Apple Picking Season
All New Experience for 2024
Discover our young, blossoming orchard with over 15 apple varieties. By 2026, all 5,000+ apple trees will be bearing delicious fruit! To experience our orchard, purchase a U-pick ticket for a time slot online, hop on a hayrack ride to our orchard, and stroll through, picking the apples that catch your eye. Please note that certain apple varieties may vary based on availability.
U-Pick Details
Bag Sizes Perfect for Sharing
Purchase your ticket online here, where you can choose between two bag sizes. Each bag is perfectly sized for different group sizes—ideal for sharing! If you'd prefer your own bag, simply purchase a ticket and select your bag size. Our hayrack rides run every thirty minutes, providing drop-off and pick-up at our orchard.
On days when apple picking is available, you can book time slots online for our U-Pick Orchard. Time slots are normally available Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last hayrack ride at 5:30 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last hayrack ride at 5:30 p.m. Please note that transportation to our orchard is available exclusively via a designated Selmi's hayrack ride.
Our Apple Flavor Chart
Discover Your Faves Below
Here are just some of our available apple varieties to be found within our orchard. Explore your favorites and learn what they are used for below.
McIntosh
Cortland
Sweet Zinger
Honeycrisp
SnowSweet®
Ludacrisp®
Fuji
Jonathon
Zestar
Pink Lady
Rosalee®
Jonagold
Summerset®
Gala
Sweet Maia®
Legend:
Snacking
Salads
Baking
Freezing
Sauces
Tart Flavor
Sweet Flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you'll find information on everything from tour packages and add-on options to what to expect during your visit. Whether you're curious about ticketing, group activities, or what you can take home, this section covers it all to help you plan your trip with ease.
At Selmi's, we offer two bag sizes for apple picking:
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$10 Small Bag (1/2 Peck): Perfect for individuals and couples.
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$16 Large Bag (1 Peck): Ideal for groups of 2-4 people.
Please note that each ticket includes one bag. If you’d like additional bags, you’ll need to purchase another ticket for the same date and timeslot.
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The best month for apple picking at Selmi's is typically Mid-September. During this time, a variety of apples are ripe and ready for picking, offering the freshest and most abundant selection. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the apple variety and weather conditions, so it’s always a good idea to check with us for the most up-to-date information.
The prime time for apple picking in Illinois is from late August through October. The peak season usually falls in September, when many apple varieties are ripe and ready to be picked. However, the exact timing can vary based on weather and the specific orchard, so it's a good idea to check with your local orchard, like Selmi's, for the most accurate picking times.
Apples are typically picked during the fall season, from late summer through early autumn. In most regions, including Illinois, the apple-picking season spans from late August to October.
In case of inclement weather, we prioritize the safety and comfort of our guests. If the weather is severe, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, or high winds, we may need to temporarily close the orchard or reschedule your visit. We recommend checking our website, Facebook, or contacting us directly for updates on the day of your visit. If we need to close, we will work with you to reschedule your visit or offer a refund.
For the safety and comfort of all our guests, as well as to protect the orchard, we do not allow dogs or other pets in the apple orchard. Service animals are welcome, but please notify us in advance if you plan to bring one.
To purchase tickets, click the ticket icon at the top right of our navigation. Scroll down until you find the "Selmi's U-Pick Apple" ticket. Then, select your preferred date, choose a 30-minute time slot, and pick your bag size. You can also purchase tickets directly through this link: Selmi's U-Pick Apple Tickets.
Look for Ripe Apples
Apple colors can range from dark green to yellow, pink, orange, red, or a combination, depending on the variety. To tell if an apple is ripe, ask the farmer, he will track the number of days since the trees flowered.
Pick Directly from the Tree
Use a gentle twisting motion to remove the apple, rather than pulling, to avoid damaging the fruit or the tree. If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time.
Avoid Bruising
Handle apples carefully and place them gently in your basket to prevent bruising.
Check the Bottom
Apples ripen from the outside in, so the ones on the outer branches and at the bottom of the tree may be ready to pick first.
Avoid Overfilling
Avoid overfilling your basket or bag, as this can crush the apples at the bottom. Last thing you want is bruised apples when you arrive home.
Inspect for Damage
Check each apple for any signs of damage, like holes or bruises, and leave those on the tree.
Tips & Tricks to Apple Picking
Find a U-Pick Apple Orchard Near You
Located at 1206 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls, IL 61071
