‘Tis the season for everything apple — pie, cider, and, even, caramel. And nothing is more fun than a family adventure to the apple orchard. You can find the perfect apple orchard in the Omaha area, which is more than just picking out a bag of apples.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard
Where: 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna, Neb.
It seems natural that Nebraska’s largest pumpkin patch should add an apple orchard, right? Well, that’s what the Vala family thought, too, so, in 2014, they planted their first group of apple trees.
Then, in 2017, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard started offering pick-your-own apple orchard visits. With about 30 acres, the orchard is home to 45 varieties of apples, including favorites such as Gala, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious, as well as unique flavors, including Smokehouse, Shizuka, and Pixie Crunch.
A trip to the Vala’s apple orchard is a new tradition for families, couples, and friends. And don’t forget to grab some apple cider (even hard apple cider), or their handmade caramel apples at the patch’s store. I’ve gathered my top tips for visiting Vala’s orchard here!
Super Bee Orchard
Where: 4571 US Highway 75, Fort Calhoun, Neb.
Located on a hillside, just off Highway 75 south of Fort Calhoun, the family-owned apple orchard has called the area home for more than 50 years. With a variety of apples ready to be picked, Super Bee Orchard’s season runs from September through mid-November.
You’ll have a blast heading out to the trees to find the best apples for your plans, but don’t forget to pick up some homemade apple cider, jelly, or other goodies before heading home.
Trees, Shrubs, and More
Where: 3803 Cornhusker Road, Bellevue, Neb.
An apple orchard on the site of a landscaping company? Oh yeah, and what an orchard! With about 3,000 dwarf trees –- they’re small, but, boy, do they produce full-size apples –- yielding more than a dozen varieties, you’ll have a fun time picking your own apples, such as Gala, Jonathan, Fuji, and MacIntosh.
With nearly 5 miles of trees, Trees, Shrubs, and More knows you’ll find an apple to your liking. With the pick-your-own season underway in September, the season runs until all the trees have been picked clean, so it’s better to get there as soon as possible.
Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard
Where: 19475 225th St., Council Bluffs, Iowa
For more than 25 years, Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard has grown and changed, adapting to their customers’ wants and desires. Today, the orchard features more than two dozen varieties of apples, including Mutsu, Granny Smith, and Crimson crisp.
With its pick-your-own season a smash with visitors, they’re ready to help you find the right apple for your needs. The on-site store also sells each apple variety, as well as other goodies.
With its season starting in September, apple harvest usually runs
through late October or early November.
Related post: 10 Things You Must Do In Council Bluffs In The Fall
Wostrel Family’s Union Orchard
Where: 2405 S. Highway 75, Union, Neb.
You may want to reach for an apple donut as soon as you arrive at Wostrel Family’s Union Orchard, but pace yourself. You’ll want to first explore the apple orchard, where you pick your own apples, ranging from red delicious and Honeycrisp to Arkansas Black and Candycrisp.
Once, your group has finished filling your bags with sweet, delicious apples, head to the country store, where you can purchase apple butter, caramel apples, and apple cider.
Oh, now buy a dozen or so of the apple donuts, as you’ll want one for
the drive home, and for later.
More orchards in Nebraska and Iowa
There are, of course, more orchards around Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa! These orchards would make a great fall road trip:
- Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure (Nebraska City, Neb.; 42 miles from Omaha). If you plan a trip to the Tree Adventure, read this post first to find more fun things to do in Nebraska City.
- Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard (Nebraska City, Neb.; 42 miles from Omaha)
- Small’s Fruit Farm (Mondamin, Iowa; 43 miles from Omaha)
- Martin’s Hillside Orchard (Ceresco, Neb; 45 miles from Omaha)
- Fontenelle Orchard (Nickerson, Neb.; 50 miles from Omaha)
- 3 Bee Farm (Griswold, Iowa; 51 miles from Omaha)
- DeGroots Orchard (Madison, Neb.; 113 miles from Omaha)
With apple picking season, comes great responsibility. That is, to choose wisely on the apples you want to take home, for eating, making pies, homemade caramel apples, and, for the adventurous, your own
apple cider. Regardless of which orchard you visit and apples you choose, you know you’ll have a fun time venturing out.
Alice
Wednesday 30th of September 2020
Thank you for sharing this list of such beautiful and delicious apple trees. I appreciate the efforts you put in the work. Keep sharing more detailed work.