Best Apple Orchard Near Des Moines

What's the best apple orchard near Des Moines you ask? 🍎 In my opinion, the answer is Center Grove Orchard in Cambridge, Iowa. Just a 40-minute drive from about anywhere in the Des Moines metro.

It’s where my family and I enjoy spending a few September Saturdays, and it's become a favorite fall thing to do in central Iowa.

Our day: We walked through the orchard and picked our own apples (so cool to see all the apple trees, and they were delicious). You can pick flowers too if you want. Then we hit the jumping pillow, played in the corn pile, went through the corn maze, tried the zipline, took a several fun photos, and checked out all the pumpkins. We finished at the store for apple cider donuts for the ride home. 🍩

When we got home, we took our freshly picked apples and made an apple dump cake. Never heard of it? DM me "apple dump cake" and I'll send you the recipe for one of the easiest and best fall apple desserts. 🍂

If you're looking for a fall day trip from West Des Moines, Waukee, Clive, or Urbandale, this is an easy Saturday escape that's worth the drive. Save this for your next weekend plans, and send it to the friend who always says, "we should do something fun this weekend."

I'm always helping move-up buyers and sellers across the Des Moines metro find the neighborhood that fits their real life, weekends included. Thinking about a move? Call or text me at 515-708-4572.