Nestled in the heart of Papillion, NE, The Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch is a delightful destination for families and fruit enthusiasts alike. Located at 11001 South 48th Street, this charming ranch offers a variety of seasonal pick-your-own produce, starting with strawberries and sweet peas in early June. As the weather warms up, the fields come alive with fresh, juicy strawberries just waiting to be picked.
Strawberry and Sweet Pea Season
The much-anticipated strawberry season typically begins around the first of June, depending on weather conditions. This year, the Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch is open for strawberry and sweet pea picking on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Strawberries and sweet peas are both priced at $3.50 per pound, making it an affordable and fun activity for the whole family. The ranch provides buckets for picking, and you'll receive a plastic sack to take your harvest home. If you prefer, you can also bring your own container.
Our Strawberry Picking Experience
We recently took our toddler to The Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch for about 45 minutes of strawberry picking, and it was an absolute blast! After 45 minutes, he was ready to go, but he had so much fun digging around in the plants to find strawberries and putting them in our bucket to take home. It was a wonderful experience for him to learn where strawberries come from and to pick some of his own.
However, beware of some prickly weeds in the fields. When we visited on June 8th, the strawberries were pretty small, but they were delicious! We did have to do quite a bit of digging to find them, but that just added to the adventure and fun of the experience.
Upcoming Seasonal Harvests
As the strawberry and sweet pea season comes to a close, typically after about three weeks, the ranch's fields will begin to yield other delicious crops. Sweet corn is expected to be ready around the first of July. Meanwhile, red raspberries and blackberries will start to ripen towards the end of July, with picking continuing until the first frost of fall, which usually occurs in October.
Plan Your Visit
To make the most of your visit to The Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Check Operating Hours: Picking hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and special weekend hours from 9 AM to 2 PM on June 8th and 9th.
Admission Fees: The play areas for children are for kids 16 and under at $4 per child.
Seasonal Produce: Stay informed about the availability of various produce by checking the ranch’s homepage or giving them a call. Sweet corn, raspberries, and blackberries each have their own seasons, so plan your visits accordingly.
Pumpkin Season
Looking ahead, the pumpkin season at The Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch officially kicks off on Saturday, September 14th, and runs daily through October 31st. This is a perfect time to visit for those looking to pick the perfect pumpkin for Halloween or simply enjoy the festive fall atmosphere.
For a fun, family-friendly outdoor activity, head over to The Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch. Whether you're picking strawberries in early June or planning a fall visit for pumpkins, this ranch offers a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the freshest produce Nebraska has to offer. For more information on exact conditions and open days, be sure to check the ranch's homepage or contact them directly. Happy picking!
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