Are you looking for a fun, family-friendly activity that will get you out of the house and provide delicious, fresh picked blueberries? It can be hard to find activities that are enjoyable for everyone in your group. Plus, if you’re from out of state, it can be difficult to know where to go and what rules apply when picking your own blueberries.
Look no further than Michigan this blueberry picking season to go blueberry picking! This beautiful state is home to some of the best u-pick blueberry farms around. Blueberry picking is one of the top activities for the best Michigan vacations for families to do. There are over 600 blueberry farms in Michigan, and many of them offer u-pick services. You can find farms in every corner of Michigan, from the Upper Peninsula to Lower Michigan, and even a few in Detroit.
Not only do these farms offer an opportunity to pick fresh berries with friends and family, but they also have other activities such as hayrides or petting zoos, so there’s something for everyone! Discover why Michigan is the perfect place for a day trip full of adventure and delicious treats.
What Are U-Pick Blueberry Farms in Michigan?
U-Pick Blueberry Farms in Michigan are farms that allow visitors to come and pick their own blueberries directly off the vine. Many of these farms are located outside major cities and suburbs, so it’s important to do your research before planning a visit. If you are doing one of the best scenic drives in Michigan, many blueberry-picking farms are located in the same areas. We’ve got the best u-pick blueberry farms in Michigan listed below for you to visit.
I have always enjoyed picking my own blueberries at local blueberry farms near me for many reasons. Picking your own blueberries can provide several benefits, including freshness, control over ripeness degrees, cost savings, and a fun outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. You can also freeze blueberries in a freezer so it makes sense for me to go pick 10 pounds of blueberries to freeze for later use.
U-pick farms generally operate during mid-late July, but it’s always a good idea to check with individual farms in advance for any special considerations or pre-picking reservations needed due to COVID-19 restrictions or limited hours.
What Are The Advantages of Picking Your Own Blueberries at a U-Pick Blueberry Picking Farm?
Picking your own blueberries from a u-pick blueberry farm has many advantages. Not only are you able to select the freshest, sweetest fruit available, but you will also be able to purchase them at a much lower price than what is typically found in grocery stores. I’ve paid as much as $2.99 for a small quart-size container of Michigan blueberries. Furthermore, taking part in such an activity offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience all that it has to offer in terms of peace and tranquility.
Benefits of U-Pick Blueberry Farms
The primary benefit of picking your own blueberries from a u-pick farm is the ability to select the freshest and sweetest fruit possible. Because these farms allow customers to pick their own berries, they are able to inspect and determine the quality for themselves instead of having to rely on the store’s best guess about produce freshness or sweetness. Additionally, these farms usually have more varieties than what can be found in typical grocery stores, so customers can choose between different kinds.
Another great advantage of picking your own blueberries is that it offers customers the chance to purchase them at much lower prices than what they would find in most grocery stories. This is because u-pick farms require less overhead costs since they do not need employees or packaging materials like supermarkets do. As such, their costs stay much lower while passing on those savings to their customers, who come out ahead with both better quality and lower prices.
Experiencing Nature Through U-Pick Blueberry Farms
One unique aspect of picking your own blueberries from a u-pick farm is that you get the chance to experience nature firsthand. These types of activities offer up opportunities for people to slow down, appreciate their surroundings, and take time out of their day for some self-reflection away from technology or other distractions. It’s a great romantic Michigan Date idea for couples to experience. While at the same time being productive in collecting what could potentially be summertime snacks for later on down the line if properly cared for or stored accordingly.
What is Considered Blueberry Season in Michigan? What Month is Best to Pick Blueberries at Michigan Blueberry Farms?
The best month to pick blueberries in Michigan is generally July when mature berries are at their peak sweetness and ripest for harvesting. The blueberry season typically spans from late June through September, but you may find different types of blueberries available to pick depending on the time of summer you go. During the summer months of the year, you can also find different varieties of blueberries as well as other berries such as blackberries, raspberries, and currants. If the Lake Michigan beaches are too packed, think about experiencing a u-pick blueberry farm instead.
There are a variety of blueberry varieties available for picking in Michigan. These include:
- Duke Blueberry: This is a popular variety that is known for its sweet flavor and deep, midnight blue color.
