Wisconsin Apple Orchard Ranked Top 10 in the U.S.

If you're looking for a fall road trip idea, this might be it. USA Today's 10Best just ranked the top apple orchards in America, and one of them is just two hours from Rockford.

Peck & Bushel: A Wisconsin Standout

Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Company in Colgate, Wisconsin, ranked #8 on the list, and it's not hard to see why. The orchard is certified organic, featuring 35 different types of apples on 50,000 dwarf fruit trees, arranged in rows like a vineyard. Visitors can fill their bags with early-season gems and later-season standards, then stay for some freshly pressed cider and a homemade pie. If you could bottle up fall, it would be done at Peck & Bushel.

How Far Is It From Rockford?

For us at the radio station, it's a 1 hour 47 minute drive, which makes it not exactly around the corner, but doable on a slow fall weekend. If you're a die-hard apple picker, a trip to one of the ten best orchards in the country should be worth the gas money.

Rockford’s Beloved Local Orchards

That said, Rockford doesn't exactly have to take a back seat when it comes to apples and apple orchards. Some of our favorites, like Curran's Orchard, Edwards Apple Orchard, and Valley Orchard, have been bringing in droves of families for generations with cider, donuts, and plenty of pick-your-own apples action.

Would You Make the Trip?

So knowing all this, would you still make the trek, load up the car, and head to Peck & Bushel, or stay close to home for a classic Rockford orchard run? The truth is, there is no wrong answer; just don't forget the cider donuts.

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Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon