641) 752-8443. Email: applebob@mchsi.com. The Appleberry Farm offers a warm country blend of the old and new - from antiques to home- grown dried flowers, apples, pumpkins, gourds, and cider-making, too.

Polk County

Bob's Aronia Field - Aronia berries, U-pick and already picked
101 Ne 72nd Place, Ankeny, IA 50023. Phone: 515-778-4262. Email: Bobsaronia@gmail.com. Open: 9 am to 5 on Sunday; Weeknights 5 pm to 8 pm. Payment: Cash, only. Aronia Berries.
Erickson's Orchard - UPDATE: August 22, 2017: The owner tells me they are now permanently closed
9175 NE 38th Avenue, Altoona, IA 50009. (ADDED: June 13, 2017)
Pumpkinville at Mitchellville - pumpkins, squash, gourds, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, and prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, petting zoo
618 Center Ave S, Mitchellville, IA 50169. Phone: 515-967-0972. Email: Pumpkinville@mchsi.com. Open: Daily 10:00 TO Dusk Corn maze open August-October 10 am to 9 pm We are open for business from May 1 through October 31. Directions: Take exit 149 off of I-80 south to Center Ave Take Center Ave south out of town to 618 Center Ave S Click here for a map and directions. Crops are usually available in August, September, October. We sell vegetables daily from spring through fall. Payment: Cash, only. Click here for a link to our Facebook page. The ONLY pyo crops offered are pumpkins, squash, gourds. (UPDATED: June 10, 2020)
Stewart Family Farm - apples, raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Fresh eggs
11687 Ne 126th Ave, Maxwell, IA 50161. Phone: (515) 967-6963. Alternate Phone: (515) 528-1511. Open: CSA pickup days is Tuesday late afternoon into evening; strawberries are u - pick or we - pick from memorial day to 4th of july; raspberries are u pick in july, August, September. Directions: click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. (ADDED: February 06, 2017)
Upstream Gardens & Orchard - apples, asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, currants (red and black), other berries, pears, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, walnuts, Honey from hives on the farm
5987 Ne 88th St, Altoona, IA 50009. Phone: 515-957-1303. Alternate Phone: 515-556-4197. Email: upstreamgardens@gmail.com. Open: See the main page on our website for hours as they may change on a weekly basis. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: From I-80 exit 143, go south to NE 9th Street (where the median stops) and turn left. Go 2 miles and turn left again. Farm is on the right side of the road .7 miles from the turn. From Altoona, take 8th Street SW east out of town to NE 88th Street (East edge of the golf course) Turn left and go North.1.7 miles. Farm is on right side of the road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Click here for our Facebook page. (UPDATED: April 29, 2022, JBS) (UPDATED: April 18, 2016)
Van Dyke Sweet Corn - asparagus, corn (sweet), Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed)
12270 NE 22nd, Ankeny, IA 50021. Phone: 515-257-0298. Email: robinsvandyke@live.com. Open: Call for hours. Directions: Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.

Poweshiek County

Story County

The Berry Patch - Integrated pest management, Apples, asparagus, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, currants (red and black), gooseberries, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, horse-drawn hay rides, tractor-pulled hay rides
62785 280 Street, Nevada, IA 50201. Phone: 877-382-5138. Email: info@berrypatchfarm.com. Directions: from Des Moines, north on I35 to exit 102,turn east on 210. Go east 5 miles to S14, go north 6 miles to 280 st. Go east 3/4 miles to Berry Patch Farm. From Ames: East on US 30 8 miles to S14. South 4 miles to 280 Street East 3/4 miles to Berry Patch Farm Directions and Mapquest on our web site. And for a map to our farm, Click here. Open: Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. please check website for current hours. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Heritage Red Raspberries and Fall Gold Raspberries, Apples; Honeycrisp, Earlygold, Gala, Mollies Delicious, Mac Intosh, Priscilla, Liberty, Red Cortland, Jonathon, Lura Red. Click here for a link to our Facebook page.
Center Grove Orchard - apples, pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, Jumping pillow, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046. Phone: 515-383-4354. Email: fun@centergroveorchard.com. Open: September through Christmas, on Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Directions: Just north of Ankeny and south of Ames, 5 miles east of I-35 on Highway 210 (Exit 102, Cambridge). Then, north 1/8 mile on 610th Avenue. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. Click here for our Facebook page. Come be part of the lively atmosphere of our beautiful Central Iowa farm! We're sure you will gather as many happy memories as apples. Enjoy daily hayrides, corn pool, corn maze and hay maze, farm animals, pedal tractors, weekend festivals with live entertainment, and so much more. Don't forget our jumping pillow, rubber duck races, Three Little Pigs houses, and apple sling shot. We have the best (and only) Potty Barn anywhere in the Des Moines and Ames area! Of course, you can pick your own apples and find your perfect pumpkin.
McWilliams Apple Orchard - UPDATE: June 13, 2019: The owner tells me they are now permanently closed apples
9773 NE 158th Avenue, Maxwell, IA 50161. Phone: (515) 240-4920. Open: September - October; Sunday - Friday, Closed Saturdays. Please call for times; we are a small family orchard; Please call for you-pick times. Directions: From I-35, go East on Hwy 210. Go South on S-27 for about 2 miles. Turn left onto gravel road NE 158th Ave. We are the first place on the right. Varieties: Honeycrisp, Haralson, Chieftain, and Jonathan. We have four different varieties of apples: Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Chieftain, and Haralson. If you are looking for a quiet, Iowa, country apple orchard where you can relax and pick your own apples, this is the place for you. We don't have any other fancy entertainment, but we are simple, friendly, and best of all local. Click here for a link to our Facebook page.

Tama County

Hinegardner Orchard - apples, strawberries, Pumpkin Patch, pumpkins, squash, cider, honey, caramel apples, pies.
1348 295th Street, Montour, IA 50173. Phone: 641-492-6353. Open: Call for hours and availability; in 2022, Annual Apple Picks (Pick Your Own) Sept. 18th and 19th & Sept. 25th and 26th 7 AM to 6 PM. Directions: click here for a map. Apple Orchard, Strawberry Farm. Hinegardner Orchard facebook page.