2024 Western Wisconsin Winter Squash U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!
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Winter Squash U-Pick Orchards in Western Wisconsin in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for winter squash that we know of in this area.
Not all areas of a state have winter squash farms that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!
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! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!
PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.
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
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Barron County
Mommsen's Produce Patch - apples, asparagus, strawberries, corn (sweet), flowers, pumpkins, winter squash, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, straw or hay bale maze, child-sized haybale maze, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, petting zoo 2009 18th Avenue, Rice Lake, WI 54868. Phone: 715-234-6363. Email: hugh@producepatch.com. Open: Strawberries: Call for picking dates and times; Fall Market and Entertainment Farm is open seven days a week 10 am to 6 pm; Asparagus: May Strawberries: Mid June to Mid July Sweet Corn: August to early September; Farm Market and Entertainment Farm: Mid September to October 30 Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Directions: Strawberries: From Menard\'s go east on Cty 0 to the Meng Eye Clinic, turn south, go one half mile, turn left. Fall Market and Entertainment Farm: Exit Hwy 53 at the south exit. Go east to the third stop light \(Cty SS\), turn south, go one and one half miles, farm is on west side of road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Fax: Strawberries: From Menard's go east on Cty 0 to the Meng Eye Clinic, turn south, go one half mile, turn left. Fall Market and Entertainment Farm: Exit Hwy 53 at the south exit. Go east to the third stop light (Cty SS), turn south, go one and one half miles, farm is on west side of roadCrops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October Pumpkin cannon and Catapult. Weekends only. We grow 5 different varieties in our orchard! We offer pick-your-own apples and sell already picked bags in the barn. Don't forget to grab one of our famous caramel apples or grab one of Grandma Evy's apple pie or crisp out of the freezer. (UPDATED: July 01, 2019, JBS)
Dunn County
Govin's Meats and Berries - strawberries, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, chicken, lamb, eggs, corn maze, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours N6134 670th Street, Menomonie, WI 54751. Phone: 715-231-2377. Email: jgovin@govinsfarm.com. Open: for Strawberries: Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 7 am to 4 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm Usally starting around the middle of June. Directions: Do not use a GPS or Map Program, it will not get you here!!!From the West: Interstate 94 to exit 45, South\(Right\)County Road B to light at the bottom of the over pass\(at Kwik Trip\). East\(left\)on 610th for 1.5 miles to 670th street. Turn north\(left\) and you are in the yard. From the East: Interstate 94 to exit 45, South\(left\)County Road B to light at the bottom of the over pass\(at Kwik Trip\). East\(left\)on 610th for 1.5 miles to 670th street. Turn north\(left\) and yo - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, WIC Vouchers. Govin's Meats and Berries Facebook page. Do not use a GPS or Map Program, it will not get you here!!!From the West: Interstate 94 to exit 45, South(Right)County Road B to light at the bottom of the over pass(at Kwik Trip). East(left)on 610th for 1.5 miles to 670th street. Turn north(left) and you are in the yard. From the East: Interstate 94 to exit 45, South(left)County Road B to light at the bottom of the over pass(at Kwik Trip). East(left)on 610th for 1.5 miles to 670th street. Turn north(left) and you are in the yardStrawberries start the middle of June and go to the middle of July depending on the year; Our Sweet corn is around the middle of August; Our Corn Maze Starts September 18 to November 1. For up to date information for picking please call the berry Hotline at 715-231-BERRY(2377) or check the website Join is the last two weekends in March for our Lambing Barn. Here you will be able to see and touch all the baby farm animals. We like to share our family farm with your family. We raise a wide variety of products for you to choose from. Govin's offers 6 acres of Strawberries both U-Pick and Pre-picked, Lamb, by the cut or custom cut, and our all natural Chickens. In the fall we have our 11 acre corn Maze along with out 3 acres of pumpkins and lots of fun fall activities You can also bring the family out in the spring to enjoy see and holding all the baby animals in our Lambing Barn.