- Bluecrop Blueberry: This long-season berry has a balanced sweet and tart flavor and is perfect for jams, pies, or muffins.
- Jersey Blueberry: This early ripening berry is great for eating fresh off the bush, with its sweet and juicy taste.
- Elliott Blueberry: This variety has an intense flavor, making it great for baking applications.
- Rabbiteye Blueberry: This late-season berry has a slightly more tart flavor than other varieties and makes excellent preserves or sauces.
Guidelines at U-Pick Farms in Michigan for Picking to Ensure Everyone Has a Fun and Safe Experience
Here are some tips to follow when visiting one of the many u-pick farms in Michigan:
- Wear the correct clothing and shoes for picking: Closed-toe shoes, protective eyewear, and wide-brimmed hats are all recommended.
- Don’t eat the blueberries you pick! U-pick farms require visitors not to consume their product onsite in order to protect against foodborne illnesses.
- Follow the designated paths when walking around the farm.
- Respect other pickers and maintain a safe distance of 6 feet or more apart when possible.
- Only pick ripe berries that are dark blue in color.
- Refrain from shaking, beating, or pulling on the vines while picking.
- Keep your hands clean while picking and wash them afterward with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
- Preserve the health of the plants by only harvesting a few berries at a time.
Picking blueberries in Michigan is a very unique attraction in Michigan and a great way to get outside and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. With so many u-pick blueberry farms in Michigan, there are lots of opportunities for harvesting your own delicious, fresh fruit!
Ultimate Best U-Pick Blueberry Farms in Michigan Near Me
Below we have listed how to find the best u-pick blueberry farms near you in Michigan based on location.
Blueberry Picking Farms in Northern Michigan
Buchan’s Blueberry Hill -Traverse City
1472 Nelson Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
Up North Blueberry Farm – Gaylord
3964 Hallenius Road Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Wave U-Pick Blueberry Farm – Kaleva (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)
7780 Elm Road, Kaleva, MI 49645
Putney’s You-Pick Farm – Benzonia (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)
7603 Love Road, Benzonia, MI, 49616
Up North Blueberry Farm – Gaylord
3964 Hallenius Road Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Michigan Upper Peninsula U-Pick Blueberry Farms
Rondeau’s Ruff Acres – Cooks
11812 W Spielmacher Rd, Cooks, MI 49817
Gierke Blueberry Farm – Chassell
37915 Klingville Rd Chassell, MI 49916
U-Pick Blueberry Picking Farms in South and Southeast Michigan
Hazen’s Blueberry Farms – Howell
1144 Peavy Rd, Howell, MI 48843
Sodt’s Berry Farm – Jackson
7403 Blackman Rd Jackson, MI 49201
Blueville Acres Blueberry Farm – Belleville
38093 Judd Rd Belleville, MI 48111
Blueridge Blueberry Farm & Bakery – Capac
16276 Donald Rd., Capac, MI 48014
Dexter Blueberry Farm – Dexter
11024 Beach Rd, Dexter, MI 48130
E.B. Blueberry Farm – Imlay City
2302 Graham Rd., Imlay City, MI 48444
Kapnick Orchards – Britton
4245 N, Rogers Hwy, Britton, MI 49229
West Michigan Blueberry Picking Farms in Michigan
Dee’s Lakeshore Farm: – Fennville
6073 120th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
Crossroads Blueberry Farm – West Olive
14500 Lake Michigan Dr, West Olive, MI 49460
Reenders Blueberry Farms – West Olive
13500 Lake Michigan Dr, West Olive, MI 49460
Palmer Blueberry Farm – Whitehall
4240 Whitehall Rd., Whitehall, MI 49461
Woodland Berries – Zeeland
8951 Riley St., Zeeland, MI 49464
Bumbleberry Acres – South Haven
6785 Baseline Road, South Haven MI
Country Farm & Market – Freemont
4796 W 12th St., Fremont, MI 49412
Black Bear Farms – Coopersville
3460 S. 48th Ave., Coopersville, MI 49404
Fiske’s U Pick Blueberries – Grant
8800 140th Ave., Grant, MI 49327
A&E Berry Farm – Holland
14451 Port Sheldon St., Holland, MI 49424
Tree-Ripe Fruit Company – Allendale
