There are lots of places to get farm-fresh produce in Central Indiana, but only a handful of farms where you can pick your own produce. Anderson Orchard, located just south of Indianapolis in Mooresville, is one of the more well-known orchards in the area offering U-pick apples, a pumpkin patch and other produce. And if you’d rather have someone pick your produce for you, Anderson Orchard also has a store that offers fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruit, as well as other locally made items. This is a great place to enjoy the summer and fall season with family and friends, because there are lots of things for all ages to do here.
U-Pick Apples, U-Pick Pumpkins and Other Produce
There’s just something special about picking your own produce! The apple orchard at Anderson Orchard spans more than 100 acres, and there are several different kinds of apple trees that you can pick from. So grab a bag (or a wagon) and make some wholesome memories with your family in the orchard!
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In the summer, you’ll find McIntosh and Earligold varieties populating the fields. In the fall, you’ll find trees bursting with Gala, Honeycrisp and Jonagold. In the late fall and early winter, you’ll find Pink Lady, Fuji and Granny Smith, among others. Anderson provides bags of all sizes, so you can pick as many or as few apples as you’d like.
Apples is what Anderson Orchard is mostly known for, but throughout the season, you’ll find opportunities to pick other produce, like red raspberries (August through the first freeze), pumpkins (the last week of September) and chestnuts (varying weeks through the fall).
The Apple Barn
You’ll see Anderson Orchard’s big, red Apple Barn as soon as you pull up to the farm. The Apple Barn sells just-picked apples and fruit from the orchard, as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables from other farms around Indiana. This country market also sells preserves and fruit butters, frozen fruits and vegetables, local honey, pumpkin rolls, baked goods and more.
Throughout apple season — early July through November — you can find a list of apples that are available in the Apple Barn store to purchase. Some of the apple varieties that you’ll find during the season include Gala, Cortland, Honey Crisp, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Scarlet Beauty.
Other farm-fresh produce you can look forward to seeing in the Apple Barn includes tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelon and green beans during the summer, and peppers, pumpkins, grapes and pears in the fall.
Concession Stand
If you’re visiting Anderson Orchard on a Saturday or Sunday, make sure to visit the concession stand. This is where you’ll find a menu full of fall treats and sweets, like caramel apples (plain or with peanuts), caramel apple fondue, elephant ears, apple turnovers, fried biscuits with Anderson Orchard apple butter, fried apple pies, hot apple cider and cider slushies. The concession stand is open during the weekends in the fall from 8 a.m. until dusk.
Playground and Activities for Kids
Anderson Orchard is very family-friendly and has fun for kids of all ages. Head over to the playground, where you’ll find a play set and swings, as well as a huge, multi-level straw pile to climb. All around the playground, you’ll find fun educational signs that detail different aspects of farm life, like how an apple grows or what’s inside of an apple. Before you leave, don’t forget to snap a photo at the apple tree cut-out!
During weekends in October, visitors can hop onto a tractor-pulled wagon and enjoy a hayride around the farm. While on a hayride, you can enjoy the lakes, hills and views from one of the highest points in Morgan County!
Special Events
Each September, Anderson Orchard hosts their Apple Festival & Craft Fair, an all-day event where you can find craft booths, food trucks, live music, children’s activities and more. And in October, the Orchard Dash 5k & Lil’ Apple Dash takes place, sending participants racing through Anderson Orchard. After the race, athletes can indulge in delicious caramel apples, refreshing apple cider, and Anderson Orchard’s famous apple cider slushie!
More Info
Anderson Orchard is located at 369 East Greencastle Road in Mooresville. For seasonal hours and more info, visit andersonorchard.com
