Friske Orchards

School Field Trips

Image Placeholder Text"In teaching, you cannot see the fruit of a day's work ...  It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years."   Jacques Barzun

During the fall fruit harvest (September & October), the Friske family team offers educational group tours & school field trips here at our orchards.   

An enjoyable, educational orchard experience can be had by all ages!  Discovering daily orchard life with us will create lasting memories as you leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life to spend some magical time "on the other side of the apple!"    

We just love all kids (big & little) and strive to provide a truly rewarding experience for all who participate.  Tours include a guided wagon ride, orchard walking tour, agricultural & historical insights, farm animal petting zoo, kids playground and snack time.  Post tour shopping is popular and welcomed, but not expected.

 

Quick Page Menu:    Reservations    Admission Fees    Tour Activities    Guidelines & General Info    Directions & Map


What Tours Are Offered?  When?

September & October  |  Monday - Thursday  |  Tour Start Times:   9:00 A.M.   11:00 A.M.   1:00 P.M. 

Educational School Field Trips / Tours run weekdays (Monday thru Thursday) during the months of September and October, our primary harvest months.  Three tours (advanced registration required) are offered daily at:  9:00 A.M., 11:00 A.M., and 1:00 P.M.  Each educational group tour last about 1-1/2 hours and begin at Friske's Farm Market located on US 31 N in Atwood.  Plan to arrive a minimum of 1/2 hour prior to your scheduled tour time.

Tour reservations may also include time for a student sack lunch on the grounds.  Please indicate this activity when making your reservation.


Reservations

Reservations require personalized communication and should be made in advance by contacting us in-person or via phone at (231)-599-2604 or toll free at 1-888-968-3554.  Speaking directly with you helps us to provide you with the best possible service, and the information necessary for an enjoyable outing here at Friske's.  
 

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Complete contact information is as follows:  

Friske Orchards Farm Market
10743 N.  U.S. 31
Ellsworth, Michigan  49729
231-599-2604
info@friske.com   (Note:  Emailed tour reservations cannot be accepted)

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Tour Admission Fees 

School Field Trips / Educational Group Tours are FREE for Teachers and one additional staff or chaperone. (2 Free admissions provided).   Students and other participants are $5.00 per person, including a snack.  Take-home follow-up materials for students and classroom activities for Teachers are also included.  ($50 Minimum Tour Fee).    

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Tour Activities:  Informational, Educational & Fun 

Friske Orchards Educational Field Trips and Tours include the following featured activities:    

  • Orchard Tour Wagon Ride
    Your group tour will be treated to a Tractor-led Orchard Wagon Ride through our Apple Orchards overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan views!  Our tour guide will be informing you about farming as well as giving some general information about Friske Orchards.
     
  • Orchard Walking Tour
    A short walking tour through the orchards will feature presentations and activities covering the parts of an apple tree; tree and apple life cycles; basic plant photosynthesis; and orchard pollination.   These short but informative presentations will be age appropriate and align with the following Michigan educational standards and benchmarks:  Sci II E 2, II E 3, VI E 1, VI E 4.  Our walk will conclude with a lesson on how to pick an apple! 
     
  • Snack Time!  Homemade Donuts & Famous Apple Cider
    Our Old-World Bakery will prepare a yummy snack featuring a homemade donut and some Award-Winning Friske Apple Cider.  Snack items may also be packed up "to go" per your request if time constraints prevent snack time on the grounds.  Students will be given a take-home packet of coloring and goodies.
     
  • Barnyard Animal Zoo - Petting & Feeding  |  Kids' Orchard Playland
    At the end of the tour, students will be able to visit our barnyard petting zoo and feed the farm animals including goats, sheep, roosters & chickens. The Goat Mountain feeding machine is a highlight. Our playground also includes: an oversized sandbox with diggers; the Apple Worm Rope Maze; an ark to climb aboard for sailing (pretend); swings and much more. 
     
  • Shopping Opportunities
    When the tour is over, everyone is welcome to come inside the Farm Market and Country Haus to shop around. Shopping includes many somethings for everyone, from toys and games to specialty foods and gifts.  We request that chaperones remain with the students at this time and until successful departure.
     

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Tour Guidelines and General Information 

  • Before Arrival

    • Dress Weather Appropriate - It can be quite a bit cooler out here, next to Lake Michigan, especially in September and October.   Please dress warmly, comfortably and according to the weather.
       
    • Cameras - Bring along a camera if possible (we have them available for purchase in the market).  A picture really can be worth a thousand words!
       
    • Directions / How To Get Here - Do not assume the bus driver knows how to get to our farm market.  For directions and a map, click here.
       
    • Name Tags - If your school allows, have your tour participants wear name tags.  This is very helpful to our staff and provides an extra measure of safety.
       

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  • Upon Arrival

    • Arrive Early - The tours starts promptly at the scheduled time. Plan to be here in time to start on time. If you are planning to have lunch on the grounds before your tour, you will need to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier.
       
    • Bus & Car Parking - School Bus and Parent / Chaperone Parking is down the hill behind the Farm Market. Enter via the north driveway and proceed south through the parking lot towards the animal pen. Turn right at the end of the barn between the animal pen and the barn. Proceed down the hill and turn right onto the grass to park.
       
    • Shopping Opportunities! - While on the orchard tour, there will be time to come in and enjoy our market. Included in our market are a Fruit Stand, Old-World Bakery, Orchard Cafe, old-fashioned General Store, and Country Haus.   Some featured items include unique grocery products; specialty foods; gift baskets; decor for home, garden, patio, Christmas & more; toys, puzzles, books and games; including the Christmas Cove, hand-made northern Michigan jewelry; bath, body & beauty; cherry juice and CherryFlex®  health products; and much more.
       
    • Bad Weather - If the weather isn't cooperating, please call ahead to re-schedule your tour for another day, or we can still do most of our tour, so feel free to come visit anyway. And of course, fresh doughnuts and warm apple cider will warm your students up!
       
    • Cancellations - If you need to cancel or reschedule your field trip for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible! If we haven't heard from you, we will have a guide ready and waiting for your group. Please, if anything comes up, just let us know in advance so we may act accordingly.
       

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Open Year-Round with many Festive Family Events!

Questions?  Call 231.599.2604