Cherry picking season in Michigan brings simple joy and fresh fruit to share. The guide lists ten top orchards near Grand Rapids and beyond, with sweet and tart options, pitting services, kid-friendly activities, and farm markets. It offers clear timing tips for late June to initial July, practical packing advice like coolers and sturdy containers, and pointers on preserving cherries such as freezing, canning, and jam making.
Practical notes on hours, payment, and accessibility are included to help plan a smooth visit, and the nearby u-pick spots for other summer fruits are also noted so visitors can easily keep exploring.
Best Times to Go Cherry Picking in Michigan
In late June and initial July, families and inaugural-time pickers should plan their sweet cherry outings carefully to catch fruit at peak ripeness and avoid crowds. The best window is roughly June 25 to July 2 when many orchards open sweet varieties.
Visitors should favor early mornings and weekday visits for cooler air, firmer fruit, and smaller lines. Rainier and other light-colored sweets might be ready a bit earlier than darker types, so checking the farm phone or Facebook the morning of your trip keeps expectations aligned with weather and ripening.
Later in July, farms shift to tart cherries, so plan sweet trips early. Thoughtful timing reduces stress, improves harvest quality, and makes the experience more pleasant for everyone.
What to Bring for a Successful Cherry Picking Day
A successful cherry picking day starts with smart packing and simple transport plans that keep fruit fresh and hands free.
Visitors are advised to bring a cooler with ice packs, sturdy containers or a strap-on picking bucket, and small essentials like water, sunscreen, a hat, and cash.
These items protect the cherries from bruising, make reaching and climbing easier, and prevent surprises at checkout so the outing stays fun and relaxed.
Essentials to Pack
For a smooth cherry picking day, careful packing makes the difference between a joyful outing and a sticky, stressful one.
The experienced picker prepares with stain prevention in mind and smart container choices.
Bring sturdy buckets or baskets; many orchards expect you to provide your own.
Add a cooler with ice packs so cherries stay firm and unbruised after harvest.
Pack water, sunscreen, and a hat because sun exposure can sap energy and patience.
Include pruning shears or scissors and a light towel to blot damp fruit before packing.
For families, take a wagon or stroller and a strap on picking container so hands stay free while supervising children.
Carry cash or check as a payment backup since policies differ across farm.
Picking & Transport Tips
On a sunny morning with a cooler at the ready, a little planning turns cherry picking into a calm, happy day rather than a sticky scramble. Practical gear supports a smooth packing workflow and basic cold chain logistics to protect fruit quality. Bring containers, a cooler, ice packs, and payment method. Wear closed toe shoes and use a strap on picking bag so both hands stay free for gentle twists.
- Confirm containers or bring buckets and baskets
- Use ice packs and an insulated bag immediately after picking
- Carry water, sunscreen, hat, and small first aid items
- Bring a wagon or stroller for children and check tree access
These steps keep cherries firm, reduce bruising, and create a relaxed family rhythm.
Top U-Pick Sweet Cherry Orchards Near Grand Rapids
Frequently, families and neighbors seek out nearby orchards that make cherry picking easy and fun.
Around Grand Rapids, several reliable farms open in late June and suit planners who value local varieties and clear orchard etiquette. Farmhaus Farms and Wells Orchards both open June 25 and charge $3.50 per pound; Farmhaus posts extended hours for flexible visits while Wells follows typical weekday and Saturday schedules. Klenk Orchards opens June 26, charges $2.50 per pound, grows Rainier and offers tractor rides plus widely spaced trees for relaxed picking. Robinettes Apple Haus opens June 27, charges $2.75 per pound, sells pre picked fruit and hosts a late season Cherry Celebration. Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm updates Facebook and has bucket pricing in past seasons.
Where to Find Tart Cherries and Pitting Services
Readers can find tart cherries at several nearby orchards that list varieties and prices, with some offering on-site pitting to make the harvest easier.
For example, Overhiser Orchards and DeKleine Orchards sell tart cherries and provide pitting options, while Rasch Cherry & Apple Market opens its tart season June 27, 2025 and offers free pitting for light red tarts.
