About Us

Appleberry Orchard is owned and farmed by Ryan and Jessica Welch, and today includes 22 acres of apple orchards, berry fields, a petting farm, children's play area, and a beautiful farm market.

The first apple tree was planted on this property in 1852, making this the oldest working orchard in the state of Iowa.

The historic barn with windowed cupola, shown in the picture above, was constructed in 1882 and is registered as a National Historic Site. The barn is today used for our petting farm, where your family can see Boer goats, miniature donkey, miniature pony, chickens, golden pheasant, rabbits, peacocks and the impressive longhorn cattle.

We purchased the orchard in 2008. It had previously been worked by the same family for five generations, and we want to honor that tradition by adding new trees and varieties to continue providing the community with great apples. In addition to the varieties already available (see ripening calendar), we have planted Buckeye Gala, Blondee, Zestar, Empire and Honeycrisp apples, which will be available in the coming years.

Jessica Welch makes her homemade breads, pies, bars and cookies from scratch at Appleberry Orchard, Donnellson, Iowa. The Appleberry Orchard is known throughout the region for our plump, delicious sweet red strawberries, and we grow more than seven varieties, which extends the season while pleasing even the most particular strawberry lovers! We also grow blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, and sell them in season in the farm market.

The farm market is loaded with all sorts of other great treats, including local honey, Iowa sorghum, syrups, jams, jellies, salsas, and much, much more. After the fall season, we also sell fresh and shapely Christmas trees, wreaths, porch baskets, and other holiday special items to help you enjoy a very special holiday.