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

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

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

Barry County

• Cotants Farm Market - Strawberries, blueberries, apples, pumpkins, restrooms, corn maze, pumpkin patch in the field, pumpkins (brought in from the field), Bouncy castle or moon bounce, tours of the operation
  2500 S M 37 Hwy, Hastings Charter Township, MI 49058. Phone: (269) 945-4180. Email: cotantsfarmmarket@gmail.com. Open: June to October 31st, See their website for for hours and availability. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . . See their website for directions. By June, Cotant's is busy harvesting their strawberries and offers U-Pick berries to the public. Summer follows with Cotant's harvest of homegrown produce including sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, peppers, cucumbers and more while also offering U-Pick blueberries. Fall is an especially fun time at Cotant's where one can pick their own apples and enjoy Cotant's cider which is pressed on location using a special blend of apples to assure the best tasting cider around. Fall also offers activities for the entire family, including: Mini tractor (battery operated) race track, Straw Mountain, pumpkin picking, wagon rides and more. U-pick strawberries also blueberries and apples. Select items are available in large quantities for freezing and canning.
• S and S Farm Market and Greenhouse - strawberries,
  , Middleville, MI . Phone: 269-795-9758. Open: Call before you go; the strawberry picking is sporatic, and only during June; lasyt hours, in season, were Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6:30 pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 5 pm; May 1 - October 31. Click here for a map of the area. S and S Farm Market and Greenhouse. On M-37, 3.5 miles South of the M-37 and Main Street light in Middleville on North side of the road. Or, 7 miles North of the M-37 and M-43 light in Hastings. Picked or u-pick strawberries. (UPDATED: July 09, 2018) by a neighbor . A visitor writes on June 18, 2019: "S&S Farm Market in Barry County Middleville is regretably closed. "

Berrien County

• Bixby Orchards - u-pick strawberries,
  Pokagon Rd, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. Phone: (269) 473-6681. Open: Call for for hours and availability. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 49">Bixby Orchards Alternate Phone: 1-269-471-9290. 1/2 mi. S of Berrien Springs on Old US-31 then 1/2 mi. E on Pokagon Rd., N side of road.
• Earth First Farms - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, U-Pick apples, Pre-picked apples, Pre-picked strawberries,
  8335 Smith Road, Berrien Center, MI 49102. Phone: 269-815-3370. Email: info@earthfirstfarms.com. Open: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm, mid August through the end of October. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers.
  Earth First Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 269-757-1774. Fax: 312-474-9201. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. UPick Strawberries in June; UPick Apples from August 15 to October 31; Check our website for information about our Annual Harvest Party. We are certified organic for all crops! is open for "U-Pick" of our certified organic apples every weekend from September 13 until the end of October, as long as the weather allows. Hours are Friday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Fresh picked Vegetables, pumpkins and melons available also at the farm. Call for details.
• Frank Farms - Apples, cherries, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, vegetables, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area
  8249 Deans Hill Road, Berrien Center, MI 49102. Phone: 269-461-4125. Email: frank@frankfarms.com. Open: 7 days a week from 7 am to 7 pm Call ahead when the weather is questionable. Directions: Take I-94 to WatervlietM-140 Exit. Take M-140 South to M-62, take a left onto M-62 and then a right onto Painter School Road. Take a left onto Deans Hill Road. We are on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Fax: 269-461-3422. . Take I-94 to Watervliet/M-140 Exit. Take M-140 South to M-62, take a left onto M-62 and then a right onto Painter School Road. Take a left onto Deans Hill Road. We are on the left. Updates: Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Strawberries June 10th, Tart Cherries 1st of July, Red & Black Raspberries July 1st, Peaches August 1st, Apples September 15th. Our Vegetable U-Pick starts in the middle of June and lasts until the end of October. We have several varieties of vegetables including Potatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Green Beans, Tomatoes, Jalapenos, Eggplant and Bell Peppers. We have a variety of fruits & vegetables available for sale as well as our u-pick. (UPDATED: June 16, 2021 JBS)
• 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. Alternate Phone: 574-286-7815. Fax: 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. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. 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. We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Click here for our Facebook page. 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)
• Stover's Farm Market and U-Pic - Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, apricots, red and black blackberries, grapes, and hayrides
  7837 M-139, Berrien Springs, MI . Phone: 269-471-1401. Open: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday except Sundays; Early June to late October. Click here for a map and directions.
  Stover's Farm Market and U-Pic Facebook page. . U-Pic Schedule: Dates are TENATIVE, please call for availability! Strawberries: June - July; Sweet Cherries June - July; Tart Cherries: June - July; Red & Black Raspberries: June - July; Blackberries: July - August; Apricots July - August; Blueberries: July - August; Peaches July - September; (Red Haven, Crest Haven, Glo Haven, Baby Gold, Red Skins); Fall Red Raspberries: September - October; Pumpkins: September - October; Grapes September - October; Apples September - October; (Molly Delicious, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Red Rome, Empire, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonathan, Mutsu and others). Stovers has hayrides in October. (UPDATED: September 18, 2019, JBS)