Visitors should call ahead to confirm which tart types are available and whether pitting is free, fee-based, or limited, or bring their own pitter should they prefer.
Tart Cherry Locations
For anyone keen to pick tart cherries, a short phone call can save a day of disappointment and make the outing feel relaxed and joyful. Tart festivals and heritage orchards often list opening dates and services, but specifics matter. Savvy pickers contact farms day of to confirm tart availability, pitting, and payment.
- DeKleine Orchards: tart cherries $3.00 per pound, frozen pitted option available.
- Overhiser Orchards: tart cherries $2.00 per pound, offers on-site pitting.
- Rasch Cherry and Apple Market: tart cherries $2.65 per pound, free pitting for light tarts.
- Robinettes Apple Haus: u-pick schedule varies, call to confirm tart timing and pitting.
A quick call links planning with reality and keeps the outing calm and rewarding.
On-Site Pitting Availability
Often a quick phone call can turn a hopeful cherry outing into a calm, joyful day through confirming which farms will pit tart cherries on site. Overhiser Orchards openly offers on-site pitting and clear prices. Rasch Cherry & Apple Market provides free pitting for light tart cherries and seasonal u-pick windows. Call places like Crane Orchards the day of your visit to confirm availability and fees. Ask which varieties they will pit, what payments they accept, and whether portable pitters are allowed. Respect pitting etiquette, arrive prepared, and expect variation across farms. A short call aligns expectations and preserves a relaxed, productive day of picking.
| Farm | Pitting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overhiser Orchards | Yes | Sweet and tart, set prices |
| Rasch Market | Free (light tarts) | U-pick dates listed |
| Crane Orchards | Call ahead | 269-561-8651 |
| Several orchards | Ask ahead | Varies by variety |
| Many farms | Varies | Confirm payment methods |
Bringing Your Own Pitter
When planning a tart cherry outing, a quick call can ease worry and set expectations so the day feels relaxed and fun. Orchard staff often confirm tart availability, opening dates and whether pitting is offered. Practical mastery requires checking prices and services ahead of time. Transitional checks link supply to tools and rules.
- Call first: DeKleine, Overhiser, Rasch updates on dates and tart supply.
- Pitting options: free, fee, on-site, or none; ask specifics.
- Bring your own: verify policies, handheld maintenance needs, and space to pit at home.
- Buy-ready: frozen pitted cherries or pre-picked fruit if you prefer convenience and time savings.
Family-Friendly Orchards With Kid Activities
Families planning a cherry-picking day usually want more than fruit, and these orchards deliver engaging, kid-friendly experiences that make the outing feel like a small excursion.
Overhiser Orchards adds a small animal barn where children feed and pet animals while parents pick sweet or tart cherries; this blend of animals and u-pick cultivates calm focus and playful learning.
Nearby options include Robinettes Apple Haus with a jumping pillow for ages three plus and an annual Cherry Celebration that pairs active play with seasonal ritual.
Klenk Orchards offers tractor rides and roomy rows that ease supervision and reduce crowd stress.
Grange Fruit Farm combines a well marked orchard and a u-cut sunflower patch that connects picking skills to nature play.
Check access needs at Goodfellow before you go.
Budget-Friendly Cherry Picking Options
On a tight budget but craving a day among cherry trees, careful choices stretch both time and money without shrinking the fun. Practical planners find budget bargains across Michigan. Low per pound rates let visitors pick more and worry less about cost. Consider schedules and extras while choosing a farm.
- Goodfellow Orchards Sparta opens June 28 2025 and charges $2.50 per pound for u-pick sweet cherries.
- Klenk Orchards Sparta matches $2.50 per pound and stays open long hours for flexible visits.
- Overhiser and Grange Fruit Farm offer reliable value around $2.90 per pound while Overhiser tart cherries are $2.00 per pound.
- Rasch Conklin lists $2.85 sweet and $2.65 tart with free pitting for light tart cherries and Blok Ada opens June 21 2025 at $2.75 per pound.
Respectful picking etiquette preserves trees and the experience for others.
How to Pick and Handle Cherries Like a Pro
After finding a budget-friendly orchard, a picker can focus on technique and care to make the day both joyful and productive.
