Arkansas is well known for its agriculture and for fun farms full of fantastic summer and fall activities for littles. We’ve got amazing pumpkin patches, U-Pick peach and berry farms, some of the best corn mazes, and a short list of awesome apple orchards. The apple orchards in Arkansas offer a fun-filled family outing with fresh air, homecooked meals, farm-themed games, and the ability to pick your own fruit! In this article, we’ve explored the state, digging up the best Arkansas apple orchards for you to explore this year!
A Brief History of Apple Farming in Arkansas
Apple farming in Arkansas has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The state’s diverse climate and fertile soil made it an ideal location for growing apples. By the late 1800s, Arkansas was home to numerous apple orchards, particularly in the northwestern part of the state and the Arkansas River Valley.
The boom in apple production was driven by the popularity of the Ben Davis and Arkansas Black apple —a variety known for its deep red color and robust flavor. However, a lack of transportation made it hard to move the vast quantities…until the railroads came in that is!
Though the abolition of slavery and the return of orchard land to Native American tribes both hit the business hard, apple growth and distilleries continued to expand. By 1900, Benton County and Washington County were the lead apple-producing counties in the United States. By 1919, Arkansas was producing 5 million bushels a year and had a thriving vinegar and cider industry!
The Great Depression, new food production laws, and frost and disease decreased apple production in the mid-20th century, but farming in Arkansas has persisted. In recent years, the U-Pick phenomenon, a return to farm-to-table eating, and the creativity of farm owners have shot the orchards back to popularity!
Did you know?
The Apple Blossom became the Arkansas state flower in 1901! That’s because in 1900, NW Arkansas was the top apple-producing region in the United States, and the AR apple won an exposition for best apple in Paris, France.
Delectable Apple Varieties Grown in Arkansas
Arkansas orchards grow a variety of apples that cater to different tastes and uses. Some of the popular varieties include:
– Arkansas Black: Known for its deep red color and firm texture, this apple is great for storage and has a tart flavor that mellows over time.
– Golden Delicious: A sweet, versatile apple that is perfect for eating fresh or using in recipes.
– Red Delicious: Recognized by its bright red skin and mildly sweet taste, this apple is a favorite for fresh eating.
– Jonathan: This apple has a tangy flavor and is excellent for cooking and baking.
–Granny Smith: With its distinctive green skin and tart flavor, the Granny Smith apple is ideal for baking and making sauces.
–Gala Types: With a sweet, mild flavor and good crunch, Gala apples are a favorite for raw eating, baking, and juicing.
The Best Apple Orchards in Arkansas
Alright, now that you’re a Natural State apple expert, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of Arkansas apple picking and filling your bushel with fresh fruit! While there aren’t many active apple U-pick orchards left these days, the amazing ones on our list offer small markets with homemade jams and baked goods, seasonal events, hayrides, petting zoos, corn mazes, and Southern charm. Here are a few of the best:
1. Rivercrest Orchard
- Address: 2991 S Dead Horse Mountain Rd, Fayetteville, AR
- Opening Hours: September 14th – November 3rd
- September: Sat: 10 am-8 pm | Sun: 10 am-5 pm
- October: & November: Thurs & Fri: 3pm-8pm | Sat & Sun: 10am-5pm
- Website: Rivercrest Orchard
- Fruits Sold: Apples, strawberries, blackberries, pumpkin
Rivercrest Orchard is owned and operated by the McGarrah family who have been farming their piece of land and providing Northwest Arkansas families with fresh produce since 1824! Not only is it a great place to score fresh apples, but these creative farmers have a year-round calendar of festivals and fun events for the whole family. Their fall festival farm activities include apple harvesting, a pumpkin patch, corn mazes, barrel train rides, a ropes course, hayrides, and much more!
They also have a yearly Easter Festival, Tulip Festival, and Strawberry Fest. It’s a truly innovative and exceptional Arkansas U-pick farm!
2. Drewry Farm & Orchards
- Address: 267 Vaughn Circle, Dover, AR
- Opening Hours: Open to the Public Fri: 10 am-6 pm | Sat: 7 am-12 pm until Christmas
- Website: Drewry Farm & Orchards
- Fruits Sold: Arkansas Black, Gala, and Jonathon apples plus much more!
Drewry Farms & Orchards is located about 15 minutes north of Russellville in North Central Arkansas. The family-owned farm is unique in the region and reigns supreme in Southern hospitality. The farm offers a “front porch breakfast” most seasons. They operate a truly phenomenal farmer’s market where they only sell what they grow, but that’s quite a lot!
Join them for breakfast, sunset suppers, ice cream socials, or an afternoon tea. The setting is rural and peaceful—the perfect spot to escape for a homecooked meal made from farm-fresh ingredients. They have an active and fun social media presence, so check them out on their Facebook page or Instagram to stay in the loop!
3. Roberson Orchards & Farm Market
- Address: 11681 Highway 14 E, Omaha, AR
- Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 8 am-5 pm | Sun: 12:15-5 pm
- Website: Roberson Orchards & Farm Market
- Fruits Sold: Old-Timey Arkansas Black, Gala, and Jonathon apples plus much more!
Roberson’s is an orchard and roadside stand on steroids! Unlike the others on the list, it is not a U-Pick farm, but the stand offers absolutely everything you can imagine in your farm-to-table dreams, including seasonal Arkansas Black apples! They have a huge selection of locally grown fruits and veggies, nuts, honey, jams, and much more.
The stock is always changing according to fruit availability, so it’s worth stopping in any time you’re in the area! The atmosphere is vibrant and fun, and it’s become a popular tourist attraction for road-trippers heading to Branson or Eureka Springs. Drop in and get some snacks for the road!
Tips for Visiting Apple Orchards in Arkansas
1. Check the Season: Apple picking season in Arkansas typically runs from late August to October, but it’s always a good idea to check with the orchard for specific dates and availability.
2. Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking in orchards. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen for sunny days.
3. Bring Supplies: Some orchards provide bags for picking, but it’s a good idea to bring your own reusable bags or baskets. Bring plenty of cash for purchasing tasty snacks at the markets!
4. Call Ahead: Weather and crop conditions can affect availability, so it’s best to call ahead or check the orchard’s website before visiting.
Keep the Apple Fun Going!
Did you know that Arkansas has an annual apple festival? Well, we do! If you just can’t get enough delicious Arkansas apples, head for Lincoln on October 4, 5, & 6th for a festival like no other. The Arkansas Apple Festival includes a pageant, free apple slices, over 100 local vendors selling all manner of goodies, a parade, a tractor show, and food trucks!
Apple Orchards in Arkansas- Final Thoughts
Visiting apple orchards in Arkansas is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, taste fresh, locally-grown apples, and participate in fun family activities. The list of operational orchards is a short one, but it’s definitely an industry worth supporting! In fact, several have closed in just the last few years, so let’s throw some love at those still going strong!
Whether you’re looking to pick your own apples, enjoy a hayride, or sample homemade cider, Arkansas’s apple orchards and markets have something for everyone. Make sure to plan your visit during the harvest season and enjoy the bounty of the Natural State.
For more fun activities in Arkansas, check out our Travel Blog. We’ve ramped up production here lately, offering you a new article every single week with fun things to do in Arkansas!