Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a visit to Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard? Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Because we are a working farm, crop availability, activities and hours may change throughout the season.

Planning Your Visit

Where are you located?

Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard is located at:

19475 225th Street
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503

When are you open?

Our hours change throughout the year. Please check the hours listed on our website before visiting. Special events, private gatherings or weather conditions may occasionally affect our regular hours.

Do I need to pay admission?

Admission is required to enter our U-Pick fields and outdoor activity areas.

You do not need to pay admission if you are only visiting the Orchard Store, Café, Sweet Shoppe or Tasting Room—or stopping by to enjoy free live music.

Special events may have separate admission or ticket requirements.

How much is admission?

Fall admission is $10 per person. Children ages 3 and younger are free.

Admission and activity pricing may vary by season or during special events, so please check the website before your visit.

What does admission include?

Admission provides access to the seasonal U-Pick and outdoor activity areas available during your visit. Produce, flowers, picking containers, food, drinks and certain special activities are purchased separately.

Do I need tickets in advance?

Regular orchard admission may be purchased when you arrive unless otherwise noted.

Some festivals, classes and special events require advance tickets and may sell out. Please review the individual event listing before visiting.

U-Pick Apples and Flowers

Is the price of apples or flowers included with admission?

No. Admission and U-Pick purchases are separate.

Apple bags and flower-picking containers must be purchased before entering the fields.

How do U-Pick apples work?

First, stop at the main register to purchase admission and your apple bags. Our U-Pick apple bags are $10 and hold approximately five pounds.

Only pick into the bags purchased for U-Pick. Please pay for everything you pick.

Can I bring my own bags or baskets?

Please use the designated U-Pick bags or containers purchased from us. Personal baskets may be carried for convenience, but all picked produce must fit inside the appropriate purchased container.

What varieties are available?

Apple and flower availability changes throughout the season and can change quickly depending on weather and how busy the fields are.

Please check our website or Facebook page for the latest picking updates before making a special trip for a particular variety.

Can we sample apples while picking?

Please do not sample or waste fruit in the fields. All produce should be purchased before it is eaten.

Can we climb the apple trees?

No. Fruit trees are fragile and their branches can be damaged easily. Picking poles may be available to help reach apples on higher branches.

Should we wash the apples before eating them?

Yes. Just like any other fresh fruit or vegetable, apples should be washed or wiped clean before eating.

Is Ditmars Orchard an organic farm?

No. We are not a certified organic farm. We use responsible growing practices and apply crop-protection products when needed to maintain healthy trees and fruit.

Food, Drinks and Shopping

Can we visit the store or Café without paying admission?

Yes! There is no admission charge to shop in the Orchard Store or visit our Café, Sweet Shoppe or Tasting Room.

Do you serve food?

Yes. Our Orchard Café offers a variety of meals and snacks, including pizzas and seasonal specialties. Apple cider doughnuts, ice cream, sweet treats, wine, hard cider and nonalcoholic beverages are also available.

Menu items and kitchen hours may vary, so please check our current menu or contact us when planning for a large group.

Can we bring outside food or drinks?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted during regular business hours. We have food, snacks and beverages available for purchase at the orchard.

Different rules may apply to approved private rentals.

Do you serve alcoholic beverages?

Yes. Our Tasting Room offers wine, hard cider and other seasonal drinks for guests who are 21 or older. A valid photo ID is required.

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Orchard Rules and Amenities

Can I bring my dog?

Pets are not permitted at the orchard because the property can become busy with children, vehicles, food-service areas and farm activities.

Trained service animals are welcome. Service animals must remain under their handler’s control at all times.

Can we drive into the orchard?

Guest vehicles must remain in the designated parking areas. Tractor rides may be offered during certain seasons or events, depending on availability.

What should we wear?

Ditmars Orchard is a working farm with grass, hills, dirt and naturally uneven ground. We recommend comfortable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

During warm weather, consider bringing sunscreen and insect repellent. During fall, dressing in layers is a good idea.

What happens if it rains?

The Orchard Store, Café, Sweet Shoppe and Tasting Room may remain open during light rain, but U-Pick fields, rides and outdoor activities may close for safety.

Weather-related changes will be shared on our website or social media whenever possible.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes. We accept cash and credit or debit cards. 

Is there an ATM?

No, we do not have an ATM on the property.

How large is the orchard?
Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard covers approximately 70 acres.

Photography, Events and Groups

Can I take family pictures during my visit?

Guests are welcome to take casual personal photographs during their visit.

Professional, portrait or commercial photography requires a Photographer’s Pass. This includes senior, engagement, maternity, graduation, wedding, family and paid photography sessions.

Please review our Photography Policy before scheduling a session.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are not permitted anywhere on the property.

Can I reserve the orchard for a private gathering?
Yes! We offer rental options for graduation parties, corporate gatherings, holiday parties, reunions and private celebrations.

Please visit our Space Rental page or contact us at info@ditmarsorchard.com for availability and current pricing.

Do you accommodate large groups?

Groups are welcome, but we ask parties of 10 or more who plan to order food to contact us in advance. School groups, organized outings and private events should make arrangements before visiting.

Still Have Questions?

We are happy to help!

Email: info@ditmarsorchard.com
Phone: 712-256-7053
Address: 19475 225th Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503