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

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

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

Antrim County

• Farmer White's - Sweet and tart cherries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, pears, plums, 30 varieties of apples, pumpkins, gourds
  11373 U.S. 31, Williamsburg, MI 49690. Phone: 231-632-1500. Email: farmerwhite624@hotmail.com. Open: Staffed farm stand 8 am to 8 p. Directions: 11373 US 31, two miles south of Elk Rapids on the east side of the road. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Farmer White's Facebook page. or 231-264-5313. Email . Also, frozen pitted tart cherries including new varieties Gingergold and Honeycrisp, sweet corn, garden vegetables, pumpkins, gourds, dried cherries, cherry concentrate, jams, jellies, and unpasteurized apple cider. Integrated Pest Mgmt. m. July-Aug.; 9 am.-6 p.m. Sept.-November 1. Some u-pick; call ahead for availability.
• 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 8:00 am to 6:00 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.
• 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 Thanksgiving. 2 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.
• Traverse Bay Farms - raspberries (red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), gift shop, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food
  7053 M-88 South, Bellaire, MI 49615. Phone: 877-746-7477. Open: hours, days and dates. Directions: Located three miles south of the Village of Bellaire on M-88. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Traverse Bay Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 231-533-8788. Indoor marketing open year - round; Closed on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Day. Click here for current open Picking updates: Click here for picking updates.

Benzie County

• Putney's You pick berry - red raspberries, black raspberries, yellow raspberries, and purple raspberries, blackberries, saskatoons, rhubarb, black and red currants, gooseberries; u-pick vegetables.
  7603 Love Road, Benzonia, MI 49616. Phone: 231-882-9853. Open: Every day, Sunlight hours; 9 am to 6 pm on Monday to Saturday and from 9 am to 1 pm on Sunday from mid-June or as weather permits, until first snow. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 231-882-5691. One mile south of stop light in Benzonia on US-31: turn east on Love Road, go .5 mile to top of hill, berry patch on the right.
• U-pick - asparagus, blackberries, grapes, herbs or spices, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), saskatoons, Other fruit or veg, U-pick and already picked, farm market
  1001 Eden Hill, Beulah, MI 49617. Phone: 231-871-0920. Email: ridega40@yahoo.com. Open: Saturday through Monday in other words, 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 231-633-9728. . Saturday through Monday (in other words, 7 days a week) from 8 am to 8 pm. Typical dates: Strawberries usually start June 15, red rasppberries June 25; Saskatoons mid July, Asparagus May through June 15, elephant garlic in late August through September. No children under 12 in the strawberry fields, NO EXCEPTIONS, Pplese: children cause too much damage, so we strictly enforce this, please respect our property. (UPDATED: June 13, 2016, V) (ADDED: March 22, 2015)

Charlevoix County

• Best Farm - U-pick blackberries and raspberries. Also vegetables
  5025 Six Mile Lake Road, Ellsworth, MI 49729. Phone: 231-544-6189. Email: mbest@fbinsmi.com. Open: 9 am to 6 pm, daily. Click here for a map and directions. . Email . 5025 Six Mile Lake Road, three miles southeast of Ellsworth.

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 certification. Farm 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)

• Jacob's Corn Maze, Fruit/Vegetable Market & U-Pick - apples, pears, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), saskatoons, winter squash, tomatoes, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours
  7100 E. Traverse highway (m-72 West), Traverse City, MI 49684. Phone: 231-632-6293. Email: jacobs.corn.maze@charter.net. Open: Saturday, July 16 through Sunday, October 29, 2011 Hours Sunday 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm Mondays 10:00 am to 6:00pm Tuesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Self serve before and after these hours. Directions: We are located 3.5 miles from West Grand Traverse Bay on West M-72. Our farm is on the left, has a big silo, and is 34 of a mile past the big windmill. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Jacob's Corn Maze, Fruit/Vegetable Market & U-Pick Facebook page. . We are located 3.5 miles from West Grand Traverse Bay on West M-72. Our farm is on the left, has a big silo, and is 3/4 of a mile past the big windmill. Saskatoons available for U-Pick Saturday, July 9 through Sunday, July 17; Frozen Saskatoons available after that until they sell out; Raspberries available for U-Pick Tuesday, July 12 through mid-August, 2011; Frozen Raspberries available after that until they sell out. We have our very own Horticulturist/Educator on-site. He is available to teach to any group. School groups love him!.
• Shangri-la Too - apples, cherries, raspberries (red),
  12602 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686. Phone: 231-499-0106. Email: santucci.louis@gmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021, There are reports they have closed; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were every day during the harvest from 9 am until dark. Directions: Located on center road which is M37 north. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . We are . We are 7 miles down the peninsula. Right after Chateau grand Traverse winery we are the first big white house on the right if going north. We have a large fruit stand out front with two cherries on each side. Strawberries are sold from mid June to mid July; Raspberries are from Mid July through August; Apples from October through November; Check on all fruit. pick your own cherries, raspberries and apples.

