Our Growing Apple Orchard in Illinois: Why We’re Worth the Visit

If you’re searching for an apple orchard in Illinois that feels welcoming, affordable, and not overly crowded, Selmi’s might be exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re willing to take a short road trip to a true destination farm, we promise there’s more than apples waiting for you here.

This season marks our third year opening our apple orchard to the public for the U-Pick experience. As a local 5th gen family farm in Rock Falls, IL, we’re proud to be the only apple picking farm within a 40-minute drive of Rock Falls offering over 15 apple varieties at prices families can feel good about.

Whether you’re searching for apple picking nearby, a fresh bag of apples, or the nearest apple orchard to start a new fall tradition, Selmi’s is quickly becoming a go-to destination among apple orchards in northern Illinois.

Apple Picking Nearby Without the Hassle of Large Crowds

We hear it all the time. People love apple picking, but not the crowds, long waits, or high admission prices. That’s exactly why we opened our orchard to the public and designed it to be calm, relaxed, and self-paced.

Selmi’s has become a favorite apple farm close to me search result for locals and road trippers alike, offering a quieter alternative to larger orchards while still delivering variety and quality.

Here’s what makes our orchard a little different:

• Over 15 apple varieties available throughout the season

• Guests can sample in-season apples before apple picking

• Weekday U-Pick deals that make apple picking more affordable

• A scenic hayride trip out to where we grow our apples

If you’re looking for apple picking nearby that feels personal and enjoyable, this is the kind of experience we’re proud to offer.

Most Popular Apple Varieties Grown at Selmi’s

Our orchard is home to many well-loved favorites, including:

• Gala apples, perfect for fresh eating and apple snacks

• Honeycrisp apples, known for their crisp bite and impressive size

• Evercrisp® apples

• Jonathan apples and more

These varieties give families plenty of options, whether they’re picking apples for baking, snacking, or sharing at home.

Learning From the Best: New MAIA Apples Coming to Selmi’s

As part of our commitment to growing a better orchard, Selmi’s recently attended the Great Lakes Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where we connected with other farms across the agricultural industry.

There, we learned about several exciting new MAIA apple varieties that will soon be part of Selmi’s future orchard plans.

Amarilla Soul® Apple (MAIA)

• Light yellow color

• Juicy with a snappy texture

• Harvested shortly after Gala apples

• Sweet and refreshing, perfect for apple snacks

Crunch-A-Bunch® Apple (MAIA)

• Exceptionally crisp texture

• Sweet-tart flavor with tropical notes, including pineapple

• A standout snack apple

Scruffy® Apple (MAIA)

• Rugged appearance with outstanding flavor

• Firm texture with a complex sweet-tart balance

• Excellent for fresh eating, baking, and cider programs

• Limited availability due to poor keeping qualities

Two of the three apples will become Selmi’s first yellow apple varieties, expanding the diversity of flavors available in our orchard. As we are planting these this year, they won’t be immediately ready. It will be approximately three years before Amarilla Soul®, Scruffy®, and Crunch-A-Bunch® apples are ready for public harvest. Once mature, we will have 18 total apple varieties, further expanding the flavor palette of our orchard in northern Illinois.

Much More Than Apple Picking: We Offer Good Ole Family Fun

For over 70 years, Selmi’s has long rich community roots and it’s been a go-to place where families return year after year for their Fall Traditions.

• We have a retail farm store offering fresh apple cider, cider donuts, canned goods, and more.

• Over 10+ family activities including the kid favorites: jumping pillow, Mt. Selmi Slide, and Petting Zoo.

• Pumpkin yard that is photo friendly with pop-ups throughout to snap pictures.

• A relaxed farm atmosphere that welcomes all ages

If you’re wondering when does the apple orchard and main farm open, all up-to-date information can be found here: www.selmi.com/contact-us

Plan a Visit to Selmi’s Apple Orchard in Illinois

Come see what’s growing and why so many families are making Selmi’s part of their fall tradition.