Find a local pick your own farm here!

Apple And Pumpkin U-Pick Orchards in Northeast Michigan in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for apples and pumpkins that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have apples and pumpkins 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.

Alcona County

  • Quaker Hill Farm - apples, grapes, herbs\\/spices, other berries, pears, pumpkins, rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, and prepicked produce, gift shop, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
    P.O. Box 10, Harrisville, MI 48740. Phone: 989-736-6583. Email: quakerfarm@gmail.com. Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm No Sunday Sales We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in March, May, June, July, August, September, October. is a Certified Naturally Grown farm and specialize in in raising heritage breed livestock and heirloom variety produce. We sell lamb, wool, milk-based soaps, free-range eggs, ducks, rabbits, chickens, dairy goats and more. We feature online children's stories about life on a farm, it is a free educational resource: Quaker Anne's Children's Stories We offer Simple Living Skills workshops, cooking classes and scheduled Farm Tea afternoons. Farm shoppe open June through November - visits by appointment only. (UPDATED: May 10, 2015, JBS)

 

Pumpkin

Pumpkin Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Do you want it for a party, decoration or eating?

For a wedding or party:

See this page: Finding pumpkins for weddings

Decoration to paint or carve:

OK, Then you need only look for any pumpkin that is
  • visually appealing, evenly a deep orange. The shape is just whatever appeals to you. If it grew on its side and has a flat spot, you can either make that the make or use it as part of your design!
  • free from cuts, soft spots, bruises. The flesh should feel hard, and not give easily. Infections can invade easily and cause rot
  • Make sure the stem is attached.

Store it carefully, especially if you pick it from the vine yourself. Cure a fresh-picked pumpkin by keeping it in a dry place. Don't handle or disturb it. Curing toughens the rind, making it less prone to rot. Pumpkins will keep for months in a cool (50 F to 65F dry, low humidity environment; such as a cool, dry basement.

Tip: If you like roasted or baked pumpkin seeds, you can save the seeds from any pumpkin!

To make a pumpkin pie!

Then you need a small, sweet type of pumpkin that has been developed for eating. They are smaller, typically about 8" to 10" diameter. The meat is much less stringy and smoother than a decorative pumpkin variety. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and potassium. One-half cup of cooked pumpkin provides more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains only 81 calories. It's low in fat and sodium! Usually you can get these at the grocery store, and some of the pumpkin patches and farm stands have them. Be sure to tell them that you intend to use it for a pumpkin pie. Again, look for firm, no soft spots, or signs of any rot. See this page for easy, illustrated directions to make a pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin!

Varieties of Pumpkins

  • Sugar - Excellent for baking
  • Jack O'Lantern - most common for carving
  • White Lumina - unusual, medium-sized white pumpkin
  • Mini - Great for decoration
  • Gourds - Many varieties, used for decorations

For a very complete, detailed list of many varieties of pumpkins and where to get the seeds, see this page!

Want to Grow Your Own Pumpkins?

Then see this page!

Pumpkin recipes

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