September means one thing here in Michigan City: as the air turns cooler, harvesting the season’s best treats, locally grown apples, is here! Perhaps it is the mix of our sandy soil or the cool breeze of Lake Michigan that makes the apples grown here taste better. This Michigan City area has a couple of great apple orchards, and that makes for a great local day out. Many of the orchards offer different types of apples as well, so if you want an apple as a snack, to pair in a gooey grilled cheese (trust us on this one!), apples for baking, or even apples for canning, we’ve got you covered.
Pavolka Fruit Farm- Michigan City
At Pavolka Fruit Farm in Michigan City, apple picking is a deeply rooted local agricultural tradition spanning four generations, with the farm operating continuously since 1920 from trees initially planted by the first generation of the Pavolka family. This authentic family operation offers visitors access to a wide variety of apples, creating a “personable, beautiful, and serene experience” that feels refreshingly uncrowded compared to larger commercial orchards. Their U-pick season runs from after Labor Day weekend through the end of October, allowing guests to harvest from these century-old apple trees while enjoying freshly pressed apple cider made exclusively from Pavolka apples. The care of the Pavolka family makes their orchard “the premier place for U-pick,” where visitors can enjoy fair prices and the genuine hospitality that comes from a century of local farming.
Visit their website: https://pavolkafruitfarm.com/
Radke Orchards- Michigan City
The Radke family has owned Radke Orchards for over five generations since 1894, and it is another beloved local orchard. This intimate 12-acre family-run operation offers visitors the chance to pick many apple varieties, ranging from classic favorites like Honeycrisp, Gala, and McIntosh to specialty varieties like Northern Spy. The orchard’s commitment to providing an “authentic orchard experience” means no admission fees, no parking charges, and no commercial distractions, just the simple pleasure of wandering through rows of U-pick-sized trees designed for easy harvesting, where you pay only for what you take home. Complementing the picking experience, visitors can enjoy complimentary tractor-pulled wagon rides through the orchard and indulge in freshly made apple cider donuts and local honey, all while spending a peaceful day on this quiet country homestead that welcomes both families and their pets.
Visit their website: https://www.radkeorchards.com/
William’s Orchard- Hesston (La Porte County)
Williams Orchard, nestled in the rolling hills of Hesston in La Porte County, spans 135 acres of tranquil scenery and represents a remarkable century of local agricultural tradition, celebrating its 100th year as a working peach and apple orchard. Founded when “a traveling salesman sold Grandma a bundle of fruit trees,” as the story goes, the orchard has operated for generations. This historic orchard offers visitors a “non-commercial, relaxed, family environment” where they can pick delicious apples. With a wide variety of apples, this orchard has a more laid-back feel than some of the larger orchards in our area. Please note that U-pick is open on Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm CST. Only. William’s Orchard also doubles as a wedding/ special event venue, complete with a historic barn that can be used to host functions.
Visit their website: https://www.williamsorchard.com/
Garwood Orchard & Farm Market- La Porte (La Porte County)
Garwood Orchard & Farm Market in LaPorte is the oldest orchard in continuous operation in La Porte County, offering over 200 acres dedicated to apples. The orchard provides a diverse selection of varieties for apple lovers. Visitors can enjoy picking apple favorites such as Zestar, known for its crunchy and juicy texture, and Premier Honeycrisp, a crisp and juicy favorite, both available through mid-September. As the season progresses, other varieties such as McIntosh, Blondee, and Early Fuji become ready for harvest, each offering unique flavors ideal for eating or baking. The orchard’s history dates back to 1831 when John Garwood settled in LaPorte County. Today, six generations later, the Garwood family continues to uphold a tradition of quality farming, cultivating not only apples but also peaches, pumpkins, and various vegetables across 350 acres of Garwood Orchard. Visitors can enjoy a scenic wagon ride to the orchards, making it a perfect outing for families and apple enthusiasts alike.
Visit their website: https://www.garwoodapplefarm.com/
We hope that if you choose to go apple picking this season, you choose a local orchard. We have so many wonderful local family orchards to choose from, from big operations with wagons, donuts, and festivities, to more low-key options. The local orchards we’ve profiled today are all within La Porte County and less than a twenty-five-minute drive from Michigan City. Fresh apples are one of the best parts of late summer/early fall. Don’t miss out on this local favorite activity.
Did we miss a local gem? Tell us in the comments below.