Leelanau County

• Alpers Berry Farm - raspberries.
  Setterbo Road, Suttons Bay, MI . Phone: 231-271-6656. Click here for a map and directions. . Alper's has U-pick or they pick Season varies, mid-July - mid-Aug. U-pick, seven days a week, 10 am to 6 p.m. We pick, Monday to Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Call ahead for we pick. 2 miles N of Suttons Bay on M-22, 1 mile W on Setterbo Road on the right side of the road. Approx. 8 miles N of Traverse City.
• Westover Market - blueberries, black and red raspberries, gooseberries, pumpkins
  Burdickville Road, Maple City, MI . Phone: 231-228-5514. Open: mid April-October 31, Monday to Sun. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick/we pick blueberries, black and red raspberries, gooseberries, annuals, perennials, shrubs, maple syrup, jams, pumpkins, vegetables in season and gifts. , 9 am to 6 pm. Take M-72 W out of Traverse City, approx. 13 miles to County Road 667 (Maple City Rd.). Turn right, follow County Road 667 into Maple City. 100 yds. past flashing light, turn left on Burdickville Road (County Road 616) 1/4 mile on the left.

Missaukee County

• Brown's Farms - raspberries (black), U-pick and already picked
  2445 S. Blodgett Road, Lake City, MI 49651. Phone: 231-878-9226. Email: embtreefarm@hotmail.com. Open: First year open; This season by appointment only because of limited supply; Please call between 8 am and 8 pm for an appointment. Directions: From Lake City go south 2 miles, Jennings Road right \(west\) 3 miles, Blodgett Road left \(south\) half mile on left. From Cadillac M55 east about 4 miles to Lachance Road left \(north\) 4 miles to Jennings Road right \(east\) 1 mile to Blodgett Road right \(south\) one half mile on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 231-839-4572. . From Lake City go south 2 miles, Jennings Road right (west) 3 miles, Blodgett Road left (south) half mile on left. From Cadillac M55 east about 4 miles to Lachance Road left (north) 4 miles to Jennings Road right (east) 1 mile to Blodgett Road right (south) one half mile on left. The Jewell of Black Raspberries picked Middle of July to August. We will also have The best sweet corn latter in the season.
• Friends Farm - raspberries (red),
  3728 S. Morey Road, Lake City, MI 49651. Phone: 231-839-8816. Email: friendsministry@yahoo.com. Open: Raspberry U - Pick: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, July 8 to August 3. Directions: 2 12 miles south of Jennings Road , Lake City on M-66 \(Morey Road \). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Friends Farm Facebook page. . Fax: 231-839-4511. . 2 1/2 miles south of Jennings Road , Lake City on M-66 (Morey Road ).

 

Raspberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Raspberries can produce an early summer crop or  a late summer and Fall crop. In the U.S. Spring / Summer raspberries (called florocanes) typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. The primocane varieties, which produce raspberries on shoots that come up each Spring are typically read from August until frost.

In addition to the variety a farm plants, the berries are ready at various times depending the local climate, such as which part of the state you are located. See this page for a list of raspberry festivals around the U.S.

