Pick Buckets of Fresh Berries All Summer at This Charming Wisconsin Farm

Whether you're a tourist or a long-time resident, berry picking in Wisconsin is a favorite summer pastime. In fact, our beautiful state has plenty of farms where you can go pick your own produce, including ripe, juicy blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. There's nothing better than filling buckets with delicious, fresh berries under the summer sun.

One of our favorite affordable and family-friendly Wisconsin berry farms is Blue Skies Farm. It's a charming establishment located in the little hamlet of Brooklyn that grows amazing raspberries every year. So, if you love delicious berries, spending time at this charming little farm is a must-do on a summer or fall day trip or weekend getaway. Here's what to know before you visit.

What Makes This Wisconsin Farm So Unique

Blue Skies Farm is located in Southern Wisconsin, in the small village of Brooklyn. The town is home to about 1,400 people and is surrounded by lots of family-owned farms. In other words, it's as far from the borough in New York City as you can get.

The farm was founded in 1991 by husband and wife duo Paul and Louis Maki as a certified organic grower. While the farm is no longer certified organic, it still uses organic growing methods for all its crops. You can get fresh produce on the farm itself or at local farmers' markets, including the Dane County Farmers' Market and the Madison Eastside Farmers' Market.

But the real star of the show? The raspberries. Each summer, around August, the farm grows a ton of red, orange, and yellow raspberries—all available for U-pick. You can't get berries any fresher than this! If you want veggies, the farm also sells asparagus in the spring.

Blue Skies is a standout from other U-pick experiences in Wisconsin because of its wide open space, serene environment, and family-friendly vibe. It's also highly communal; you'll often see Farmer Paul himself on the property, and you'll get weekly updates from him on crop conditions over on Facebook.

What to Expect When Visiting Blue Skies Farm

Upon arriving at this scenic farm in Wisconsin, you'll be met with a quaint red barn, a vintage green Ford pickup truck, and signs leading to the U-pick fields. Pick up containers provided by the farm and get out to the rolling fields to begin picking.

The farm's berries are delicious and perfect for a summer dessert or just eating by the handful. Once you've secured your summer harvest, pay for your raspberries: $4 per pint (or $5 for pre-picked pints). You'll find regular red, but also yellow and orange raspberries, which are sweeter and more floral in flavor.

Raspberries are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants such as anthocyanins, quercetin, and ellagic acid. But even without all these nutrients, they are incredibly tasty!

Why This Farm Is Worth the Trip

Beyond the high-quality, delicious fall berries, the quiet of this remote farm is worth the trip. You'll be fully immersed in the rows of lush berry bushes and wildflowers, making you feel as though you've escaped the real world. The sweet smell of raspberries fills the air, and when a breeze hits on a Wisconsin fall day? Absolute perfection.

The best time to visit for raspberry picking is mid-August through mid-September. This is when the crops typically reach peak ripeness, but the farm will keep you updated on ideal days and hours of operation. Sometimes a particularly frosty season means there's less crop available.

Despite being off the beaten path, I love visiting Blue Skies Farm for the perfect late summer and early fall activity. My dogs even enjoy a trip to the patch to pick berries (although I won’t bring them to this Wisconsin berry farm). It's one of the most special U-pick experiences in the state.

Add it as a stop on a leaf peeping road trip, or simply visit to stock up on supplies for raspberry tarts, and you'll be in berry heaven.

Have you been to this raspberry farm in Wisconsin? If not, visit in August before they're out of season! Stay tuned to the farm's website for updates on the start of the season and scope out other fun outdoor activities nearby. I love going to the Brooklyn Wildlife Area, less than an hour from Madison, and Brooklyn's downtown area.