Wea Creek Orchard

A well-regarded orchard south of Lafayette in southern Tippecanoe County, 4.7 across 316 ratings. Co-owned by Perry and Lisa Kirkham, who shifted the family's land from livestock and row crops into specialty fruit. Free entry, stated by the owners as a deliberate principle - they have said publicly they want a place that does not cost people a dime to visit. U-pick apples, peaches, nectarines, sunflowers, lavender and pumpkins. The orchard was planted with dwarf varieties specifically because it was always intended as a u-pick, keeping fruit low and within reach of young children. Around 5,000 apple, peach and cherry trees, with cherries recently planted and not yet bearing. Free apple samples at the market - staff will hand you a whole washed apple to eat while you look round. Tractor and wagon rides around the orchard, an autumn festival with bounce houses, a bakery, and a strong school field-trip programme covering apples, bees, trees and seasons. Also lavender products through their Lavender Bee Company and honey from hives on the property. Two historic barns: one from 1870 used as an events and wedding venue, one from 1880 housing the market. Deep Purdue partnerships across engineering, anthropology, food science, agronomy and horticulture, including a 100% Tippecanoe County apple cider pressed on-site at Purdue and a peach shrub drink. Sits on a registered archaeological site named for the Wea tribe; arrowheads are still found on the grounds. IMPORTANT: Google lists opening as Thursday to Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday noon-6pm, CLOSED MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY - a four-day week that was not previously recorded here, so do not plan a midweek visit without calling.