The Incredible Farm in Illinois Where You Can Pick Buckets of Berries

The last time I went strawberry picking in Illinois, I used the ones I didn't eat on the car ride home to make some delicious strawberry tarts. Without a doubt, they were the best I had ever made—and the credit really must go to the berries. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to pick delicious berries in the Prairie State. The top patch on my bucket list this summer is Big "M" Berry Patch in Taylorville.

Visiting this family farm is one of the best summer activities in Illinois. Apart from the pick-your-own strawberries experience, it offers an amazing spring or summer day out in the sun. Ready to experience Illinois' fruit-picking season in full force? Here's what to know about Big "M" Berry Patch before you go. You'll get your hands a little dirty, but it's worth it.

Why Big "M" Berry Patch Is a Must-Visit in Illinois

Located a few miles southwest of Taylorville in central Illinois, Big “M” Berry Patch has been owned and operated by one family for more than 100 years, earning them status as a Centennial Farm.

According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Repscher family has owned the farm since its original purchase in 1901. Over the years, many have trekked across their 20-acre property to get their hands on some fresh strawberries.

Unlike many other fruit farms in Illinois, Big "M" Berry Patch becomes a pumpkin patch in the fall—the perfect fall activity for the whole family.

What to Expect During Strawberry Picking Season

Big "M" Berry Patch grows several varieties of strawberries. There are Honeoye, Flavorfest, and Galetta varieties, although Earliglow tends to be the favorite. When you arrive at the farm, you can pick up a container and harvest your own, or call ahead to place an order.

All the strawberries at this family-friendly farm near Taylorville are perfectly juicy, ripe, and plump. In fact, a single strawberry once weighed in at a quarter of a pound! Picking season is typically May through early June, but check in with the farm's Facebook page for specific U-pick dates and times.

Tips for Visiting This Illinois Farm

As a fully operational farm, Repscher's Centennial Family Farm takes meticulous care of its property. This means the patch needs time to soak up water, whether from sprinklers or from a rain shower. Either way, check the farm's Facebook page to confirm the patch is open the day before, if not the morning of your visit.

Visit in the morning, as the farm sometimes closes when the supply of berries is deemed "picked for the day." Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water to last throughout the day, too.

If you're going in the fall, stay tuned for when Big "M" Berry Patch transforms into a pumpkin patch. As the weather cools off, a corn maze and hay rides become the central attractions. The farm also sells pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, and hot peppers at the Taylorville Farmers Market.

More Fruit-Picking Farms in Illinois

Hoping to pick some fruit from other farms? Visit Eckert's Farm in Belleville, the largest pick-your-own orchard in Illinois. You can get delicious blackberries and peaches in the summer and apples in the fall.

You can also get fresh strawberries and raspberries at Heider's Berry Farm in Woodstock or Prairie Hill Blueberry Farm in Bethany for the most delicious blueberries. But there are plenty of other farmers' markets and shops that sell local produce in the Prairie State.

Have you been to Big "M" Berry Patch before? If not, plan your summer or fall visit soon, and stop by other attractions in Taylorville while you're out. The town square and downtown shops are very charming.