NIST CSF (Cybersecurity Framework)

NIST CSF Introduction

Version 1.0 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework was issued in February 2014 and provides a framework for improving critical infrastructure cybersecurity.  Version 1.1 released in April 2018 refines, clarifies, and enhances version 1.0 of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).  

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is currently working on version 2.0 of the NIST CSF.  

Find the latest version of the NIST CSF at:  NIST CSF 

This article as an overview of the NIST Cybersecurity framework and is not meant to drill down to deep.  Separate articles drill down on each function in greater detail.

Table of Contents

• Organizational Benefits from NIST CSF
• Intro to the Five (5) NIST CSF Functions
• NIST CSF Identify
• NIST CSF Protect
• NIST CSF Detect
• NIST CSF Respond
• NIST CSF Recover
• NIST CSF Implementation Tiers
• Conclusion

Organizational Benefits from NIST CSF

Based on security practices known to be effective, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), establishes a set of standard security functions and outcomes.  Organizations can use the NIST CSF to improve their cybersecurity posture.  It helps organizations foster communication about cybersecurity internally and externally and allows organizations to integrate and align cybersecurity risk management with enterprise risk management processes.

Introduction to the five (5) NIST CSF Functions

The NIST Cybersecurity framework is organized on 5 key functions:

NIST CSF Function Table

These five (5) functions are a comprehensive view of managing cybersecurity risk over time.  Each function is an important aspect of cybersecurity and all functions are needed to have an effective cybersecurity posture.

NIST CSF Identify

The NIST CSF Identify function helps to develops the ability to manage cybersecurity risk to: systems, assets, data, and capabilities.  It involves inventorying assets, systems, and data to determine what needs protecting.

The NIST CSF Identify function helps to:

1. Identify critical enterprise processes and assets
2. Document information flows
3. Maintain hardware and software inventory
4. Establish policies for cybersecurity that include roles and responsibilities
5. Identify threats, vulnerabilities, and risk to Assets

NIST CSF Protect

The NIST CSF Protect function is focused on putting in place the appropriate safeguards to ensure delivery of services.  So, implementing the protection mechanisms to ensure critical information systems and operational systems are protected and in service.

The Protect function helps to: 

1. Manage access to assets and Information
2. Protect Sensitive data
3. Conduct regular backups
4. Protect devices
5. Manage device vulnerabilities
6. Train Users

NIST CSF Detect

NIST CSF Detect function ensures the appropriate mechanisms and tools are in place to identify occurrences of cybersecurity events.  Detect is all about identifying when a cybersecurity event is happening.

1. The Detect function helps to:
2. Test and update detection processes
3. Know the expected data flows for your enterprise
4. Maintain and monitor logs
5. Understand the impact of cybersecurity events

NIST CSF Respond

The NIST CSF Respond function ensures the appropriate activities and mechanisms are in place to take appropriate actions when a cybersecurity event is detected.  The Respond function is all about taking swift action when a cybersecurity event happens to contain and prevent any further impacts. 

The NIST CSF Respond function helps to:

1. Ensure response plans are tested
2. Ensure response plans are updated
3. Internal and external stakeholder coordination is managed and in place

NIST CSF Recover

The NIST CSF Recover function ensures appropriate activities are in place to maintain plans for resilience and to restore systems, capabilities, or services impaired due to a cybersecurity event.   The respond function is focused on recovery or restoring any services that were impacted due to a cybersecurity event.

The NIST CSF Recover function helps to:

1. Communicate with internal and external stakeholders
2. Ensure recovery plans are updated
3. Manage public relations and company reputation

NIST CSF Implementation Tiers

NIST defines Implementation tiers for the Cybersecurity framework.  The Tiers denote increasing degrees of rigor and maturity regarding cybersecurity risk management practices.  The tier levels help with determining the extent to which cybersecurity risk management is informed by business needs and is integrated into an organization’s overall risk management practices.   

