Arkansas may not be known as a major apple-producing state today, but did you know that was not always the case?
Apple orchards once covered thousands of acres in Northwest Arkansas. In the early 1900s Benton and Washington counties were two of the largest apple-producing counties in the United States. In fact, in 1901, Benton County alone produced 2.5 million bushels of apples and led the nation in apple production.
The industry eventually declined and today, Arkansas apples are grown on a much smaller scale and are primarily sold locally.
Fortunately, there are still several Arkansas apple orchards and farm markets where you can buy locally grown apples, baked goods and other seasonal produce.
When is Apple Season in Arkansas?
Apple season in Arkansas generally begins in late summer and continues through the fall. Some varieties may be ready in August, while others ripen in September, October or even November.
The exact timing depends on the variety, the weather and the year’s crop. Always check with the orchard before making a special trip to find out which apples are currently available.
Are the Orchards Pick-Your-Own?
Most Arkansas apple orchards do not regularly offer pick-your-own apples. Some may offer apple picking during certain years or for a limited part of the season, depending on the size and condition of the crop.
Rivercrest Orchard in Fayetteville is the primary pick-your-own orchard on this list. The other farms generally sell their apples through an onsite market, roadside stand or local farmers market.
Policies and crop conditions can change, so check the orchard’s website or Facebook page before visiting.
Apple Orchards in Arkansas
Most of Arkansas’s remaining apple orchards are in the northwestern and north-central parts of the state, so I have listed them together rather than dividing them by region.
Some of these farms also offer baked goods, seasonal produce, pumpkin patches and other fall activities.
Important: Always check the orchard’s website or Facebook page before you go. Opening dates and hours may depend on the weather and the availability of ripe fruit.
Vanzant Fruit Farms (Lowell, Arkansas)
Vanzant Fruit Farm is a family-owned farm located in Lowell. Its farm store sells fresh fruit and produce along with jams, jellies, honey and other local products.
The farm has been open since 1949 and grows 17 different varieties of apples.
- Location: 3705 E Hwy 264 Lowell, AR 72745
- For More Information: Vanzant Fruit Farm
Drewry Farm and Orchards (Dover, Arkansas)
Drewry Farm and Orchards is located in the town of Dover. This is a family farm that grows a variety of produce including apples.
They even offer a seasonal front porch breakfast which we highly recommend!
- Location: 267 Vaughns Cir, Dover, AR 72837
- For More Information: Facebook: Drewry Farm and Orchards
Roberson Orchards and Farmer’s Market (Omaha, Arkansas)
Roberson Orchards and Farmer’s Market is a large indoor roadside market. In addition to fruits they also have vegetables as well as a selection of jams, jellies, honey, sorghum, dried fruits, nuts and candies.
- Location: 11681 Highway 14 E Omaha, AR 72662
- For More Information: Facebook: Roberson Orchards and Farm Market
Appel Farms (Springdale, Arkansas)
This is a veteran-owned farm and farm store that sells a variety of fruit and produce as well as free range chicken eggs. They often have Jonagold apples as well as Jonathan apples. They also sell some delicious baked goods and sometimes have my favorite, caramel apples!
- Location: 5909 Elm Springs Rd Springdale, AR 72762
- For More Information: On Facebook: Appel Farms
Barnhill Orchards (Lonoke, Arkansas)
Barnhill Orchards is a family-owned farm that grows all kinds of fruits and vegetables including Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples. They also have homemade pies and other treats.
- Location: 1 Sandhill Rd Lonoke, AR 72086
- For More Information: Website: Barnhill Orchards Facebook: Barnhill Orchards
Rivercrest Orchard (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Rivercrest Orchard is the primary pick-your-own apple orchard on our list. The farm also hosts a large fall festival with pumpkins, attractions and activities for families.
- Location: 2991 S Dead Horse Mountain Road Fayetteville, AR 72701
- For More Information: Website: Rivercrest Orchard Facebook: McGarrah Farms Rivercrest Orchard
Edward Gay Family Farm (Springdale, Arkansas)
Edward Gay Family Farm has been growing and selling produce to the community for more than 100 years. The farm is known for its Arkansas Black apples grown on original rootstock.
They accept cash or checks only, and you will want to stop by their roadside market.
- Location: 4737 E Robinson Ave Springdale, AR, United States, Arkansas 72764
- For More Information: On Facebook: Edward Gay Family Farm
Ames Orchard and Nursery (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Ames Orchard doesn’t have an onsite farm market but they can be found at various farmers markets in Northwest Arkansas, often at the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market.
They specialize in propagating apple varieties that are resistant to the major diseases present in the Ozarks and want to help amateur farmers grow their own fruit.
- For More Information: On Facebook: Ames Orchard and Nursery
Varieties of Apples Grown in Arkansas
Today, Arkansas farmers grow several varieties of apples, but none is as closely connected to the state as the Arkansas Black apple.
During the height of Arkansas’s apple industry, Arkansas Blacks may have accounted for as much as 10 to 15 percent of the state’s apple crop. Today, they make up only a small percentage of the apples grown here, but this variety is still one of the most well known and sought after.
The Arkansas Black was first grown near Bentonville around 1870. Its skin becomes such a deep shade of red that mature apples can appear almost black.
Arkansas Black apples ripen late in the season, usually during October or November. They are known for being crisp, aromatic and especially good for storing. The apples can be quite firm when first picked, but their flavor and texture improve after they have been stored for a while.
Look for Arkansas Black apples at local orchards and farmers markets during the late fall. They can be eaten fresh and also work well in pies, cobblers, apple butter and cider.
See if you can find some at your local farmer’s market!
More Seasonal Activities in Arkansas
Since apple picking is a fall activity you might also be interested in learning about some more of the great fall activities in Arkansas. We also have a list of the best places to view the fall leaves in the state.
There are also some amazing pumpkin patches in Arkansas with tons of fun activities. Or if a pumpkin patch is a little too tame for you, then check out this list of Haunted Houses.
You might even want to learn about some of the most haunted places in Arkansas!
Enjoy all the fall fun!
We hope that you enjoy taste testing apples at these apple orchards in Arkansas. We would appreciate it if you let us know of any orchards that we might have missed!
