Is there a better way to enjoy the fall season than to spend a lovely day plucking apples, drinking cider, and munching on donuts at one of many Door County orchards? We think not!
Throughout our scenic peninsula, there is a real abundance of cherry and apple orchards to explore. Each has its own unique flavor, style, and delicious, local produce offerings ripe for the picking.
How to Compare Door County Orchards
With so many options at your disposal, how do you decide which orchards to visit? Compare apples to apples – literally!
At Bay Shore Inn, we’ve developed some handy criteria to help you (our wonderful guests!) weigh the pros and cons of nearby apple picking locations.
Truthfully, all of the Door County orchards listed below are worth a visit, but certain factors such as distance from your relaxing suite, length of picking season, types of apples grown, and intriguing history may sway your choice in one way or another.
We do know one thing is for sure – apple picking is a super fun and family-friendly activity for you to enjoy in Door County! The only question remains…which orchard will you choose?
Wood Orchard & Market
A local staple since its humble beginnings in 1955, Wood Orchard is a family-owned operation of around 10,000 trees. They sell more than just the fruits of their labor at this Door County orchard.
Unique home décor and specialty gifts are also available for purchase at their market location in Egg Harbor…not to mention delicious cherry and apple cider donuts!
Types of Apples:
- Gala
- McIntosh
- Cortland
- Honeycrisp
- SweeTango® (a specialty hybrid of Honeycrisp and Zestar)
Picking Season:
- Early September through Mid-October (Call 920-868-2334)
Distance from Bay Shore Inn:
- Approximately 4 minutes to orchard, 25 minutes to market
Choice Orchards Farm Market
Boasting over 20 varieties of apples and 200-acres of trees, Choice Orchards has been in operation since 1984. Their land once held the largest cherry producer in the world, which housed its own post office just to keep up with shipping demands.
The modern location is still something to write home about, as it’s a great place to indulge in seasonal favorites like cider, varieties of jams and jellies, caramel apples, and cookbooks full of scrumptious fall recipes.
Types of Apples:
20 varieties are offered, including…
- Gala
- McIntosh
- Fuji
- Red Delicious
- Ginger Gold
- Summer Rambo
- Spartan
- Snowsweet
- Empire
- & others
Picking Season:
- Mid-September through Mid-October for Gala, McIntosh, Macoun, and Snowsweet varieties (Call 920-743-8980)
Distance from Bay Shore Inn:
- Approximately a 4-minute drive
Cherry Lane Orchards
By the name you may not automatically think apples, but this local gem possesses 13-acres of well-groomed cherry and apple trees.
Cherry Lane Orchards is focused on offering a memorable pick-your-own experience by providing a clean, relaxed atmosphere and friendly service.
Types of Apples:
- McIntosh
- Honeycrisp
- Cortland
Picking Season:
- Late September through Mid-October for McIntosh and Cortland varieties, Available on weekends and by appointment (Call 920-856-6864)
Distance from Bay Shore Inn:
- Approximately 25 minutes, South off of Hwy 42
Sorens Valhalla Orchards
This one-of-a-kind apple picking spot is the last, but certainly not least on our list. With a passion for sustainable agriculture and preserving Door County’s fruit growing legacy, Sorens Valhalla Orchards produces some of the finest apples on the peninsula.
Their mission: to grow nutritious food for you and your family.
Types of Apples:
- Honeycrisp
- Ginger Gold
- Cortland
- McIntosh
- Gala
- Zestar
- Snowsweet
- Blondee
- Jonagolds
Picking Season:
- Mid to Late September through Mid-October (Call 920-746-1102)
Distance from Bay Shore Inn:
- Approximately 20 minutes, South off of County Rd S
Bay Shore Inn: Your Door County Apple Picking Headquarters
Before you head out to pluck a whole bushel of delicious Door County apples, make sure to book a quiet, comfortable stay at Bay Shore Inn.
We offer luxury suites in a convenient, central location on the peninsula – perfect for a few refreshing days of apple picking!
Click here to view our rates and availability, and take the first step toward the perfect fall getaway.
For more orchards not on this list, click here.