Apple Picking Near Woodridge for Johnny Appleseed Day

In children’s books, Johnny Appleseed is often portrayed as a fun, historical fellow who wears a cooking pot on his head and disperses apple seeds wherever he travels. Johnny Appleseed Day, celebrated on Sept. 25 each year, celebrates his birth, life, and generosity.

John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, was a Massachusetts-born philosopher and philanthropist, who, beginning in 1802, wandered through northern and Midwestern states planting apple nurseries. His trees fed many settlers, and he was loved wherever he went.  

Now the apple doesn’t fall far from the holiday. Fall brings forth a time for harvest, and apple picking is a fun fall activity that family and friends can do together. 

The closest location for apple picking near Woodridge that we found is in Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park. It's about 40 miles from Woodridge. If you're up for a bit of a drive, there's also an orchard in Woodstock, called All Seasons Orchard, which is about 60 miles from Woodridge.

Local farmers markets are also sure to sell apples, along with other homegrown and organic fall fruits and vegetables.

There are also several local farmers markets in the Woodridge area that are still open if that's how you prefer to pick your apples.

There are lots of legends and fun tales about the life of Johnny Appleseed, so you can celebrate in many ways. If tossing seeds around a la Johnny isn’t up your alley, and it’s not a good day for apple picking, the next best thing is curling up with a nice glass of homemade apple cider.

And to go with your cider, there's a place in Bolingbrook, called Johansen Farms, where visitors can treat themselves to apple cider doughnuts, apple pie or caramel apple walnut pie.

TELL US: How are you going to celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day? Tell us in the comments below.