Eau Claire County
Leffel Roots Apple Orchard - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, pumpkins, winter squash, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours, events at your location (call for info) W2369 Maple Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Phone: 715-514-5171. Email: leffelroots@gmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021: They are closed until the 2022 season; Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, mid - September through October 31. Directions: From I-94 Eastbound: Take exit 65 for WI-37 toward Eau ClaireMondovi Drive .2 miles and make a slight left onto Co highway B Drive 3.5 miles and make a left onto Maple Road Drive .4 miles and see our orchard on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. Leffel Roots Apple Orchard Facebook page. From I-94 Eastbound: Take exit 65 for WI-37 toward Eau Claire/Mondovi Drive .2 miles and make a slight left onto Co highway B Drive 3.5 miles and make a left onto Maple Road Drive .4 miles and see our orchard on the rightWe use integrated pest management practices(ADDED: February 17, 2016)
Pierce County
Circle K Orchard - apples, herbs or spices, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash 9 mi. East of River Falls on off Hwy 29 N7653 650th Street, Beldenville, WI 54003. Phone: 715 273-7799. Email: wkmills@redwing.net. Open: Daily, 10 am to 6 pm, from Aug 18th to Nov 4th, 10am to 6pm daily. Directions: 9 mi east of River Falls WI on hwy 29, turn south on 650th street From the Twin Cities. Take Interstate 94 east to the Hammond Ext. Turn south on Co Rd.Y and follow the signs From Ellsworth WI take State Hwy 65 to Co Rd J turn Right and follow the signs . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Fax: n/a click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in August, September, October Lions Apple Festival is September 22 and 23 10 am to 5 pm both days. Pasteurized cider available from Mid September to end of season Locally produced carmel apple pies and hand dipped caramel apples. Apple wood for smoking.
Polk County
Apple River Vegetables - broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, melons, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, and prepicked produce 117 hwy. 65, Star Prairie, WI 54026. Phone: 715-338-8165. Open: 8am to7pm daily; Please call to schedule visit. Directions: 2 miles north of Star Prairie, WI. on State Hwy. 65 . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Crops are usually available in July, August, September cauliflower, brussel sprouts, spinach, lettuce, radish.
Buttermilk Falls CSA & Folk School Retreat - Uses natural growing practices, beets, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, eggplants, herbs or spices, peas, peppers, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, group reservations 599 280th Street, Osceola, WI 54020. Phone: 612-567-7551. Email: csa@buttermilkcsa.com. Open: Monday to Friday from 7am to 5:30pm; 7 days a week, most days of the year. Directions: From the Twin Cities: Take 35W or 35E North past the merge to 97. Turn right at 97 heading east \(with a short zig zag on 61\) and continue until it ends at MN95. Turn left \(North\) on 95 to 243. Turn right on 243 \(East\) over bridge to Osceola. In Osceola, turn right \(South\) until Ridge Road on the right. Take a right at Ridge Road and continue until it T\'s at the horse farm. Turn right and look for sign for Philadelphia Community Farm on the outside of the first curve. That\'s - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Buttermilk Falls CSA & Folk School Retreat Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 715-294-4048 From the Twin Cities: Take 35W or 35E North past the merge to 97. Turn right at 97 heading east (with a short zig zag on 61) and continue until it ends at MN95. Turn left (North) on 95 to 243. Turn right on 243 (East) over bridge to Osceola. In Osceola, turn right (South) until Ridge Road on the right. Take a right at Ridge Road and continue until it T's at the horse farm. Turn right and look for sign for Philadelphia Community Farm on the outside of the first curve. That's our drivewayWe use natural practices, but are not yet certified OrganicWe are a community farm and folk school retreat center. In addition to delicious chemical free CSA shares from June-October, we also offer seasonal farm memberships year-round that allow you to come and share/enjoy the resources this farm has to offer, including some pick-your-own opportunities! Visit our website to find out more about our CSA, farm memberships, folk school classes or retreat opportunities. (ADDED: February 25, 2015)
Glenna Farms - corn (sweet), cucumbers, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info) 1333 - 120th Street, Amery, WI 54001. Phone: 800-310-5050. Email: info@glennafarms.com. Open: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm Sunday: 11 am to 4 pm Maple Syrup: March to April Cucumbers: July to August Sweet Corn: July to August Tomatoes: August to September Pumpkins: September to October Squash: September to October Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Directions: Located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Turtle Lake, WI, 14 mile north of US Hwy 8 on 120th Street. Look for signs! . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Turtle Lake, WI, 1/4 mile north of US Hwy 8 on 120th Street. Look for signs! And Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available all year
Winter Squash
Winter Squash Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
Winter squash comes in many sizes, shapes and colors. Choosing a winter
squash that meets your needs and the taste you will like can be tough
without a guide! This page provides you that information, plus
nutritional analysis and links to our freezing and canning pages!
Unlike its summer
squash, which is best when harvested very young and used right away, winter squash is harvested at a mature age, which makes
the outer skin hard and inedible. The skin, however, is protective and
increases its storage life. Winter squash can be stored for 3 months or
longer if kept in a cool dark place, like a basement or garage.
I've had winter squash last a full year when stored like this!
The yellow and orange flesh of the winter squash is more nutritious and richer in vitamins, especially beta carotene, than summer squash. Winter squash is
always served cooked and, because of its tough skin, only the inside flesh is eaten. The flesh, is sweet and great to make pie (pumpkins are a winter squash)
Size:
Choose a size based on your cooking needs. There's no difference in flavor
based on size of the same variety of a squash.
