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Cherry Picking in Michigan: What You Need to Know
Michigan is home to a range of spots for cherry picking, spread across the state's different growing regions. This page rounds up every cherry picking location listed in Michigan so you can compare distance, ratings, and reviews before deciding where to go.
Great Lakes Cherry Country
The Great Lakes region produces more tart cherries than any other part of the world, with Michigan's Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas responsible for a remarkable seventy-five percent of the United States' tart cherry crop. The unique microclimate of the peninsulasâmoderated by Lake Michigan on both sidesâcreates frost protection in spring and extended growing conditions in fall that make them uniquely suited to cherry production. Wisconsin's Door Peninsula offers a similarly lake-moderated growing environment, producing excellent tart cherries in a Scandinavian-influenced farming culture that has made cherry picking a regional tradition. The pick-your-own operations in both Michigan and Wisconsin are professional, well-organized, and celebrate the cherry harvest with festivals and community events that make a trip during season feel like a genuine occasion.
Best Time for Cherry Picking in Michigan
Late June through July, with the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula tart cherry harvest typically at peak in the last week of June and first week of July.
Tips for Cherry Picking in Michigan
Call ahead or check a location's website before visiting, since hours and availability for cherry picking can change with the weather and time of year. Weekday visits are usually less crowded than weekends.