Discover

160 

ACRES OF
FARMLAND

4

DIFFERENT
ORCHARDS

22,010

APPLE
TREES

34

DIFFERENT APPLE
VARIEITES

MEET THE ROYAL OAK FARM FAMILY 

Four generations of the Royal Oak Farm family live and work at Royal Oak Farm Orchard with backgrounds ranging from builders to musicians to booksellers to athletes. All of them have brought their gifts and talents to work for the Lord at the orchard.
When Peter and Gloria Bianchini began the orchard in 1992 as part of their retirement after being in the building business, little did they know what it would turn into. As the orchard grew, their daughter, Renee Norton, with her husband, Dennis, came on to help run the business in 2003. Previously, they owned a Christian bookstore which they sold to join the orchard, and Renee took over the market and bakery while Dennis took over the integrated pest management program, information technology  managing, nursery managing and other orchard responsibilities.

Paul Norton, son of Dennis and Renee, also joined the farm with his wife, Meghan, and their six children in 2003. Paul helps to run the orchard as the orchard operations manager, does spraying, fixes machinery, and handles all crop planting.

In 2006, Dennis and Renee’s daughter, Sarah, joined the orchard family to assist as the orchard’s special events coordinator and help with marketing and advertising after she completed her degree in Music Marketing from Taylor University. She also teaches private piano and voice lessons part time. Another new addition was Justin Bell, who began working in in 2007 and handles the accounting, marketing, and advertising. He graduated with a Business Management degree from Taylor University in 2007. He was also the quarterback for Taylor’s football and a pitcher on the baseball team. Justin and Sarah were married in 2009, and now have two children.

Our Royal Oak Family extends to many of our seasonal employees who come back year after year and add such a tremendous blessing to the orchard. Without them the wonderful experience of Royal Oak would not be possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pets Permitted at the Orchard?

Unfortunately, due to FDA regulations, we are unable to allow pets at the orchard.


Are Picnics Permitted at the Orchard?

Unfortunately, due to county health regulations, we cannot permit outside food at the orchard with the exception of school groups coming for a scheduled school tour and hayride/bonfire package groups coming for a reserved event.  We do have a restaurant that serves lunch daily in September and October.


Are there designated smoking areas at the Orchard?

We are a smoke free facility and do not offer any designated smoking areas


Do you charge for parking at the Orchard?

Parking is always free at the orchard.


Are you an organic orchard?

We use a growing system called integrated pest management, which allows us to spray about 80% less than commercial orchards and many of the products we use are less toxic than many organic products that are used.  Remember, organic does not mean untreated.  A testament to the healthy ecosystem we have here at the Orchard is the ability that we have to maintain honey bees living at the orchard year round.  To find out more, check out our movie, "Beyond the Apple" 


Do you allow strollers or pull wagons?

Yes, strollers are allowed everywhere on the property.  However, we cannot allow them on our hayride wagons.  If you would like to use your stroller in the orchard, you are welcome to walk out into the orchard.  Pull wagons are permitted in all outdoor areas and in the orchard but are not permitted inside our buildings or on our hayride wagons.  We also have pull wagons and wheelbarrows available to borrow at our Harvest Barn.


Does everyone that enters the Apple Picking Area have to have a bag to pick?

Each person over the age of 3 needs to purchase a bag to pick with. 


Is there an admission fee for the Orchard?

There is no admission to enter the farm, buildings, or park and petting zoo area.  There are per person charges for each activity including apple picking, rides, Amaze 'N Apples, and tours.


Can we bring our own apple picker or do we need to bring our own bag?

We do not permit apple picking poles in the orchard due to the damage they can do to the trees.  We do not permit guests to bring their own bags into the Apple Picking Area.  We will provide bags for you. 



Seasonal Employment Opportunities

If you are looking for a positive, fun and fast paced working environment, Royal Oak Farm is the place to be.  We create a family atmosphere for our guests and within our staff that allows us to form relationships and become great friends while we serve our amazing guests.  

Employment opportunities are available each Fall starting in August for retail, stocking, field crews, drivers, ride operators, bakers, cooks, servers, administrative positions and more.  

Media

About Royal Oak Farm 
Founded by Peter and Gloria Bianchini in the early 1990s, Royal Oak Farm is owned by a four-generation family. The farm is located in Harvard, Ill., 1.5 miles from the Wisconsin border, and offers a variety of activities for children and adults. Featuring 20,000 apple trees in over 30 varieties, along with pumpkins, gourds and squash, the 160-acre orchard offers the opportunity to pick fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of these are sold in the market/bakery and used in the orchard’s restaurant. Home to the country's only apple tree maze, Amaze 'N Apples, adventures await families every Fall.  Royal Oak Farm also offers birthday parties and private bonfire/hayride packages with unique experiences. Tours are available for schoolchildren and adult groups. 
Media Links
For More Information

Please contact our media representative for further information at service@royaloakfarmorchard.com.