Get the Dirt on U Pick Farms Near Kalamazoo
It’s the sweet taste of strawberries plucked right from the vine that signals the start of summer. A family favorite is filling baskets and tummies at U pick farms.
We are lucky to live in an area with an abundance of local farms that supply us with a diverse offering of fresh produce including staples such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries and peaches in the spring and summer.
And when the leaves start to turn, fall brings us apples and pumpkins to accompany our cider and donuts.
If you don’t have the time (or desire) to U pick yourself, let the fresh produce come to you by stopping at a local farmers market.
Bonus: many farmers markets are open during the week. You’ll find fresh vegetables, meats, cheese, fruit, eggs, chocolates, and wine.
Read on for fruit picking tips and u pick farm locations in our handy map. Happy picking!
AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschool
AppleTree & Gilden Woods Early Care and Preschools are a family of childcare locations. Inside and out, our program is designed for a positive experience for child and parent alike.
We provide a safe environment for children ages six weeks to school-age in facilities that feature secure web camera access for parents.
U Pick Farms Guide
Fruit Picking Tips
Whether you’re a novice or a veteran to fruit gathering, we’ve put together some tips to maximize your fruit picking experience.
Fruit Picking Do’s:
Do call ahead: Farms will get “overpicked” for the day. Plan to go early and confirm availability via phone or Facebook before leaving.
Do bring cash: Call ahead to confirm, but many farms do not accept credit cards or checks.
Do have a container strategy: Find out if you need to bring your own containers for picking (some farms provide them). You may also need something to transport your fruit home.
Fruit Picking Don’ts:
Don’t forget sun protection: Fruit fields provide very little cover or shade. Bring hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Don’t eat without asking: Some farms may allow sampling while picking, while others may not. Be sure to confirm their policies before any family members use the fruit fields as a buffet.
Don’t pack your fruit too deep: Strawberries and raspberries in particular bruise easily. If you stack too many layers while picking, you risk damaging the lower tiers.
Popular Fruit Picking in SWMI
More U Pick Fruit in SWMI
Raspberry Picking Intel
AVAILABILITY
Raspberries are typically available starting in mid-July in Southwest Michigan.
PICKING/STORAGE
Raspberries come in many colors; pick the deepest shade for your variety. When picking, wear gloves. Raspberry bushes don’t have thorns, but they are prickly.
Store lightly covered in the fridge, unwashed.
CAN I FREEZE THEM?
Raspberries freeze well. Rinse and freeze in a sealed bag.
FAVORITE RECIPE
Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake
Where to Go Raspberry Picking
Hunt’s Hillside LLC
27867 66th Ave, Lawton, MI 49065
(269) 624-6513
What You’ll Find: U-pick raspberries and strawberries.
Riverbend Farms
44-72nd Street South Haven, MI 49090
(269) 637-3505
What You’ll Find: U-pick and already picked raspberries and blackberries. Also chestnuts and honey.
Cherries, Peaches & Other Fruit Picking Intel
AVAILABILITY
PEACHES: Pick your perfect peaches starting in early August in Southwest Michigan.
CHERRIES: July is cherry season locally. Look for sweet cherries in early July, followed by sour mid-month.
OTHER FRUIT: Apricots (mid-July), Pears & Plums (late August), Apples (early September)
Locations for Cherries, Peaches & More Fruit
Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze
6054 124th AVE, fennville, MI 49408
(269) 561-8651
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick sweet cherries, peaches and apples.
Fruit Acres Farm Market & U-Pick
3452 Friday Rd, Coloma, MI 49038
(269) 208-3591
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick cherries, peaches and apples. Also nectarines, plums, apricots, pears and crisp apples already picked at their market.
Husted’s Farm Market
9191 West Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 372-1237
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick strawberries, cherries, peaches and apples. Check in at the Farm Market for directions to their off-site u-pick location. Also sells vegetables, jams/jellies, salsas/relishes and baked goods.
Overhiser Orchards
6405 109th Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
(269) 236-6312
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, plums and apples.
Schultz Fruitridge Farms, Inc.
60139 C.R. 652, Mattawan, MI 49071
(269) 668-3724
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick blueberries, grapes, peaches, apples & already picked strawberries and pumpkins.
U Pick Flowers
Flower Picking Intel
SWMI offers multiple flower picking options in the summer for mixed bouquets, sunflowers and lavender. Be sure to bring a bucket and cutting shears.
AVAILABILITY
LAVENDER: U pick season for this fragrant, flowering plant is available starting late June.
SUMMER MIXED BOUQUETS: Dahlias and other seasonal favorites start u pick in mid-July.
SUNFLOWERS: Look for sunflower picking in mid-July through August at local farms.
Locations for Flowers, Sunflowers & Lavender Picking
Berry Brothers
37146 30th St, Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-3871
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick flowers and sunflowers
BJR Ranch
23469 Marcellus Hwy, Dowagiac, MI 49047
(269) 535-0387
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick flowers
Floweret Farm
1821 N 2nd St, Kalamazoo, Mi 49009
(269) 366-9212
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick flowers
Flowerfield Farmstead
50330 Mill St, Three Rivers, MI 49093
(269) 271-6329
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick flowers and sunflowers
Gull Meadow Farms
8544 Gull Rd Richland, MI 49083
(269) 629-4214
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick flowers and sunflowers, Sunflower Festival
Shades of Lavender Farms
47222 24th St, Mattawan, MI 49071
(269) 668-1299
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick lavender
Summerhouse Lavender Farms
2975 65th St, Fennville, MI 49408
(616) 414-4090
Facebook
What You’ll Find: U-pick lavender
U Pick Farms Map
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