Nothing beats the taste of fresh fruit picked right from the vine, bush, or tree. If you’re in West Michigan, you’re in luck! The lakeshore area is known for its abundant orchards and berry farms, offering a wide variety of fruits throughout the year. Whether you’re in the mood for strawberries, blueberries, or peaches, there are plenty of places to pick your own delicious produce. Here’s your guide to the best fruit-picking spots in West Michigan.

Michigan Fruit Picking Seasons

While the weather can occasionally play tricks on us, here’s a general timeline for when you can expect the best fruit picking in West Michigan:

• June – Strawberries
• July – Cherries, blueberries, raspberries
• August – Peaches
• Late August/September – Apples

Top Fruit-Picking Farms in West Michigan

Known as the “Fruit Belt,” West Michigan is home to a variety of farms where you can pick your own fruit. Here are some of the best spots to satisfy your fresh fruit cravings:

South Haven, MI

South Haven is a prime spot for fruit picking and is also home to the National Blueberry Festival every August. Here are some great places to visit for U-pick fruit during the summer:

• DeGrandchamp Farms – Blueberries
• Bumbleberry Acres – Blueberries and raspberries (plus plenty of family-friendly fun)
• Overhiser Orchards – Sweet cherries, sour cherries, peaches, pears, plums, apples
• Riverbend Farms – Red and black raspberries

Fennville, MI

Located near Saugatuck, Fennville boasts numerous fruit farms perfect for picking:

• Crane Orchards – Apples, peaches, sweet cherries
• Dee’s Lakeshore Farm – Blueberries, raspberries
• Pleasant Hill Farm – Blueberries

West Olive, MI

Between Grand Haven and Holland, you’ll find several spots to pick blueberries in West Olive:

• Crossroads Blueberry Market
• Reenders Blueberry Farms

Holland/Zeeland, MI

Holland and Zeeland are well known for their blueberry farms. Some top picks in the area include:

• Visser Farms – Strawberries
• Gold Barn Blueberries – Blueberries
• Wa-Hu Blueberry Farm – Blueberries
• KennyGarden Farms – Blueberries
• Woodland Enterprises Berry Farm – Blueberries

Spring Lake, MI

Just a short drive over the bridge from Grand Haven, Spring Lake offers another great place to pick fresh fruit:

• Bisacky Blueberry Farm – Blueberries

Muskegon, MI

If you’ve already eaten all your berries from Spring Lake, head north to Muskegon for more blueberry picking opportunities:

• Sodini Blueberries – Blueberries
• S. Kamphuis Blueberries – Blueberries
• Blue Horizon Farms – Blueberries

Tips for a Successful Fruit-Picking Trip

To make the most of your fruit-picking adventure, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Call Ahead: Before heading out, check with the farm to ensure the fruit is ripe and ready for picking. It’s also a good idea to confirm the farm’s hours and any other specifics.
• Arrive Early: For the best selection and to avoid crowds, try to get there early in the day. This also helps you avoid the heat, especially during summer months.
• Bring Cash: Many U-pick farms do not accept credit cards or checks, so bring cash just in case.
• Containers: While most farms will provide containers, it’s always a good idea to bring your own just to be safe.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun: Wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and remember that fruit fields typically offer little shade.
• Handle with Care: When picking fruit, be gentle and avoid stacking it too high in your container to prevent bruising.

Conclusion

West Michigan’s lakeshore offers some of the best fruit-picking experiences in the state. Whether you’re after juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, or sweet peaches, there’s a farm for every type of fruit lover. Follow these tips for a successful day out in nature, and you’ll have a bounty of fresh fruit to enjoy. Happy picking!