Prairie Sky Orchard - Union, Illinois

Mark Y.

Small, quiet, cute, overpriced, over-opinionated. We drove an hour out of the city to avoid the weekend mess at County Line and other large orchards. Parking was easy and the store was great.

The pricing is odd. 1-4 people are compelled to use a bag that’s “10 lbs” - ours held just 8lbs, and 5-8 people are compelled to buy 2 bags at $32 a bag. That’s $4 a pound.

The worst is the prep talk - we were told apples that touched the ground are “disgusting” (and the guy was later arguing with other folks about coyote feces). We were told not to overfill our bags lest he be forced to up-charge for the extra. We were also explicitly told not to eat apples and to come and wash them at a specific station (right next to the porta potty). After all these rules, we were also instructed on the proper way to pick an apple, and where we could go and not go.

There were not really any activities for the kids and only a few rows of apple trees… so it was over real quick. The offerings at the small food trailed looked yummy, but the policy here included “no outside food”. Our group has some dietary needs, so we had to drive to Veteran’s Park just south and eat our own food there.

All in all, not the kind of place that’s worth battling traffic to come to. Had a lot of potential, but we won’t be returning.

Michelle S.

I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Immaculate, well maintained orchard right next to the main building and parking lot so you don’t have to hike miles for your apples. Super reasonable prices (you pay $24 per bag and each bag allows up to 4 people to pick), cute photo ops, and a great little store selling all the usual: donuts, cider, jams and dips, etc. Lots of Amish and Wisconsin small farm products in the shop, plus plenty of Illinois. And holy cow, we got a sliced apple with caramel and nuts from the little food stand out front and it was literally the most delicious apple product I’d ever tasted — and the apple pie ala mode was almost equally incredible. I’d honestly come back just to eat next time (not that the apple picking wasn’t great - it definitely was - I just don’t need 10 lbs of apples more than once a season) and I probably will!

Carissa K.

Our favorite orchard--we drive from downtown Chicago every year. It's a good size, quiet, and super friendly staff! While the u-pick is excellent, I love their selection of goods in the barn. They have frozen pies, bagged apples, apple cider, all types of jams, salsa, honey, and more! There's a small kiosk that serves pie, cider, hot dogs, and the best pulled pork I've ever had. Bring cash for the kiosk! There's picnic tables and chairs for you to enjoy the food and a hay bale stack for kids to play on. Can't forget the giant chair--perfect for your next family photo.

Angel G.

Lovely, peaceful orchard without all the commercialized add-ons. The prices are the best around! Plus, if you go at the end of the season, there is the "search and rescue" U-pick which is only $1 a pound! The owner who we met was super friendly and helpful--love that the place is family-run. Super cool story of how the place got started! Nice to see a place that isn't trying to rip people off. Will definitely be returning in the future years to come!

Bryan K.

Always a fun family friendly outing. A small orchard away from all the commercialized hoopla down the street, which is nice. Great selection of apples. I love their donuts and they have great apple butter as well. This orchard does have a little food stand to have a hot dog, pulled pork, and warm cider.

Laurie M.

A small orchard but everything for an enjoyable apple picking experience without the crowds. Delicious apples, amazing cider and donuts, friendly and helpful staff, and food Kiosk and a cozy store with nice fall selections.

Brock F.

Beautiful, peaceful and nothing like those huge farms trying to be amusement parks. Come and pick some apples, then enjoy a snack and that's it. It's just good and wholesome and relaxing.

Liesl H.

We will be making this place an annual destination! Delicious apples & picturesque orchard. Great place to make the most of autumn.