And for those of you from the upper midwest through the west and up to Canada, if you are interested in Thimbleberries, see this page.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - 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 raspberries, 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 raspberries 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 raspberries

1. Raspberry bushes don't have thorns, but they are a pick prickly, so if you want to hold the stem while picking, a pair of lightweight gloves is helpful.

   Raspberries Nutritional Data
   (fresh)

   Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
   Energy	220 kJ (53 kcal)
   Carbohydrates	11.94 g
   Sugars	4.42 g
   Dietary fiber	6.5 g
   Fat	0.65 g
   Protein	1.2 g
   Vitamins
   Thiamine	(3%) 0.032 mg
   Riboflavin2	(3%) 0.038 mg
   Niacin3	(4%) 0.598 mg
   Pantothenic acid5	(7%) 0.329 mg
   Vitamin B6	(4%) 0.055 mg
   Folate9	(5%) 21 μg
   Choline	(3%) 12.3 mg
   Vitamin C	(32%) 26.2 mg
   Vitamin E	(6%) 0.87 mg
   Vitamin K	(7%) 7.8 μg
   Minerals
   Calcium	(3%) 25 mg
   Iron	(5%) 0.69 mg
   Magnesium	(6%) 22 mg
   Manganese	(32%) 0.67 mg
   Phosphorus	(4%) 29 mg
   Potassium	(3%) 151 mg
   Zinc	(4%) 0.42 mg
   Other constituents
   Water	85.8 g
   Units μg = micrograms � mg = milligrams IU = International units
   Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source:

   
   
2. A ripe raspberry is deep color with a plump, soft but firm feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. The center will remain on the plant. Keep in mind, raspberries come in many colors: red, yellow, black, purple, so you want to pick the darker shade of whichever it is.
3. Pick only the berries that are fully ripe. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
4. I find it helps to hold the stem with one hand, while picking with the other.
5. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down. Ideally, the collection containers should be wide so the pberries aren't more than a few deep.
7. Pick berries into a shallow container. If they get piled too deep they will crush each other.
8. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight 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.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. DO refrigerate! Right after picking, place raspberries in the fridge. If your fridge tends to dry out produce, lightly cover the container.
3. Raspberries don't store for very long, usually just a few days. The reason the ones from the grocery store last longer is they are covered with fungicides!
4. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
5. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash  off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) raspberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the raspberries (while they are in the fridge)!
6. Even under ideal conditions raspberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
7. See this page for illustrated freezing instructions.

Raspberry Recipes

1. Now, get ready to make raspberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
   raspberry jam directions - very easy! or for a jam with a little kick, try raspberry chipotle jam
2. And if you want to freeze them to use later, see my How to freeze berries page.
3. You can also make your own raspberry vinaigrette,
4. See this page for an easy recipe to make raspberry chipotle sauce

 

Raspberry Facts

• Raspberries are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
• Raspberries contain more vitamin C than oranges, are super high in fibre, lhave a good amount of folic acid, are high in potassium, vitamin A and calcium.
• The USDA says 1 cup of raspberries has about 62 calories.
• 11 cup of raspberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
• An average raspberry has 100 to 120 seeds.
• Select plump, firm, fully raspberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• Raspberries belong to a large group of fruits known as brambles, such as blackberries, in the plant genus Rubus.
• Raspberries come in red, yellow, orange, purple and black colors.
• Yellow raspberries are red raspberries that don't make red pigment.)
• In most areas, raspberries begin to bloom in late May or early June.
• Bumblebees, honeybees, and other wild bees love to visit brambles.
• 60-70 pints of fruits can be harvested from 100 feet row.
  Raspberries can be harvested from early summer through fall, usually right up until a freeze
• The United States is the world's third-largest producer of raspberries (FAOSTAT, 2013).
• Production occurs across much of the country, although most of it is concentrated in California, Oregon and Washington. California leads the nation in both black and red raspberry production (NASS, 2015).
• According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the United States has 8,052 raspberry farms totaling 23,104 acres (Census of Ag, USDA, 2012).
• U-pick raspberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/4 pounds of fresh berries.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as raspberries 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 go to a raspberry festival? See this page for a list!

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