2024 Southeast Michigan Cherry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cherry U-Pick Orchards in Southeast Michigan in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for cherries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have cherries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Lenawee County

• Brainerd Farms - peaches, cherries, apples, (U-pick or already picked),
  8430 Groger Road, Onsted, MI . Phone: (517) 467-7793. Email: brainerdfarms@frontiernet.net. Open: Mid-August until the end of October, daily from 10 am to 6:30 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . . Apple varieties are Paula Reds, Gala, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Fuji, Spies, Golden & red Delicious) and pears. We have donuts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during cider season. Our cider is fresh, not pasteurized. (ADDED: June 30, 2016, JBS)
• Kapnick Orchards - PYO cherries, blueberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins
  4245 Rogers Hwy., Britton, MI 49229. Phone: 517-423-7419. Email: kapnicks@tc3net.com. Open: in Spring. Click here for a map and directions. . . Country farm market. Apples, peaches, cider, doughnuts, cherries, pears, pumpkins, honey and fruit baskets. We ship apples Sept.-Jan. Greenhouse open year 'round, Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 6 p.m. Sun. 9 am to 5 pm. From M-50 turn S onto Rogers Hwy. Farm is 4 miles on left side. Only 15 miles from Cabela's.

Livingston County

• Spicer Orchards - strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pumpkins, blueberries, plums, apples, hayrides, winery, corn maze
  10411 Clyde Rd, Fenton, MI 48430. Phone: (810) 632-7692. Email: contactus@spicerorchards.com. Open: Daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm. Directions: Take US-23 3 miles N of M-59 interchange to Clyde Road \(Exit 70\), then go E 12 mile Located 10 miles N of Brighton or 10 miles S of Fenton. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Spicer Orchards Facebook page. . U-pick or picked strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pumpkins, blueberries, plums and apples. Picked peaches and pears. Strawberries start around June 1st. Cider mill, hayrides, Fall Festival weekends, petting farm, kids playground and school tours. Take US-23 3 miles N of M-59 interchange to Clyde Road (Exit 70), then go E 1/2 mile Located 10 miles N of Brighton or 10 miles S of Fenton. PICK YOUR OWN~ESTIMATED HARVEST DATESStrawberries ........ June 7th to July 1stRed Tart Cherries .... July 1st to August 1st (We have a pitting machine)Sweet Cherries ...... July 1st to July 20th (usually pre-picked only)Red Raspberries ..... July 5th to August 1stBlueberries ......... July 10th to September 1stPaula Red .......... August 15th to September 1stRed Cortand ........... August 20th to September 5thFall Red Raspberries .. August 1st to October 15th Blue Stanley Plums ... September 5th to September 15th MacIntosh .......... September 5th to October 1st Honeycrisp.......... September 10th to October 1st Jonagold ........... September 25th to October 15th Empire ............. September 25th to October 10th Red Delicious ....... September 25th to October 25th Jonathon ........... September 25th to October 10th Golden Delicious ..... September 25th to October 31stNorthern Spy ......... October 1st to October 25thIda Red ............ October 1st to October 25thMutsu ............. October 1st to October 25th.

