In Door County we like our apples fresh from the orchard… whether we pick them ourselves or grab them right out of the orchard market. This time of year is all about apples. Apple pie, apple cider, apple cider donuts. There’s just something magical about being in the orchard with your family. We remember when our kids learned they can just grab an apple from the tree, shine it up on their pants leg, and then chomp away. An apple just tastes better that way.
Watching the Facebook posts of Door County orchards, we learned that some varieties were ready mid to late August, but others not until mid to late September. Orchards in the Sturgeon Bay area began their pick-your-own season weeks before the ones further north.
Apple picking in Fish Creek
This year we ventured into the apple orchard of Lautenbach’s Orchard Country on opening day, September 20, 2024. The branches were heavy with the ripe fruit. Some trees were overflowing with clusters of bright red, pinkish and golden yellow apples. We overheard staff telling pickers which ones were best for baking, and which were best for eating.
A walk through the orchard
At Lautenbach’s, the adventure starts with a stop inside the market. That’s where we picked up our bags before heading out into the apple orchard. The apple trees are just a short walk toward the northside of the property. (To the south, are cherry trees. Grapevines grow on either side.) We were thrilled to see how well they marked the apple trees here. No guessing which varieties you are picking. The rows are neat and well spaced. The sun was high. And the heat of what was being called a “September sizzle” was not exactly typical Door County apple picking weather, but it was a lovely day.
We made our way through the rows of galas, honeycrisps, blondees, macouns, macs, cortlands and jonagolds. Then we headed back inside where the “apple experience” continues. You can pick up already picked apples. Or you can shop for apple themed gift items. And there are plenty of products made from apples. We can’t resist the apple cider donuts, fresh apple cider and caramel covered apples.
An apple lover’s shopping paradise
You could also grab a bottle of apple wine. Not sure if you are going to like it? They have a whole tasting room for that! Create your own tasting flight to enjoy inside or out. On their facebook page, Lautenbach’s suggests you create a fall themed flight with flavors such as autumn harvest, pear and apple honeycrisp.
Apple picking, for our family, is a must-do fall experience. You can make the most of it here by picking up some pumpkins, grabbing some gourds, spitting some cherry pits, dining out from the food truck on site and soaking up the fall weather and Door County charm.
It was our first time to Lautenbach’s and we will be back. It may not have had the feel of a traditional apple orchard, with a forest of trees to walk through, but we liked the clean, well marked rows and the variety of trees. The market was stocked and interesting. And the people were so friendly.
Here’s a list of other orchards we discovered in our search… (for next time!)
Door County Apple Orchards
Choice Orchards – Sturgeon Bay
Robertson Orchards – Sturgeon Bay
Cherry Lane Orchards – Sturgeon Bay
Hyline Orchard – Fish Creek
Lautenbach Orchard Country – Fish Creek
Seaquist Orchards – North of Sister Bay. Seaquist doesn’t offer pick-your-own, but they do have fresh apples, an Applefest event and amazing apple cider donuts!
Ready for a fall escape to Door County? Be sure to book your stay with us at Northern Door Vacations.
