Our Story
Center Grove Orchard, owned and operated by the Larry D. and Pat Black Family, has been open to the public since 1994. We planted our first apple trees in 1986 and now have over 18 acres with 4,500 apple trees and 31 varieties of apples.
Though Larry passed away in 1999, his vision is carried through in all that we do. Larry loved his family, farming, and Iowa. We think he's smiling upon how we've grown since those early days of getting up from Sunday Dinner to go out and sell a few bags of apples.
As a working farm and apple orchard, we want you to experience a lively farm atmosphere and gather as many happy memories as apples. We work hard to provide you with an enjoyable, educational experience in a peaceful country setting.
We are proud to work together to create this experience, and we are blessed to share it with you every year. Thank you!
Proud member of:
- Central Iowa Tourism Region
- Iowa Farm Bureau
- Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association
- Greater Des Moines Buy Fresh Buy Local
- North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association
Happy to be listed at:
Social Media
Center Grove Orchard on Facebook.

