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

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

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for peaches that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have peaches 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.

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)
• 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.

Monroe County

• Erie Orchards Cider - blueberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins and raspberries, corn maze, hayrides, apple cider
  1235 Erie Road, Erie, MI 48133. Phone: (734) 848-4518. Email: SElzinga@ErieOrchards.com. Open: July- December . Directions: Located 10 miles S of Monroe and 5 miles N of Toledo. Click here for a map and directions. . . U-pick blueberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins and raspberries. Weekend special events in September & Oct. School tours May- December . Farm market has fresh donuts & fritters daily. , daily, 9 am to 7 p.m. Sun. 11 am to 6 pm. I-75 S to Exit 5, Erie Road. Then W 3 miles to orchard. . Note: the u-pick closes a 1/2 hour before the store closes each evening. Call for picking info. At the Orchard, you can.. Visit our Animal Center, Play in our Straw Play Zone, Have fun at our Children Play Zone, Walk our Corn Maze, Join us for an Evening hay ride, Have a party at our place, Shop at our main store, Join us for Family Fun Night, Pick some apples, Join us for a Weekend Event, Bring your group for a Tour, Visit our Crafter area.

Wayne County

• Apple Charlies - apples, pears, peaches, pumpkins, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours
  38035 S. Huron, New Boston, MI 48164. Phone: (734) 753-9380. Email: Charlie@applecharliesorchardandcidermill.com. Open: September 1 to November 10. Directions: From Detroit: I-94 W to I-275 S. to exit 11b \(South Huron Road\) Turn right and go 1 mile west From Ann Arbor: I-94 E to I-275 S. to exit 11b \(South Huron Road\) Turn right and go 1 mile west From Monroe: I-275 N. to exit 11 turn \(South Huron Road\) Turn left and go 1 mile west. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard. Apple Charlies . From Detroit: I-94 W to I-275 S. to exit 11b (South Huron Road) Turn right and go 1 mile west From Ann Arbor: I-94 E to I-275 S. to exit 11b (South Huron Road) Turn right and go 1 mile west From Monroe: I-275 N. to exit 11 turn (South Huron Road) Turn left and go 1 mile west. . (UPDATED: October 9, 2021 JBS)

 

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Peach Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S., Peaches typically peak during late June through July in the South, and July and August in the North. In order to produce good local peaches, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts. If you want to know which are the best varieties of peaches for home canning, see this page!

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Peaches are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) 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 peaches, 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 Peaches more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
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.
5. You might want to ask whether the peaches are! There are two major types of peaches: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone peaches and nectarines have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most peach varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone. 

When you get home

1. Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
2. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
3. Even under ideal conditions peaches will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
4. Now, get ready to make Peach jam or canned peaches - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
    - peach jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy and our page on
    - how to make home canned peaches from fresh!
   - Or see here to freeze peaches instead!
   - make your own home canned peach pie filling to use in the winter
5. Here's a great and easy peach pie recipe
   or peach-blueberry pie  or how about
   - peach salsa?
   - Peach chutney
   - Spiced peaches
   - peach butter
   - Peach honey
   - pickled peaches
   - peach syrup
   - peach juice
6. Here are some great and easy peach desert recipes, like easy peach cobbler.
7. If you want more information about the Giant Peach water tower in Gaffney, SC, click here.

Temporary Storage Tips

• Ripe peaches have a creamy or golden undertone and "peachy-sweet" fragrance.
• Peaches should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
• Putting peaches and nectarines in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
• For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
• Store at 33�F to 40�F  and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).

How to tell if the peaches are ripe!

• Attached to the tree: Peaches are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Peaches will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
• Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a peach is. Different peach varieties have differing amounts of red blush in their natural coloring. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red (or a combination). The skin of yellow-fleshed varieties ripens to an orange tint, while the skin of white-fleshed varieties changes from greenish- to yellow-white.
• Softness: unless you like your peaches very firm, pick your peaches with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Peaches at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Peaches won't ripen very much after picking!
• Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!

Tips on How to Pick Peaches

A peach is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a peach gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising.  Grab the peach firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the peach into the basket, but set it in gently!

Marks on the Peachs: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs) bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the peach. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit.  These look like dents in the peaches if the peaches were bitten by a bug when they were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle in the peach. There's nothing wrong with these peaches. They may look funny, but they will taste just as good as blemish-free peaches, and it's better not to have the pesticides!

How much do you need?

Raw measures:

• About 2 medium peaches = 1 cup sliced peaches.
• About 4 medium peaches = 1 cup pureed peach.
• About 3 medium peaches = 1 pound of peaches

Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)

• 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh peaches yields 1 quart canned
• 1 lb of fresh peaches typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced peaches or 2 cups or puree.
• It takes about 5 good sizes peaches or nectarines (or about 10 plums) to fill one quart jar of canned peaches.
• An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh peaches are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
• An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
• 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.

And a visitor contributes this: 6-7 peaches makes about 4 cups puree, so 2-3 peaches make about 2 cups puree. 1 peach equals about 1 cup puree.

Peaches-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

 

Peach pit tips

It's best to remove peach pits before you cook the peaches. Cherry, peach, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, peach and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug See this page for more information&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/laetrile">Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.

 

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