Appearance:
For a quality squash, choose one that has a smooth, dry rind and is free of
cracks or soft spots. Skin that is easily nicked or scraped with a fingernail
means that the squash did not reach maturity. Look for rind that has a dull
appearance. A shiny rind indicates that is has been picked too early or has a
wax coating, which masks the skin. Choose
squash that has a deep color and is heavy for its size. It is also best to
choose squash with a firm, rounded, dry stem. Squash with no stem permits
bacteria to enter.
Cut pieces can be found in the grocery market. Choose pieces that have a good
interior color and finely-grained flesh that is not fibrous. Ideal flesh should
be barely moist, but not too dry or too watery.
Storing Winter Squash
Winter squash has a long shelf life and can be stored for up to 3 months or
longer in a cool, dry place between 55° and 60°F. A higher temperature will
shorten storage time, but it will not alter the flavor. Storage temperatures
below 50°F (as in a refrigerator) will cause squash to spoil more rapidly. If
the squash needs to be refrigerated, it can be stored for 1 to 2 weeks. Cut
pieces of squash should be tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Cooked, pureed
squash can be frozen for use later as a side dish or to thicken, color, or
flavor soups, sauces, or stews.
Acorn
This acorn-shaped squash is one of the most widely available among the
small winter squash. It measures about 6 inches around and weighs 1 to 2
pounds. Baking is an excellent way to bring out the sweet, nutty flavors of this
tender fleshed squash.
Banana
This squash comes in three varieties: blue, orange, and pink. Among the
three varieties, the pink banana is the most common in the United
States. It is grown commercially in Florida. This large, thick-skinned
cylindrical squash averages 20 inches long and weighs around 12 pounds.
It is so large that it is usually sold in chunks instead of whole. Its
creamy textured orange flesh offers a fruity and buttery delight to your
palate. Although both baking and steaming are great ways to prepare this
tasty squash, steaming produces a slightly sweeter, yet mild flavor.
Buttercup
This stocky squash is 6 to 8 inches in diameter, averaging 2 to 4
pounds. Its popularity stems from its sweet and creamy orange flesh. Its
shortcoming is that it tends to be a bit dry. Baking or steaming can
solve this problem; the dry flesh becomes smooth and tastes similar to a
mixture of honey, roasted chestnuts, and sweet potato. Even more than
baking, steaming softens the flesh and creates a thick puree (Great for
pies)
Butternut
This elongated bell-shaped squash measures about a foot long and weighs
an average of 2 to 4 pounds. Its popularity is due to its meaty, yet
moderately sweet golden orange flesh. Because of its thin skin, this
squash can easily be skinned with a vegetable peeler, which makes it
easy to cut and prepare. Baking enhances its sweet, moist, and nutty
flavors. Butternut squash is usually available from August through
March. There are actually many variations of butternut. It can be used to make great "pumpkin" pies.
My favorite winter squash is one called
"Argos Gold", sometimes also simply called "Mexican Butternut" - it is
much longer than the usual "Waltham" butternut, often almost 2 feet long
and has a much sweeter taste and smoother texture. I've finally found
one supplier,
see this
page.
Hubbard
This tear-shaped squash comes in several varieties: green (true),
golden, blue, and baby blue. It ranges from dark green to orange and
weighs from 5 to 50 pounds. Because of its size, Hubbard's popularity
has decreased over the years. However, pre-cut portions of green and
orange Hubbard can be found in markets. Green Hubbard's are thick, sweet,
and dry. Golden Hubbard's; a smaller squash than the green or blue; are
fairly sweet, but have a bitter aftertaste.The Blue or gray varietiey make wonder pumpkin pies!
Spaghetti
This oval-shaped yellow squash is also called the vegetable spaghetti.
It averages 9 inches in length and may weigh 2 to 3 pounds. When cooked,
the crisp, tender fhesh falls a apart into spaghetti-like strands that
have a mild lightly sweet and
fresh taste. Keep in mind that the larger the vegetable, the thicker the
strands and the more flavorful the taste. It really is good with
spaghetti sauce on the cooked squash "noodles"
Sweet Dumpling
This solid round squash, formerly known as the vegetable gourd, is a
perfect serving for one person. It is about the size of an apple and
weighs up to 1 pound. The skin is a warm cream color striped with ivy
green, and it changes to butter color and orange during storage. The
skin is relatively tender and can be eaten. The pale-yellow flesh is
smooth, fine, and dry as a potato and produces a rich starchy, light to
mild sweetness, with a slight corn flavor.