There are so many fun things to do and see when planning a getaway in the beautiful state of Michigan. Have you considered adding a Michigan U-pick farm to your vacation itinerary? From berry picking to finding the perfect Christmas year, there is something to pick during the spring, summer, and fall. These farms and their markets are the ideal way to experience regional agriculture and shop locally.
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U-park farms allow visitors to find food at its source and pick their own produce. You can enter an orchard or field, find ripe produce, and pick it yourself. Keep reading to discover what to expect and where to stay.
Where are Michigan U-Pick Farms Located
You will find U-pick farms located throughout the state. From the UP to greater Detroit, there are so many farms to choose from. Many farms also have a market where you can shop for fresh produce and locally made products.
Here is a list, by region, of U-pick farms:
- Southwest Michigan
- Southeast Michigan (includes Detroit)
- Central-west Michigan
- Central-East Michigan
- Northwest Michigan
- Northeast Michigan
- Upper Peninsula
What Crops to Expect & When to Harvest
When visiting Michigan, you will have the opportunity to visit U-pick farms and markets. Starting in late March and continuing through December, a large variety of produce and crops is available. You can expect everything from greens to Christmas trees. June through September bring the most enormous bounty, with crops like corn and peaches.
Here is a sampling of the produce available. For a complete list of produce availability by month, click here.
- Apples
- Pears
- Cherry
- Blueberry
- Greens
- Herbs
- Cucumber
- Eggplant
- Pumpkin Patches
- Christmas Trees
- Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes
- Raspberries
- Corn
- Watermelon
- Squash
- Strawberries
Before entering the U-pick field orchard, the farm will typically provide you with baskets or buckets to harvest your produce. They will also give you instructions on how to find the ripest fruits or vegetables and which field to use. Farms will usually charge by the pound. Once you are finished picking, your produce will be weighed and bagged for you. Exceptions to this would be for watermelons or Christmas trees, which are priced per unit.
What to Wear & Bring for U-Pick
What you wear for your time at a Michigan U-pick farm depends on the season. During the spring and fall, you will want to wear layers so you can add or remove clothing as needed. You will want to wear loose, comfortable clothing for picking during the summer. Closed-toe shoes are always recommended.
You may want to wear sunscreen and bug spray depending on the time
of day and season. Wearing a hat is a great way to keep the sun off your face.
Be sure to bring water and a snack. Staying hydrated and keeping your fuel up will make for a more enjoyable experience.
Enjoy Your Harvest at Your Vacation Rental
Each of our rentals at Freshwater Vacation Rentals features a well-equipped kitchen. You can cook your freshly picked produce and enjoy a home-cooked meal from the comfort of your vacation rental. A sliced watermelon or fresh cherries are a wonderful snack during a day of adventuring in Michigan. There are many wonderful things to do, and your U-pick produce will pack well in a cooler or cold bag.
Book the Perfect Michigan Rental
We are excited to help you find the ideal rental for you and your needs. Located throughout the state, our vacation rentals range from cozy lakeside cabins to larger luxurious homes. If you know where you would like to stay during your visit, you can search our rentals by area. We also have pet-friendly accommodations for those traveling with their four-legged family members.
Start your search today for a Michigan vacation rental.