Where to Go Summer Berry Picking Around Ann Arbor
Summer is practically here, and you know what that means. It’s berry season! Southeast Michigan is known for its abundance of berry farms. Here, you can find several farms cultivating fields of juicy blueberries, shiny strawberries, tart cherries, soft raspberries and so much more. But while it’s fun to pick up a pint of fresh berries at the farmers’ market—it’s so much more exciting to pick them yourself!
That’s why today, we’ve rounded up some of the best you–pick berry patches and farms in the Ann Arbor area. Below, you’ll find information about each as well as what kind of berries they grow! We recommend calling ahead before you go to make sure their you–pick patches are currently open. You’ll also want to be sure to wear lots of sunscreen, wear good shoes, and drink plenty of water. And you may want to bring your own container to carry your berries, just in case the farm doesn’t provide one. Have fun!
Raspberries | Seasons begin mid-July and mid-August
This berry farm is located just up the road in Dexter and has been serving the area since 1985. They grow their berry plants on trellises, to make it easier for you to pick! Here, you’ll find almost every variety of raspberries, including black, red, yellow and gold raspberries as well as blackberries. Follow them on Facebook for all you–pick information.
Strawberries, Blueberries, Cherries & Raspberries | Season begins mid-June
Photo. courtesy of Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
Blake’s is an 800-acre working farm and orchard with a cider mill, Funland, tasting room and a hard cider production facility. They grow more than 40 different apple varieties on the property, along with a diverse selection of crops—like berries! Their you-pick strawberry fields usually open in mid-June, but you can check back in on their website for exact opening dates over the next few weeks. (Psst… don’t miss their Lavendar Market July 9-11th!)
Blueberries | Season usually begins mid-July
Blueville Acres is turning Belleville blue with blueberries! This you–pick, organic and no-spray blueberry farm is home to acres of plump blueberry bushes, farm animals (like chickens!) and much more. So, stop by when their season starts in mid-July for a bushel of berries, some fresh eggs and a jar (or three) of fresh blueberry jam! Click here to stay updated on their upcoming opening dates.
Blueberries | Season normally is from mid-July through August
This local blueberry farm is in Dexter, offering acres and acres of berries for you and your family to pick yourselves! This season, they ask that you bring your own bucket (or buy one there for $1), a bottle of water, masks/hand sanitizer or wipes as needed (they do not have a handwashing station on the property). For more information and updates on 2021 opening dates, click here!
Blueberries & Peaches | Season starts on June 30th
Erie Orchards and Cider Mill is about an hour drive from Ann Arbor—but we promise it’s worth it! Here, you can pick blueberries and peaches in the summer along with apples in the fall. They also have a country store, where you can purchase coffee, fresh fritters, homemade pies, drinks and much more, depending on the season. Click here for opening information!
Raspberries & Sweet Cherries | Season starts in early July
A famously fun destination in South Lyon, Erwin Orchards offers a you–pick raspberry patch (complete with red and yellow raspberries) as well as a sweet cherries patch—all available for you to peruse and pick. Depending on how early in July you visit, you may also be able to pick fresh asparagus in their asparagus patch! Click here for all the information, 2021 events and more.
Blueberries, Raspberries & Peaches | Season typically begins in early July
Hazen’s Farm has been a family-owned business for over 50 years! They are strictly a you–pick farm offering high–quality blueberries, raspberries and peaches during the warmer months. They also have a fantastic country store where you can purchase homemade gourmet cookies, jellies, jams, syrups and award-winning raw honey! If you can’t make it out to the farm this summer, they also have an online shop where you can purchase all their delicious baked goods. Click here to start shopping and to keep track of their exact 2021 opening dates!
Strawberries & Raspberries | Season starts in mid-June
This berry farm is situated on 40 idyllic acres in Ortonville. But while they have a massive amount of land, they only cultivate 5 acres, as they only grow what they can hand weed. The rest is left natural and sustains the rich population of local wildlife! In addition to a handful of you-pick strawberry, raspberry, tomato and pumpkin patches, they have also cultivated native wildflower and grass species for bees, butterflies and bats.
Strawberries | Season runs through June
Rowe’s Produce has been serving the Ypsilanti area for more than 40 years! In that time, they have grown to have the most acreage dedicated to you-pick strawberries and peas in the state of Michigan. This summer, enjoy picking fresh produce right from the field. Their strawberry and pea season usually runs for 3-4 weeks in June but calling ahead before you visit is always a good idea, just to make sure they are open that day for you-pick. Click here to learn more and for their contact information.
Slow Far mis the only certified organic u-pick farm in Ann Arbor city limits! This season, enjoy picking delicious, vibrant strawberries. They do require everyone to sign up for a timeslot before visiting to help manage traffic, parking and social distancing. You can do that here. Because Slow Farm supports biodiversity in all its dimensions, they have a lot of weeds, insects, butterflies and birds—so you’ll want to be prepared to deal with that aspect of the farm. Click here for a list of recommended supplies and other information—which includes your own reusable container, if possible!
Strawberries | Season is expected to begin in mid-June
Spicer Orchards is a fall destination, offering amazing corn mazes, pumpkin patches, cider and much more. But many don’t know that this Fenton locale is also a destination during the warmer months for strawberries! Visit and spend the day picking your very own berries. After you’ve spent a few hours in the sun, head inside to their farm store where you can purchase jams, jellies, preserves, cider, dressings, fudge and much more. Click here for more information about the 2021 season!
Strawberries & Cherries | Season typically begins mid-June
Verellen Orchards has been serving the metro-Detroit area for more than 100 years! Located in Washington, this family farm is dedicated to offering the freshest fruits and vegetables and family fun in the area. This year, you can pick fresh strawberries and cherries in the you-pick portion of their farm starting in June. They recommend calling ahead to make sure their you-pick areas are open before visiting. Click here for more information.
Cherries, Gooseberries & Raspberries | Season opening TBA
For many years, Wasem Fruit Farm has been one of our favorite places for fresh produce, great donuts and fall fun in the Ann Arbor area. Due to a small crop this year, they may have to suspend their you-pick for a while. We recommend following their Facebook page for updates and for information on weekly donut specials!
Strawberries, Cherries & Raspberries | Season begins in June and ends on Labor Day weekend)
Photo courtesy of Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm
Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm in Washington offers more than 188 acres of land for you and your family to explore! Enjoy picking high–quality berries, perusing their farm market, tasting locally made wine and hard cider, and so much more. Click here for all the you-pick information and updates.
We are berry excited about berry season!
Have you ever gone berry picking in the area? Let us know all about your experience or why you’re excited to go for the first time in the comments below!
