EOH Explorer Series | Strawberry Picking at Bruck Hillside Acres

Some of my favorite rural Iowa adventures are the simplest ones. No big crowds. No complicated plans. Just fresh air, friendly people, and a chance to slow down for a while.

That’s exactly what we found at Bruck Hillside Acres near Audubon.

Tucked into the rolling countryside of western Iowa, this family-run farm offers a wholesome experience that feels refreshingly authentic. When we arrived, owners Morgan and Tyler Bruck greeted us with big smiles and made us feel right at home. After giving us a quick overview of the strawberry patch and which rows were ready for picking, we headed out into the field with our baskets in hand.

The strawberries were the highlight of the visit. Sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they were some of the best I’ve tasted all summer. There’s something especially satisfying about picking your own food, knowing exactly where it came from and who grew it.

What makes Bruck Hillside Acres special, though, is that it’s more than a strawberry patch. The farm continues producing throughout the growing season with blackberries, raspberries, sweet corn, sunflowers, zinnias, and pumpkins. They also offer pasture-raised pork and chicken, perennial landscape plants, and homemade baked goods.

The property itself adds to the experience. A charming farmhouse sits nearby, and a beautiful barn overlooks the strawberry field. Families will appreciate the handmade playground, which provides a fun place for kids to burn off some energy before or after picking.

If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that strawberry picking is available by appointment only. Morning appointments are ideal, especially during the warmer summer months. We arrived during the morning and could already feel the temperatures climbing as the sun got higher.

Before heading to the farm, I grabbed a coffee from The Marketplace in Manning, which made for the perfect start to a rural Iowa morning.

Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a unique date idea, or simply an excuse to spend time outdoors, Bruck Hillside Acres delivers a memorable experience. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why supporting local farms matters. You leave with fresh produce, delicious treats, and a deeper appreciation for the hardworking families helping rural Iowa thrive.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably be enjoying fresh strawberries long before you make it home.

Katie’s List – Know Before You Go

• Strawberry picking is by appointment only – link Facebook page
• Fresh strawberries are $4 per pound
• Early morning visits are recommended, especially on warm summer days
• Families with young children will enjoy the handmade playground
• The strawberry field is not stroller friendly
• Perennial plants and baked goods are available for purchase without a picking reservation
• Bring comfortable shoes that can handle uneven farm terrain
• The beautiful barn overlooking the strawberry field makes a great photo backdrop
• Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the farm
• Additional seasonal offerings include blackberries, raspberries, sweet corn, sunflowers, zinnias, and pumpkins
• Pasture-raised pork and chicken are available throughout the season
• Grab a coffee from The Marketplace in Manning before heading to the farm
• Don’t leave without sampling a fresh-picked strawberry right from the field
• Consider bringing a cooler if you plan to take berries home on a hot day