Tiers are defined to support organizational decision making on how to manage cybersecurity risk, as well as helping to determine the dimensions that are higher priority for an organization and should receive additional resources.  Obtaining higher tiers is encouraged when it is determined to be feasible and cost-effective for reduction of cybersecurity risk.

The Tier definitions are as follows:

• Tier 1: Partial
• Tier 2: Risk Informed
• Tier 3: Repeatable
• Tier 4: Adaptive

Conclusion

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is important for increasing an organizations security posture.  The NIST CSF is built based on security practices that are known to be effective.  This is extremely helpful to organization in improving cybersecurity risk management practices.  NIST CSF is organized around 5 functions, Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.  The NIST Cybersecurity framework also helps to foster communication across internal and external stakeholders allowing organizations to work more collaboratively to improve the cybersecurity posture across the enterprise.  

Finally NIST CSF establishes four (4) implementation tiers and are defined to help with organizational decision making on how to manage cybersecurity risk.  The four implementation tiers are:  Tier 1: Partial, Tier 2: Risk Informed, Tier 3: Repeatable, Tier 4: Adaptive

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Money.com 50 Best Places to Live in the United States

50 Best Places to Live in the United States

Money.com recently released the "50 best places to live in the United States" rankings based on methodology of analyzing economic opportunities, quality of life, diversity, and more.  

It is important to note that Money.com changed their ranking methodology this year.  Money.com indicates, "Chief among those changes included introducing new data related to national heritage, languages spoken at home and religious diversity."   Money.com, also, prioritized locations with, "more regional diversity" and they "strove to include cities of all sizes by lifting the population limit."  These changes in methodology resulted in a "new tier of larger (and often more diverse) candidates," according to Money.com.

50 Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Lets take a look at the 2022 - 2023 "50 Best Places to Live in the United States" rankings and analyze the rankings by state.  To do this we will cover the following topics:

1. Primary Ranking factors considered
2. 50 Best Places to Live in the United States list for 2022 - 2023
3. State Analysis of the List
4. Breakdown of States in the List
5. Final Thoughts

Nine (9) Primary Best Places to Live Ranking Factors 

Money.com used these nine primary ranking factors in determining the Best Places to Live in the United States rankings:

1. Cost of living: This looks at how expensive it is to live in a community — factors included costs of transportation, health care, child care, insurance, and housing affordability relative to local income, as well as additional factors.
2. Diversity: Money.com says, "this factor looks at the population with a heavy focus on how well various races are represented and integrated into the community.   Other Diversity factors included age, religious diversity, heritage, and languages spoken at home.  Money.com gave preference toward locations with populations that were less than 80% white.
3. Economic opportunity: This includes indices tracking poverty, if the community employs a healthy mix of different industries,  job growth projections, and employment data.
4. Education: Looks at the percentage of the population with a four-year degree, high school graduation rates, K-12 test scores, and if the area is close to or includes one of our Best Colleges plus other factors.
5. Fun and amenities: This looks at location data to verify the location has interesting things for residents to do and tracks restaurants, parks, farmers markets, gyms, museums,  as well as infrastructure like airports, police departments and fire stations. 
6. Health and safety: This looks at factors that include health expectancy, access to clinics and hospitals, and violent crime indices, as well as, households reporting serious health problems.
7. Housing market: This looks at housing availability, rents, how long for-sale homes stay on the market, home sales prices, and listing prices — focusing on affordability.
8. Income and personal finance: Looks at how well various income groups are represented within an area, household income, and taxes.
9. Quality of life: Looks at accessibility to green space, risk of environmental catastrophe in the area, commute times, how walkable is the area, and weather.

Now lets take a look at the rankings.

