Question 1

Are you open for picking

Accepted Answer

Our 2026 season will open in the second week of June with strawberry picking. We'll post the exact date on Facebook, Instagram, and our website as it gets closer. Raspberries will start at the end of June or early July. Once we open for the season, we are usually open every day from 8-5, weather and supply permitting. We check the fields each evening to determine whether there are enough berries for the next day, and then we post on Facebook, Instagram, and our website. It's always best to check just before coming.

Question 2

Do you have any prepicked berries available?

Accepted Answer

We offer prepicked berries whenever we have enough supply. We only have berries during the picking season (June to October). We will post on socials and our website when they are available.

Question 3

When is your fall season?

Accepted Answer

Our fall berries start in mid to late august. We will have red and purple raspberries and strawberries from that time until we get a hard freeze (usually in mid to late October). Check our Facebook or Instagram posts or our website for updates on availability.

Question 4

Are your berries organic?

Accepted Answer

We  are not currently certified organic. We use an integrated pest management system, which means that spraying is a part of our possible responses to pests and disease but is used only when absolutely necessary. We  use as few chemicals as possible without sacrificing the berries. We don’t spray anything once the berries have formed, but we do use an anti-fungal early on to prevent mold, and we treat the plants if there is a specific pest that threatens them. Unlike commercial growers, we don't have to worry about shipping or shelf-life of our berries, so we are able to us a tiny fraction of what commercial growers use. We monitor our fields closely and only spray if needed.

Question 5

Do you charge an entrance or parking fee?

Accepted Answer

Entry and parking are free to all visitors. We only charge for the berries you pick. We provide baskets to pick into and you pay when you are finished.

Question 6

Do you provide baskets for picking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide 4-quart baskets for strawberry picking and pint baskets for raspberry picking.

Question 7

What forms of payment to you take?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, credit cards, Apple pay, and Google pay.

Question 8

Do you allow dogs on your farm?

Accepted Answer

We love animals! Unfortunately, we cannot allow dogs in the fields for health and safty reasons. Please check the temperature before leaving your dog in the car. Our parking lot is not shaded.

Question 9

Do. you allow private events or school groups?

Accepted Answer

We do allow private events and group visits with prior approval. Please contact us at 815 338-0301 to arrange a private event or a group visit.

Question 10

Do you allow commercial photography on the farm?

Accepted Answer

Commercial photography requires written permission from Heider's Berry Farm and may require a facility use fee, please contact us at 815 338-0301 to arrange a session.

Frequently Asked Questions