The pro begins with harvest timing by choosing cool mornings whenever fruit is firm and flavors are locked in.
For stem care, pick by grasping the stem near the fruit and twist upward so the stem and cap stay attached. That reduces bruising and helps cherries last longer.
Use a strap-on bucket or hands-free container to climb and work with both hands.
Once full, transfer cherries into shallow, single layers or breathable containers to avoid crushing.
Bring a cooler and refrigerate as soon as possible. Leave stems on and avoid washing before storage. Wash just before eating or processing.
Preserving and Using Your Fresh Cherries
After a day at the orchard, the picker often ponders how to keep cherries tasting fresh and how to use the extras in simple recipes.
Quick freezing pitted cherries on a baking sheet before bagging saves their bright flavor for months and makes them ready for smoothies or baking.
Simple recipes like a warm cherry compote or roasted sweet cherries offer easy ways to enjoy a harvest on pancakes, yogurt, salads, or with cheese, and they pair naturally with the freezing tips to reduce waste and enhance flavor.
Quick Freezing Tips
With a few simple steps, fresh cherries can move from the tree into the freezer while keeping their bright flavor and texture.
Initially, sort and wash fruit, then remove stems and pits for space and faster thawing.
For proficiency, prioritize the flash freeze technique to stop fruit from clumping. Use single layers on a baking sheet and freeze 2–4 hours.
After that, transfer to airtight bags and apply air removal methods such as vacuum sealing or squeezing out air. Label each bag with date and variety.
Whole unpitted cherries can be frozen with headspace, or sugar pack with 1–2 tablespoons per quart to preserve texture.
These steps help cherries stay usable for 10–12 months at 0°F.
- Sort, wash, pit
- Single layer flash freeze
- Seal with air removal methods
- Label and store
Easy Cherry Recipes
Having frozen or canned cherries on hand opens up a world of easy recipes that keep the sweetness of the season alive all year.
The practical cook can flip from freezer bags to quick jam, pitting about 3 pounds, adding 3 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, then simmering 20 to 30 minutes before hot jarring for roughly 4 pints.
For longer storage, prefreeze washed pitted cherries on a baking sheet, transfer to labeled bags, and expect 8 to 12 months of life.
Those wanting syrup can simmer 2 cups cherries with 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and bottle for cherry cocktails or pancakes.
For fast desserts, toss 2 cups halved cherries with sugar and cornstarch, heat and spoon over vanilla ice cream or into a crumble.
Tips for Choosing an Orchard (Hours, Payment, Accessibility)
How should a visitor pick the right orchard for a pleasant cherry-picking day? A practiced visitor checks seasonal hours and payment preferences before leaving. Call or scan the orchard’s Facebook page for same-day updates since weather often alters openings. Confirm whether cash, check, or card is accepted to avoid surprise.
- Call ahead for seasonal hours and picking status.
- Confirm payment preferences and ask about pitting fees.
- Ask about picking logistics like ladder use, tree height, and restroom access.
- Verify container, cooler, pet, and pre-picked fruit policies.
These steps link planning with comfort. Being informed about accessibility and services reduces stress and helps choose family-friendly plots. A calm advance call yields a smoother, happier picking day.
Other Summer Fruit U-Pick Spots to Visit
Curious where to find more than cherries this summer? Visitors will discover many West Michigan farms that expand offerings as crops ripen. Blok Orchard and Grange Fruit Farm provide blueberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, nectarines and apples. Farmhaus Farms and Gavin Orchards add peaches, pears, plums and apples later in the season. DeKleine Orchards sells frozen pitted tart cherries year round and grows chestnuts for October. Robinettes Apple Haus and others shift to u-pick apples in late summer and fall.
| Farm | Fruits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blok Orchard | Blueberries, blackberries, peaches | Rotates crops |
| Grange Fruit Farm | Raspberries, peaches, plums | One-stop variety |
| Farmhaus Farms | Peaches, pears, plums, apples | Later season options |
Confirm daily availability, bring containers and a cooler, and browse on-site stalls for jams and baked goods. Many sites sit near local wineries and craft markets, which makes a full day easier and more enjoyable.
