2024 Northwest Michigan Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Northwest Michigan in 2024, by county

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

Not all areas of a state have strawberries farms 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

Antrim County

• Friske Orchards Farm Market - U-pick strawberries, cherries, peaches, and apples
  10743 N. US-31, Ellsworth, MI 49729. Phone: 231-599-2604. Email: info@friske.com. Open: Staffed farm market open 8 am to 6 p. Directions: 10743 N US-31 at Atwood, 10 miles south of Charlevoix just north of C-48 intersection. Cafe, bakery, old fashioned general store, climate-controlled fruit stand, . Click here for a map and directions.
  Friske Orchards Farm Market Facebook page. . Email m. Monday to Saturday, year round. 8 am to 7 p.m. July-Labor DayChristmas room, Country Haus gift and home December or shop. Orchard playland and barnyard animals. Monthly special events. Also prepicked Asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, sweet and tart cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, raspberries, apples, cider, cherry juice and concentrate, dried fruits, jams, jellies, butters, syrups, and honeyU-PICK APPLES Starts Saturday in mid September; Macintosh and Honeycrisp only; then Gala and Ida Red to start later towards end of September.Integrated Pest Mgmt. (UPDATED: September 20, 2019, JBS)
• Guntzviller's Berry Farm - raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (black), strawberries, gift shop
  11122 US 31 South, Elk Rapids, MI 49629. Phone: (231) 264-9575. Open: Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm; Closed Sundays. Directions: Two miles south of Elk Rapids on US-31 or 16 miles north of Traverse City. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Guntzviller's Berry Farm Alternate Phone: (231) 264-5109 Strawberries are usually available from June 15 TO July 20, Raspberries from July 10 TO August 15
• Kalchik Farms - strawberries,
  8659 Bellaire Hwy, Bellaire, MI 48615. Phone: 231-590-7803. Email: sylvias@valkyrie.net. Open: Starting mid-June through the end of June or possibly longer 7 days a week from 8 am to 12 pm, and 5 pm to 8 pm; Call for additional hours by chance. Directions: For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Starting mid-June through the end of June (or possibly longer) 7 days a week from 8 am to 12 pm, and 5 pm to 8 pm; Call for additional hours by chance (UPDATED: May 09, 2018, JBS) (UPDATED: June 30, 2016) (ADDED: June 23, 2016)
• King Orchards - sweet and tart cherries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, apricots, nectarines, apples
  4620 N M-88, Central Lake, MI . Phone: 877-937-5464. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick sweet and tart cherries (we pit too.) U-pick peaches, apricots, nectarines, apples, tart cherry juice concentrate, sweet corn, fruits and vegetables in season and unpasteurized cider. Opening with strawberries in June, Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 p.m. Sun. 12-6 p.m. through Thanksgiving2 locations: 1) 9 miles N of Elk Rapids on US-31 and 2) 3-1/2 miles NW of Central Lake on M-88. Our harvest season begins with cherry u-pick and raspberries at the beginning of July and ends with u-pick apples in the fall. We strive to provide the best orchard u-pick experience possible, offering a wide range of u-pick fruit throughout the summer and fall months. At King Orchards, we strive to make a fantastic apple picking experience for everyone. We grow dwarf apple trees and prune them specifically for u-pick apples to make it easy for people of all ages to pick. As of 9/19/14, we have Gingerold, McIntosh, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples to pick at our M-88 market. We will have many more varieties as we move into fall. We also have all these apples as well as Bartlett pears and Castelton plums available in both of our farm markets. Our 2nds on apples are slowly coming in and will be abundant in the next few weeks. We also will have Stanley prune plums coming soon. U-pick raspberries are at their peak in the fall. Both of our markets offer pick your own raspberries. They are great for freezing this time of the year- just lay out on a cookie sheet or put in a baggy in a single layer for individually frozen raspberries.

Emmet County

• Pond Hill Farm - raspberries, strawberries, prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  5581 S Lake Shore Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. Phone: 231-526-FARM. Email: pondhillfarmstore@gmail.com. Open: every day year round 8am to 6pm. Directions: 5 miles north of downtown Harbor Springs on M119. 1 mile past Birchwood Golf and Country Club. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Crops are usually available in June, July We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certificationFarm Raised Meats- beef, pork, and lamb. Homemade Canned Goods - Salsa, jams, pepper jelly, relishes, sauces, dressings, marinara, and more! Shoot the squash rocket and feed the farm animals and fish!

Grand Traverse County (including Old Mission Peninsula)

• Franco Farms - strawberries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
  5751 Hannah Road, Kindsley, MI 49649. Phone: (231) 631-5453. Email: jessefrancofarm@gmail.com. Open: 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Sunday, seven days a week. Directions: From Chums Corners head south on U.S. 37 until you get to the top of Youker hill. Turn left on Red School Road and continue to the farm. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates The month of Juneoffers U-Pick and We-Pick strawberries during strawberry season. We have been in business for over 50 years and love having people visit. We are also kid friendly so bring the whole family. We also offer first and second cutting of hay. (ADDED: May 22, 2022)

Leelanau County

• Leabo Farms - strawberries
  M-204, Suttons Bay, MI . Phone: 231-271-3596. Open: June-Nov; Monday to Friday, 7 am to 11 pm, Sunday and Saturday 7am-10 pm. Click here for a map and directions. M-22 through Suttons Bay turn W. on M-204. A self serve fruit stand between Suttons and Lake Leelanau on M-204 1-one half miles from Suttons Bay and about 2 miles from Lake Leelanau.

Manistee County

• Calvin Lutz Farms - cherries, strawberries
  8576 Chief Road, Kakeva, MI 49645. Phone: 231-889-5594. Email: fhaven@t-one.net. Open: May 10am to 5 pm Monday thru Saturday June thru October 8am to 6pm Monday thru Saturday - 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Directions: US 31, 14 miles north of Manistee, Michigan. go east on 9 mile road to Chief road, 3 miles, go south on Chief road 12 mile to farm on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Fax: 231-889-5845 US 31, 14 miles north of Manistee, Michigan. go east on 9 mile road to Chief road, 3 miles, go south on Chief road 1/2 mile to farm on rightAsparagus May to June, Strawberries June to July, Sweet cherries July to August, Peaches August, Garden vegetables August to October, Pumpkins Squash October, Christmas trees and Wreaths November to DecemberThe ONLY pyo crops offered are Strawberries, Sweet Cherries. (UPDATED: May 23, 2016)
• Grossnickle Farms - strawberries
  9918 Healy Lake Road, Kaleva, MI 49645. Phone: 231-362-3796. Email: info@grossnicklefarms.com. Open: May-Oct; Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6pm; Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm. Directions: We are located a miles N. of Kaleva on Healy Lake Road. . Click here for a map and directions. . Our season opens in May and continues on into October. We start with prepicked Asparagus in May and end with pumpkins in October. In between we have u-pick , and pre-picked raspberries and pre-picked blueberries and prepicked sweet corn, green beans and a large selection of fresh garden vegetables
  Comments from a visitor on August 09, 2012: "I called this farm about going to pick raspberries and blueberries and they DO NOT have u-pick, only pre-picked. I called them July 2012."
• Urka Farms Strawberries - strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available
  7305 South M37, Brethren, MI 49619. Phone: 231-477-5537. Email: urka@kaltelnet.net. Open: Sunday to Saturday, from 8 am to 8 pm, normally Mid June to early July. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Urka Farms Strawberries Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 231-263-4507 Please please please try to remember to bring containers to dump your berries in after you pick them with our boxes. We are running out of boxes we provide. (UPDATED: June 29, 2019, JBS)

Missaukee County

• In Law Farms - strawberries, porta-potties are available
  7742 S Lucas Road, McBain, MI 49657. Phone: 231 775 4492. Email: krschierbeek@yahoo.com. Open: 8 am to noon Monday to Saturday. Directions: Call for directions. Payment: Cash, Check. We are now taking orders for early June harvest \(call 7:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday\). Our roadside stand will be . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. We are now taking orders for early June harvest (call 7:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday). Our roadside stand will be opening at harvest time (June 1st-ish). Order pick up time is Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm; closed Sunday. "Many Blessings" is the name of our dairy farm milking with 900 plus cows! (UPDATED: May 10, 2013, JBS)

 

Strawberry

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S. strawberries typically peak during April in Florida and Texas, May in the deep South, and in early June in middle sections and later June in the far North and Canada. Keep in mind that crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part of the state you are located. In order to produce good local strawberries, producers depend on ideal spring weather conditions. 

