Fresh berries are perfect for summertime smoothies and other delicious treats — and there’s something about picking the berries by hand that makes those eats even more better!
Take a drive to pick (or pick up) strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and more at one of these u-pick berry farms in metro Detroit.
Check each farm’s requirements in advance, as some will allow you to bring your own boxes, bowls or bags from home to put picked berries into while others require you to use their supplies.
While you’re out, keep in mind the three Ps of picking: Pinch the stem (never the berry), pick up leaves to find reddest berries underneath and pick only the red or pink ones (leave the white berries to ripen later).
Strawberries are now in season! Check out our list of strawberry picking farms near you.
This article was recently updated on March 21, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on berry farms in Michigan, aligning with Metro Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.
Looking for more things to do with kids? Check out our summer fun family guide!
Berry picking farms in metro Detroit
Berry Hill Farm
- Address: 12835 N Territorial Road, Chelsea
Raspberries and blackberries are abundant in the middle of July, which is when picking season peaks at Berry Hill Farm. Check out the farm’s Facebook page for updated picking procedures.
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
- Address: Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; Almont, 5600 Van Dyke, Almont; Big Apple, 71485 North Avenue, Armada, Lyon Township, 61475 Silver Lake Road, South Lyon
Known best for its fall celebrations of all things apples, Blake’s Cider Mill, Big Apple and Almont locations are growing strawberries. Check out their lavender field this summer too.
Blueville Acres Blueberry Farm
- Address: 38093 Judd Road, Huron Township
Picking season for blueberries begins in mid-July and runs through August. Check the farm’s Facebook page to verify hours and available dates.
Brookwood Fruit Farm
- Address: 7845 Bordman Road, Almont
Tart cherries and apples are available for the picking. Also has cider, donuts and more.
Dexter Blueberry Farm
- Address: 11024 Beach Road, Dexter
Blueberries have grown on the land since 1937. The farm has buckets available for picking that you can purchase, guests are also encouraged to bring their own.
Donahee Farms
- Address: 6055 Tower Road, Plymouth
In addition to u-pick options, Donahee has a roadside stand that sells fresh produce, honey, corn, decorative gourds, pumpkins, melons and peaches — making it a prime destination all summer long.
Long Family Orchard & Farm
- Address: 1540 East Commerce Road, Commerce
Asparagus picking is back this year and is available until it is gone. Also has peas, sweet corn, garden vegetables, apples and pumpkins.
Middleton Berry Farm
- Address: 4790 Oakwood Road, Ortonville
Find u-pick raspberries and tomatoes. Honey from the farm’s hives is also for sale.
Polk-Around Farm
Blueberry will begin in July and August. Check Facebook for updates. Maple syrup, maple products and honey items are available, as well.
Rowe’s Produce Farm
- Address: 10570 Martz Road, Ypsilanti
For more than 40 years, Rowe’s has served up strawberries, snap peas and a farm market with cobbler mix, pectin for canning and cold drinks for hot summer days.
Slow Farm
- Address: 4700 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor
The certified organic farm has mid-summer varieties of raspberries as well as fresh-picked veggies. Organic strawberry picking begins in June.
Spicer Orchards
- Address: 10411 Clyde Road, Fenton
The farm requires a $5 minimum fruit purchase for pickers. Price includes the wagon ride. Strawberry picking begins in early June.
Verellen Orchards
- Address: 63260 Van Dyke Ave., Romeo
Verellen is not immune to quick pickers and a depleting supply, so call before heading to the Romeo farm. U-pick is offered only for strawberries and cherries. After you’ve picked your fruit, head to the store across the street for fresh produce, canned goods, baked goods and other sundries.
Wasem Fruit Farm
- Address: 6580 Judd Road, Milan
U-pick is available for tart cherries, apples, currants, gooseberries, peaches, plums, pears and raspberries. Pumpkin picking is also available in the fall.
Westview Orchards & Winery
- Address: 65075 Van Dyke Ave., Washington
A wagon ride will take your family to the fields where you can pick your fruits and vegetables using the farm’s containers (no need to bring your own). Minimum picking amounts apply. U-pick is available for strawberries, cherries, raspberries, sunflowers, apples, veggies and pumpkins depending on the season.
Berry picking tips for parents before heading out
While berry picking can be a fun time for kids of all ages, here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting:
- Check if they’re open first. Always look for daily updates from the farm, either on their website and social media channels or by calling ahead to see what berry picking options look like for the day.
- Get there early. Arrive as soon as the farm opens to avoid crowds.
- Check the weather and dress accordingly. Wear hats and apply plenty of sunscreen if it’s sunny. Put on rain boots if you expect muddy conditions.
- Pack snacks and water. If it’s a long drive, plan ahead with food for the car ride or even a picnic basket with lunch.
- Teach your kids which berries are ripe. Local farms can help answer your berry picking questions, or try a quick Google search to see a ripe berry looks like.
- Bring a stroller or wagon. Some berry picking farms require a lot of walking and while the roads can be bumpy, you want to keep your littles happy.
- Be patient. Depending on your child’s age, they can lose focus fast so try to remind yourself it’s more about having fun than rushing to fill your baskets to the rim.
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