7 Strawberry Picking Farms in Metro Milwaukee (2021)
- Admin
- Jun 9, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 11, 2021
The 2021 berry picking season is almost here!
Strawberries and sugar snap peas are usually ready for picking in the middle of June. Cherries come next in early July, followed by raspberries and blackberries.
But always, always, always be sure to call ahead for hours and the latest information.
Picking times and dates depend on weather and availability, and it’s always changing.
Here are some places to pick your berries!
Apple Barn Orchard and Winery
W6384 Sugar Creek Rd., Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 728-3266
Here you can mix strawberry picking and wine tasting. What could be better? But don’t be confused - Apple Barn Orchard and Winery is located on Sugar Creek Road with one of the cross streets being Sugar Creek Street.
Strawberry picking is expected to start in mid-June. Pay only for what you pick - there are no minimums or limits on quantity. Picking buckets hold 4 quarts of strawberries, and there are 1-quart containers available for the little ones.
Barthel Fruit Farm
12246 N. Farmdale Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
(262) 242-2737
People love Barthel Fruit Farm for its well-organized picking system, convenient location, and friendly staff. They tend 15 acres of strawberries, and you can pick-your-own strawberries and sugar snap peas during the summer.
The pick-your-own strawberry season is slated to begin on June 15, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. (weather permitting). Cost: $2.25 per pound ($5.00 minimum).
Basse's Taste of Country
3190 Waukesha Q, Colgate, WI 53017
Come enjoy a hayride with your family to pick your own fresh strawberries! Picking starts June 10, and Basse's advises that this season is likely to move fast due to the recent heat. A tiered pricing structure means you save more when you pick more (5 lb. minimum per box).
0 - 9.99 lbs.: $2.49/lb.
10 - 19.99 lbs.: $2.29/lb.
20+ lbs.: $2.04/lb.
Raspberries and blackberries will not be available this year due to winter injury.
Brehmer's U-Pick Pumpkins & Strawberries
5805 Clover Rd., Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 673-6527
Opening day for strawberry picking (early variety) is June 11, starting at 7:30 a.m. There is a limited supply and berries are on the small side (the later variety tends to be larger).
Brehmer’s does not use pesticides on their plants, and the rows are wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs. U-pick berries are $2.25 per pound, but plan to bring cash or local checks, as they do not take plastic.
Strawberry Picking Tips:
The best time of day to pick is early in the morning when the berries are still cool or in the late afternoon when the sun is setting. If the sun is too hot, the strawberries get softer and may not keep as well.
Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden strawberries ready for harvest.
Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries do not continue to ripen after they are picked.
Use both hands, one to hold the leaves, and the other to pick the berries.
Keep the stems and hulls on the fruit.
Don't pile the berries too high in your box, or the weight could crush those on the bottom.
The small berries are often the most flavorful.
Keep them in the shade.
Don't wash them until you're ready to eat them. They'll spoil more quickly. Strawberries last for a few days in the refrigerator.
Jelli's Market
N5648 S. Farmington Rd., Helenville, WI 53137
(262) 593-5133
Strawberry picking season is underway, and u-pick berries are $2.15 a pound. Pre-picked berries are also available for $3.50/lb. (5 lb. minimum) or $5.50/quart.
Be sure to stop inside the farm store (open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.), where you'll find pies, donuts, jams, beef, pork, lamb, honey, soap and a variety of handmade items.
Polzin Farms
1758 Hwy I, Grafton, WI 53024
(262) 375-3276
*** Update: Due to lack of rain, pick-your-own strawberries will not be available at Polzin Farms this year. Be sure to follow the Polzin Farms Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. ***
Pick-your-own strawberries, sugar snap peas & sweet corn. Ready-picked berries are also available during the season.
Thompson Strawberry Farm
14000 75th St., Bristol, WI 53104
Second field: Near 6621 156th Ave., Bristol, WI 53104
(262) 857-2353
The Thompson family has been growing strawberries for more than 70 years! They have two locations this year, with the new strawberry farm being located only one mile west of the home farm. Only one location will be open per day, however, so pay attention to signs indicating which field is open.
There is an entrance fee of $5 per car on weekdays and $10 per car on weekends, so please plan accordingly. Berries are $16 per 4-quart basket, and when you pick 5 baskets you can pick a 6th for free. Other crops include sunflowers, raspberries and pumpkins.
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