There’s nothing quite like the taste of a freshly picked strawberry, especially when you know it didn’t have to travel across the state or country. Instead, it was handpicked by you!
Strawberry season in the Chicago area is between June and July, sometimes into September depending on what varieties of strawberries are grown on the farm.
I highly recommend picking one of these farms to experience the joy yourself! See some tips for picking below along with the best farms to check out during strawberry season – or any time!
Strawberry Picking Tips
- Only pick strawberries that are at least 80% red.
- Pick gently by pulling at the stem, not by pulling the strawberry itself.
- Carry your haul gently — they will bruise easily!
- Bring appropriate shoes for mud and uneven surfaces.
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen. Most farms are in the wide open with very little to no shade.
1. Sun Berry Orchard
A new family farm that was first started in 2017, this orchard offers everything from fruits to vegetables and berries with a petting zoo and playground.
Limited food options are available from their food truck; call ahead to see what they are selling.
This family owns two farms, so be sure to go to the location on Greenwood Road because there is no U-Pick at their Fremont Center Rd Location.
- Location: 2318 Greenwood Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Raspberries, blackberries, apples, potatoes, seasonal vegetables
2. Olive Berry Acres
This small farm was founded by a couple who consider themselves berry enthusiasts. They specialize in pick-your-own strawberries but also grow asparagus and rhubarb.
Check out their Facebook page daily for seasonal offerings, and don’t wait too long to go because they’re only available for a short window during the season!
- Location: 2575 West Mine Rd., Mazon, IL 60444
- Hours: Day dependent 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Check their Facebook page for daily operating hours)
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: No
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Raspberries
3. Heider’s Berry Farm
Specializing in strawberries, Heider’s Berry Farm is the place to go for early and late-season berries.
Available through September, they have a long season for strawberries compared to other farms. They also offer rhubarb, cherries, and homemade jams for purchase at their farm.
- Location: 1106 N Queen Anne Rd., Woodstock, IL 60098
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Raspberries
4. Stade’s Farm and Market
This is a great local farm that has a little bit of everything! With countless varieties of pick-your-own options, a petting zoo, a corn maze, giant slides, hayrides, and other unique attractions, it’s a great place for the entire family.
Be sure to check out their harvest-time extravaganza in the fall for a great autumn treat!
- Location: 3709 Miller Rd., McHenry, IL 60051
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Apples, beets, blueberries, green beans, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes
5. Johnson’s Farm Produce
For almost 75 years, Johnson’s farm in Hobart has provided fresh produce to the locals.
They also have one of the largest garden centers in the Midwest, an outdoor fun area for children, and seasonal events. Check out their farm store for fresh food and other local treats!
- Location: 8960 East Ridge Road, Hobart, IL 46342
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Blueberries, raspberries, watermelons, pumpkins, flowers
6. Rosey’s Berry Farm
Devoted to delicious strawberry growing, this farm uses no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or growth enhancers, so you know you’re getting a good-tasting berry grown the way nature intended!
Always call ahead to make sure they have crop availability and to check their hours.
- Location: 811 E. State St., Cherry Valley, IL 61016
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Only strawberries available
7. Garwood Orchards
For six generations, the Garwood family has farmed the land that the orchard and farm sit on today.
They offer a wide selection of pick-your-own varieties, giving you a reason every season to stop by to pick the freshest vegetables and fruits possible all season long!
- Location: 5911 W 50 South, LaPorte, IN 46350
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Raspberries, sweet cherries, tart cherries, blackberries, cabbage, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, apples
8. Tom’s Farm Market
With a giant strawberry in the place of the “O” in “Tom’s,” you know you’re in the right place as soon as you see the barn logo!
This is a great place to pick strawberries or simply go for a meal at their bakery and cafe. Be sure to check out one of their many events that rotate through the seasons as well.
- Location: 10212 Algonquin, Huntly, IL 60142
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Pumpkins, sunflowers
9. Blue Clay Berry farm
A one-time cattle farm turned strawberry and blueberry farm, the soil here is rich and produces bountiful berries each season!
While they only specialize in berries, they have farm fresh eggs available at the farm year round when you can’t pick berries.
It’s a little further outside the city, but who doesn’t need a break from city life?
- Location: 5154 State Rd. 50, Delavan, WI 53115
- Hours: Wednesday 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: No
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Sunflowers, blueberries
10. Cody’s Farm
Offering a variety of fresh seasonal produce and specializing in fall festival events, this is a great spot to get a feel of being on a farm in the Midwest!
They have a few farmstand locations to purchase fresh produce from as well, so don’t worry if you run out quickly; there’s more to love!
- Location: 19502 River Rd., Marengo, IL 60152
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Pumpkins, apples
11. Thompson Strawberry Farm
Four generations of family farmers kept this farm thriving through time. They’re mainly a pick-your-own farm, but they also have some kid’s activities to add to the fun!
If you can stop by in the fall, they are known for their “pick-your-own carload of pumpkins” to decorate your house for the autumn season.
- Location: 6621 156th Ave., Bristol, WI 53104
- Hours: Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Sunflowers, raspberries, pumpkins
12. Guelde Strawberries
If strawberries are all you want, check out this patch! Stop by their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information and when their strawberry season officially begins and ends.
Their social media is also the best way to know when they have seasonal favorites ready to purchase like honey and asparagus.
- Location: 4779 E 1525th Rd., Earlville, IL 60518
- Hours: Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Also Offers Pre-Picked Strawberries: Yes
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Asparagus, pumpkins
Closing Thoughts
Whether you want to stay close to Lake Michigan or visit Geneva Lake, there are pick-your-own strawberry locations all around the Chicago area!
Be sure to follow each farm’s rules when picking, and come prepared to get muddy. Odds are it will be a great memory with a delicious reward!