Heinz Orchard

“Easily accessible, very manageable, and family operated, Heinz Orchard is a gem located practically at our doorstep. It’s the only remaining “pick-it-yourself” apple orchard in Lake County. It is well run and very family-oriented. I saw toddlers to teenagers, to young dads, to grandmas. One can purchase a 1/2-peck bag for only $10 (or a full-peck bag for $20.) We chose a 1/2-peck bag for each of us. The workers could not have been any friendlier, from the Farmer’s wife, to his children, and even some nieces and nephews. Signage displayed which type of apples/trees were in which section of the orchard. We received a bonus while there on October 1, 2021. We asked the owner/farmer if he would introduce himself to the dozen +/- kids we had in our youth group. He went above and beyond, talking with us about his background (Northwestern U. Medill School of Journalism!), and how the recent years of droughts and floods affected farmers. He even taught us about the many thousands (!) of apple varieties and the finesse needed to pick apples so that one’s tree keeps producing. It was interesting and educational for our kids and us adult chaperones! Overall, if you’d like a calm, friendly, easy, productive, and inexpensive way to enjoy the Fall outdoors, go to Heinz Orchard. Sometimes you may even get some fresh honey from the family’s bee hives, in addition to the delicious juicy apples.”

“Best local hidden gem of an orchard! Picking is based on availability and when the apples are ready. You need to check their website for days and times that they're open. They are not open every day. Reasonable pricing for an apple 🍎 🍏 orchard picking experience. No bathrooms or tractor rides, but the pure joy of picking apples. Trees are maintained so they aren't too high, and those not within reach you can use their apple picking sticks. I highly recommend a visit! Our family will be back!”

“After meaning to come here for a few years, my 3 year old and I finally had a chance to visit this morning. While he (nor I) know the differences between apples, we had a nice hour and 1/2 together picking apples, eating a few along the way. The weather was great and the location is slightly off the expressway, very easy to find. The staff is beyond friendly but make sure you go to a bathroom before stopping by. We look forward to making this an annual tradition.”

“The best experience every time! I would HIGHLY recommend this orchard to anyone looking to pick some delicious apples during the season! The owner is the nicest person and is so inclusive and kind to community members with disabilities. I have, and will continue to spread the word about how wonderful this orchard is!”

“We had so much fun this afternoon! The family sitting in front (the owners maybe) were SO friendly! They had two types of apples that were ripe and a couple more to ripen in the next few weeks. The orchard was a perfect size! We will definitely be back to try the other apples!”

“This was our first time visiting apple orchard and it was worth the drive the view was amazing. The field with all the beautiful trees with different apples that were so juicy and sweet. I loved the warm welcome we received.🤗 We will back 😊”

“Love this place. Had a great experience a few weeks back. The price for a 1/2 peck is really completive and its the closest orchard to the north side. You cant go wrong. Plus the staff there are just very friendly and helpful.”

“We had a lot of fun and the apples were all delicious.”