2024 West-Central Michigan Peach U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Peach U-Pick Orchards in West-Central Michigan in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for peaches that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have peaches orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Ionia County

• Hanulcik Pick Your Own Apple Orchard - apples, strawberries, raspberries, peaches
  740 Dildine Road, Ionia, MI 48846. Phone: (616) 527-3630. Email: hanulcikfarm@gmail.com. Open: Dates and hours of operation vary, please visit our website or Facebook page for info. Directions:. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, WIC Vouchers.
  Hanulcik Pick Your Own Apple Orchard Facebook page. Dates and hours of operation vary, please visit our website or Facebook page for info Click here for a map and directionsPayment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, WIC Vouchers Facebook pageApple season runs from mid September through October;We use integrated pest management practicesThis third generation family farm pick-your-own apple orchard is open on SELECTED WEEKENDS only during harvest timesDates and hours of operation vary during the seasonThe pick your own apple orchard is located only about 1/4 of a mile WEST of our farm market location on State RoadOur apple orchard at 740 Dildine Road is located on the ORIGINAL Hanulcik Farm started in 1936We grow over 12 apple varieties; including HoneyCrisp, Gala, and the hard to find heirloom variety NORTHERN SPY appleApple season runs from mid-September through OctoberWe’re OPEN SEASONALLY June-November:- SEPTEMBER: APPLE & RASPBERRY season- SEPT.-NOV: APPLE, SQUASH, and PUMPKINS.- JULY-SEPT: PEACH, STONE FRUIT & PEARS.- JULY-AUGUST: SUNFLOWER season.- MID-JUNE-JULY: STRAWBERRY SEASON.(UPDATED: August 12, 2021)
• KlineKrest Certified Organic Produce - Certified Organic, apples, aronia berries, Asian Pears, blueberries, cherries, gooseberries, other berries, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, tayberries, Other fruit or veg, U-pick and already picked
  1067 Somers Road, Lyons, MI 48851. Phone: (616) 902-1587. Email: LarryEKlines@gmail.com. Directions: From M66 in Ionia, go to Riverside Drive, then East to Somers Road. Turn South, and go .2 mile to KlineKrest Pvt Road. \(On east side of Somers Road\). Follow Pvt road to bottom of hill. Appointments required. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. UPDATE for 2021, Their website is gone and there's nothing else about them that is current on the internet - I presume they have closed. Does anyone have current information? If so, please write me. Monday to Friday at 9 am June 1 thru November 14 ? Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at either Ionia or Portland, MI CSA Farmers Market; Appointments required.From M66 in Ionia, go to Riverside Drive, then East to Somers Road. Turn South, and go .2 mile to KlineKrest Pvt Road. (On east side of Somers Road). Follow Pvt road to bottom of hill. Appointments requiredSee our home page for approximate monthly harvest dates; Current prices are listed on our website; Appointments are required; Call first;. We are certified organic for all crops! Appointments are required. Many unusual small fruits and berries. 45 varieties of Culinary, Medicinal, Native herbs. (ADDED: June 06, 2020)

Kent County

• Blok Orchard - Blueberries, peaches, apples, raspberries, blackberries
  6365 4-Mile Road, NE Ada, MI 49301. Phone: 616-676-1153. Open: July to December, Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5:30pm. Click here for a map and directions. E Beltline to Knapp, E 4-1/2 mi. to Egypt Valley, N to 6365 4-Mile Road. Many varieties of apples, peaches, nectarines, also many vegetables, pumpkins, melons, mums, & u-pick blueberries. GPS: 43.030088, -85.512738. We have Honeycrisp and many other varieties of good quality apples. We grow Red Haven and Flaming Fury Peaches. We have some blueberries and cherries for U-pick. We also grow many varieties of vegetableshas: 45 acres of apple trees, 3 acres of peach trees, 1/2 acre of blueberries and 1/2 acre of cherries.
• Grange Fruit Farm - apples, cherries, peaches, pumpkins,
  10724 Grange Ave, Rockford, MI 49341. Phone: 616-862-5408. Email: info@grangefruit.com. Open: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Directions: Corner of 13mile and Grange Ave. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Find use on Facebook for up to date. U-Pick HONEYCRISP and picked GALA, FUJI, JONAGOLD apples. Also fruit blossom honey, local maple syrup. Pre-picked also available. PUMPKINS! please call or check Facebook. - update for current in season produce. Produce changes weekly. LAST DAY OF SEASON OCTOBER 20 . (UPDATED: September 19, 2019, JBS)
• Summersweet Orchard - apples, peaches, pears
  1889 92nd Street, Caledonia, MI 49316. Phone: 616-698-7134. Email: dutcher7@msn.com. Open: Peaches available mid - August to approximately first week of September; Apples approximately Sept 5 through October 10; Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, closed on Sunday. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Summersweet Orchard s has a wide variety of fruits that consist of Yellow Peaches, Pears, Apples which include ( Gala, Fuji, Jonagold, Suncrisp, Cortland, and the famous Honeycrisp) (UPDATED: September 19, 2019, JBS)