50 Best Places to Live in the United States List for 2022 - 2023

1. Atlanta, Georgia
2. Tempe, Arizona
3. Kirkland, Washington
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
5. Rogers Park (Chicago), Illinois
6. Columbia, Maryland
7. Somerville, Massachusetts
8. Ann Arbor, Michigan
9. Tampa, Florida
10. Jersey City, New Jersey
11. Boise, Idaho
12. Chapel Hill, North Carolina
13. Irvine, California
14. Fort Lee, New Jersey
15. Arlington, Virginia
16. Naperville, Illinois
17. Milton, Massachusetts
18. Fremont, California
19. Carmel, Indiana
20. Rockville, Maryland
21. Franklin, Tennessee
22. San Diego, California
23. Hillsboro, Oregon
24. Abington, Pennsylvania
25. San Jose, California
26. Alexandria, Virginia
27. Chanhassen, Minnesota
28. Denver, Colorado
29. Overland Park, Kansas
30. Morristown, New Jersey
31. Lafayette, Colorado
32. Camas, Washington
33. Altamonte Springs, Florida
34. South Burlington, Vermont
35. Marietta, Georgia
36. Kirkwood, Missouri
37. Glen Cove, New York
38. Kaneohe, Hawaii
39. Hutto, Texas
40. Madison, Wisconsin
41. Salt Lake City, Utah
42. Bentonville, Arkansas
43. Sarasota, Florida
44. Nashua, New Hampshire
45. Norman, Oklahoma
46. Greenville, South Carolina
47. Juneau, Alaska
48. Coralville, Iowa
49. Jeffersonville, Indiana
50. Sparks, Nevada

State Representation in the List

Analyzing the list by state the following data can be determined:

• 34 states had at least 1 city ranked in the list.  
• 22 states had 1 city represented in the list.  
• 12 states had 2 or more cities represented in the list.
• 16 states had no representation in the list.

Break down of states with 2 or more cities in 50 Best Places to Live:

California is the state with the most places represented in the list with 4 cities included in the "50 Best Places to Live in the United States".

Florida and New Jersey both had 3 cities in the rankings. 

And Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington states all had 2 cities each in the list. 

Lets take a look at the breakdown of cities by state.

California - 4 cities

• Irvine, California (13)
• Fremont, California (18)
• San Diego, California (22)
• San Jose, California (25)

Florida - 3 cities

• Tampa, Florida (9)
• Altamonte Springs, Florida (33)
• Sarasota, Florida (43)

New Jersey - 3 cities

• Jersey City, New Jersey (10)
• Fort Lee, New Jersey (14)
• Morristown, New Jersey (30)

Breakdown of States with 2 cities in the rankings

North Carolina's 2 cities are both in the top 15.  Illinois, Maryland, and Massachusetts cities are all in the top 20 cities in the list.   

Here is the breakdown of the top 50 Best Places to Live in the Unites States by State having 2 or more cities in the list:

Colorado 

• Denver, Colorado (28)
• Lafayette, Colorado (31)

Georgia

• Atlanta, Georgia (1) 
• Marietta, Georgia (35)

Illinois

• Rogers Park (Chicago), Illinois (5)
• Naperville, Illinois (16)

Indiana

• Carmel, Indiana (19)
• Jeffersonville, Indiana (49)

Maryland

• Columbia, Maryland (6)
• Rockville, Maryland (20)

Massachusetts

• Somerville, Massachusetts (7)
• Milton, Massachusetts (17)

North Carolina

• Raleigh, North Carolina (4)
• Chapel Hill, North Carolina (12)

Virginia

• Arlington, Virginia (15)
• Alexandria, Virginia (26)

Washington

• Kirkland, Washington (3)
• Camas, Washington (32)

It is nice about 70 percent of states are represented in the list of 50 Best places to live in the United States.  9 states have 2 cities in the list, 2 states have 3 cities in the list, and 1 state (California) has 4 cities in the list.

Final Thoughts

With the change in ranking methodology this year, the Money.com "50 Best Places to Live in the United States" list looks different from previous years.  Is the changed ranking methodology better?  Only time will tell.  One result of the changed methodology is that the cities represented in the list are cities or communities that are deemed more diverse than previous rankings.  