Macomb County

• Blake Farms Orchard and Cider Mill - apples, asparagus, blackberries, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, pears, peas, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, watermelons, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, inflatables or bounce houses, jumping pillow, trike track, pedal kart track, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005. Phone: (586) 784-5343. Email: info@blakefarms.com. Open: MID JUNE THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER from 8 AM to 6 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Blake Farms Orchard and Cider Mill Facebook page. . . We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). Blake's Big Apple, located in Armada, Michigan offers everything for the family. You can get our award winning cider and donuts prepared fresh daily, as well as pre-picked seasonal produce. You can also come out and pick our your own produce. We also carry our own line of jarred goods, like salsas, jams, jellies, pickled veggies and bbq sauces. During the fall we also have a variety of haunted attractions, like zombie paintball and haunted hayrides.Apple varieties: Empire, Jonathon, Japanese Rose, MacIntosh, Cortland, Gala. Also U-Pick tomatoes and Peppers: Jalapenos, Pablanos, Bell peppers, Banana peppers, Raspberries, Plums, Bartlett Pears.Apple varieties: Empire, Jonathon, Early Fuji, Japanese Rose, Wolf River, Wealthy, Cortland, Gala. Vegetables: Green beans, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cabbage, and Lavender, Wild flowers. Peppers: Jalapenos, Pablanos, Bell peppers, Banana peppers, Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill LEARN MOREBlake's Big Apple LEARN MOREBlake's Almont Garden Center LEARN MORE (UPDATED: May 26, 2018)
• Verellen Orchards - U-pick strawberries, cherries
  63260 Van Dyke, Romeo, MI 48095. Phone: 586-752-2989. Email: VerellenOrchards@Yahoo.com. Open: for fruit during their respective seasons. Directions: 30 miles N of Detroit on M-53 \(Van Dyke\) 3 miles S of Romeotake M-53 bypass to business district & orchards exit head N on M-53. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Verellen Orchards Facebook page. . Year-Round; ​U-Pick Hours Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm; closed on Mondays; U-pick is only open ​Please call ahead to ask if U-Pick is open U-pick is only open ​Please call ahead to ask if U-Pick is open U-Pick is offered only for Strawberries and Cherries. Family owned and run since 1920 with prepicked apples, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, grapes, cider mill, bakery, pier, donuts baked daily, frozen fruit and vegetable sale twice a year, fresh vegetables in season. MACMA member. 30 miles N of Detroit on M-53 (Van Dyke) 3 miles S of Romeo/take M-53 bypass to business district & orchards exit head N on M-53. facebook page. U-Pick is offered only for Strawberries and Cherries
• Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, cherries, peaches, pumpkins, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, Bouncy pillow, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  65075 Van Dyke, Washington Township, MI 48095. Phone: 586-752-3123. Email: familyfun@westvieworchards.com. Open: 7 days a week 10 am to 5 pm, Middle of June to October 31. Directions: GPS coordinates 42.77253, -83.01888 45 minutes north of Detroit. Northwest Intersection of Van Dyke \(M-53\) and 30 Mile Rd. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 866-986-4386. Fax: 586-752-4445. . GPS coordinates 42.77253, -83.01888 45 minutes north of Detroit. Northwest Intersection of Van Dyke (M-53) and 30 Mile Rd. All tours are available weekdays 9am to 4 pm only and by reservation only Bees and Blossoms Tour: May to Early June Strawberry Tour; Middle to late June Cherry Tour: Late June to Middle of July Peach Tour: Early to Middle August Apple Tour: September to end of October Pumpkin Tour: Late September to end of October Pick and Play: Available during weekdays only; UPick with limited Family Fun including Petting Farm, Playground, Obstacle course Fall Family Fun: Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, Labor Day Weekend to end of October. We use integrated pest management practices. Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) certified 2010 Centennial Farm of the Year 2010 Second Place Winner in the Michigan Cider Contest Featured on America's Heartland Series. Host of Grandma Kay's Annual 5K Run/Walk For Charity Family Fun Season passes available Schoolhouse Ice Cream and Sweet Shoppe Open June 1 to Aug 31, Monday to Saturday 11 am to 9 pm, Sunday 11 am to 6 pm September 1 to October 31, 7 days a week 11 am to 6 pm. (U-Pick:​​ Apples include Ginger Gold, MacIntosh, Gala, & Cortland. Vegetables: Some peppers, eggplant, green beans, zucchini & summer squash, and Cucumbers, tomatoes.

 

Cherry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

If you are about to pick cherries either directly from a tree, or from a local orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best cherries.

Cherries are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same time as strawberries in most areas (but check your area's harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning to go to a few weeks ahead).

