Best you-pick strawberry locations in Iowa (2024)
We’ve compiled a list of you-pick strawberry locations in Iowa. Conditions can change and locations can close or have limited availability – so always check with each farm. If you are aware of additional pick locations, you’re welcome to send me an email at brian.abeling @ gmail.com and I’ll add them to the list. If you own one of the you pick locations and want to discuss a separate promotion for your location, send me an email.
Strawberry picking is a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to know what you’re doing before you head out to the fields.
First, it’s important to know when to go strawberry picking. Strawberries are typically in season from late May to early July, depending on the location and weather conditions. It’s important to check with local farms or agricultural websites to find out the exact dates for the strawberry season. We have included the phone number for each strawberry patch, as calling them is typically the best option to get the most up-to-date information.
More than most produce, strawberries are heavily impacted by weather conditions. The fields may be closed at various times, so it’s always best to contact them before traveling.
Before you leave to go to the farm:
- Most farms DO NOT allow pets
- Most farms DO NOT allow strollers down the rows (they will just ask that strollers stay out of the field, off to the side)
- They may ask for an adult per number of children on the visit.
- Keep in mind that they will typically tell you what row and location to pick from
- Always call before you go to the farm – strawberries are affected by weather more than most other crops.
- Leave early. Some fields are picked over rather quickly!
- Consider bringing a drink, a hat, and some sunscreen.
When you get home:
- Only wash the berries you want to eat right away. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling, so if you’re not planning to eat them right away, don’t wash them off and store them in the refrigerator.
- Keep a couple of days supply in the fridge, but then consider freezing the rest or making strawberry jam!
Strawberry Patches in Central Iowa
Iowa Orchard, Granger
Location: 13140 NW 102nd Avenue on the South side of Highway 141, Granger, IA 50109.
Phone: 515-276-0852
Website: https://www.iowaorchard.com/u-pick-strawberries
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iowaorchard
Open Monday thru Sunday, 8am to 2pm by RESERVATION ONLY. Reservations are only offered for a few days at a time. Check their Facebook page for information about reservation times: https://www.facebook.com/iowaorchard
In 2023, they had 11 different varieties that were planted for the strawberry patch.
Other notes:
- They provide a cardboard flat, so you don’t need to bring a container.
- No pets allowed
- Strollers can not make it through the field
- Bring one adult per 3 children
- They also have sugar snap peas available to pick
- They also sell mini cider donuts and strawberry apple cider lemonade!
Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge
Location: 3285 610th Avenue, Cambridge, Iowa 50046
Phone: 515-383-4354
Website: https://centergroveorchard.com/pages/u-pick#SP
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CenterGroveOrchard
Notes: Not only do they have strawberries, but also a large variety of other fruits and vegetables. Farmyard admission is required to enter the Strawberry Patch.
Upstream Gardens & Orchard, Altoona
Location: 5987 Ne 88th St, Altoona, IA 50009
Phone: 515-957-1303
Website: https://upstreamgardens.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/upstream.gardens.5/
Notes: Not only do they have strawberries, but also a large variety of other fruits and vegetables.
The Berry Patch, Nevada
Location: 62785 280 Street, Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: 515-382-5138
Website: https://www.berrypatchfarm.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/berrypatchfarmiowa
Notes: Includes, apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, currants, gooseberries, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, and strawberries. Their website confirms that the various fruits and vegetables are available at various seasons – but it does not confirm if it’s a pick yourself or if it is prepicked.
Hinegardner Orchard, Montour
Location: 1348 295th Street, Montour, IA 50173
Phone: 641-492-6353
Website: http://www.hinegardnersorchard.com
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/hinegardnersorchard/
Notes:
They have apples, strawberries, Pumpkin Patch, pumpkins, squash, cider, honey, caramel apples, and pies.
Strawberry Patches in Eastern Iowa
Heartland Farm, Waterloo
Location: 5111 Osage Road, Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: 319-232-3779
Website: https://heartlandfarmswaterloo.com/strawberries/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandfarms.waterloo
Strawberries are normally from early June to the 4th of July. They have pick-yourself and prepicked options.
Annie’s Acres Strawberries , Bellevue
Location: 30327 Mill Creek Road, Bellevue, IA 52031
Phone: (563) 872-5652
Website: http://anniesacresstrawberries.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AnniesAcresStrawberries
Annie’s Acres has been planting strawberries since 1988 and the harvest season is typically in June.
The Berry Basket Farm, Iowa City
Location: 2683 Highway 1 Sw, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 325-7542
Website: https://www.theberrybasketfarm.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBerryBasketFarm/
Located just a few minutes outside of Iowa City, the Berry Basket Farm features a you-pick season typically in June.
K & K Ranch, Center Point
Location:5488 33rd Ave, Center Point, IA 52213
Phone: 319-929-3297
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/kkranch-rottweilers-gardenfood/contact?authuser=0
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/holsingerranch
Featuring strawberries, raspberries, melons, peppers, green beans, and various meat products.
Bagge Strawberries, Independence
Location: 2029 170th Street, Independence, Iowa 50644
Phone: 319-334-3983
Website: https://www.baggestrawberries.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064832172232
Featuring 32 acres of fresh you pick strawberries during the month of June.
Strawberry Patches in Western Iowa
Good Eetens, Everly
Location:1655 280th Street, Everly, IA 51338
Phone: 712-348-1877
Website:https://goodeetens.weebly.com
Good Eetens originally started as an organic you-pick strawberry farm nack in 2009. They now have two plots of land growing a number of various products. Check their webpage each week for an up-to-date list of what produce is available.
Getting’s Garden, Sanborn
Location: 2861 Pierce Avenue, Sanborn, IA 51248
Phone:712-729-3301
Website: https://www.gettingsgarden.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GettingsGarden
Gettings Garden dates back to 1984 and has grown to offer a large number of fruits and vegetables. This includes strawberries, raspberries, and pumpkins. There’s also a large children’s play area as well as honey from their hives
Eva’s Berries, Fonda
Location: 55560 150th Avenue, Fonda, IA 50540
Phone: 563-343-8890
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Evas-Berries/100057116393217
Features strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries grown on a trellis system.