Branch County

• Hoff Vegetable Farm - strawberries and tomatoes
  538 Marshall Road, Coldwater, MI 49036. Phone: 517-278-2011. Open: seven days a week, May 9 am to 6 pm June-October, 9 am to 8 pm; November 9 am to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . 1/2 mile N of Coldwater on Old 27. Over 100 acres of fresh vegetables in season. Asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, squash, pumpkins, Michigan peaches and more in season. U-pick in season.

Calhoun County

• Harvey's U-pick Farm - blueberries, chestnuts, raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries,
  2651 15 Mile Road, Tekonsha, MI 49092. Phone: 517-767-3408. Email: harveysfarm@gmail.com. Open: Hours of operation depend on crop that is in season; Please call or e - mail us for current and in-season picking times; For Strawberry season we are open daily. Directions: Our farm is located 34 of a mile from the I-69 and M-60 interchange in lower, central Michigan. Take I-69 south from Lansing or north of Coldwater, to exit number 25. Turn west on M-60. Go two thirds of a mile to 15 Mile Road, turn north on 15 Mile Road. We are the first farm on the left. See sign on corner of 15 Mile Road and M-60 and in front yard. Picking updates: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, credit cards.
  Harvey's U-pick Farm Facebook page. . . Our farm is located 3/4 of a mile from the I-69 and M-60 interchange in lower, central Michigan. Take I-69 south from Lansing or north of Coldwater, to exit number 25. Turn west on M-60. Go two thirds of a mile to 15 Mile Road, turn north on 15 Mile Road. We are the first farm on the left. See sign on corner of 15 Mile Road and M-60 and in front yard. Picking updates: click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Strawberries: June 8th through the first of July; Blueberries July 10, through August; Fall red raspberries: August to first hard frost; Chestnuts: through the month of October. Asparagus: Our home grown asparagus is picked daily and sold on our farm by chance or by reserving your order by calling or e-mailing us at least 24 hours in advance. We will return your call or e-mail to arrange for pick-up. Check out our Facebook page (UPDATED: June 07, 2020)

St. Joseph County

• Burda's Berry Farm - strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries
  20095 M 60, Three Rivers, MI . Phone: (269) 506-1746. Open: June 15 - October. Directions: 6 miles East of Three Rivers on M-60. 7 miles West of Mendon on M-60. U-pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries available. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone:
• Corey Lake Orchards - apples, blueberries, wine grapes, strawberries, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, porta-potties, picnic area, group reservations
  12147 Corey Lake Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093. Phone: (269) 244-5690. Email: coreylakeorchards@gmail.com. Open: Check website for u - pick hours and reservation system. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers.
  Corey Lake Orchards Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Bakery, hard cider and fruit brandy made onsite. (UPDATED: July 17, 2022)