It is nice to see about 70% of states represented in the list. California, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina all are well represented in the "50 Best Places to Live" rankings for 2022-2023.   

Some states with the largest population are under represented or not represented at all in the list.  Ohio which is the 7th most populated state in the United States with approximately 11,700,000 people (2020 census data) did not have any cities in the "50 Best Places to Live in the United States" rankings.  Texas and New York the 2nd and 4th most populous states respectively only had 1 city in the list.

Source Article:  Money.com 50 Best Places to Live 2022-2023

(C) 2022 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

What Is IAM?

Identity and Access Management is about creating and managing trusted digital identities using policies, technologies, processes, and personnel with the purpose of protecting sensitive organizational data.

Identity and Access Management includes the following areas:

• Assignment rules, role definition, and identification for the system
• User or non-person entity (NPE) attribute management
• Individual, groups of individuals, and NPEs access level assignments
• NPE and individual role management and maintenance in the system

Authentication and Authorization

Identity and Access Management uses Authentication to verify an individual or Non Person Entities identity.  Authentication is defined as verifying the identity of a user, process, or device.

Authorization is used to define the asset permission level the individual or Non-person entity has and is defined as “the permission granted to an entity to access a system resource”

Common Authentication methods include:

• Password based Authentication – individual or automated process uses a user login and password to authenticate their identity and is the most common authentication method.  
• Certificate-based Authentication – Users provide digital certificate to sign in
• Hardware / Software token Authentication – New one-time code generated every 30 seconds or so to authenticate identity
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – uses 2+ independent ways to authenticate
• Biometric Authentication – unique physical identifier of a person i.e. fingerprint
• Behavioral Authentication – This method uses Artificial Intelligence to detect if user behavior is outside the norm and lock down access to systems

Common Authorization methods include:

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – Permissions are assigned to designated job roles or functions within the organization. 
• Access Control List (ACL) – To grant or deny access to information systems is by defined rules. 
• Policy-Based Access Control (PBAC) – Business roles and policies of users are combined to determine what access privileges users of each role should have.
• Graph-Based Access Control (GBAC) – Permissions or abilities to entities/users are defined by Query language

National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework includes Identity and Access Management under the Protect function.

The NIST CSF outcome category for Identity and Access Management is:  

Identity Management, Authentication and Access Control (PR.AC): Access to physical and logical assets and associated facilities is limited to authorized users, processes, and devices, and is managed consistent with the assessed risk of unauthorized access to authorized activities and transactions.

Identity Management, Authentication, and Access Control has the following 7 subcategories:

• PR.AC-1: Identities and credentials are issued, managed, verified, revoked, and audited for authorized devices, users and processes
• PR.AC-2: Physical access to assets is managed and protected
• PR.AC-3: Remote access is managed
• PR.AC-4: Access permissions and authorizations are managed, incorporating the principles of least privilege and separation of duties
• PR.AC-5: Network integrity is protected (e.g., network segregation, network segmentation)
• PR.AC-6: Identities are proofed and bound to credentials and asserted in interactions
• PR.AC-7: Users, devices, and other assets are authenticated (e.g., single-factor, multi-factor) commensurate with the risk of the transaction (e.g., individuals’ security and privacy risks and other organizational risks)

Identity and Access Management is critical to Cybersecurity.  With Identity and Access Management, organizations are able to significantly reduce illegal access to sensitive information.  IAM provides protection against dissemination of compromised login credentials, unauthorized access to the organizations network, as well as, hacking, and various other types of cyberattacks.

Also, Identity and Access Management helps organizations meet industry regulations to ensure customer data is secure and private.  Regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) govern the  protection of customer data.

Summary 

Identity and Access Management is important for information and network security.  Policies, technologies, processes, and personnel are all used to create and manage trusted digital identities in an organization. 

Authentication methods are used to validate identities and authorization is used to define the permission levels for system assets or resources.

Identity and Access Management is a critical outcome category for the Protect function of the NIST Cybersecurity framework and includes 7 subcategories that ensure all areas of Identity and Access Management are covered within an organization.

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Best You Journaling Prompts

Journaling Prompts for Self Discovery

You can study your profession, go to school to become a lawyer, doctor, teacher, or any other profession, however, this type of knowledge can only take you so far.

It is important to understand what motivates you, brings you joy, gives you energy, gives you strength, confidence, and brings passion to your life.  

Deep wisdom of self-knowledge ensures that life is meaningful and is fulfilling for you.  This knowledge is the most valuable and is within you.

Journaling is good for the soul. To truly get to know what your dreams, passions, and joys in life are it takes time for self discovery.  Let's take a look at seven (7) journaling prompts to help you discover more about yourself.  This will help you identify actions and decisions toward your dreams and passions. 

Journaling Helps

Know your Passions and Strengths 

1.)  What is standing in your way right now (what is holding you back?)?    What would happen if you could overcome your obstacle(s)? Or more importantly, what would happen if you didn’t?

• What fears, worries, self limiting beliefs are holding you back?
• How would you feel if any obstacles were overcome?
• What happens if these obstacles can’t be overcome?

2.)  What do I absolutely love in life?

List all the things you love about the world and the people in your life

• Activities that bring joy, fulfillment, get you excited and make you feel most alive
• Anything from music, hiking, sports, cycling, traveling, cooking, walking the beach, teaching others, learning, and watching movies. 
• Within your love for these lies your joy and deep passion.

3.)  What are my greatest accomplishments in life to date?

List all the times you’ve succeeded as well as the moments that make you the most proud. 

• Anything from graduating school, getting a job, completing your first run, completing a difficult project, to buying your first home, getting your first car
• Can you identify why you succeeded in these?  Perseverance, a can do attitude, understanding your limits, etc.
• To accomplish these milestones, some of your key strengths were used. 

Also, jot down a list of things that you complete with ease.  Anything from hobbies, activities, and personal interest that you do with great ease. 

• Within these lie your greatest strengths.

Values and Lifestyle

4.)  What would I stand for if I knew no one would judge me?

Include your wildest dreams here - List all the things that you would do if fear or worry were eliminated 

• What passions and unique gifts do I have that I would love to share with the world?
• Do you have a special interest or passion?

This helps in identifying your greatest values.

5.) If my life had absolutely no limits and I could have it all and do whatever I wanted, what would I choose to have and what would I choose to do?

List what you would do each day knowing you are bound to be successful

• What kind of person do you want to be?
• Who would you help?
• How much money would you earn?
• Where would you live?
• How would you use your time?
• Thinking about these 4 categories:  Career/Money, Relationships/Love, Health/Wellness + Spiritual Evolution, what would you like to accomplish or how would you spend your time in each category?

This helps to identify your ideal lifestyle and allows you to realize who you would truly be if there were no limits. 

Then you can start working towards the life you truly want to create. 

Know that you wouldn’t have a desire to do theses things if you didn’t also have the ability to fulfil it.

Qualities and Dreams

6.)  What would I do if I had one billion dollars?

What would you really love to do if you had all the money in the world?   

• How would you spend your time if you had all the money in the world?  
• What activities, what places, what would you like to pursue?

Then what would you do with your time after you achieved all this?

This helps to think without limitations.  Removing limitations and boundaries, helps you discover what you really want to do.

7.) Who do I admire most in the world?

List the people you most admire or character traits you most admire in people.

• What are the qualities you admire in these people?  
• How do these people inspire you?
• What inspires you in this world?  

Know that what you admire about these people and others are also qualities that are in you - you admire someone because they have qualities similar to you.

Journaling is good for the soul

Final Thoughts:

Thinking through and spending time to answer these questions is important to discovering the knowledge within.  Answering these questions will drive change in your life. 

The more you are aligned with your values, strengths, passions, desires, and motivations the more your days are filled with meaning, purpose, passion and the happier your life becomes!

Be the Best version of yourself by taking little steps each day.  Take action toward your dreams one day at a time and work toward your passions, dreams, and strengths toward the best you.

Source Articles:

• 6 powerful questions that will change your life forever
• Visualize highest self journaling prompts

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Festivals and Events in Chicago Area

Fall and Winter in Chicago means fun times.  There are many festivals and events happening all around Chicago for the Fall and Winter 2022.  Below we list several noteworthy festivals and events worth checking out.

Updated:  February 10, 2023

Chicago Area Events

Free Chicago Museum Days

Free days to the Chicago Museums for Illinois Residents for 2023 have been announced.  See the dates at Free Chicago Museum Days.

January 2023

January 5         Crafty Kids  Ages 3 – 7  1 - 5 PM - 3600 Lexington Drive 

January 6-8     Great American Dog Show - Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center

January 6          Hoffman Estates Public Skate - Triphahn Center & Ice Arena

January 6          Windy City Bulls vs. Lakeland Magic - Now Arena

January 7           Windy City Bulls vs. Lakeland Magic - Now Arena

Jan. 11 - 15      Chicago Boat Show - 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

                            Prices:  $15/ages 13-plus, $10/seniors 62-plus with ID, 

                            free/ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket

                            For discounted tickets:  use code "INFL2023"

Jan 11 - 15      Journey to the Sun at Chopin Theatre  1543 W. Division, Chicago

                              Prices:  $25/adult, $15/ages 18 and under, free/ages 5 and under

Jan 11 - 16        The Art of Brick at Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago 

January 14         Windy City Bulls vs. Cleveland Charge - Now Arena

January 16         Windy City Bulls vs. Cleveland Charge - Now Arena

January 19         Windy City Bulls vs. College Park SkyHawks - Now Arena

Jan 20 - Feb 5    Chicago Restaurant Week - Multiple Restaurants participating

January 28         Global Connections Lunar New Year at 1 pm - Navy Pier

January 28        Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner  - Hing Kee Restaurant

January 28-29   Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow Party - Now Arena

January 29        Chinatown Parade for Lunar New Year - parade begins at 1:00 p.m.

• Starts at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue
• Travels north on Wentworth towards viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth.

February 2023

February 1 - 5       Lake Geneva 28th Annual Winterfest -  Lake Geneva, WI

February 4 - 5       Bull Riders World Tour Finale - Now Arena

February 11       The Pajama Crawl - Chicago's Coziest Winter Bar Crawl! - Wrigleyville

February 11 - 20    Chicago Auto Show - McCormick Place Complex

February 18 - 19    55th Annual Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale - Madison, WI

February 25th        Naperville Ale Fest - Winter Edition    Naperville - Frontier Park

February 25th     Schaumburg Highschool Craft Fair 10 AM to 4 PM - Schaumburg 

March 2023

March 7 - 19th     Annie playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre - Chicago, IL

March 11                Outreach Basketball Tournament - Warrenville, IL

April 2023

April 8                    Easter Egg Hunt - Morning & Afternoon - Bettendorf Castle

May 2023     

May 27th                 Muddy Dash  - Fox Valley Off Road Ottawa, IL  

Final Thoughts

Chicago is great in the Winter.  These events and festivals are just a sampling of the many festivals, concerts, and events in the Chicago area.  

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Apple Picking Chicago!

Fall is apple picking season.  September to early October is the prime picking season.  So, grab your boots, your flannel shirt, and a sturdy basket—it’s time to plan you apple picking adventure.  

A guide for Apple Picking and Apple Orchards near Chicago so you can have an Apple Picking Good time!

Apple Picking Chicago!

Apple Picking Tips!

There are a few apple picking tips to pick the best tasting apples:

• Avoid Bruising - Store and stow your apples with care. Gently place apples in the carrying container and don’t throw the apple container in the car once you are done picking.  Bruised apples will rot faster and causes the other apples to rot as well. 