Types of Cherries

There are two types of cherries: sweet cherries and sour cherries (also called tart or pie cherries). The difference is simple: sweet cherries taste sweeter and are eaten fresh. Pie cherries are very tart and most people prefer to use them in pies, jams, preserves, jellies and butters, adding sugar to sweeten them. See further down this page for a list of common cherry varieties and their uses. Washington State, California and Oregon are the primary sweet cherry growing states; they produce almost 90 percent the U.S.'s cherry crop. Michigan produces about 74 percent of tart cherry production. We have a master table of cherry varieties, sweet and sour (pie) in the order in which they ripen.

Cherry picking tips

• Pick ripe: Cherries, like peaches, continue to increase in size until they are ripe. They should be picked when they are of maximum size and full-flavored.
• But not under-ripe: Cherries picked before they are fully mature will not ripen off the tree.
• And not over-ripe: when they become soft, mushy or discolored.
• Pie or sweet: There are 2 main types of cherries: sweet cherries that taste sweet and tart when you eat them fresh, and sour (also called pie cherries) which are too tart for most people to want to eat fresh.
• For all varieties of sweet cherries, the darker the cherry is the sweeter it will be. If you like more sour cherries the lighter red and less ripe, the more tart it will be.
• Stem separation: Sweet cherries become firm when ripe (the stems usually stay attached when you pick a sweet cherry), and sour cherries part easily from the stem.
• Leave the stems on sweet cherries: Cherries that are to be shipped will keep longer if the stems are left attached. They will store in the refrigerator for two to three days.
• Appearance: Look for heavy, firm cherries with a shiny skin and fresh stem.
• But for immediate use, they can be picked with or without the stems.

How to pick the cherries from the tree

1. Gently grasp the berry with your fingers and thumb, and
2. tug gently.
3. If it is ripe, it will easily come off in your hand, with the stem attached.
4. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 cherries.
5. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the cherries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Cherries from your own trees, a market or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1.  Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden cherries ready for harvest.
2. Avoid placing the picked cherries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat.
3. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Cherries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three days, depending upon the initial quality of the berry.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Cherries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Cherries more than 3 inches deep will smush the lower cherries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the cherries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Cherries are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so make a point of refrigerating them as immediately as possible after purchase. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze cherries! (Fresh cherries are highly prone to freeze damage).
3. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting cherries
4. Even under ideal conditions cherries will only keep for a few days in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
5. See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
6. Now, get ready to make Cherry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy or cherry pie filling

Cherry Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

• Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy
• Cherry jelly
• Cherry pie filling
• Cherry butter
• Cherry festivals
• Cherry pitters - reviews and where to get them
• How to pit cherries - several methods

Cherry varieties

For a master table of cherry varieties in the order in which they ripen, click here.

Sweet cherries:

• Bing cherries are deep red in color and sweet.
• Blackgold - very late mid-season. Good for eating fresh. Self-fertile.
• Brooks - a large, firm red cherry that tolerates hot climates. Sweet with both complex flavors and a sweet tart blackberry-like taste.
• Chelan - deep, mahogany red, heart-shaped, medium sized, sweet fruits, like Bing.  Sweet, between 16 and 18 % sugar.
• Coral Champagne - very large, red, super sweet fruit that is often preferred to Bing. Firm, but juicy flesh with a coral pink color center.
• Emperor Francis are White or Blush Sweet Cherries, Early season, perfect for canning, making jellies and jams, or making homemade maraschinos.
• Hartland, an early season dark cherry. A Windsor cross, it was developed in New York
• Hedelfingen is a later season sweet cherry. It has large, black fruit.
• Kristin cherries are a a mid-season cherry developed in New York.
• Lambert Cherry is a large, black, late harvest cherry of very good quality, compared to Bing.
• Lapins Cherry is a self-fruitful, large, dark red sweet cherry from Canada with firm, good flavor. Ripens a few days after Bing and needs only 400 chilling hours or less to produce fruit.
• Orondo Ruby - A ruby red color with some gold coloring, this is a sweeter, brighter variant of the Rainier cherry. Marcus Griggs of G&C farms found this in his Rainier cherry orchard. They have a brighter red color to them and a sweeter and a bit more acidic.
• Rainier cherries are golden yellow with a pink or red blush. Rainier cherries are large and sweet.
• Royalton cherries are large, dark cherry mid-season cherries
• Sam - early ripening, large, black sweet cherry. Ripens 11 days after Vista.
• Skeena cherries are a late ripening variety. They are dark red, firm and juicy.
• Somerset cherries are medium sized, later season cherries that are dark and firm.
• Sonata - Very large, black, and moderately sweet fruit. Self-fertile.
• Staccato cherries are a deep purple-red and also a late season variety. Staccato cherries are large and one of the sweetest varieties.
• Stella are a large, sweet, dark-red fruit that ripens in mid-season
• Sweetheart cherries are a large, bright red late-season variety, medium sweetness
• Sunburst - large, firm fruit. Old productive variety. Self-fertile.
• Symphony - bright red, medium-sweet very large fruit. Late season. Self-fertile.
• Tehranivee - mid-season cherry developed in Ontario, Canada. Cracking can be a problem. Self-fertile.
• Ulster - medium-sized, firm, dark cherry, Ripens about 2 days after Vista.
• Vandalay - Large, red fruit with an unusual kidney shape. From Canada. Self-fertile.
• Viscount - medium-large, firm, good, dark red cherries. Late season ripening.
• Vista - the cherries are very dark, almost black. Large excellent-quality fruit. Mid season, ripens around the last week in June.
• Viva - dark red, 3/4 inch fruit from Canada. Ripens around July 4.
• White Gold are a blush cherry of moderate to large size.

Pie, Sour or Tart Cherries (all different names for the same thing!)

• Balaton Ujfeherto Furtos is a Hungarian sour cherry with firm fruit that is suited to picking by hand and eating fresh. Red skin and flesh. Ripens about 7 to 10 days after Montmorency
• Danube Erdi Botermo has dark red fruit with a unique sweet-tart flavor. Delicious eaten fresh or in baked goods. Ripens about 1 week before Montmorency.
• Dark-juice-tarts has juice that is red rather than clear in color.
• Jubileum - new, from Hungary. Very large with a dark red flesh. Sweet for a tart cherry, not quite as tart as Montmorency.
• Meteor - Medium-sized fruit with an odd shaped pit. Ripen s3 to 7 days after Northstar.
• Montmorency, the most commonly grown, traditional cherry for pies, baking and canning. Ripens around the last week of June to the first week of July.
• Morello Sour Cherry is a late-ripening tart dark red to nearly black cherry used for cooking, and sometimes eaten fresh when fully ripe. Fruits in warm climates ( 500 hours or fewer chilling hours below 45 F) Self-fruitful. USDA
• Northstar - Medium-sized, dark red fruit.
• Surefire - A new late blooming variety from Cornell. Bright red, medium sized fruit.

Cherry Facts and Tips

• Cherries come in many colors besides red: there are also dark red (almost black), yellow, blush (mixed) and gold cherries.
• Cherries are a very healthy food; they are high Vitamin C and naturally have no fat, cholesterol or sodium. They are also a good source of ivitamin A, calcium, protein, and iron.
• Cherries are an antioxidant-rich foods.
•  One cup of cherries is less than 90 calories and 3 grams of fiber.
• One cup of cherries has 260 mg of potassium which plays a key role in muscle, heart, kidney, and nerve cell functions.
• Cherries are high in fiber. Half to one pound of cherry fruit per day can provide twenty to thirty grams of fiber which is adequate for an adult daily nutrition requirement.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Cherries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze cherries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The cherries will keep for many months frozen without air. See my How to freeze berries page
• Anthocyanins in cherries are what give the fruit its red color and help protect the heart and surrounding tissues
• Some research has found eating cherries to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and gout

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers