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The 11 Best Apple Orchards in Nebraska

If there is one crop that Nebraska is known for, it’s not apples. It’s much more likely to be corn or soybeans. And yet, there are many great apple orchards in Nebraska to help usher in sweater weather! These farms prove that it is possible to grow amazing apples in the Midwest.

Keep reading to discover the 11 best apple orchards in Nebraska!

1. Martin’s Hillside Orchard

Ceresco, Nebraska

Apples on tree branch

Martin’s Hillside Orchard is one of the best family-owned apple orchards in Nebraska located near Ceresco. Every autumn, the family invites the community to visit and enjoy the harvest with them, picking their own raspberries, apples, peaches, and pumpkins.

The orchard also features a corn maze, tire swing, discovery trail, butterfly garden, and wagon rides. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s plenty to eat and drink, including caramel apples, apple cider slushies, and fresh-baked goods. 

Many apple varieties are grown here. Some of the most popular include Honeycrisp, Cameo, Evercrisp, Sonata, Rosalee, and Pink Lady. You can also call ahead for bulk orders of apple wood.

2. Kimmel Orchard

Nebraska City, Nebraska

Second on my list of best apple orchards in Nebraska is Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard, which is open from April to December for visitors. During this time, they offer the chance to get your hands on many types of fresh produce as well as homemade fruit wines and more. 

The orchard is also the site of educational opportunities for kids. It features a research center, nature trail, “pollinator” playground, and tours where kids can learn about growing, harvesting, and processing fruit. These offerings make Kimmel Orchard one of the best apple orchards in Nebraska.

You can find apple varieties for U-pick in the autumn, including Blushing Gold, Braeburn, Pink Lady, and Pinova

3. Union Orchard

Nebraska City, Nebraska

Apples on apple trees in an apple orchard

There is always something happening at the Wostrel Family’s Union Orchard. From hard cider production to events and festivals, this Union, Nebraska farm is rarely quiet. 

Fruit pies and other baked goods are made fresh every day. When autumn arrives, you can find Halloween events, hay rides, and of course, pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. All these offerings place Union Orchard firmly on the list of best apple orchards in Nebraska. 

You can find both popular and lesser-known apple varieties here, such as Zestar, Ultrared Jonathan, Lindamac, Snowsweet, Ultragold, Brookfield Gala, Arkansas Black, Candycrisp, Mutsu, Starkspur Winesap, and September Wonder Fuji.

4. Trees Shrubs And More

Bellevue, Nebraska

This next best apple orchard in Nebraska is largely for yard and garden design. But Trees Shrubs and More also features an apple orchard where you can pick your own apples every autumn, as well as peaches and pears at other times of the year. 

The orchard is no small venture, with more than 3,000 dwarf trees that are perfect for family fruit picking. They offer tours of the five-mile stretch of trees. 

Apple picking starts in mid August and ends when the crop runs out. You can find all kinds of varieties here, including Braeburn, Candycrisp, Empire, Honeygold, Cortland, Lodi, Goldrush, and more.

5. Apple Acres Orchard

Kearney, Nebraska

Apple Acres Orchard is all about apples. Here, you’ll find fresh apples ready to pick, honey that is pollinated by the apple blossoms, and tools for growing and tending apple trees. The orchard also sells fresh apple cider—no wonder it’s made my list of best apple orchards in Nebraska!

It’s pretty straightforward — but it’s also one of the best apple orchards in Nebraska!

The orchard is a popular spot for school tours and field trips. Apple picking season starts in the late summer, with varieties like Fuji, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Empire, and York.

This simple farm is an unmissable stop for anyone spending the autumn in Nebraska.

6. Arbor Day Farm

Nebraska City, Nebraska

Arbor Day Farm is in Nebraska City, Nebraska. This 260-acre farm is home not only to crops, but also historic sites like Lied Lodge and Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. 

The farm is used extensively for events, but you can also find a classic apple picking experience here. There are plenty of other things to do here as well, including the farm’s unique “Tree Adventure.”

