Guide to Strawberry Picking in Michigan
Support local U-pick farms for the freshest Michigan strawberries
Michigan strawberry picking is a favorite activity for children in summer.
Sunny, blue skies and rows of luscious red strawberries waiting to be picked is the perfect start to summer. Early to Mid-June kicks off strawberry picking in Michigan. The season usually only last for three weeks, so don’t wait. Head out to pick some delicious strawberries and support your local u-pick farms. We love choosing Michigan farms that are family owned and operated. To help make choosing a farm easier, we’ve included an interactive strawberry U-pick farms map for Southwest Michigan, Southeast Michigan and Northern Michigan areas.
When and Where to Pick
The picking season varies from year to year based on the weather, so always call ahead to inquire of the current picking conditions and availability. Strawberries usually begin to ripen in early June, so check frequently with your local U-pick farm for when they’re ripe. If you cannot find a u-pick farm nearby check out pick your own for an even more extensive list. Several farms are highlighted below with a detailed post. Check out this user friendly map created by Wanderlog to find a local U-Pick farm, perfect for your family.
Southwest Michigan U-Pick Farms
9191 West Main Street Kalamazoo, MI 49009
We just visited Husteds this summer. If you want additional details read about our personal experience here.
2651 15 Mile Rd, Tekonsha, MI 49092
U-pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and aspargus.
61077 41st Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079
8335 Smith Road Berrien Center, MI 49102
Organic U-pick and pre-picked blueberries, strawberries, apples, donuts and ciders.
12147 Corey Lake Rd, Three Rivers, MI 49093
In the past we have visited this nearby U-pick farm, here are all the details.
5723 Port Sheldon, Hudsonville MI 49426
60139 Co Rd 652, Mattawan, MI 49071
only pre-picked strawberries/ pre-order
U-pick seasonal produce including blueberries, peaches, grapes, and apples, and already picked strawberries, cherries and pumpkins. Market has baked goods, pies, distilled beers and ciders.
72 Maynard NW, Grand Rapids, MI 490504
Strawberries, peaches, plums, and cherries and apples, as well as corn and vegetables.
5118 Hollywood Rd, St Joseph, MI 49085
Only Strawberries
7200 112th Ave, Holland, MI 49424
U-pick strawberries and u-cut flowers; a variety of seasonal produce.
3025 Rd Mile Rd NW Grand Rapids MI 49544
U-pick fruits and veggies in season including asparagus, strawberries, sweet & tart cherries, apples and pumpkins.
11262 S Tallma Rd, Eagle, MI 48822
Only Strawberries
Southeast Michigan U-Pick Farms
10411 Clyde Rd., Fenton, MI 48430
17985 Armada Center Rd. Armada, MI 48005
come out for the Berry Bliss Celebration June 24-25
63260 Van Dyke Rd. Washington, MI 48059
Dierderichs Berry & Produce Farm
3537 Morrice Rd, Webberville, MI
6724 Todd Rd. Ida, MI 48140
10570 Martz Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48197
4700 Whitmore Lake Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
*organic farm
Northern Michigan U-Pick Farms
1150 Salina Rd. Lachine, MI 49753
3441 S Morton Rd. Ludington, MI 49431
Only U-Pick Apples, Cherries, Peaches, and Raspberries
1472 Nelson Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
*only blueberries, apples, and peaches. Fresh homemade Ice Cream, made with fresh local fruit.
10743 US-31, Ellsworth, MI 49729
U-pick strawberries, sweet cherries and apples
9918 Healy Lake Road Kaleva, MI 49645
11122 US Highway 31 S. Williamsburg, MI 49690
6323 State Rd, Vassar, MI 48768
Strawberry Jamboree June 18 & 19
7603 Love Rd., Benzonia, MI 49616
Check out these Instagram video for tips while strawberry picking! Follow Discovering.anew on Instagram for more Michigan content.
TIPS: Before You Go Strawberry Picking
Pick only the firmest, red berries since strawberries do not ripen after they are picked. Make sure to search underneath the foliage where some of the best berries are hidden.
Protection Bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottle while picking.
Breathable containers Start collecting containers the month prior or call ahead to see if your local farm provides containers. Strawberries bruise easily so avoid stacking them too deep.
Clothing Strawberry juices easily stain clothes so wear dark clothing. If you go early in the morning, wear boots because it can be wet and muddy.
Bring Cash Some farms are cash only so plan ahead or call to check payment methods.
Expand Your Experience
Our favorite children’s board book for babies and toddlers is The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don Wood. For anyone with younger children this book is adorable, cleverly written and I guarantee you will actually enjoy reading it again and again. Here are some strawberry craft, snack, and activity ideas inspired by this beloved book to expand your experience.
Storing Strawberries
There are many different types of ways to store strawberries. In general refrigerated strawberries last 1-2 weeks. Frozen strawberries will last 12 months in the freezer. Check out this detailed post for the Best Storage Method comparing six different popular strawberry storing methods. Whichever one you chose, first sort the berries and pull out any moldy or bruised fruit. Berries absorb water, so waiting to rinse berries until right before you’re ready to eat is ideal.
Strawberry Recipes
Strawberry pretzel dessert is the perfect summer dessert.
Alright, so now that your counter tops are overflowing with delicious ripe strawberries, what will you do with all this fresh fruit. Here is a collection of our favorite Strawberry inspired recipes.
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert- My favorite summer dessert pairing sweet and salty! Strawberries, Jell-O, cool whip and pretzels….so yummy! My husband has perfected this recipe. Make sure to double the pretzel crust and chill each layer to help them stay separated. This recipe just screams summertime!
Strawberry Freezer Jam – I’ve been using this recipe for years with Pamona Pectin for a healthier version with less sugar. Kids will love having fresh freezer jam to use on toast, ice cream, and on peanut butter and jelly all year long.
Final Thoughts
What local U-pick farm are you planning to visit this year? I hope that you can make this a family tradition in your family each year.
We also look forward to July every year to go blueberry picking. Plan ahead with the Ultimate Guide for Southwest Michigan Blueberry Picking Farms. Make sure to pin and save for later. Follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan adventures, camping reviews and Michigan Day Trips.
Happy Picking!
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Start your summer off right with this FREE printable Summer Bucket List Coloring Page Printable. Children will love to color these pictures as they complete all the fun summer activities with their family. We’ve rounded up all the best kid activity ideas that make summer memorable from visiting the zoo and building sand castles to picking berries and watching fireworks.