Fall in Missouri means crisp mornings, hayrides, and rows of apple trees just waiting for you to walk over and grab a snack. Picking your own apples is one of those simple weekend outings that turns into a favorite family tradition, and Missouri has plenty of orchards ready to hand you a bag and point you toward the trees.
Some of these spots have been growing fruit for generations, while others pair the picking with cider, doughnuts, and pumpkin patches. Whether you want a quick afternoon stop or a full day in the country, there is an orchard here for you.
Here are seven Missouri orchards where you can pick apples right off the branch this season, plus what makes each one worth the drive out.
1. Weston Red Barn Farm, Weston, MO
Just outside the historic river town of Weston, this working farm turns fall into a full-day event. The apple orchard is only part of the fun, with a pumpkin patch, farm animals, and a big red barn that gives the place its name.
You can grab a bag and head into the rows to pick your own apples during the season, then wander over to check out the other activities. Hayrides and a play area keep younger kids busy while the grown-ups fill their baskets.
Weston itself is worth a stroll after your visit, with its old-fashioned main street and small shops. The farm sits close enough that you can easily make a morning of picking and an afternoon of exploring town.
Hours and available crops shift with the weather, so it helps to check ahead before you drive out. It is an easy trip from the Kansas City area, making it a popular choice for city families wanting a taste of the country.
2. Eckert’s Millstadt Fun Farm, Millstadt, MO
Eckert’s is a name a lot of families in the St. Louis area already know, and the Millstadt location leans right into pick-your-own fun. Apple season here comes with wagon rides that carry you out to the orchard rows.
Once you are out among the trees, you can fill your bag straight from the branches. The farm also offers other pick-your-own crops throughout the year, so the apple harvest is just one chapter of a busy season.
Beyond picking, the farm keeps kids entertained with a play area and seasonal attractions. It is the kind of stop where the picking becomes an afternoon rather than a quick errand.
Because Eckert’s is well organized and popular, weekends can get busy, so an earlier arrival often means a calmer visit. Checking their crop calendar before you go helps you catch apples at their peak.
3. Thierbach Orchards and Berry Farm, Marthasville, MO
Set in the rolling countryside near Marthasville, Thierbach is a family-run farm that keeps things down-to-earth and welcoming. Apples join a lineup of fruits and vegetables the farm grows across the seasons.
During apple time, you can head into the orchard and pick your own, choosing the ones that catch your eye. The relaxed pace makes it a good fit for families who want a low-key outing without big crowds.
The farm’s location puts it within reach of the Washington and St. Louis areas, so it works well as a countryside escape. Winding roads and open fields make the drive itself part of the appeal.
Since crops depend heavily on the season, calling ahead or checking their updates saves a wasted trip. When the apples are ready, this is a peaceful spot to spend a morning among the trees.
4. Centennial Farms, Augusta, MO
History runs deep at Centennial Farms, which has been in the same family for well over a century in the small town of Augusta. That long stretch of farming shows in the care put into the orchard rows.
In the fall, the farm opens up for pick-your-own apples, letting visitors gather fruit straight from the trees. Pumpkins and a farm stand round out the seasonal offerings.
Augusta is known for its scenic setting along the Missouri River, and the drive out passes through some of the prettiest countryside in the region. The Katy Trail runs nearby, so cyclists sometimes fold a farm stop into their ride.
The farm stand is a good place to pick up produce and other goods even if the picking is winding down. Between the history and the setting, it is a stop that feels rooted in the land.
5. Peaceful Bend Orchard, Steelville, MO
Tucked into the Ozark foothills near Steelville, this orchard leans into its quiet, out-of-the-way feel. The name fits the setting, with rolling land and open air that make it a calm place to spend time.
When apple season arrives, visitors can walk the rows and pick fruit fresh from the branches. The slower pace here is part of the draw for anyone wanting to escape busier weekend crowds.
Steelville sits in a part of Missouri known for float trips and outdoor recreation, so an orchard visit pairs nicely with a scenic road trip. The countryside drive alone is a good reason to point the car south.
Because smaller orchards often have limited hours and season-dependent crops, checking ahead is smart before making the trip. For folks who like their apple picking with a side of Ozark scenery, this one delivers.
6. Murff’s Family Fun Center and Orchard, Fair Grove, MO
Families near Springfield head to Fair Grove for Murff’s, where apple picking shares the spotlight with plenty of seasonal activities. The place puts fun at the center, and the orchard is a big part of the fall draw.
Kids and parents alike can pick apples from the trees, then move on to the other attractions the farm sets up for the season. It is built to keep everyone busy for hours rather than minutes.
The location north of Springfield makes it an easy day trip for southwest Missouri families. Rural roads and open fields set the tone before you even arrive.
Seasonal farms like this often adjust hours and events as the weather shifts, so a quick check ahead keeps your plans on track. If you want picking plus a full slate of fall fun, Murff’s fits the bill.
7. Persimmon Hill Farm, Lampe, MO
Down in the southern Ozarks near Lampe, Persimmon Hill Farm has built its reputation on berries and specialty products, and the fall harvest keeps the farm buzzing. The hilly setting close to Table Rock Lake makes the drive a scenic one.
The farm is best known for blueberries, blackberries, and shiitake mushrooms, along with the jams and treats it produces from its harvest. That homegrown focus gives the place a distinct personality among Missouri farms.
Its spot near Branson and Table Rock Lake makes it a natural add-on for anyone already heading that way for a getaway. The countryside around Lampe is some of the most beautiful in the state.
Because seasons and available crops vary, checking the farm’s schedule before visiting is the way to go. For a farm stop with real character and Ozark views, this southern pick stands apart from the rest.
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