U-Pick Farms in the Detroit Metro Area
Story by Michelle Martin
Strawberry and blueberry seasons are a short, but flavorful time in metro Detroit. And whether you stay in the tri-county area or venture out a bit farther, there are plenty of places to pick your own berries.
Strawberry season runs mid-June through early July, and blueberry season is early July through early August. Here are seven places to pick your own strawberries and blueberries this season.
Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill
About an hour north of Detroit, Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill in Armada is known for its U-pick crops – strawberries and blueberries, as well as a variety of other fruits and vegetables. After picking, stop by the cider mill for donuts and other treats, or sip hard cider and enjoy lunch in the tasting room.
Westview Orchards and Winery
Northern Macomb County’s Washington Township is home to Westview Orchards and Winery – whose crops include strawberries. During strawberry season, you can also pick asparagus, sweet cherries and raspberries. There’s also a winery on site.
Blueville Acres Blueberry Farm
Belleville’s Blueville Acres Blueberry Farm has U-pick blueberries in July and August (call ahead for exact dates). In addition to blueberry picking, the farm sells organic farm-fresh eggs, flowers and Idaho pasture pigs.
Verellen Orchards
For more than 100 years, Verellen Orchards in Romeo has grown fruit and vegetables for the local community. And in June, it offers strawberry (and cherry!) picking. If you miss the U-pick season, there’s an opportunity to purchase other orchard-grown produce at the farm.
Outside the Metro Area
Dexter Blueberry Farm
Dexter Blueberry Farm is about an hour from downtown Detroit, just a short drive from Ann Arbor. And true to its name, the farm has lots of blueberries to pick.
Slow Farm
Ann Arbor’s Slow Farm is a woman-owned, certified organic U-pick farm for strawberries. The farm uses no-till practices and avoids pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. The farm also has a community-supported agriculture program – giving members an opportunity to pick up a bag of organic and seasonal produce every Saturday during the summer.
Spicer Orchards
Fenton, located between metro Detroit and Flint, is home to Spicer Orchards – a great place to spend the day picking strawberries and blueberries. The property also has a winery and offers a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year.
