Our Favorite Fall Orchard Near Chicago

I am an absolute autumn lover. And not for all that pumpkin spice nonsense ( I mean really? Apple Cinnamon all the way!). One of my favorite traditions growing up has always been going to the pumpkin patch to pick out that year’s jack-lantern and some yummy apple inspired treats. When we moved to the Chicago area I was eager to continue the tradition and touched lucky that my friend found Jonamac Orchard. It had all the great traditional aspects I knew and loved for the kid in me, plus some new extras for the adult visitor.

Pretty Fall Atmosphere

What a better place for pretty Autumn pictures than an actual orchard and pumpkin patch. We take full advantage. Plus, in addition to the naturally occurring photo ops they set up adorable decor like this which is perfect for some impromptu photo shoots.

Family Fun

Jonamac is set up with the kiddos in mind. Activities on site include apple cannons, petting zoo, jumping pillow, and tractors for climbing. At the entrance they also have campfires set up for families to rent for lunch and Smores. It’s a sweet idea but a bit pricey considering you could pay the same for an overnight campsite. All the other activities seem priced reasonably.

Corn Maze

Another fun onsite activity is the corn maze. It has two sections with halloween themeing and if you come back at night, it’s a haunted corn maze. My and my bestie spent most of our time strolling casually through and taking the photos while the boys, ever the competitors, made it all the way through both halves in record time. Either way, we all had fun.

Apple Picking

Like any good orchard, they have pick your own apples from the trees. If your heart is set on it make sure to check their website for what dates it is offered as they are only ripe for picking at certain times. Or you can always grab a bunch from their shop.

Pumpkins

One of the best traditions from halloween is going to pick out your own pumpkins. I love being with a group and seeing what size, shape and hue each person prefers. Whatever pumpkin your heart desires, their patch will certainly have it. You just have to go searching, which is all part of the fun.

Hay Rides

For getting to and from the patch Jonamac offers complementary hay rides, another classic fall activity. Or if you don’t want to wait ( or like us just had way too many dang pumpkins) you can grab a wheel barrow and cart them back yourself. It’s really not that far so the walk si completely doable.

Yummy Fall Foods

My truly favorite part is all the yummy autumn themed treats available to eat onsite or take home. I always am sure to bring home some apple cider and of course fresh apple cider donuts at the very least. They sell them in their store which has their fresh produce baked goods and other assorted gifts.

Cider House

Our final destination for the day is the cider house. There you can get a tasting of their wines and hard ciders for a nominal fee and decide which ones you want to purchase and take home.

Jonamac Orchard fulfilled all my falltime activity checklists. And with tons of great photo spots to preserve the memories for years to come. I cannot wait to come back from my next visit with yummy drinks, treats and pumpkins in hand.