Written By Stephanie Greenwald
Did you know that Central Indiana is home to one of the only blackberry farms in the Midwest? Located about 15 minutes northeast of Indianapolis, Wild Blackberry Farms encompasses 40 acres. Five of those acres are home to some of the most delicious, plump blackberries you have ever tasted.
U-Pick Season at Wild Blackberry Farms
U-pick starts in July and usually lasts through September. Picking is best in the cooler, early morning hours so the farm is currently only open for u-pick from 7 am-noon, Monday through Saturday. This farm provides berries to many area farm stands and stores. The farm employs commercial pickers to help harvest but there are plenty left for the rest of us.
What to Expect
When you arrive at 10728 S. 700 W. in Fortville, you will drive up a narrow, gravel path and park in the grass near the white barn. Just inside the barn is a small stand where you will start and end your picking experience. The employees there will give you advice on what berry varieties are available and where the best place to pick is going to be. You can borrow a bucket for picking and transfer to your own container after paying or keep the souvenir bucket for an additional $2.
The picking fields are stroller, wagon, and wheelchair friendly but may be muddy depending on the amount of rainfall they have received. It is best to wear rain boots or shoes you are okay with getting dirty.
The berries grow on thornless vines so little ones can get in on all the action without getting scratched up.
Blackberry Varieties
The Wild Blackberry Farm has four different varieties to pick from. Berries range in sweetness and size. They recommend you try a berry to make certain you like it before picking a bucketful. The decision might be tough, so feel free to pick a bunch from all the varieties available! They all cost the same; $6/lb of u-pick or $7.50 for pre-picked.
The farm will tell you how to clean them, store, and eat your berries—check out their website for recipes and other advice on caring for your harvest.
Visiting Wild Blackberry Farms
You may notice the garden just outside the barn growing different fruits and veggies. Depending on what they harvest, you can purchase farm fresh produce too. Take a minute to get a photo with a row of giant sunflowers. Visit in late July or early August to see how you measure up to these colossal blooms.
Wild Blackberry Farms is home to a few animals too. Saturdays are best for visiting with the horses, the pot-bellied pig, the chickens, and the goats. You are likely to see the animals wandering during the week but there is no guarantee.
Picnic tables are usually set up in grassy areas but may be removed if there is an event planned. Bring a picnic blanket just in case. The fields close at noon so plan on picking first and then eating lunch after. How about some fresh blackberries for dessert? There is a port-a-potty located on the outskirts of the field and also a restroom at the back of the barn.
What’s The Buzz
Wild Blackberry Farm is home to around 800,000 honey bees. The bees are excellent pollinators. The honey they make tastes different depending on when it is sourced. You can find clover, honeysuckle, and alfalfa honey in the early parts of the year and blackberry honey in the summer. You can purchase fresh-from-the-hive honey at the farm stand in the white barn. Did you know eating local honey is better for your immune system and can reduce pollen allergy symptoms?
What to Bring to the Farm
Bring a large, shallow container to carry your pickings. If you forget a container to take your berries home in you can buy one of their buckets for $2. Blackberries are sensitive and can crush easily so don’t try to pile too many on top of each other.
Bring along your sunscreen, hats, and bug spray if desired. Bugs are not too bad but some visitors may prefer to spray down before heading to the fields. A baby wipe or ten will come in handy when it’s time to clean berry juice from fingers and faces.
When you have wrapped up your visit to the Wild Blackberry Farms, drive about five minutes into downtown Fortville and visit some more locally-owned establishments. If you didn’t bring lunch, we suggest Mozzi’s Pizza in Greenfield less than thirty minutes away.
It is always best to check hours and availability before you head out. Along with berries, produce and animals there is a beautiful barn to rent for your event.
Wild Blackberry Farms hosts its annual Blackberry Jam Festival every July. The 2024 event is scheduled for July 27 from 8 am-8 pm. Be sure to add this to your fall harvest festival list!
Wild Blackberry Farms is a beautiful location and might just become your family’s newest summer tradition!
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Address
10728 S 700 W
Fortville
IN
46040
Visit Wild Blackberry Farms | U-Pick Blackberries Near Fortville