Strawberry Picking in Chicago

Strawberry rhubarb pie, strawberry milkshakes, and strawberry preserves… we are so lucky to have many opportunities for strawberry picking in Chicago. Every year my daughter and I head out for a morning of berry picking and it’s one of my favorite traditions. I love making preserves and strawberry rhubarb jam is always a request from my family. You can find my favorite recipe here. I hope you enjoy this round-up of the best strawberry picking opportunities in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

Thompson Strawberry Farm | Bristol, WI

A place of tradition for families, Thompson is the ideal adventure farm. While Thompson Strawberry Farm is known for their delicious strawberries, they provide so much more. Pick your own experiences include: strawberries, sunflowers, zinnias, raspberries, and pumpkins. Strawberry picking begins mid-June and continues to early July depending on the weather. Monday-Friday hours are 8:00-6:00 and weekend hours are from 8:00-4:00. For up-to-date information about field conditions, availability, and more, check out “Today on the Farm” located here.

Tom’s Farm Market | Huntley, IL

Established in 1959, Tom’s is a proud family-owned farm. From one look at Tom’s logo, you’ll know what they are famous for… Strawberries! Tom’s is our family’s personal favorite farm to visit and we look forward to our annual trip to the farm for fresh berries and a delicious strawberry milkshake. It’s also a wonderful place to stop for lunch or coffee with a friend at Cherryl’s Cafe. Pick-your-own strawberries begins mid June and berries are typically picked out by mid-morning. It’s a good idea to bring some rain boots and sunscreen. Make sure to take an annual family photo next to the adorable red truck and bring home a delicious pie from their bakery.

Stade’s Farm and Market | McHenry, IL

Stade’s offers more pick-your-own produce than any other farm in the area. With 20 acres of land devoted to strawberries, you’re nearly guaranteed to pick to your heart’s content. Importantly, please that strawberry picking at Stade’s requires each person entering the field to purchase a $6 one-quart basket. There are no admission fees and additional quantities are available. Other crops to enjoy harvesting yourself include: raspberries, green beans, apples, snap peas, tomatoes, and pumpkins. Additionally, for families venturing into the strawberry fields, Stade’s recommends bringing a stroller or wagon for the little ones. Upon completing your berry picking adventure, make sure to stop by the market for some freshly baked favorites such as apple-cider donuts, fresh baked pies, soups, breads, and specialty mixes.

Heider’s Berry Farm | Woodstock, IL

Located in the adorable town of Woodstock, Heider’s Berry Farm is a wonderful and (all-terrain) stroller-friendly location to pick berries with your family. Once the largest berry farm in Illinois, Heider’s is back to selling quality berries and facilitating wonderful family memories. For updates about picking berries at Heider’s make sure to follow their Facebook page here. Picking conditions vary due to crowds and weather but berry picking usually resumes quickly after rain due to their well-mulched fields. Additionally, Heider’s grows quality rhubarb, black raspberries, red raspberries, and pumpkins. Lastly, while in Woodstock, make sure to check out Read Between the Lynes Bookstore in the square.

Abbie Christine is a Chicago family, newborn, and maternity photographer serving clients throughout Northern Illinois. Please inquire about booking your own session here!