Eastern Iowa Apple Orchard Named One of the Best in the Midwest
If you're thinking about visiting an apple orchard this fall, we have one of the best in the region right here in the Corridor! An article from Midwest Living recognizes Wilson's Orchard & Farm in Iowa City as one of the six best in the Midwest! The article reads:
"Just 3 miles off Interstate-80 near Iowa City, Wilson's Orchard and Farm is a u-pick farm, market and bakery open year-round. Each summer and fall, its grounds beckon visitors of all ages to explore and take part in the harvest."
According to the official website, Wilson's Orchard was born in 1980 when Robert and Joyce Wilson "were looking for a scenic spot to plant an orchard." They officially opened the orchard to the public in 1985, and that's when Joyce began making baked goods with the excess fruit. In 2009, Paul Rasch and Sara Goering took ownership of the orchard, and they spent the next few years growing the business. They expanded the farm market, built a barn, and replaced older trees. Then, in 2016, they built Wilson's Ciderhouse and Venue.
Wilson's Ciderhouse and Venue is a 2-story barn that was created as "a space to serve outstanding food alongside great cider." The website reads:
"Through meaningful relationships with local growers and makers, we source the majority of our key ingredients from local and sustainable farms and vendors located within 20 miles of our kitchen. Our dinner and brunch menus showcase ingredients harvested from one of the richest agricultural systems in the world."
Chef Matt Steigerwald heads up the kitchen at Wilson's Ciderhouse, which is open year-round for dinner and brunch. Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In addition to the food at the Ciderhouse, Wilson's Orchard is also home to a new food stand that serves "farm to table pizza" and ciders, including Wilson's Hard Cider. It is also headed up by Chef Matt and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Before you leave with your apples, be sure to stop by the farm market for a wide variety of grocery items, baked goods, and merchandise. Some of the products for sale include fruit butters, preserves, hard cider, sparkling water, fresh donuts, apple cider, turnovers, and pies.
Wilson's Orchard is open year-round and grows more than just apples. Depending on the season, they also have strawberries, peaches, raspberries, blueberries, pumpkins, and cherries. You can see what fruits and vegetables are available at any given time HERE. The farm is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.