U-Pick Farms and Corn Mazes
A Perfect Summer Outing for Friends or Family
Most Johnson County families are probably familiar with our county’s array of restaurants and shopping, well-manicured lawns and urban traffic. Less of our residents know that 45% of Johnson County land use is agriculture, including permanent pasture land, rangelands, croplands and farms. A few of those farms are known as U-pick or pick-your-own farms. They exist for your next, and potentially new, favorite friend or family outing.
U-pick farms are farms where you go to pick your own fruits or vegetables, but they are also much more. Johnson County has four U-pick farms that allow you to fresh-pick your favorite fruits and vegetables directly from the plant. Specifically, our U-pick farms have strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, apples, cherries, gooseberries or pumpkins (depending on the season and month). Picking fresh berries isn’t just a fun alternative to the typical urban outing, it’s a day out that fills your fridge with delicious fruits for an affordable price (pie, anyone?).
As I mentioned earlier, U-pick farms have much more to offer than fruit. In Johnson County, you can find a corn maze, locally-made donuts, honey on tap, fresh cider, and farm stands. Below is a list of the what, when and where of our county’s U-pick farms.
Gieringers Family Orchard & Berry Farm
Location: 39345 West 183rd St., Edgerton, Kansas 66021
For the Picking: Blueberries, blackberries, peaches, strawberries, pumpkins and apples (in the future)
What Else? They offer strawberry donuts, a corn maze (open 6 weeks in late September and October), a concession stand with eats and treats.
Appointment Needed: No appointment needed (913) 893-9626
Additional Information: Check their Facebook page for daily updates on hours and what’s available for picking, as well as any other information.
Happy Valley Farm
Location: 29080 W. 95th Street, De Soto, KS 66018
For the Picking: Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, gooseberries, grapes and orchard fruits
What Else?: They have a farm stand with on-tap honey (bring your own jar), press-your-own cider (this fall), farm animals, an on-site nursery, and a 1940’s produce wagon.
Appointment Needed: Appointment required. (913) 706-0370
Additional Information: For information on what’s happening, check their Facebook page!
Wagon Wheel Orchard
Location: 15380 Edgerton Rd., Gardner, Kansas 66030
For the Picking: Apples and pears – over 1,000 varieties of apples and 100 varieties of pears (please note that apples and pears are available September and October)
What Else?: A gourd (and hops) maze made of see-through cattle panels (for easy viewing of your child) and in the spring they sell freshly grafted apple and pear trees available through the website (10 tree minimum).
Appointment Needed: Appointment required. (913) 893-6050
Additional Information: Visit their Facebook page or call them at (913) 893-6050 for information on what’s available as well as their hours.
StoneBriar Farm (formally Meulebeke Market)
Location: 94th and Ridgeview, Lenexa, KS 66220 (there is no physical address, but you can’t miss it)
For the Picking: Strawberries
What Else?: They sell tomatoes on-site and have a number of other vegetables growing. Also, they are close!
Appointment Needed: Not required. (913) 208-4386
Additional Information: Visit their Facebook page or call them for information on what’s available as well as their hours.
If you have children, are looking for a unique date, or are planning an outing with friends, consider visiting one of Johnson County’s U-pick farms. In June, strawberries are in season (though they might head out early due to summer heat) and blueberries and cherries are just around the corner.
Blackberries will come in July, and peaches in August. Depending on the variety, apple season is late August through October. It’s best to check-in with your farm prior to your trip to make sure they have what you’re hoping to find (or pick). Enjoy!
