Czipar’s Orchard in Dubuque: Hours, Apple Cider Donuts, and More

There's something about the first trip to the orchard each fall that makes the season feel official. For me it's definitely the cooler temperatures. For many, it's seeing pumpkins stacked up outside, apples filling the shelves, and mums adding a little extra color to the landscape. The changing season is also the perfect excuse to pull that favorite flannel out of the closet. For my family, that fall feeling usually starts with a trip to Czipar’s Apple Orchard in Dubuque.

Czipar’s opened for the season on Sunday, August 30th, and it did not take us long to start planning our visit. Located at 8610 Route 52 South, just a few miles south of Dubuque, the seasonal orchard has become a destination for families and visitors across the Tri-State area. The orchard sits on a bluff, giving visitors a scenic view of the surrounding Mines of Spain area.

My family's mission is always pretty simple; we wanted some of those always delicious apple cider donuts. What we found was that plus about the biggest pumpkins I have ever seen for carving, a few fall goodies, and, of course, Grampa's Wine. YUM!

The donuts alone are worth talking about. We ended up sneaking away with a dozen of the freshly made apple cider donuts, and I can confidently say they are one of those purchases that you should probably make before you convince yourself you don't need them. For many from the area, they are a seasonal must-try treat. Like I said though, it's not just the donuts.

Depending on the time of the season, visitors can find a wide selection of apples, pumpkins, mums, baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, and plenty of other seasonal goodies. As for the apple selection, it includes; Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Royal Gala, McIntosh, Zestar, Cortland, Granny Smith, Connel Red, Empire, Jon-a-Red, and Mutsu.

For the adults, make sure to stop by and chat with "Grandma" and sample some of Grampa's Wine. My wife and I tried a few of the wines and ended up bringing home a bottle of the Honeycrisp Cranberry wine. It was definitely one of those unexpected additions to the trip that turned out to be a very good decision.

Czipar’s just "feels" fall, for lack of a better term. You can walk around, take in the color changing scenery, browse the homemade and seasonal items, grab something sweet and spend a little time enjoying the atmosphere.

The orchard has been part of the Dubuque-land fall tradition for generations. With the family tracing the business back to the early 1940s, making Czipar’s a multigenerational family operation. Each year the orchard and farm market has continued to grow into a popular seasonal destination. Speaking of which, if you're already thinking about making your own visit, here's a date to put on the calendar.

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Czipar’s Apple Festival is scheduled for September 26th and 27th. The orchard describes the weekend as one of its favorite events of the year, with family fun, kids activities, and plenty of fall atmosphere. Grab an apple cider and enjoy the festivities.

You can currently head to Czipar's Wednesday through Monday from 8 AM to 5 PM, with Tuesday hours from noon to 5 PM. Remember, the orchard is seasonal and individual offerings and events can change hours. Before heading out, check for the latest updates on their social page.

Credit: Tom Drake | Bennett shows off the pumpkins. "Grandma" can be seen at the wine tasting station. BTW, the wines are really good! — Credit: Tom Drake | **Bennett shows off the pumpkins. "Grandma" can be seen at the wine tasting station. BTW, the wines are really good!**

For my family, the visit has become a fall tradition of sorts. The quest for a delicious Sunday morning breakfast of apple cider donuts. It's one of those simple fall outings that marks another changing season. Time marches on, but that's how traditions begin.

So, get the flannels ready for this weekend, embrace the harvest season and maybe grab yourself a pumpkin-flavored coffee while you are at it. I already have this week. Then make a trip to Czipar’s part of your fall plans. Just remember to leave room in the car for the donuts; maybe a dozen or two.