2024 Southwest Michigan Pear U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick Orchards in Southwest Michigan in 2024, by county

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

Allegan County

• A.W. Overhiser Orchards - cherries (sweet and tart), peaches, pears, plums, apples
  NW corner of 64th Street and 109th Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090. Phone: 616-836-3298. Email: awo@i2k.com. Open: July through October, daily, from 9 am to 5 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . . I-196 to Exit 26 (109th Avenue Pullman Rd.) E 3.5 mi. to 64th St, right on NW corner. Family owned and operated for over 150 years raising tree fruit. Over 300 acres of farmland that include cherries (sweet and tart) and we do the pitting for you. School groups are welcome to visit the farm in fall. Apple picking, hay rides, pumpkin picking and cider tasting make for a fun packed trip to the farm. Farm Market address is 6405-109th Ave., South Haven, MI 49090. (UPDATED: September 19, 2019, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on July 02, 2011: "We spent the day at Overhiser Orchards picking cherries. The orchards are large and beautiful, the fruit is delicious and the staff is very friendly and knowledgable( they even stayed late on a Saturday evening so we could keep picking.) It is also the least expensive orchard we've encountered so far. Great experience, we will definitely be going back for peaches and plums. "

Berrien County

• Johansons Apple World - U-pick apples, pears, plums, pumpkins
  8700 Keehn Road, Baroda, MI . Phone: 616-422-2426. Click here for a map and directions. 38539/">. Also jams, jellies, cider. Paula Red, McIntosh, Gala, Spartan, Delicious, Mutsu, Ida Red, Rom and Fuji. Oopen August 15-October 31, 10 am to 7 pm. I-94 from Chicago (E) to Exit 16 in Michigan. Turn right (N), 2 miles to Lemon Creek Road; turn right (E), 2-1/2 miles Turn left (N) on Keehn Road to orchard, 8700 Keehn Road, Baroda.
• Lehmans Orchard - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blueberries, cherries, red currants, black currants, raspberries (red), raspberries (black), strawberries, Nectarines, Blueberries, Blackberries, Plums, ​Peaches, ​Tomatoes, Peppers, ​Pears, Sweet Cherries, Tart Cherries, Gooseberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food
  2280 Portage Road, Niles, MI 49120. Phone: 269-683-9078. Email: stevelecklider@aol.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm, from late May through October; Off season hours open every day from 12 pm to 5 pm November, December, closed January, February, March then open in April and May. Directions: coming from Chicago, Take I80-90 Toll Road east to exit 72. Drive north on bypass 31 into Michigan, turn right on US12 and head east one mile. Turn right on Portage Road and head south one mile, the red farm house is on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Alternate Phone: 574-286-7815. Fax:. . We use integrated pest management practices. Pick your own tart cherry and blueberry starting around July 1; Please check website or phone for current pick your own information. Also visit our farm winery/cidery/farm stand during the season. We are always adding interesting products and crops. (UPDATED: August 28, 2023, JBS)
• McCartney Farm - nectarines, peaches, Bartlett pears and apples
  2537 Hillandale Road, Sodus, MI 49126. Phone: 269-944-1862. Open: August 15 for nectarines and peaches, early September for pears and late Sept. Directions: Located in the Benton Harbor-St. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick nectarines, peaches, Bartlett pears and a variety of apples. -Oct. for apples, seven days a week, 9 am to 5 pm Call for availability on fruit and prices. Take I-94 to Exit 30, E on Napier Avenue, approx. 2-1/2 miles to Hillandale Road. Then south for 1 mile Our farm is 90 minutes east of Chicago, . Joseph, Michigan area.
  Comments from a visitor on July 12, 2008: "We've been going to this farm for many years now and it's always clean, trees are labeled nicely, and supervised children are welcome to pick the fruit. Prices are very reasonably, also. Definitely worth the trip every year."

Branch County

• Orchard Beach Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, cherries, pears, porta-potties
  122 Loch Haven Lane, Quincy, MI 49082. Phone: (517) 639-4609. Email: muirph@gmail.com. Open: During fruit season: Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: From I-69 Exit 13 Coldwater Mi: each on US-12 2 miles to Fremont Road then south \(right\) 3 miles to Cornell Road then east \(left\) 12 mile to Fisher Road then southeast 14 mile past Brocklebank Road to Loch Haven Lane - our orchard entrance. Follow signs to our barn to check in for u-picking or to buy already picked fruit. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . From I-69 Exit 13 Coldwater Mi: each on US-12 2 miles to Fremont Road then south (right) 3 miles to Cornell Road then east (left) 1/2 mile to Fisher Road then southeast 1/4 mile past Brocklebank Road to Loch Haven Lane - our orchard entrance. Follow signs to our barn to check in for u-picking or to buy already picked fruit. Cherries - June 20 to July 3 Pears - August 20 to September 10;Apples are available: September 7 - November 1. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. This is an historic, family-owned farm and orchard operated since 1929. We have heritage apple varieties only: Northern Spy, Grimes Golden, Steel Red, McIntosh, Jonathan, Wealthy, Red Delicious, etc. We have Bartlett and Spartlett pears and Montmorency (tart) cherries. (UPDATED: September 01, 2018) (UPDATED: July 03, 2018)

 

Pear

Pear Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

pears, also known as serviceberries or Juneberries, are delicious and nutritious berries native to North America, mostly in the western Canada and northwestern U.S. . These small blue-purple berries grow on shrubs or small trees and have a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and almonds. Here's what you need to know about pears, how to use them, when to harvest them, and how to do it:

Flavor and Uses:

pears have a pleasantly sweet and slightly tart taste, making them a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, used in baked goods such as pies, muffins, and tarts, or even incorporated into jams, jellies, and sauces. pear berries also freeze well. They can be substituted for blueberries in recipes.

If you're looking for great, easy to follow recipes to make jam, jelly, freeze or make pear pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

• How to make pear jam
• How to freeze pears
• World's best and easiest pear pie
• How to Can pears
• How to make pear jelly
• How to make and can pear syrup
• How to make home-canned pear pie filling to use later
• pear buckle coffee cake: illustrated directions for this great crumb-topping pear coffee cake

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of pear berry harvest can vary depending on your location and climate, but it generally occurs in the summer months. In most regions, you can expect to start harvesting pears from late June to early August. Keep an eye on the berries as they ripen to determine the best time for harvesting.

Determining Ripeness:

Ripe pear berries are plump, firm, and have a deep purple-blue color. They should come off the plant easily when gently pulled or twisted. Look for berries that have a uniform color and avoid those that are still green or red. Taste a few berries to ensure they have reached the desired sweetness before harvesting the entire crop.

How to pick or harvest:

To harvest pear berries, simply hold the branch beneath the cluster of ripe berries and gently pluck them off with your fingers. It's best to place a container or basket beneath the branch to catch the berries as they fall.

The easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers.  The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

Be careful not to squeeze or crush the berries while harvesting to maintain their shape and quality.

Handling and Storage:

Handle pear berries with care as they are delicate and can bruise easily. After harvesting, sort through the berries and remove any damaged or overripe ones. Store the freshly picked berries in a shallow container, preferably in a single layer, to prevent crushing and allow for proper airflow. Refrigerate the berries and consume them within a few days for optimal freshness. If you have an abundant harvest, consider freezing the berries for longer-term storage.

• Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
• Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
• Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh pears in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked pears will keep 10 to 14 days.
• Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening.  Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed pears freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

 

 

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