Eckert’s Farm in Belleville, IL: Our Fall Day Trip from St. Louis

Our Day at Eckert’s (Before Baby)

We went to pick apples before the season wrapped up, and the best part of the day was the wagon ride. A tractor pulls you through the entire farm, so you get to see every orchard they have set up.

We didn’t plan anything fancy for photos. We just propped our phone up wherever looked cute and hit record, and you can see how much fun we were having in the video.

After picking, we found a seat outside the restaurant, where a band was playing live music. We ordered a flight of Eckert’s own cider, made from the fruit they grow right there, plus a few snacks, and could have stayed all afternoon.

Before heading home, we wandered through the country store. You can grab pies, jams, and home decor, so you get to take a little piece of the farm home with you.

As a couple, it felt like the perfect fall date: cider, live music, and a walk through the orchard. But there were kids everywhere, from the wagon rides to the orchard, so it works just as well for a family day out.

Things to Do at Eckert’s Belleville Farm

Belleville is Eckert’s main farm, and it’s open year-round, so there’s always something going on. Here’s what’s worth your time in the fall:

• Pick your own apples and pumpkins. Both are in season through fall. You’ll need a field access ticket, and check Eckert’s crop updates before you go, because what’s ready to pick changes week to week.
• Ride the wagon through the orchards. This was our favorite part. A tractor pulls you through the farm so you can see everything before you start picking.
• Sip hard cider at the Cider Shed. Eckert’s makes its own cider from the fruit grown on the farm. In October there’s live music under the pavilion most Thursday through Sunday evenings, plus weekend afternoons.
• Take a Hard Cider Crafting Tour. A guided look at how the cider goes from orchard to glass. It’s a great add-on for a date day.
• Eat at the Country Restaurant. It’s famous for its fried chicken and is open 8am to 8pm daily.
• Grab a treat at Mr. E’s Donut and Custard Shop. Cider donuts on a fall day are non-negotiable.
• Shop the Country Store, Bakery, and Deli. Pies, jams, home decor, farm-fresh meats, and produce, all open 9am to 7pm daily.
• Walk the Orchard Loop Trail. It’s open every day and is an easy way to see the farm at your own pace.
• Go on a festival weekend. Every Saturday and Sunday in October is Ecktoberfest, with live music, seasonal food and drinks, and farm fun from 9am to 5pm. Kids will love the animals for petting, pony rides, and carnival rides.
• Stay for Jack’s Lighted Trail. On select evenings through November 1, a trail through the cornstalks lights up with glowing displays and giant carvings. Buy tickets ahead to save.

If you’re visiting later in the year, Christmas trees start November 14. In spring and summer, Eckert’s has tulips, strawberries, peaches, and sunflowers.

Eckert’s Fall 2026 Events Calendar

October at Eckert’s is packed: festival weekends, live music almost every Thursday through Sunday, and a glowing Halloween trail at night. Here’s what’s on at the Belleville farm this season, plus the weekly fun at Millstadt.

Eckert’s Fall 2026 Events Calendar

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Which Eckert’s Farm Should You Visit?

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Date night pick: catch live music at the Cider Shed, then walk Jack’s Lighted Trail after dark.

Family pick: an Ecktoberfest Saturday at Belleville, or a day at the Millstadt Fun Farm.

Dates and times come from Eckert’s website as of October 2026 and can change, so check Eckert’s events calendar before you go.

Which Eckert’s Farm Should You Visit?

Eckert’s has four farms: three in Illinois near St. Louis and one in Kentucky near Lexington. We went to Belleville, but each farm has its own personality, so pick the one that fits your crew.

FAQ

Is Eckert’s Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re planning a fall date or a day out with the kids, Eckert’s is an easy yes: pick your own apples, grab a cider flight, catch some live music, and take home a pie.

Have you been to Eckert’s? Tell us your favorite farm in the comments, and tag us @itsthesterlings if you go. Looking for more fall weekend ideas? Read about our fall weekend in Saugatuck.

Pin this post so you have the events calendar handy when you’re planning your trip!