Mason County

• Christofferson Farms - apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, pears, peaches, plums, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), U-pick and already picked
  3441 South Morton Road, Ludington, MI 49431. Phone: 231-845-5831. Email: hattrickred@gmail.com. Open: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: From the city of Ludington: Head south on the Old PM Highway to Chauvez Road. Turn left \(east\) on Chauvez Road, and follow it to Morton Road, approximately 2 miles. Turn right \(south\) on Morton Road. We are the second house on your right \(west side\), a large brick house with black shutters. Go up the driveway and park. Honk the horn if no one comes out - we are probably out in the orchards. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Christofferson Farms Alternate Phone: 231-233-5281 From the city of Ludington: Head south on the Old PM Highway to Chauvez Road. Turn left (east) on Chauvez Road, and follow it to Morton Road, approximately 2 miles. Turn right (south) on Morton Road. We are the second house on your right (west side), a large brick house with black shutters. Go up the driveway and park. Honk the horn if no one comes out - we are probably out in the orchardsPlease call for specific availability of varietiesIf you would like to visit the farm outside of our normal business hours, please call to make other arrangements. For more specific information on varieties and types of fruit available, please call us and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Ottawa County

• DK Orchards - apricots, blueberries, peaches, winter squash, strawberries, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
  18203 - 8th Avenue, Conklin, MI 49403. Phone: 616-899-5400. Email: dkorchards@gmail.com. Open: Fall Hours: M,W,F 9-7pm Sat 9-5pm. Directions: North of I-96 on 8th Avenue about 5 miles. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. the farm's own page says "Hope to see you soon. Please call before coming out - don't rely on the internet because I don't always have a chance to update it".NEW Hours: Mid June - Labor Day: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm; Labor Day - Halloween: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm; Halloween - Christmas: Wednesday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm; After Christmas call for appointment; Always Closed on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday We offer free wagon rides for u-pick. Corn maze for kids 12yrs & younger. A giant chair in front of the old farm house for pictures. Picnic area. Restrooms, Fresh Cider during apple time. No additional fees. Please call ahead for a U-pick schedule. All Apples are Pre-picked; apple varieties: Paula Red, Ginger Gold, Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Jonalicious, Jonagold, Ida Red, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Spigold, Northern Spy, Fuji, Honeycrisp and many more available in the fruit stand already picked. Other Fruit: U-pick strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, raspberries and peaches. We also grow Apricots, Stanley Prunes, Pears, Nectarines and many types of vegetables. (formerly Vince Brown Farms) (UPDATED: September 19, 2019, JBS) A visitor writes on August 26, 2013: "This is regarding the, formally Vince Brown Farms. We go there every year for the tractor ride to the u-pick apples and were very disappointed to discover that they no longer offer U-pick apples. You can only buy them from their front bins. Thought people might want to know. Love your site - very helpful! :)"
  Comments from a visitor on July 13, 2011: "The other comment about them no longer offering u-pick apples is wrong. Only near the end of the season do they stop..I was just there picking raspberries today and she confirmed it.Thanks!
  Comments from a visitor on October 07, 2010: "According to the answering machine, this farm no longer offers u-pick apples. Too bad :( Our family really enjoyed the orchard last year. "
  Comments from a visitor on July 25, 2010: "We visited in Michigan (northwest of Grand Rapids) and had a great time. We were first-timers and the woman there was very helpful and patient. The store there has samples and great produce for sale. The farm is out in farmland and not right off the highway, which made it a nice drive and good for kids to see other farms nearby."

 

Peaches

Peach Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S., Peaches typically peak during late June through July in the South, and July and August in the North. In order to produce good local peaches, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts. If you want to know which are the best varieties of peaches for home canning, see this page!

