Cover’s Apple Ranch

Specialties

Cover’s Apple Ranch is your destination for family fun and great food. Take a ride on our mini train through tunnels and around the pond, afterward you can play in the tree houses or visit the many barnyard animals. On occasion, we have hay rides, too. Then head up to the main ranch house for home style food from the deli and delicious homemade baked goods from the bakery, and don’t forget the fresh pressed cider to go with it. Come try our biscuits and gravy for breakfast or try one of our lunch specials. Cover’s Sausage is made right here, just like our cider, giving you the freshness you can only get at Cover’s. For holidays and everyday, our pies are the perfect end to any meal.

Cover’s also has tours, special events, and reservations for parties!

History

Established in 1900.

Frank Ralph, who around the turn of the century planted 26 acres of apples between Tuolumne and Soulsbyville. It is a matter of record that in 1919 that orchard produced 15,000 dollars worth of apples. Records also show that Tuolumne County apples that same year were selling up to $ 2.00 a box more than other apples. Frank Ralph was quickly joined in the apple business by brothers Galo and Walter who planted apples on their bordering ranches. Walter’s ranch is the sight of present day Cover’s Apple Ranch. The trees on the ranch today were planted by him in the 1920’s. In 1939 the ranch was sold to Albert Bowlsby who developed the ranch to its full production which during one year produced 17,000 boxes of apples.

Meet the Business Owner

Joe C.

Business Owner

In 1998 the century old ranch once again changed hands. Having been next door neighbors for the past 30 years, Joe and Carol Cover along with their six sons purchased Sonkas Apple Ranch. Joe is the younger brother of former owner Rudy Cover and once again it is called Cover’s Apple Ranch. A devastating fire in September 2000 destroyed the entire bakery and gift shop facility. In 2002, business was reopened across Cherokee Road, the train relocated and the Ranch began a new century of business. It is our desire to perpetuate the longstanding reputation of quality homemade pies, turnovers, breads, etc. that Sonkas was once well known for. The orchard, while past its prime production years is still capable of producing premium apples. And every fall is again offering a selection of antique varieties of apples that are not readily available elsewhere. These include Paragon and Stamin Winesaps, Arkansas Black, Common Red Delicious, Early Blaze and Golden Delicious.