Van Buren County

• Hunts Hillside LLC - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available
  27867 66th Avenue, Lawton, MI 49065. Phone: 269-624-6513. Email: huntshillsidellc@yahoo.com. Open: Our hours of operation are Monday Wednesday and Friday from 6 to dusk, Saturday 9 to Noon and Sundays Noon to 4pm threw October. Directions: Starting in Paw Paw, MI on S Kalamazoo Street go toward E Paw Paw Street - go 0.6 1.0 mikm Continue on M 40 - go 2.6 4.1 mikm Continue on 31ST ST\(M-40\) Turn Left on 64TH Avenue - go 1.5 2.4 mikm Turn Right on County Road 657\(CR-657\) - go 0.5 0.8 mikm Turn Left on 66TH Avenue - go 0.1 0.2 miles, on the Right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Starting in Paw Paw, MI on S Kalamazoo Street go toward E Paw Paw Street - go 0.6 1.0 mikm Continue on M 40 - go 2.6 4.1 mikm Continue on 31ST ST(M-40) Turn Left on 64TH Avenue - go 1.5 2.4 mikm Turn Right on County Road 657(CR-657) - go 0.5 0.8 mikm Turn Left on 66TH Avenue - go 0.1 0.2 miles, on the Right. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. is now offering U pick and pre picked raspberry at their farm located just outside of Lawton Mi on the corner of 66th ave and CR 657. We have our raspberries under Haygrove High Tunnels which is like a 3 season greenhouse. So rain or shine you can pick anytime threw the month of October. Hunt's Hillside LLC is a family owned and operated farm and vineyard located in Lawton, MI. Offering flower sales, u-pick raspberries, vineyard camping experiences, and coming soon : Private wine tours, u-pick strawberries, and fresh asparagus.
• Krohne Plant Farms Inc - strawberries
  65295 CR 342, Hartford, MI 49057. Phone: 269-424-5423. Email: info@krohnefarms.com. Open: Apr-July; Monday to Friday 8am. Directions: 12 miles E. of I-94 Exit 30. . Click here for a map and directions. . -5pm; Saturday 8am-Noon.
• Mandigo Farms - strawberries, and prepicked produce, picnic area
  61077 41st Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079. Phone: 269-657-5062. Email: alan@mandigofarms.com. Open: during the first few weeks in June, weather permitting on Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Directions: 94 to exit 60 \(Paw Paw exit\) North towards Paw Paw to Red Arrow Highway \(Michigan Avenue\) Turn Left \(West\) on Red Arrow. Go 3 miles. Turn Left \(South\) on 41st Street. Go 1 mile Mandigo Farms on the Left side of the road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . during the first few weeks in June, (weather permitting) on Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Click here for picking updates. 94 to exit 60 (Paw Paw exit) North towards Paw Paw to Red Arrow Highway (Michigan Avenue) Turn Left (West) on Red Arrow. Go 3 miles. Turn Left (South) on 41st Street. Go 1 mile on the Left side of the road. Crops are usually available in June. Daily 8-5, June is the strawberry month. 2019 prices are: Already picked: $24/flat or $3.50/qt and U-pick: $1.85/lb. Payment: Cash or check only. We supply containers. (UPDATED: June 19, 2019, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on April 29, 2012: "Very short drive off of I-94. Great place to pick strawberries, take some family pictures, and even eat them at the picnic tables after you finish picking them. The family is nice and the prices are good. I am from Texas but every time we visit over the summer, we take a trip to because it is so fun and different from anything we have ever seen down south. It is also different than any other farm in the Michigan area."
• Rajzer's Farm Market - strawberries
  76301 M-51 Hwy., Decatur, MI 49045. Phone: 269-423-4941. Email: drajzer@hotmial.com. Open: May-Oct; Sunday and Saturday 9 am to 6pm. Directions: 4 miles S. of I-94 on M-51. . Click here for a map and directions. Rajzer's Farm Market

 

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S. strawberries typically peak during April in Florida and Texas, May in the deep South, and in early June in middle sections and later June in the far North and Canada. Keep in mind that crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part of the state you are located. In order to produce good local strawberries, producers depend on ideal spring weather conditions. 

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries 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 strawberries, 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 strawberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. 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.

Tips on How to Pick Strawberries

1. Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.

2. With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.

3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. 

4. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.

5. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick strawberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Be careful that your feet and knees do not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
   
2. Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
   
3. To help the farmers, also remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. If they are left in the plants, the rot will quickly spread to other berries.
   
4. Berries to be used immediately may be picked any time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked during the heat of the day become soft, are easily bruised and will not keep well.
   
5. Avoid placing the picked berries 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. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.
   
6. For interesting and fun strawberry facts and trivia from the California Strawberry Commission, click here!

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
3. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) See this page about how to freeze strawberries.
4. If you like the strawberries you picked, ask the farm what variety they planted, and not the weather conditions the week or two before. The flavor of a strawberry is affected by the variety, the weather and the degree of ripeness when picked.
5. Now, get ready to make strawberry jam. It is VERY easy - especially with our free strawberry jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy.

Strawberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Strawberries

• How to freeze strawberries!
• Strawberry jam (with pectin) (uses less sugar or honey and less cooking)
• Strawberry jam (without pectin) (requires much more sugar and cooking)
• Strawberry (and other berry) jams without sugar
• Strawberry jelly
• Strawberry-rhubarb jam!
• Homemade strawberry ice cream (regular, low fat, nonfat, low sugar, vanilla and even gelato)
• Canning strawberries
• Make gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries
• How to make fruit juice -  strawberry and other berries
• Strawberry pie filling
• Strawberry pie
• Easy Rhubarb-Strawberry pie
• Fig-strawberry jam
• Fig-strawberry jam, made with Jello gelatin

Strawberry Facts, Measurements and Tips

• Picking the best strawberries: Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue ripen after they are picked! In the photo, only the berry on the far right is completely ripe.
• Strawberry festivals: Most areas that grow strawberries have a strawberry festival, at which you can taste all kinds of fresh strawberry foods, pies, jams, cakes - and most commonly, fresh strawberry shortcake.  To find out where and when there is one near you, see this page for a list of strawberry festivals, sorted by state!
• Strawberries measurements: government agriculture websites tell us that
  1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and
  1 quart of fresh strawberries weighs 1 lbs to 1.25 lbs (or 450 to 600 g). Of course, the weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 
  1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings, although I'll admit my son can eat 1 pint by himself!
• How much to pick? In general, 1 quart of fresh, whole, just-picked strawberries = approximately 3.5 cups hulled, whole berries. In other words, removing the caps/hulls and the occasional mushy berry means you lose 1/4 cup to 1/2 (it depends how much fruit you remove with the hull) or about 7 to 12% of every quart you pick.
• One cup of strawberries contains only about 50 calories
• U-pick strawberries are much healthier than store-bought.  Consumer reports says store bought strawberries have so many pesticide and fungicide residues on they, that they don't recommend you eat them at all!
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. 1 lbs of fresh strawberries is about 2/3 of a quart.
• It takes about  10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries are reasonably plentiful
• The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds through plastic mulch!
• Cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the 1300's, but the berry only became very popular in the early 1900's in California.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as strawberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze berries 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 berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
• Want to grow your own strawberries?  Here's an article about how to: Strawberries are an Excellent Fruit for the Home Garden, HYG-1424-98!
• See this page for many more fun and interesting strawberry facts, nutritional information and trivia

Other weird strawberry facts

• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
• Strawberries were originally called strewberries because the fruit was 'strewn' amongst the leaves of the plant.
• California is king of strawberry productions because: California produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops; one billion pounds of strawberries each year.  If all the strawberries produced in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around the world 15 times. Each acre of land in California in strawberry production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually, with a total of 23,000 acres of strawberries planted in California each year.

More conversions

1 pint (2 cups)  of fresh whole strawberries

• = about 8 oz (1/2 lb) of strawberries
• = 2.25 cups of sliced strawberries
• = 1 cup pureed strawberries
• = 12-14 large strawberries

2 quarts of fresh strawberries are needed for a 9" pie

A 10 oz package of frozen berries is about the same as 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries

References:

• University of Illinois Extension
• Driscolls
• Ohio State University Extension
• Strawberries-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

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