MI Bucket List: U-Pick Apple Orchards

Jazmin Anderson

Today | 3 min read

Key Takeaways

Michigan is home to a variety of u-pick apple orchards that allow visitors to pick their own apples and enjoy other fall activities.
Apples offer numerous health benefits, including prebiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may reduce the risk for chronic conditions like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Some popular u-pick apple orchards in Michigan include Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill, Wasem Fruit Farm and Westview Orchards and Winery in Southeast Michigan, as well as several orchards in Northern, Mid-Michigan and West Michigan.

As fall approaches, Michiganians head to apple orchards and cider mills around Michigan for a classic autumn experience.

Apple season begins in the summer, but they are most associated with the fall. They are also the largest and most valuable fruit crops grown in Michigan. In 2024,1.28 billion pounds of apples were harvested in the state.

Some apple orchards in Michigan allow you to start picking apples from early September. Filling a basket of apples on your own can be a fun outdoor activity with family and friends. You can enjoy the tasty fruit or use them to make some delicious fall dishes.

Health benefits of apples

Apples offer numerous health benefits. This fruit has prebiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The fiber and polyphenol they contain may reduce the risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.

Apples are also beneficial for your microbiome. Pectin and prebiotics in the peel provide food for the beneficial microorganisms and help fight bad microbes in your intestinal tract.

U-pick apple farms in Michigan

Here are some U-pick orchards around Michigan you can visit for a fun outing.

Southeast Michigan

Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, 71485 North Ave., Armada. This orchard allows visitors to start picking certain apple varieties as early as mid-July.

Wasem Fruit Farm, 6580 Judd Road, Milan. Wasem Fruit Farm offers over a dozen varieties of apples for picking. The farm also makes cider and several kinds of donuts.

Westview Orchards and Winery, 65075 Van Dyke, Washington. Aside from apple picking, Westview Orchards and Winery offer an array of activities for children and adults alike.

Northern Michigan

Knaebe’s Apple Farm and Ciderworks, 2621 S. Karsten Road, Rogers City. This family-owned farm has an extensive menu of sweet treats, along with a U-pick pumpkin patch.

King Orchards, 4620 N. M-88, Central Lake. Aside from apple picking, visitors can also enjoy donuts and cherry juice. The orchard also has a play area for children.

Mid-Michigan

Uncle John’s Cider Mill, 8614 US-127, St. Johns. This cider mill has a nature trail, pie barn, pumpkin patch and various activities for children, making it a great destination for a day trip.

Phillips Orchards and Cider Mill, 1174 West Gratiot County Line Road, Saint Johns. The Phillips family has grown fruit for more than 170 years. The orchard, along with apple picking, offers traditionally made cider and baked goods.

Clearview Orchards, 1051 Barry Road, Haslett. Clearview is a small, family-owned orchard in the Lansing area, usually open to visitors starting in early September.

West Michigan

Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo, 4180 West M-20, New Era. The zoo’s apple orchard opens in mid-September. Next to apple picking, you can also explore other attractions for a full-day program.

Crane Orchards, 6080 124th Ave., Fennville. Owned by the Crane family since 1917, Crane Orchards grows more than 20 different varieties of apples. The orchard also features a corn maze with a different maze design every year.

Gull Meadow Farms, 8544 Gull Road, Richland. Gull Meadows Farms grows plenty of seasonal apple varieties. The earliest available for picking grow in mid-August, and the latest growing ones are available in mid-October.

Photo credit: Getty Images