Berry Picking Near Madison: What You Need to Know
Madison sits in a state that leads the nation in cranberry production, with the marshes of central Wisconsin producing the majority of America's cranberry crop each fall. Strawberry and raspberry farms closer to Madison open the season in early summer, well before the dramatic cranberry harvest begins.
Midwest Berry Picking
The Midwest's berry season centers on strawberries and raspberries in June and July, with Michigan standing out as one of the country's leading blueberry producers thanks to the moderating influence of Lake Michigan on its western counties. Wisconsin contributes a dramatically different specialty in its cranberry marshes, which produce the majority of the nation's cranberry crop and put on a striking visual display during the fall flood-harvest. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and the Dakotas all support smaller-scale strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry farms, many of which share land with the region's well-known fall apple orchards.
Best Time to Go Berry Picking Near Madison
Strawberries and raspberries in early summer, with the state's massive cranberry harvest concentrated in central Wisconsin each fall.
Tips for Your Madison Berry Picking Trip
Wisconsin's dramatic cranberry harvest in the marshes outside Madison happens in fall and is best experienced as a guided farm tour rather than hands-on picking, since the flooded-bog method isn't a u-pick activity.