Text: R. Collins
Michigan’s fruit belt is quite famous, from its cherry capital and the surrounding rolling vineyards to the asparagus yield that makes this state the number one asparagus producer in the country—not to mention blueberries, apples, and the many other delicacies on constant rotation on Michigan farmlands.
Fruits and veggies from beloved state-wide farms, old and new, fill our farmers markets each season; and maybe most enjoyably, our own u-pick fruit baskets. West Michigan is lucky to host a variety of these pickable destinations—many of which are multigenerational mainstays that are accessible to multiple counties.
Below, we’ve included some farms you’ll want to visit and stay up-to-date with this summer season, whether for u-pick opportunities or the produce they convert into fresh market pickings and baked goods. Before visiting, make sure to get familiar with their picking times, rules, and daily updates, as the dialogue between land and farm changes daily.
Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm
3025 6 Mile Road, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
At Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm in Grand Rapids, there is always something—and typically many things—going on. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities from partaking in an on-site bakery, gift shop, tap room, and eatery, to rounding up ingredients at their fresh produce market. As far as u-picking, this nearly-century-old, fourth generation, family-owned farm offers u-pick asparagus, strawberries, sweet and tart cherries, apples, and pumpkins at varying times of year.
Currently, their cherries, raspberries, and blueberries are in season, with peaches, sweet corn, tomatoes, and apples to come in August. With late summer in sight, the farm has also begun designing their yearly corn maze. Get in contact or visit their Facebook page for frequent updates on availability and hours, which are typically Tuesday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET.
Visser Farms
10791 Blair Street, Zeeland, MI 49464
At Visser Farms, soil quality is key, and the farm takes extra precautions to keep the non-renewable resource in top—and sustainable—shape. The Visser team farms about 20 acres of land in Jenison and more than 250 acres in Zeeland. Fresh items from the farm make their way into local restaurants, caterers, hospitals, schools, and private chefs regularly.
The farm offers produce like radishes, dill, shallots, onions, sweet corn, and summer squash—which are in season until the end of the summer. Though it’s u-pick berry shack is closed for the rest of the year, Visser fans can still find plenty of the farm’s produce at markets like the Ada, Fulton Street, Grand Haven, and Holland Farmer’s Markets.
Take a look at their Facebook page for updates. The farm is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, and it is closed during the weekend.
Blok Orchard
6365 4 Mile Rd NE, Ada, MI 49301
It’s blueberry and red currant u-pick time at Blok Orchard. Fruits and vegetables from the Ada farm are picked daily for maximum freshness, whether by farm fans or Blok staff. The orchard is home to approximately 45 acres of apple trees with more land dedicated to growing peaches, blueberries, and cherries.
It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Saturday, but be sure to check their Facebook page for updates.
Moelker Orchards & Farm Market
9265 Kenowa Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Another seasoned family farm offering a fresh market and u-pick opportunities is Moelker Orchards & Farm Market. The more-than-century-old farm grows and sells a wide variety of tree fruits including cherries, apples, peaches, pears, and plums. They also sell fresh fruit through their on-site market, which will open once more during the main season in August.
Though u-pick cherries have ended for the season at Moelker Orchards, you can look forward to their u-pick pumpkin patch and browse their fresh fruits, jams, salsas, and Old Bell Bakery in the meantime, where you can find a variety of handmade pies, apple dumplings, and crisps available from August through December.
Visit their website for informational pages on different fruit varieties and how to pick them, and stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates on how to interact with the orchard now that u-pick sweet cherry season has concluded.
DeLange’s Redberry Farm
5723 Port Sheldon St, Hudsonville, MI 49426
You can get a fresh fix of DeLange’s Redberry Farm’s strawberry season at their daily farm market, with sizes ranging from a quart to 8-quart flat. Next up, prepare for raspberry picking, which is available from mid-August through October, with already-picked berries available at the market. The market also hosts a variety of harvested items throughout the year, like rhubarb in the spring, honey and strawberries in the summer, and pumpkins, apples, honey, and picked fruits in the fall—with fresh eggs available each season.
The market opens again in early August with strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, jam, pectin, and honey for the taking. Check their Facebook page for August opening dates; you’ll want to partake in their late harvest.
Krupp Farms
8025 Krupp Ave NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
It seems like there’s always something to do at this fourth-generation, centennial farm located just north of Grand Rapids. From buying or picking berries to an on-site petting zoo, playground, and ice cream shop, fans of the farm can find a variety of summer activities at this u-pick destination.
Red raspberries are now available for u-picking at Krupp Farms, and the farm team suggests confirming availability due to the heat. U-pick hours are Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET, and visitors can get raspberries for $2 per pint.
While you’re there, grab a pellet to feed the animals or prep the ultimate dessert with pie crusts and shortcake sold on site. Check their Facebook page for updates.
Lindberg’s Blueberries
14730 84th Ave, Coopersville, MI 49404
Blueberries are nearly ready for the picking at west Michigan’s ultimate fan of the super fruit: Lindberg’s Blueberries. The blueberry season at Lindberg’s is punctuated with an array of varietals like the mid-season Blue Crop and Nelson—a fan favorite—and late bloomers like Elliott and Liberty, a more recent addition.
The family-owned, centennial farm sells their berries at local farmers markets and offers seasonal u-pick opportunities. Read their guidelines for u-picking here, and while you’re waiting for the harvest, check out their recipe page for delicious blueberry treats. Be the first to know about their upcoming u-pick season by checking their Facebook page.
