Welcome to our guide on where to go berry picking in the Des Moines area! If you’re a fan of fresh, juicy, and ripe berries, then you’ll be thrilled to know that there are many farms near Des Moines that offer u-pick opportunities for berry enthusiasts. From strawberries to blueberries and everything in between, these farms allow you to experience the joy of harvesting your own fruits directly from the source. Not only does this provide a fun and memorable family outing, but it also guarantees the freshest and most flavorful produce. So, get ready to put on your sun hat, grab a bucket, and join us as we explore the top destinations for berry picking in the Des Moines area!
For more locally grown food options, check out our 2023 Farmers’ Market Guide. And, to find more things to do in Des Moines this season check out our Summer Fun Guide.
Editor’s Note: Before heading out to pick berries, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check the farm’s website or social media to confirm that fields are open, berries are ripe and they’re open for business.
Here’s where you can take your kids berry picking in the Des Moines area for an afternoon of fresh air and fun:
The Berry Patch
Fruit: Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Currants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Strawberries and more
Where: 62785 280th Street, Nevada, IA
Phone: (515) 382-5138
Tips: Once the picking season starts, The Berry Patch’s regular hours are typically 9:00 am to 12:00 pm each day, Monday through Saturday. They may be sold out earlier than noon, so be sure to call ahead or visit their website and Facebook page. Pick Your Own Strawberry season starts in early June and usually lasts 3-4 weeks.The first week of July usually marks the readiness of cherries, raspberries, and gooseberries, with blueberries and blackberries following in August.
Center Grove Orchard
Fruit: Strawberries
Where: 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046
Phone: (515) 383-4354
Tips: You may be familiar with Center Grove Orchard because it’s your go-to spot for fall festivities. This year, make it your go-to spot for another reason—ripe red strawberries. Since 2021, they have been open for strawberry picking and are excited to host families for u-pick again this summer. Strawberry picking typically runs from late May through June, and berries can be picked daily from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please note that to enter the Strawberry Patch, a farmyard admission fee is required.
Edge of the Woods
Fruit: Red and Black Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries and Tart Cherries
Where: 15285 Fairfax Street, Indianola, IA
Phone: (515) 961-7252
Tips: Watch Edge of the Woods’ Facebook Page for their 2023 opening date. Seasonal farm hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 am to 12:00 noon; Saturdays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Sundays by appointment. They are CLOSED on Mondays and Wednesdays. Their store is open from mid-May through the end of August. Red raspberries are typically ready to pick in mid to late June. Blueberries are usually ready to pick late-June through July.
Fogle’s 40 Organic Aronia
Fruit: Aronia Berries
Where: 14769 Buchanan Street; Carlisle, IA 50047
Phone: (515) 989-4482
Tips: Central Iowa is home to aronia berries, a powerfully potent antioxidant fruit. During picking season, which is usually in August, Fogle’s is open Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm and Monday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. They post when they’re open for the season on their Facebook page.
Hinegardner Orchard
Fruit: Strawberries
Where: 1348 295th Street, Montour, Iowa 50173
Phone: (641) 492-6353
Tips: Hinegardner Orchard hours are daily from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. They may also have seasonal hours, watch their FB page for updates. Strawberries will be ready around the first week of June and will last about 3 weeks. Pre-picked strawberries are available for purchase at the farm. They also have melons, plums and other produce available that ripen throughout summer and fall.
Iowa Orchard
Fruit: Strawberries
Where: 13140 NW 102nd Avenue, Granger, IA
Phone: (515) 276-0852
Tips: Iowa Orchard’s seasonal hours at the Granger site are Monday through Sunday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please note that picking appointments must be made online in advance. Strawberry Season is typically late May through late June. Watch their Facebook page for their official opening date. You can also purchase pre-picked strawberries at their Urbandale location.
Upstream Gardens & Orchard
Fruit: Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Mulberries, Red and Black Raspberries, Red Currants and Strawberries
Where: 5987 NE 88th Street, Altoona, IA 50009
Phone: (515) 957-1303
Tips: A family-run farm, Upstream Gardens & Orchard is typically open from April through October. They will have regular hours once the weather warms up and produce is available for picking. Until then give them a call to make an appointment. (Their hours are typically Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.) Keep an eye on their website to stay informed about when the fruit is ready for picking.
Timberlea Farm
Fruit: Aronia Berries
Where: 705 SW Ringgold Street, Boone, IA
Phone: (515) 709-0388
Tips: Timberlea Farm is open by appointment only for U-pick and already picked berries. Aronia Berries are ready to be picked in mid to late August. Watch their Facebook page to know when their berries are ready to be picked.
Does your family have a favorite u-pick berry farm or orchard in the Des Moines area? Let us know about it!
