Verified orchard U-Pick available High confidence Princeton, Illinois

Bureau Creek Orchard

Contact & location

Address

180 1800 East St, Princeton, IL 61356
Princeton, IL 61356

Where Bureau Creek Orchard is located

Bureau Creek Orchard sits in Princeton, Illinois, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of Illinois. The farm's street address is 180 1800 East St, Princeton, IL 61356, Princeton, IL 61356.

Most visitors reach Bureau Creek Orchard by car; the drive winds past rolling farmland that's especially pretty during peak fall color. From the nearest highway exit, follow signs toward Princeton and continue on local county roads to 180 1800 East St, Princeton, IL 61356. GPS is reliable to the farm entrance, and there is on-site parking once you arrive.

Landmarks in the area include downtown Princeton, nearby farm stands, and small-town diners that make a great pre or post-picking stop. Cell service can get spotty on back roads, so it's smart to download the map to your phone before you leave the highway.

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Looking for the best apple picking near Princeton, Illinois? Bureau Creek Orchard is a working apple orchard located in Princeton, Illinois, welcoming families, couples, and photographers each fall for a classic American harvest experience.

Bureau Creek Orchard sits inside one of Illinois's most beloved apple-growing regions. Between the smell of fresh cider, warm apple donuts, and rows of Honeycrisp and McIntosh trees heavy with fruit, it's the kind of place that turns a simple Saturday into a memory your kids will still talk about years later.

Pick-Your-Own Apples at Bureau Creek Orchard

Pick-your-own apples at Bureau Creek Orchard is exactly what it sounds like, you walk the orchard, pick apples directly off the tree, and pay by the bag or pound when you're done. Staff will point you toward the rows that are ripe that week, hand you a picking bag or bucket, and give you a quick tip on how to twist (not pull) the apple.

On-Farm Activities

pick-your-own

Best Time to Visit

Apple season at Bureau Creek Orchard runs from late August through late October, like most orchards in Illinois. The sweet spot for a first-time visit is the last two weeks of September through the first two weeks of October.

Weekends between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. are the friendliest time to arrive. Weekdays are the most peaceful, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning may have entire rows to yourself.

What to Bring

• Cash (backup for the farm stand)
• Closed-toe walking shoes
• A light jacket or flannel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water bottles for the walk
• Reusable bags for the ride home
• A camera or phone charged for photos
• Small bills for cider and donuts

Where Bureau Creek Orchard is located

Bureau Creek Orchard sits in Princeton, Illinois, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of Illinois. The farm's street address is 180 1800 East St, Princeton, IL 61356, Princeton, IL 61356.

Open in Google Maps →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bureau Creek Orchard offer pick-your-own apples?+

Yes, Bureau Creek Orchard offers pick-your-own apples during the harvest season. Guests walk the rows, pick apples straight from the tree, and pay by the bag, bucket, or pound at the farm stand.

When is apple picking season at Bureau Creek Orchard?+

Apple season at most U.S. orchards runs from late August through late October. Call ahead or check Bureau Creek Orchard's website before your visit to confirm which varieties are ripe.

What are Bureau Creek Orchard's hours?+

Hours at Bureau Creek Orchard vary by season. We recommend calling ahead or checking their website the morning of your visit.

How much does apple picking cost at Bureau Creek Orchard?+

Pick-your-own apple prices in the U.S. typically run $1.50–$3.00 per pound, or $20–$40 for a half-bushel bag. Bureau Creek Orchard sets prices at the entrance each season based on the current crop.

What apple varieties can I pick at Bureau Creek Orchard?+

Bureau Creek Orchard grows several classic apple varieties. Popular picks include Honeycrisp for eating, Cortland for baking, and Granny Smith for pies and cider.

Is Bureau Creek Orchard good for kids and families?+

Absolutely, Bureau Creek Orchard welcomes families and offers pick-your-own.

Can I bring my dog to Bureau Creek Orchard?+

Most working orchards ask that pets stay home for food-safety reasons. Call Bureau Creek Orchard to confirm their current pet policy before bringing your dog.

Is there parking at Bureau Creek Orchard?+

Bureau Creek Orchard has on-site parking that's free for guests. Fall weekends are the busiest, mornings are the calmest time to visit.

What should I bring to Bureau Creek Orchard?+

Bring cash, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Bureau Creek Orchard usually provides picking bags or buckets.

Data source: USDA Local Food Portal · Confidence: High