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

Every summer, I look forward to strawberry picking in Iowa. Berry season is the perfect time to pick fresh, ripe fruit right off the vine, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and more. I can't get enough! If I had to pick just one type of berry to harvest in Iowa, however, it would actually have to be perfectly sweet and tart blueberries in June. And the best place to get them in the Hawkeye State? Blueberry Bottom Farm in Brighton.

Blueberry Bottom feels straight out of a storybook. The family farm doesn't have many frills, but it boasts one of the best summer activities in Iowa: the expansive U-pick fields. You'll get to harvest some of the most deliciously plump blueberries around, while savoring the natural beauty of our state. Here's everything to know before pickin' season arrives.

What Makes This Iowa Farm So Special

Blueberry Bottom Farm is one of the most unique farms in Iowa, thanks to its remote location and fresh produce. It's situated in Southeast Iowa near the Skunk River, creating the perfect conditions for growing sweet, ripe fruit. As the name suggests, blueberry season is the star of the show here.

The farm was founded in 1939 by farmer Kim Andersen's family. It's been an organic blueberry farm since 2014, and is still the only one in the state! Now, both farmers Kim and Steve Andersen love sharing their harvest with the community, inviting families to pick blueberries straight from their abundant field.

You can find more than just blueberries here, too. Paw paw, strawberries, persimmons, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and pumpkins grow at this family orchard, with peak seasons throughout the year.

When to Visit for the Best Berry Picking

Blueberry season typically begins in mid to late June in Iowa. But because Blueberry Bottom Farm grows eight different blueberry varieties, peak U-pick times will vary. Bluejay, duke, patriot, and spartan blueberries ripen around June 16 to June 25, while blueray, toro, chandler, bluecrop, and bonus ripen from July 1 to July 14. You'll often be able to pick each time within three weeks of ripening.

To learn more about each blueberry type, including their flavor and size, visit the farm's website. Stay tuned to the farm's Facebook page, too, for updates on picking conditions. The U-pick farm is only open in the morning by appointment only.

For pre-picked strawberries, visit from June to September. The farm grows day neutral strawberries, and they typically produce the largest crop in August.

What to Expect When You Go

After strolling through the lush blueberry field on this peaceful Iowa farm, you'll head to the farm to pay. The farm sells blueberries by the quart and gallon. Buckets are provided for picking, but you'll need your own containers to bring them home. If you forget containers, the farm has biodegradable bags.

If you don't have time for U-pick, head directly to the farmstead to shop pre-picked pints, along with other homemade goods and produce from partner businesses.

We love visiting Blueberry Bottom during the Spring Plant Sale in May, where you can buy a variety of local flowers or your very own blueberry plant. Or, when the farm hosts blueberry growing workshops to learn how to grow fresh berries yourself.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

Before visiting one of the best places in Iowa, make sure you have clear directions to the farm, since it's a bit off the beaten path. Double-check the U-pick hours before driving there, and try to visit in the morning for the best selection of produce.

Bring bags and extra containers with you to transport your harvest home safely. And bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses, and breathable clothes to protect yourself from the hot summer sun. While the fields are fairly easy to walk through, you'll want to wear sturdy shoes, too.

It's also helpful to know what you'll make with fresh blueberries before picking, to estimate how much you'll need. Blueberry pancakes, blueberry cobblers, or simply blueberry smoothies will all need plenty of these deep blue beauties!

Have you been to Blueberry Bottom Farm yet? If not, make a day trip to Brighton today, and get to picking. You won't regret a day spent exploring the fields and other attractions nearby.