Michigan is a state that is renowned for its abundance of outstanding natural beauty. From stunning national parks to the five large lakes and incredible dunes, there is a lot to see when you visit the state.
However, something that you might not know about Michigan is that it is home to some of the best raspberry picking in the country. In this article, we will look at some of the best raspberry picking farms in the state.
There are numerous farms and orchards across Michigan where you can pick your own raspberries. Below are some of the top rated places to go raspberry picking (see also: 12 Top Rated NY Apple Picking Near Connecticut Worth The Trip)in the state.
On Salina Road in Lachine, you will find AJ’s Berry Farm. This farm is an incredible, family-friendly U-Pick farm that can give the whole family a taste of what life is like on a working farm.
This is also a great place to take your kids or yourself if you want to learn more about the sustainable farming practices that are employed at AJ’s Berry Farm.
While there is a variety of different types of berries that are grown for picking on the farm, the raspberries really are the stars of the show.
You can pick almost as many berries as you can carry when you visit the farm during the peak of the picking season.
Located on Lewis Road, Coleman, Michigan, is Coon’s Berry Farm. This U-Pick farm specializes in raspberries, gooseberries, black currants, and red currants.
You can visit the U-Pick orchards during the picking season which is often during June and July.
If you want to spend a full day out at Coon’s Berry Farm, you can. Besides the U-Pick orchards, you can also visit the onsite winery and farm store. Here you can purchase agricultural products that are produced on-site as well as the farm’s own liquor.
One of the most amazing things about Coon’s Berry Farm is that you can stay overnight in their beautiful RV park.
An easy way to tell if a U-Pick farm offers quality fruit is by its standing in the local community. Delanges Red Berry Farm in Hudsonville is proof of that. This farm is a treasured part of the community and you can regularly find locals picking in the orchard.
The farm specializes in raspberries and strawberries, but you can also pick pumpkins here in the fall.
During the peak of the picking season, you can stop by and purchase some pre-picked fruit when you are short on time. There are also convenient picking hours to ensure peak freshness. There is an on-site farm store with the farm’s own produce and local honey.
If you are looking for a raspberry picking farm that offers an interesting range of raspberry varieties, Berry Hill Farm in Dexter is the place for you.
The picking season at this farm begins in mid-July with a variety of black raspberries. In mid-August, you will be able to pick red raspberries and blackberries.
This is an incredibly quaint and sweet U-Pick farm that is run by a couple called Nancy and Jim. There is a homely and welcoming feel at the farm that makes it the perfect place to come with the whole family for some wholesome fun.
In Traverse City, Michigan, you will find Jacob’s Farm U-Pick orchard. There are so many different fruits available to pick at Jacob’s Farm throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
However, if you are looking for raspberries in particular, you should visit from mid-July through September.
The farm is open from dawn til dusk for picking during the right seasons. With that being said, if the weather is particularly adverse, they might have to close. If you are unsure about the weather, make sure to call ahead of time to avoid a wasted trip.
If you are looking for a great day out that the whole family can enjoy, Krupp Farms is the place for you. This farm is an iconic landmark in Michigan, located at Comstock Park.
It is a fourth-generation centennial farm that started life as a strawberry farm. Since then, they have expanded to asparagus, rhubarb, and of course, black and red raspberries.
In addition to being a wonderful place to pick some delicious raspberries, there is also a petting zoo that you can visit and an on-site ice cream parlor. For the energetic little ones in your family, there is also a playground where they can burn off some energy.
Another brilliant family-friendly fruit-picking orchard is King Orchards in Central Lake. The orchards are run by a family of farmers that tends the land together, run their business together, and support each other.
This familial dynamic spreads to the rest of the farm and makes it a welcoming palace for people of all ages.
Raspberries aren’t the main fruit that King Orchards prides itself on, however, they are definitely threatening to steal the show.
King Orchards are committed to producing the highest quality of fruit possible and loves getting their hands dirty to ensure that visitors get the best experience at the farm.
Raspberries might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Lavender Fields Farm, however, there are plenty of hidden treasures on this farm.
As the name suggests, Lavender Fields Farm in Berrien Springs is the place to go if you want to experience stunningly fragrant fields of lavender. With that being said, they also have amazing U-Pick orchards.
The roots of this farm are firmly planted in berries, specifically, raspberries. This is the place to come if you want to pick some of the best raspberries in the state.
You can also pick your own blackberries and strawberries, sunflowers, and pumpkins depending on the season. For the delicious, juicy raspberries, make sure you visit between July and September.
Riverbend Farms can be found in South Haven, Michigan. You can purchase U-Pick and pre-picked fruit from the farm when it is in season.
The raspberries can be picked from June through until October, giving you plenty of time to visit and get your fill of raspberries.
Because picking seasons are dependent on the weather, the specific dates that the farm is open for picking can vary. You can check their website or Facebook page for real-time updates on the opening times and picking seasons.
Harveys Farm is a quaint, modest U-Pick farm in Tekonsha, Michigan. The farm was established in 1984 as a first-generation farm. It was started by Ron and Rose Harvey who have established the farm as one of the best U-Pick farms in the state.
The raspberries that are grown at Harveys Farm are some of the best in the country. However, there is more that the farm offers, including strawberries, blueberries, and even asparagus.
The picking season begins in May for asparagus but in June for raspberries.
In Ann Arbor, you will find Slow Farm. This is a U-Pick farm and farm stand that has been certified as organic. This means that you are able to pick raspberries, pay, and then tuck into them straight away.
There is so much more than just raspberries at Slow Farm and there is enough to see and do to fill an entire day out if you wish. This is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about diversified farming, biodiversity, and heirloom produce and flowers.
Final Thoughts
There are so many amazing places where you can go raspberry picking in Michigan. The ones mentioned above are some of the best farms and orchards in the state that will make your trip worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is The Best Time To Go Raspberry Picking In Michigan?
Raspberries usually ripen from June to October. There are varieties that ripen early and stay ripe later into the year.
However, to have access to the widest variety of raspberries and to be able to pick them when they are at their ripest, it is best to go raspberry picking around July and August.
Can You Snack On The Raspberries As You Pick Them?
U-Pick farms rely heavily on the money they make from the fruit that is picked to continue to run and produce the amazing fruit that you get to pick.
While it can be tempting to snack on the fruit as you make your way around the orchards, this can be really damaging to the farm. If you think that you will get hungry during your trip, you should take some snacks rather than eat straight from the bushes.
You may see other people trying a cheeky sample as you walk around, however, it is still best to refrain. Even a single sample for everyone in your family will soon add up if everyone is doing it.
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