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.
Read on for fruit picking tips and u pick farm locations in our handy map. Happy picking!
In this Guide
Popular SWMI Fruit Picking
Fruit Picking Tips
Whether you’re a novice or a veteran of 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.
More U Pick Fruit in SWMI: Raspberries, Cherries + More
Looking for a “lesser known” fruit farm? While blueberry and strawberry farms in SWMI may be familiar, many families are less acquainted with local peach, raspberry and cherry farms. Read on for these hidden, u pick gems:
Raspberry Farms
| 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 St, South Haven MI 49090 (269) 637-3505 What You’ll Find: U-pick and already picked raspberries and blackberries. Also chestnuts and honey. |
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
Cherries, Peaches & More Fruit Farms
| Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze 6054 124th Ave, Fennville MI 49408 (269) 561-8651 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 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 What You’ll Find: U-pick strawberries, cherries, and apples plus already-picked peaches. 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 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 What You’ll Find: U-pick blueberries, grapes, peaches, apples & already picked strawberries and pumpkins. |
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)
Flowers, Sunflowers & Lavender Farms
| BJR Ranch 23469 Marcellus Hwy, Dowagiac MI 49047 (269) 535-0387 What You’ll Find: U-pick flowers |
| Floweret Farm 1821 N 2nd St, Kalamazoo Mi 49009 (269) 366-9212 What You’ll Find: U-pick flowers |
| Flowerfield Farmstead 50330 Mill St, Three Rivers MI 49093 (269) 271-6329 What You’ll Find: U-pick flowers and sunflowers |
| Gull Meadow Farms 8544 GULL RD, RICHLAND MI 49083 (269) 629-4214 What You’ll Find: U-pick flowers and sunflowers, Sunflower Festival |
| Shades of Lavender Farms 47222 24th St, Mattawan MI 49071 (269) 668-1299 What You’ll Find: U-pick lavender |
| Summerhouse Lavender Farms 2975 65th St, Fennville MI 49408 (616) 414-4090 What You’ll Find: U-pick lavender |
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.
U Pick Farms Map
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