8822 64th Ave., Allendale, MI 49401
Hauschel’s U Pick Berries & Garden Patch – Niles
4300 Busch Rd., Niles, MI 49120
Earth First Farms – Benton Harbor
3835 Pier Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market – Holland
15793 James St., Holland, MI 49424
DK Orchards – Conklin
18203 8th Ave., Conklin, MI 49403
Brookside Farms Fritz’s Blueberries – Otsego
1475 116th Ave., Otsego, MI 49078
Dykstra’s Blueberry Farm – Hudsonville
7411 56th Ave., Hudsonville, MI 49426
Gold Barn Blueberries – Holland
15985 Quincy St., Holland, MI 49424
Lindberg’s Blueberries – Coopersville
14730 84th Ave., Coopersville, MI 49404
Kamphuis Blueberries – Holland
4140 148th Ave., Holland, MI 49424
Ven Roy Blueberries – Coopersville
14564 84th Ave., Coopersville, MI 49404
Gary Crane Farm – Fennville
6017 124th Ave., Fennville, MI 49408
WA-HU Blueberry Farm – Holland
15441 Greenly St., Holland, MI 49424
Woodland Enterprises Berry Farms – Zeeland
10821 Pierce St., Zeeland, MI 49464
Forstner Blueberry Farm – Allegan
466 27th St., Allegan, MI 49010
Pleasant Hill Farm – Fennville
5859 124th Ave., Fennville, MI 49408
Mid-Michigan U-Pick Blueberry Picking Farms
Bob’s Blueberries – Jackson
8972 College Ave., Jackson, MI 49201
Cotant’s Farm Market – Hastings
2500 S M M-37 Hwy Hastings MI 49058
Sodt’s Berry Farm
(517) 782-8933
7403 Blackman Rd., Jackson, MI 49201
The Country Mill – Charlotte
(517) 543-1019
4648 Otto Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813
Bird Berry Farm – Belding
5256 Belding Rd., Belding, MI 48809
Azure Acres – Clio
1233 W Lake Rd., Clio, MI 48420
Blueberry Lane Farms – Otter Lake
13240 Blueberry Lane, Otter Lake, MI 48464
Coyner’s Blueberries – Flushing
7101 Gillette Rd., Flushing, MI 48433
Additional Activities Offered at Michigan U-Pick Blueberry Farms
Most of the u-pick blueberry farms in Michigan offer extra activities for visitors, including picnicking and hiking trails. Some even have petting zoos or play areas for children to enjoy. Others may include educational tours, farm stands with fresh produce, honey from the farm’s apiary, and more.
Hayrides and campfire activities are also available at some farms, adding to the overall experience of picking your own blueberries. And if those are not what you are looking for, then check out one of the many best Michigan inland lakes for a quick dip or leisurely paddle.
How To Prepare For Your Blueberry Picking Adventure
When preparing for a blueberry picking adventure, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips on what to wear and consider before heading out:
- Wear close-toed shoes or boots and lightweight, long pants to protect your legs from thorns and bugs.
- Bring a hat for sun protection, as well as sunscreen if needed.
- Pack water and snacks, like granola bars, trail mix, or an apple, to keep you fueled while picking.
- Make sure you bring something to collect the blueberries in, like a bucket, basket, or bowl.
- Bring an identification card in case the farm requires identification when paying.
- Have fun! Enjoy your time outdoors, surrounded by beautiful blueberry bushes.
If you are allergic to bees, be sure to check the farm’s website for information on bee hives before going. Bees congregate near blueberry flowers, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risk.
After your blueberry picking excursion, consider a trip to one of the best spas in Michigan to relax and enjoy the rest of your day.
Related FAQs
Are Michigan Blueberries Ready?
Where Are The Majority of Michigan Blueberry Farms Located?
How Many Pounds of Blueberries Should I Pick?
What Are The Best Blueberry Picking Farms in Michigan?
How Much Do Blueberries Cost to Pick at Michigan Farms?
What is The Best Time of Year for Blueberry Picking in Michigan?
Are There Any Safety Measures I Should Take While Picking Blueberries?
What Should I Bring With Me When I Go To Pick Blueberries?
Is There Anything Else I Should Consider Before Visiting a Michigan Blueberry Farm?
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