Autumn is time for apple and pumpkin picking, as well as historical reenactments and the annual Applejack Festival. The festival takes place for three weeks throughout September at the Nebraska apple orchard and is perfect for families. 

7. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch And Apple Orchard

Gretna, Nebraska

Fresh apple cider in jugs

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch And Apple Orchard has been in operation for more than 35 years. In the decades since then, it has expanded from a small vegetable patch to one of the best apple orchards in Nebraska. 

With 30 acres of apples, Vala’s orchard is the largest in the state. There are 45 varieties grown here, including many heirloom apples. Apple picking is available every day from late September to late October.

You can find varieties such as Braeburn, Evercrisp, Smokehouse, Shizuka, Winecrisp, Stayman, and Rome Beauty. Some of these are pressed fresh in the orchard’s cider mill and put out for sale.

8. Fontanelle Orchard

Washington, Nebraska

Fontanelle Orchard is a newer orchard, founded in 2006. However, since then, it has become a beloved destination for people all over Nebraska and is included among the best apple orchards in Nebraska. 

Unfortunately, Fontanelle Orchard doesn’t advertise its apple varieties online. However, visitors can find plenty of delicious produce here, including fresh fruits and vegetables available in the orchard store. 

According to the orchard’s social media pages, apples may be available as early as July, indicating that they have some early ripening varieties. This quiet orchard in Nebraska may be the perfect place for you and your family to find fresh, delicious apples!

9. Super Bee Orchard

Fort Calhoun, Nebraska

Super Bee Orchard is a family-owned and operated apple orchard located in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. Though they don’t have a website, Super Bee Orchard is active on social media. This is a great destination for you and your family. 

Apples aren’t the only thing available at Super Bee Orchard. Depending on the time of year, you can also get fresh peaches and vegetables. Canned goods and preserves are available year-round in the orchard store. 

Depending on the season, you can find apple varieties like Jonathan, Jonagold, and Golden Delicious, as well as apple cider, jelly, preserves, and freshly-made pies. 

10. Degroot Orchards

Madison, Nebraska

Nut and  caramel covered apples

Degroot Orchards is a family owned and operated apple orchard in Madison, Nebraska. In addition to apples, the farm also grows pumpkins, squash, and watermelons, but apples are the main attraction.

Degroot Orchards grows many varieties, making it an unmissable stop among the best apple orchards in Nebraska. You can find Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, Fuji, and many more throughout the season. 

Degroot Orchards also sells honey and other farm-fresh goods in the orchard store. Autumn festivities occur every year, with a pumpkin patch and treats like caramel apples. There is also the chance to get gourds, squash, and Indian corn. 

11. Dobish Gardens And Orchards

Ravenna, Nebraska

Dobish Gardens is a labor of love by a couple who have been farming in Nebraska for more than 30 years. Their farm produces fresh vegetables in five acres of garden plots. There is also an apple orchard with 20-year-old trees. You can also find plums and baking cherries growing here. 

Though Dobish Gardens doesn’t offer a pick-your-own option, visitors can find fresh produce for sale both on the property and at local farmers’ markets. These are accompanied by baked goods and one-of-a-kind apple butters, jam, jelly, and other preserves. They even bake their own kolaches!

The farm doesn’t have a website but is located in Ravenna, Nebraska.

Visit the Best Apple Orchards in Nebraska

All of the best apple orchards in Nebraska play a vital role in their community. Visiting them helps support small local businesses while enjoying a day of fun with your family! There are plenty of options for picking your own apples and enjoying the essence of Fall at one of the best apple orchards in Nebraska.

Ready for more apple content? Learn all about apples: more apple orchards, apple varieties, apple recipes, and more!

Jose

Sunday 15th of January 2023

One Question: Of this List, which ones are Organic Orchards? (or sell organic apples...)

Matt

Saturday 21st of January 2023

I'm not sure, but likely very few, if any at all...