Editor’s Note: Looking for Strawberries around Champaign-Urbana? See our Pick Your Own Strawberries Guide, published in May, 2017.
by Rachael McMillan
Somewhere in Champaign-Urbana, the following conversation is taking place right now:
Person 1: This area is great. We have a lot of the cultural opportunities of a larger city…
Person 2: …but it’s still small enough to feel like we live in the country!
Both are certainly true. And right now, the “country” part of central Illinois living is the star attraction. What better way to enjoy the acres of fertile farmland that surround us than by taking the family out for some u-pick fun?
In case you’re not familiar with the term, u-pick (or PYO, short for “pick your own”) refers to farms which allow patrons to pick fruits and vegetables, fresh from the field, to bring home and enjoy.
The benefits of u-pick are endless. “Not only is u-pick a fantastic way to afford food that is good for you, but it’s a fun experience for the entire family,” said one local farmer.
That’s just for starters. Taking your kids to pick fresh fruits and veggies teaches them about where food comes from, encourages healthy eating habits, and enforces the value of eating local, seasonal produce.
And budgeters take note: u-pick can be a great way to get the best price for local (and, in many cases, organic) fruits and vegetables throughout the year. According to one local farmer, “It is a great value, especially for those who want to can or freeze the products for later use. We have customers who pick 30 to 100 pounds of berries, freeze them and eat them through the winter until the new season starts.”
Need further convincing? At many u-pick locations, you are encouraged to sample the produce right off the vine, tree, or plant. Yum.
Pickyourown.org is a good resource for locating area farms that invite the practice. The link takes you to the central Illinois listings, but you can certainly use it to find farms in other areas—even other countries! You can also search the site for festivals, recipes, canning tips, and more.
Below are a few area u-pick destinations and the highlights of each one. Remember, we’re talking agriculture here—crop availability varies during time of year.
Curtis Orchard: 3902 S. Duncan Rd., Champaign
Apples are the main attraction, but there is also a sizable pumpkin patch. The general store sells honey harvested on site among many other things (do not skip the mind-blowingly awesome cider donuts). There is a maze, a play area, a slide, and goats to feed. The Flying Monkey Cafe is open for lunch daily, and special entertainment is featured on the weekends. Open July 20 – December 20.
Okaw Valley Orchard: RR 2 Box 124, Sullivan
Although u-pick is mostly limited to apples and peaches, the farm also offers nectarines, plums, and pears. A general store sells a variety of jams, jellies, and pastries, among other things.
Prairie Fruits Farm: 4410 N. Lincoln Ave., Champaign
U-Pick for organic blackberries; apples also may be available in 2014, but stay tuned. Open Wednesdays evenings during farm open houses, berries may be available through Labor Day. Check the Prairie Fruits Farm website for up to date information on u-pick (availability is LIMITED).
The Great Pumpkin Patch: 1749 A CR 1900 N, Arthur
U-pick pumpkins are the tip of the iceberg at this definitive local pumpkin patch. A corn maize, enormous gourd displays, a mildly haunted barn, a bakery, and an old schoolhouse-turned-museum are just a few of the features you get to enjoy for the price of admission.
Mulberry Lane Farm: 414 Mulberry St., Loda
Strawberry season is generally during June. At least one Chambana mom thinks this is a place to plan on visiting.
Braffet Berry Farm, Carlock
Located northwest of Bloomington-Normal with easy access from Interstates 74 and 39. Strawberries only. Closed for the season now – has anyone been there?
What’s your favorite u-pick fruit or location?
A former high school teacher who now is spending time at home with her two children, Jack and Kate, Rachael McMillan is a freelance writer and reading tutor.