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries 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 strawberries, 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 strawberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
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.

Tips on How to Pick Strawberries

1. Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.

2. With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.

3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. 

4. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.

5. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick strawberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Be careful that your feet and knees do not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
   
2. Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
   
3. To help the farmers, also remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. If they are left in the plants, the rot will quickly spread to other berries.
   
4. Berries to be used immediately may be picked any time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked during the heat of the day become soft, are easily bruised and will not keep well.
   
5. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.
   
6. For interesting and fun strawberry facts and trivia from the California Strawberry Commission, click here!

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
3. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) See this page about how to freeze strawberries.
4. If you like the strawberries you picked, ask the farm what variety they planted, and not the weather conditions the week or two before. The flavor of a strawberry is affected by the variety, the weather and the degree of ripeness when picked.
5. Now, get ready to make strawberry jam. It is VERY easy - especially with our free strawberry jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy.

Strawberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Strawberries

• How to freeze strawberries!
• Strawberry jam (with pectin) (uses less sugar or honey and less cooking)
• Strawberry jam (without pectin) (requires much more sugar and cooking)
• Strawberry (and other berry) jams without sugar
• Strawberry jelly
• Strawberry-rhubarb jam!
• Homemade strawberry ice cream (regular, low fat, nonfat, low sugar, vanilla and even gelato)
• Canning strawberries
• Make gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries
• How to make fruit juice -  strawberry and other berries
• Strawberry pie filling
• Strawberry pie
• Easy Rhubarb-Strawberry pie
• Fig-strawberry jam
• Fig-strawberry jam, made with Jello gelatin

Strawberry Facts, Measurements and Tips

• Picking the best strawberries: Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue ripen after they are picked! In the photo, only the berry on the far right is completely ripe.
• Strawberry festivals: Most areas that grow strawberries have a strawberry festival, at which you can taste all kinds of fresh strawberry foods, pies, jams, cakes - and most commonly, fresh strawberry shortcake.  To find out where and when there is one near you, see this page for a list of strawberry festivals, sorted by state!
• Strawberries measurements: government agriculture websites tell us that
  1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and
  1 quart of fresh strawberries weighs 1 lbs to 1.25 lbs (or 450 to 600 g). Of course, the weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 
  1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings, although I'll admit my son can eat 1 pint by himself!
• How much to pick? In general, 1 quart of fresh, whole, just-picked strawberries = approximately 3.5 cups hulled, whole berries. In other words, removing the caps/hulls and the occasional mushy berry means you lose 1/4 cup to 1/2 (it depends how much fruit you remove with the hull) or about 7 to 12% of every quart you pick.
• One cup of strawberries contains only about 50 calories
• U-pick strawberries are much healthier than store-bought.  Consumer reports says store bought strawberries have so many pesticide and fungicide residues on they, that they don't recommend you eat them at all!
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. 1 lbs of fresh strawberries is about 2/3 of a quart.
• It takes about  10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries are reasonably plentiful
• The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds through plastic mulch!
• Cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the 1300's, but the berry only became very popular in the early 1900's in California.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as strawberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
• Want to grow your own strawberries?  Here's an article about how to: Strawberries are an Excellent Fruit for the Home Garden, HYG-1424-98!
• See this page for many more fun and interesting strawberry facts, nutritional information and trivia

Other weird strawberry facts

• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
• Strawberries were originally called strewberries because the fruit was 'strewn' amongst the leaves of the plant.
• California is king of strawberry productions because: California produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops; one billion pounds of strawberries each year.  If all the strawberries produced in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around the world 15 times. Each acre of land in California in strawberry production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually, with a total of 23,000 acres of strawberries planted in California each year.

More conversions

1 pint (2 cups)  of fresh whole strawberries

• = about 8 oz (1/2 lb) of strawberries
• = 2.25 cups of sliced strawberries
• = 1 cup pureed strawberries
• = 12-14 large strawberries

2 quarts of fresh strawberries are needed for a 9" pie

A 10 oz package of frozen berries is about the same as 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries

References:

• University of Illinois Extension
• Driscolls
• Ohio State University Extension
• Strawberries-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

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