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Peaches are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for peaches, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Peaches more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.
5. You might want to ask whether the peaches are! There are two major types of peaches: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone peaches and nectarines have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most peach varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone. 

When you get home

1. Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
2. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
3. Even under ideal conditions peaches will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
4. Now, get ready to make Peach jam or canned peaches - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
    - peach jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy and our page on
    - how to make home canned peaches from fresh!
   - Or see here to freeze peaches instead!
   - make your own home canned peach pie filling to use in the winter
5. Here's a great and easy peach pie recipe
   or peach-blueberry pie  or how about
   - peach salsa?
   - Peach chutney
   - Spiced peaches
   - peach butter
   - Peach honey
   - pickled peaches
   - peach syrup
   - peach juice
6. Here are some great and easy peach desert recipes, like easy peach cobbler.
7. If you want more information about the Giant Peach water tower in Gaffney, SC, click here.

Temporary Storage Tips

• Ripe peaches have a creamy or golden undertone and "peachy-sweet" fragrance.
• Peaches should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
• Putting peaches and nectarines in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
• For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
• Store at 33 F to 40 F  and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).

How to tell if the peaches are ripe!

• Attached to the tree: Peaches are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Peaches will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
• Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a peach is. Different peach varieties have differing amounts of red blush in their natural coloring. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red (or a combination). The skin of yellow-fleshed varieties ripens to an orange tint, while the skin of white-fleshed varieties changes from greenish- to yellow-white.
• Softness: unless you like your peaches very firm, pick your peaches with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Peaches at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Peaches won't ripen very much after picking!
• Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!

Tips on How to Pick Peaches

A peach is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a peach gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising.  Grab the peach firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the peach into the basket, but set it in gently!

Marks on the Peachs: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs) bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the peach. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit.  These look like dents in the peaches if the peaches were bitten by a bug when they were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle in the peach. There's nothing wrong with these peaches. They may look funny, but they will taste just as good as blemish-free peaches, and it's better not to have the pesticides!

How much do you need?

Raw measures:

• About 2 medium peaches = 1 cup sliced peaches.
• About 4 medium peaches = 1 cup pureed peach.
• About 3 medium peaches = 1 pound of peaches

Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)

• 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh peaches yields 1 quart canned
• 1 lb of fresh peaches typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced peaches or 2 cups or puree.
• It takes about 5 good sizes peaches or nectarines (or about 10 plums) to fill one quart jar of canned peaches.
• An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh peaches are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
• An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
• 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.

And a visitor contributes this: 6-7 peaches makes about 4 cups puree, so 2-3 peaches make about 2 cups puree. 1 peach equals about 1 cup puree.

Peaches - Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent, Most recent data (2020)

Form	Average retail price *3		Preparation yield factor	Size of a cup equivalent	Unit	Average price per cup equivalent
Fresh *1	$1.72	per pound	0.96	0.342	pounds	$0.61
Canned
Packed in juice *2	$2.02	per pound	1	0.540	pounds	$1.09
Packed in syrup or water *3	$1.81	per pound	0.65	0.441	pounds	$1.23
Frozen	$3.39	per pound	1	0.331	pounds	$1.12
Note 1 - The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) reports that the inedible pit of a peach accounts for 4 percent of the retail weight, implying a preparation yield of 96 percent, when eaten raw.
Note 2 - Consumers are assumed to eat the solid fruit and drink the juice. All contents of the can are edible and count towards an individual's recommended fruit consumption.
Note 3 - The syrup (or water) is discarded prior to consumption. Based on the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED), ERS assumes that 65 percent of the can's gross weight is solid and 35 percent is liquid. The FPED cup equivalent weight for canned fruit is the weight of the solids and not of the liquid medium in which it is packed. The preparation yield factor for canned peaches in the above table does not account for any further preparation that occurs prior to consumption.
Source: USDA, Economic Research Service calculations from 2020 Circana (formerly Information Resources, Inc. [IRI]) OmniMarket Core Outlets (formerly InfoScan) data; the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR), Legacy Release; and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED) 2017–18 as well as the FPED's accompanying Methodology and User Guide.

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Peach pit tips

It's best to remove peach pits before you cook the peaches. Cherry, peach, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, peach and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug See this page for more information&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/laetrile">Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers