A focused u-pick orchard with pumpkins, apples, berries and stone fruit, operating since 1980 and well-reviewed, but 2026 specific dates and pricing are not published.
Wilson’s Orchard is a family-operated u-pick farm established in 1980, focused on pumpkins (in fall), apples, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries (in their respective seasons). There is no corn maze, no haunted house, no playground—just fruit trees and vines and the act of picking. For families who like u-pick as the primary activity and want to pair pumpkins with apples or berries in one trip, this is straightforward and reliable.
The Yelp listing (128 photos, 60 reviews, July 2026 update) suggests the farm is active and well-regarded by visitors who know it. No major complaints surface in review summaries; the appeal is simplicity and consistent operation.
This is not a destination farm with elaborate attractions or parking-lot festivals. It is a working orchard where you pick fruit, pay, and leave. A Wednesday or Thursday morning (10am opening) is quiet compared to Saturday afternoon. A family with young kids can often walk through rows alone without crowds or noise.
Picking pumpkins and apples in the same visit is practical in Iowa; both are in season in October. Berries (if still available) give another layer. This multiplicity appeals to families wanting to make one drive do the work of multiple farms.
The 2026 opening and closing dates were not published. The farm historically operates September-October for pumpkins, but confirm before the drive. Pricing (per pound, per container, per entry) was also not available; a quick call to (319) 354-5651 will clarify the cost model and whether you need to bring containers or the farm provides them.
This is a few miles north of Iowa City, so it’s an easy reach for University of Iowa families or Iowa City residents. October weather in eastern Iowa is variable—60-70 degrees midday, dropping to 45 degrees evening. Closed shoes are required for walking orchard rows, especially after rain when ground is wet.
Wilson's Orchard shows Wednesday through Saturday 10am-6pm hours (closed Monday-Tuesday). October is peak pumpkin season in Iowa; September through October is when u-pick pumpkins are available. The farm had not published specific 2026 opening/closing dates when we checked. A Wednesday or Thursday morning (10am) will be quiet compared to Friday-Saturday afternoon. Early October offers cooler weather and mature pumpkins; late October offers fall color but shorter days.
One and a half to two and a half hours. This is a straightforward u-pick operation without elaborate additional attractions; you arrive, pick what you want (pumpkins, apples, berries) and leave. No corn mazes, hayrides or playgrounds to extend the visit.
Wednesday-Thursday mornings will be noticeably quieter than Friday-Saturday afternoon. This is a small-to-medium operation (not a 25-acre festival), so weekday timing matters more. Early October will be quieter than peak mid-October.
Not specified. Field parking is typical at orchards; assume unpaved ground that becomes muddy after rain.
Not published. Call (319) 354-5651 to clarify any mobility considerations for u-pick row access.
You need confirmed 2026 dates and pricing in advance. The farm hadn't published 2026 season opening/closing dates or admission costs when we searched. Also skip if everyone needs structured activities beyond picking; this is u-pick only, with no playgrounds, corn mazes or entertainment.
Pumpkins in fall, plus apples, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in their respective seasons. Call (319) 354-5651 to confirm which fruits are available in October when you plan your visit.
The farm had not published specific 2026 opening and closing dates when we checked. Historically it operates September-October for pumpkins and has seasonal fruit picking at other times. Call (319) 354-5651 to confirm 2026 dates before driving.
Pricing was not published in our research. U-pick operations typically charge by weight, container or entry fee. Call (319) 354-5651 to ask about rates and whether they provide containers or require you to bring your own.
2026 dates had not been published when we last checked. In past seasons it has run: Wed-Sat 10am-6pm. Check with the farm before driving out.
Admission pricing was not published when we last checked.
4823 Dingleberry Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, in Johnson County. It is one of 6 patches we track in Cedar Rapids-Iowa City.
We track 6 patches in Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, 1 of which are free to walk into. The farm has not published a gate price, so it cannot be compared on cost — call before you budget.
What sets it apart locally: it has u-pick fields, which most Cedar Rapids-Iowa City patches on our list do not.
One caveat worth repeating: this farm had not published its 2026 dates when we last checked, while 0 of the 6 patches we track in Cedar Rapids-Iowa City had. Treat any date you see elsewhere as last year's until the farm confirms it.
There are 4 other patches we track in Johnson County. All Cedar Rapids-Iowa City patches →
wilsonsorchard.com
Checked August 2026.