• Pick, Don’t Shake – Never shake the branches and don’t pull the apple straight off the tree.  Give a little twist and roll the apple upward off the branch. 

• Work from the Outside in – The apples on outer branches ripen first so it is best to pick from the outside of the tree, first.   Work your way in as the season progresses.  Once you pick an apple the ripening process stops— so make sure the fruit is ready to be picked for the best taste.  An apple is ripe if the stem is easily removed from the spur of the branch.  

Pick, Don't Shake

Apple Picking Near Chicago

All Seasons Orchard

Apple Picking! Good Time

• Address:  14510 IL-176, Woodstock, IL 60098
• Cost: $15/child for 1/4 peck apple bag, $20/adult for 1/4 peck apple bag
• Distance from Chicago:  60 miles
• Phone:  815-338-5637
• E-mail:  info@allseasonsorchard.com 
• Website:  http://allseasonsorchard.com/

About:  All Seasons Orchard is an apple orchard, pumpkin patch and corn maze located in Woodstock, IL in McHenry County.  According to Chicago Parents, the “orchard boasts more than 15,000 apple and pear trees. (All Seasons has one of the largest Honeycrisp orchards around.) . . . At the on-site bakery you can watch the making of extremely delicious apple cider doughnuts along with other amazing fall treats.”

Credit:  Apple Holler Website

• Address:  5006 S Sylvania Ave, Sturtevant, WI 53177
• Cost: $20/per person (1/4 peck bag)
• Distance from Chicago:  66 miles
• Phone:  262-884-7100
• Website:  https://www.appleholler.com/

About: Voted one of “Top 10 Best Orchards” in the country in the September, 2015 USA Today “Top Best” contest.  78-acre family farm.  Besides picking peaches, pears, and apples, you can stroll the picturesque rolling hills of the orchards and explore a breathtaking forest of 150-year-old oak trees.  According to Chicago Parents, the apple picking package includes “your picking bag, tractor-drawn tour of the orchard and all access to the Kids Korral Play Area. The play area includes straw mountain, the Amish built train, Rainbow Play Structure and more.”

Photo Credit:  Boggio's Website

• Address:  12087 IL-71, Granville, IL 61326
• Cost:  Call for Pricing
• Distance from Chicago:  108 miles
• Phone: 815-339-2245
• E-mail: boggiosorchard@hotmail.com
• Website:  http://www.boggiosorchardandproduce.com/ 

About:  Family-oriented owned orchard and produce. Orchard includes freshly picked produce, bakery, livestock farm and local craft shows. There is also a petting zoo and corn mazes.  According to Chicago Parents, “Choose from over 1,800 apple trees.  You have the option of purchasing a peck, 1/2 bushel or bushel bag to fill. Clippers are not provided.”

Source: Christ Orchard Website

• Address:  4317 Texas Rd, Elmwood, IL 61529
• Cost:  $30/half bushel, $18/one peck, $10/half peck
• Distance from Chicago:  185 miles
• Phone: 309-446-3324
• Website:  https://www.christorchardonline.com/

About:   Located near Elmwood, Illinois, Christ Orchard has been committed to growing high-quality farm fresh items since 1977. The orchard includes apples, apple picking, pure honey, apple cider, pumpkins, squirrel corn, squash, gourds, Indian corn, mums, straw bales, corn stalks, fruit butters and preserves, soy candles and much more.  According to Chicago Parents, “Customers can pick their own apples at this location from September to mid-October. Take a wagon ride to the orchard and make sure to hit up the Apple Shed for cider and other fall favorites afterwards. Also, offers u-pick pumpkins.”

Cody’s Farm & Orchard

Photo Credit:  Cody's Website

• Address:  19502 River Rd. Marengo, IL 60152
• Cost:  Call for Pricing
• Distance from Chicago:  62 miles
• Phone:  815-568-7976
• Email:  codysfarmfreshvegetables@yahoo.com
• Website:  https://www.codysfarm.com/

About:  Provide high quality, fresh home grown fruit and vegetables.  Cody’s is a family business that values health, happiness of children, education and making family memories.  According to Chicago Parents, “The orchard is filled with fun things to do, including picking apples and pumpkins.”

