By Openshaw Real Estate Group
Schnepf Farms is one of the oldest working family farms in Queen Creek, AZ, and it has grown into a place locals return to every season. If you are new to the area or thinking about a move here, this is a spot you will want to know well. We have watched this farm become a gathering point for families across the East Valley, and we are glad to share what makes it worth your time. Here is your complete guide to Schnepf Farms and everything it offers.
Key Takeaways
- Schnepf Farms is a fourth-generation family farm, founded in 1941 and known across Arizona for its peaches.
- Peach season in spring and the fall Pumpkin and Chili Party are its two biggest draws.
- The on-site bakery is known for cinnamon rolls, fresh bread, and farm-to-table meals.
- The farm sits at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, minutes from Queen Creek's newer neighborhoods.
A Farm Rooted in Queen Creek History
Schnepf Farms has been part of Queen Creek since the 1940s, long before the town officially incorporated. The Schnepf family has worked this land for four generations, and Mark Schnepf served as Queen Creek's first mayor. That history is a big reason the farm feels so tied to local identity.
Founded in 1941 by Ray and Thora Schnepf, the farm started as a modest peach orchard and grew into one of the East Valley's favorite family destinations. When you visit, you are stepping into a piece of Queen Creek that has stayed true to its farming past while welcoming new families every year.
Founded in 1941 by Ray and Thora Schnepf, the farm started as a modest peach orchard and grew into one of the East Valley's favorite family destinations. When you visit, you are stepping into a piece of Queen Creek that has stayed true to its farming past while welcoming new families every year.
What Makes Schnepf Farms a Local Landmark
- Four generations of the same family farming the same Queen Creek land.
- Roots going back to 1941, when Ray and Thora Schnepf planted the first orchard.
- A working farm that still grows real crops alongside its seasonal fun.
- A central location near Rittenhouse Road and the heart of town.
Peach Season and the U-Pick Garden
Schnepf Farms is famous for its peaches, and peach season is the highlight of spring. Peach picking usually runs through the month of May, with several varieties ripening at different times, and you pick your own fruit straight from the orchard rows. The farm has grown its peaches without pesticides for more than 50 years, so the quality pulls people in from across the Phoenix area.
Beyond peaches, the U-Pick garden lets you gather seasonal vegetables and flowers depending on the time of year. It is a hands-on way to see where your food comes from, and it is one of the easiest ways to spend a morning with kids.
Beyond peaches, the U-Pick garden lets you gather seasonal vegetables and flowers depending on the time of year. It is a hands-on way to see where your food comes from, and it is one of the easiest ways to spend a morning with kids.
What You Can Pick at Schnepf Farms
- Fresh peaches during the spring harvest.
- Seasonal vegetables from the U-Pick garden.
- Fresh flowers when they are in bloom.
- Pumpkins in the fall ahead of the holiday season.
Seasonal Festivals Worth Planning Around
The farm runs signature events through most of the year, and each one has its own following. The fall Pumpkin and Chili Party is the largest, filling the grounds with a pumpkin patch, carnival rides, a corn maze, and food. Families across Queen Creek, AZ, build their October weekends around it.
In spring, peach picking season brings people out to the orchard rows for a few weeks of fresh fruit. Come winter, Christmas at Schnepf Farms lights up the grounds with holiday displays that have become a seasonal tradition for many households in town.
In spring, peach picking season brings people out to the orchard rows for a few weeks of fresh fruit. Come winter, Christmas at Schnepf Farms lights up the grounds with holiday displays that have become a seasonal tradition for many households in town.
Signature Events at Schnepf Farms
- Pumpkin and Chili Party each October.
- Peach picking season each spring.
- Christmas at Schnepf Farms light displays in December.
- Farm dinners and special events throughout the year.
The Bakery, Food, and Family Fun
You do not need a festival ticket to enjoy Schnepf Farms. The on-site bakery and cafe serve fresh cinnamon rolls, breads, pies, and hearty breakfasts that have their own loyal fans. Plenty of locals stop by just for a warm cinnamon roll and a coffee on a quiet weekend.
The grounds also offer train rides, farm animals, and open space to wander. It is an easy, low-key outing that works for grandparents and toddlers alike, and it rarely feels rushed.
The grounds also offer train rides, farm animals, and open space to wander. It is an easy, low-key outing that works for grandparents and toddlers alike, and it rarely feels rushed.
Ways to Spend the Day
- Grab a cinnamon roll or a full breakfast at the bakery.
- Take the kids on the farm's train and rides.
- Visit the animals and walk the orchard paths.
- Pick up local produce and baked goods to take home.
Why Schnepf Farms Matters When You Move to Queen Creek
A place like Schnepf Farms tells you a lot about what daily life here feels like. Queen Creek has grown quickly, yet it has held onto the small-town, agricultural character that farms like this one keep alive. For many buyers we work with, that balance of new homes and real community roots is the whole appeal.
The farm sits close to several of the neighborhoods drawing families to the area, from established streets to newer master-planned communities. Living nearby means weekend peach picking and fall festivals are part of your regular routine.
The farm sits close to several of the neighborhoods drawing families to the area, from established streets to newer master-planned communities. Living nearby means weekend peach picking and fall festivals are part of your regular routine.
What the Farm Says About Local Living
- A community that values its farming heritage and open space.
- Year-round events that make it easy to meet neighbors.
- A family-friendly pace close to modern shopping and dining.
- Proximity to some of Queen Creek's most popular neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is peach season at Schnepf Farms?
Peach season generally runs through the month of May, with several peach varieties ripening at different times, though exact dates shift with the weather each year. We suggest checking the farm's schedule and reserving ahead, since the best picking days fill up fast.
Where is Schnepf Farms located?
Schnepf Farms is at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road in Queen Creek, AZ, 85142. It sits close to many of the newer neighborhoods we help buyers explore, which makes it an easy weekend stop.
Is Schnepf Farms good for families?
Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly spots in Queen Creek. Between the U-Pick garden, bakery, farm animals, and seasonal festivals, there is something for every age.
Contact Us Today
Schnepf Farms is one of the many reasons families love calling Queen Creek home, and it is a great window into the lifestyle here. If places like this make you want to put down roots in the area, we would love to help you find the right neighborhood.
Reach out to us, Openshaw Real Estate Group, and let's talk about what living in Queen Creek could look like for you. We know this community well, and we are always glad to help you make your next move.
Reach out to us, Openshaw Real Estate Group, and let's talk about what living in Queen Creek could look like for you. We know this community well, and we are always glad to help you make your next move.
