U Pick Farms in Illinois

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The Real Illinois Story

Illinois farming began with Native Americans who grew corn, beans, and squash in the rich prairie soil. European settlers found that the flat land and fertile soil were perfect for growing crops on a large scale. Illinois became known as the Prairie State because of its vast grasslands that turned into farmland. The state now grows more corn and soybeans than almost any other state, feeding people and animals around the world.

Illinois's Special Growing Areas

Illinois has some of the richest farm soil in the world from thousands of years of prairie grass roots. The land is mostly flat, making it easy to plant and harvest large fields of crops. The climate has hot summers and cold winters with enough rain to grow crops without much irrigation. Rivers like the Mississippi and Illinois provide water and ways to ship crops to other places.

What You Can Pick and When

Illinois grows amazing sweet corn that's ready to pick in July and August when it's at its sweetest. You can pick pumpkins in October when they're perfect for carving jack-o-lanterns and making pies. Apple orchards produce crisp apples in September and October that are great for eating fresh or making cider. Many farms also grow strawberries that ripen in June and are perfect for making jam.

Planning Your Illinois Farm Visit

Summer and fall are the best times to visit Illinois farms when corn, apples, and pumpkins are ready to pick. The weather can be hot and humid in summer, so morning visits are more comfortable. Fall is perfect for visiting pumpkin patches and corn mazes when the weather is cool and comfortable. Many Illinois farms are large operations, but some offer tours and picking experiences for visitors.