• Address:  200 S. COUNTY LINE RD, HOBART, IN
• Cost:  U-pick: $2 admission, $2.00 per pound
• Distance from Chicago:  41 miles
• Phone: 219-947-4477
• E-mail:  barn@countylineorchard.com
• Website:  https://www.countylineorchard.com/ 

About:  County Line Orchard has Bee Yurts, Corn Maze, a kid’s petting zoo, U-pick Apples, Pumpkins, and Sunflowers.  According to Chicago Parent, “The Indiana orchard has more than 30 varieties of apples to be picked from. Meet the bees, check out a kid’s farm and leave with a few dozen donuts.”

• Address:  3902 S Duncan Rd, Champaign, IL 61822
• Cost:  $8/person (1/4 peck bag), $7/5-plus admissions, free/kids under 36” with paid parent or guardian (no bag included)
• Distance from Chicago:  140 miles
• Phone:  217-359-5565
• Website:  https://curtisorchard.com/ 

About:  Family owned since 1977.  Pick apples & pumpkins, feed goats, celebrate birthdays, and much more.  Fresh country air and plenty of memories are waiting for you at Curtis Orchard.  Free activities include a petting zoo and playground.  Additional fees for corn maze, pony rides, putt-putt golf and rope maze.

Heinz Orchard

Photo Credit:  Heinz Orchard Website

• Address:  1050 Crest Road (corner Atkinson & Crest), Green Oaks, IL 60048
• Cost:  $10 for a 1/2 peck bag (holds 5-6lbs); $20 for a 1 peck bag (holds 10-12lbs)
• Distance from Chicago:  38 miles
• Phone:  847.770.3449
• E-mail:  heinz.orchard@yahoo.com
• Website:  https://www.heinzorchard.com/ 

About:  This is a small, family-run orchard and Chicagoland's closest orchard located in Green Oaks, IL (next to Libertyville).  Heinz Orchard specializes in PURE APPLE PICKING FUN in a beautiful surrounding!  Hayrides, food/drink, corn mazes are not available. 

• Address:  19412 Shabbona Rd, Malta, IL 60150
• Cost:  U-PICK BAGS – $15 FOR 1/2 PECK OF APPLES (ABOUT 5 1/2 LBS)
• Distance from Chicago:  69 miles
• Phone:  (815) 825-2158
• Website:  https://jonamacorchard.com/ 

About:  Jonamac Orchard is a three generational family farm owned and operated by the McArtor Family since 1984. The apple orchard is part of the 105 acre farm in Northern Illinois, with over 20,000 apple trees.  Jonamac grows over 30 different varieties of red, yellow, and pink apples.   Also, there is a Cider House on the grounds with taps of hard ciders and apple wines!  

• Address:  2500 Johnson Rd, Oswego, IL 60543
• Cost:  $9/person for ¼ peck bag (about 3 lbs), $18/person for ½ peck bag (about 5–6 lbs), $36/person for 1 peck bag (about 10–12 lbs) plus tax
• Distance from Chicago:  50 miles
• Phone:  (630) 219-8194
• Website:  https://kellersfarmstand.com/

About:  The apple orchard houses 16,000 apple trees.  You can pick your own apples and there are over 20 apple varieties to choose from.  

Orchard fresh Apples

Final Thoughts

Quite a few Apple Orchards exist near Chicago so if you are looking to purchase orchard fresh apples September and October are the ideal months for apple picking.  Many of the Orchards listed are within an hours drive from downtown Chicago.  

Happy Apple Picking and Apple Pie Making!!

For a list of Chicago area pumpkin patches check out Chicago Pumpkin Patches.

Source Articles:  

• Best Places to Pick Apples Chicago
• Chicago Parents - Apple Picking Near Chicago

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