Best Berry Picking Near Chicago (Reviews + Tips)

Lisa R:  Joe's Blueberries is devoted to sustainable, organic farming practices and is rumored to have the best tasting berries in the world! All blueberries here are grown without pesticides - quite a feat when you look into it. Those who want to take ownership of their u pick fun can even choose to rent a bush for the season, which gets you a special certificate and your very own numbered bush with at least 12 lbs of fruit. You'll get pictures and email updates about your bush throughout the season. Be ready to visit for the annual Pick 'n Fest in mid-July.

Lisa R:  This family-run farm spans 200 acres, grows blueberries & cranberries, and also sells nursery plants and a variety of food items in their farm store. The farm runs a basic U-Pick blueberry operation when blueberries are in season, in addition to selling affordable fresh-picked blueberries in their store. This is where you want to go if you're looking to stock up for the whole year. Once a year, during the cranberry harvest in the fall, they open up their bogs for one of a kind hay-ride tours.

Lisa R:  This little pick-your-own blueberry patch and farm stand is located just off the highway near the Warren Dunes State Park. Many families have turned stopping here for lunch and berry picking before hitting the beach into a family tradition. If you're having too much fun to make the 90 minute drive back to Chicago, there's no shortage of cabin rentals and places to camp with the family near by.

Lisa R:  This blueberry farm plans out their u-pick season in advance so that visitors are only admitted to certain areas at a time, ensuring there are always enough blueberries for everyone. The simple farm and country store is located just six minutes from the affordable Hesston Steam Museum, which has a variety of trains that kids can climb and ride, as well as an old-fashioned soda fountain.

Lisa R:  This 35 acre farm is devoted entirely to U-Pick operations and grows ten varieties of blueberries that ripen at different times throughout the season. Their on-site store sells local products, such as blueberry blossom honey and blueberry syrup.

Lisa R:  This Indiana farm is worth the drive, especially if you pair the trip with one of their live music weekends or special events. Horse drawn wagons take visitors out to the field to pick their own berries, and summer veggies like tomatoes, peppers, and green beans. Their market sells local produce and artisanal food products like honey, salsas, dressings, popcorn and more.

Molly Weber:  Located just about an hour drive from Chicago (and just minutes from the Indiana Dunes, in case you're looking for weekend getaway ideas!), this farm has 10 acres of blueberries to walk through and pick off the tree to put in your bucket (or your mouth). There are seven different varieties that bloom throughout the season with a range of size and sweetness. Be sure to grab one of their blueberry pies or delicious blueberry muffins. They also sell their own honey!

Johnson's Farm is home to the largest garden center in the area. There is nothing like local, homegrown Johnson strawberries - whether you want to go to the field to pick your own or purchase them pre-picked inside the market. They provide helpful tips for picking your own berries and produce and a tram out to the field. Join them for their fun farm weekends, too, for additional kids activities, including train rides, pedal cars, slides, tunnels, a jump pillow and more!

Shila:  At Tammen Treeberry Farm you can pick your own blueberries. They grow about 50 acres of blueberries! On average, they begin picking blueberries around mid-July and pick for 3 or 4 weeks. The date they begin varies a great deal depending on the weather.

Despite being named a Strawberry Farm, Thompson has strawberries and more - raspberries and pumpkins. They also offer pre-picked items sold on the farm while supplies last. They will supply the baskets for you to pick the berries and take them home in. Customers are encouraged to call for daily picking information before they come out to the farm.

Shila:  Olive Berry Acres a 7 acre, family owned berry farm, established in 2005. Produce includes green and purple asparagus, strawberries, & more. All picking supplies are provided, just bring yourself.

Shila:  Stade's Farm and Market is located in scenic McHenry County. The farm is popular for u-pick fruits and vegetables including strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, apples, green beans, snap peas. There is a large entertainment area/theme park which includes a petting zoo, corn maze, giant slide, hay rides and a variety of unique attractions.

Gina I.:  With rows of delicious strawberries and raspberries, you're sure to find some sweet pickings at Heider's Berry Farm! After you've filled your basket, stop in the store to check out their yummy assortment of jams and beautiful handcrafted wood items. Check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date scheduling information, which is weather-dependent.

Gina I.:  When it comes to u-pick berries, McCann Berry Farm has been in the business for more than 30 years! They feature a large selection of strawberries and blueberries, as well as rhubarb and sugar snap peas. Pick them yourself, or grab a pre-picked container in the shop. The farm store also offers a delicious assortment of pies, jams and other berry-filled goodies. Not sure what to do with all the juicy berries you picked? See their website for recipes, tips and yummy desserts for the family.

Shila:  Cody’s is a family business that produces a variety of fruit & vegetables. Their mission values health, happiness of children, education and making family memories. Each summer during the month of June, Cody's Farm welcomes families from the greater Chicagoland area to visit the farm and pick strawberries. Enjoy the scenery & the pleasant walk! The farm also harvests products such as broccoli, sweet corn & more.