Michigan summers make local eating simple with a wide array of in-season produce, herbs, and flowers. Ready to experience the abundance? U-pick is a great way to get the best experience with local agriculture, allowing you to literally hand-pick your favorite items. Make sure to check out these U-picks this July, and find an extensive list of U-pick farms in our Find Local Food & Farms Directory! Be sure to check out websites or give farms a call to get the most up-to-date information about availability and times.
Adams Organic Blueberry Farm – Hartford
- In season: Blueberries
- For the latest updates, visit: adamsblueberryfarm.com/visit-us
- Field notes: 150-year-old, multi-generational farm; buckets are supplied; 5, 10, and 30lb boxes are available to purchase
Bull Dog Berries – Grand Traverse
- In season: Blueberries
- For the latest updates, visit: www.bulldogberries.com
- Field notes: Plenty of parking available; farm store on-site with local products and icecream; strawberries and Saskatoon berries are also available for U-pick depending on the season
Dutcher Farm – Goetzville
- In season: Blueberries
- For the latest updates, call: 906-297-2120
- Field notes: 30+ years in operation; uses no chemicals or spray; also raises grass-fed beef cattle
Husted’s Farm Market – Kalamazoo
- In season: Herbs
- For the latest updates, visit: hustedfarmmarket.com/u-pick-info
- Field notes: Herbs are $2/oz; 55+ years in operation, specializes in home-grown fruits and veggies, be on the lookout for apple season u-pick times!
Overhiser Orchards – South Haven
- In season: Apricots
- For the latest updates, visit: www.facebook.com/overhiserorchards
- Field notes: 5th-generation farm, started in 1863; offers wagon rides, special events, tours, and hands-on educational experiences; keep an eye out for peaches, pears, plums, and apples!
Slow Farm – Ann Arbor
- In season: A variety of veggies
- For the latest updates, visit: slowfarmandfriends.com
- Field notes: Certified organic farm; on-site farmstand open seasonally; devoted to the principles of Slow Food, agroecology, and justice in the food system; grows many heirloom varieties
The Secret Garden at Brys Estate – Traverse City
- In season: Lavender and Herbs
- For the latest updates, visit: www.brysestate.com/secret-garden
- Field notes: 12 acres devoted to lavender, fresh flowers, strawberries, and herbs; guests can stroll the garden and picnic areas; garden shop on-site
Tawas Blueberry Farm – Tawas City
- In season: Blueberries
- For the latest updates, visit: www.tawasblueberries.com
- Field notes: 60+ years in operation; 4 varieties of blueberry bushes: Northlands, Earliblues, Toro’s, and Patriots; BYO containers or borrow buckets
Visser Farms – Holland
- In season: Blueberries
- For the latest updates, visit: www.visserfamilyfarms.com/u-pick-blueberries
- Field notes: 5th-generation family-run vegetable farm, started in 1902; attends 7 area farmers markets, on-site farm store; sustainably-grown
Make the most of the Michigan summer with a U-pick experience (or two, or three, or more)!
Further Reading:
Emily Row is the Director of Communications at Taste the Local Difference. Contact her at [email protected]