Late August in Mid-Michigan means one thing for shoppers who love fresh, locally grown food: peak harvest season. Farmers markets get most of the attention, and deservedly so, but there is a quieter, more spontaneous way to fill your pantry with the best of what Michigan farms have to offer: the farm stand and the roadside market. These self-serve or family-run stops are scattered throughout the region, and they are where you will find sweet corn picked that morning, tomatoes still warm from the sun, and jars of local honey from the hives just beyond the fence.
Whether you are heading out for a weekend drive or planning your weekly grocery run, this guide points you to some of the best farm stands and roadside markets across the six-county region. For more farmers market inspiration, check out our complete summer guide to Mid-Michigan farmers markets.
Genesee County: Farm-Fresh Finds Close to Home
Genesee County has a strong network of family farms that sell directly to customers. Derosier Farms on East Baldwin Road in Grand Blanc is a long-standing favorite, known for its sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, and seasonal squash. The farm stand operates on the honor system for smaller items and is staffed during peak hours through August and September. They are typically open daily from 9 a.m. until dusk, and cash is preferred.
In Davison, St. John's Farm Market on Irish Road offers a wider selection that includes locally raised beef and pork alongside fresh produce, baked goods, and Michigan-made jams and jellies. The market also carries seasonal flowers and potted mums as you move into early fall. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October.
Near Flushing, the Flushing Farm Stand on West Main Street is a small family-run operation that focuses on what is ripe right now. In late August, that means sweet corn, cucumbers, zucchini, and several varieties of tomatoes and hot peppers. Stop by on a weekday afternoon for the best selection. Cash only.
Oakland County: Roadside Stands Worth the Drive
Oakland County's farm stands tend to be larger operations with extensive offerings. John's Farm Market on Dixie Highway in Waterford is a destination in its own right, with multiple barns filled with fresh Michigan produce, flowers, gourds, and seasonal decorations. Late summer brings truckloads of locally grown sweet corn, melons, peaches from western Michigan, and tomatoes from nearby farms. Open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In Holly, Rowe's Farm Market on East Holly Road has been a community fixture for decades. The stand focuses on Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables, with a particularly strong selection of apples in late summer and early fall. Their fresh-pressed cider is available starting in September. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For shoppers near Clarkston, Clarkston Farm Market on Andersonville Road offers a curated selection of local produce, artisan breads, and Michigan-made products. This is a good stop if you want to grab a few specialty items alongside your weekly produce. Open Thursday through Sunday.
Livingston County: Farm Markets and U-Pick Options
Livingston County's agricultural roots run deep, and the farm stands here reflect that heritage. Hyde's Farm Market on Grand River Avenue in Brighton is a standout, with a sprawling market that sells everything from sweet corn and vine-ripened tomatoes to fresh-cut flowers, local eggs, and maple syrup. They also carry a selection of greenhouse-grown herbs and plants. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Howell, Howell Farm Market on West Grand River offers a smaller but carefully stocked stand with produce from several local growers. Their late summer selection includes sweet corn, green beans, and several varieties of squash and peppers. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Insider tip: Several Livingston County farms offer pick-your-own options in late August. Check with Ridgeview Farms in Brighton for raspberries and early apple varieties, and call ahead to confirm hours and availability.
Lapeer and Shiawassee Counties: Hidden Farm Stand Gems
The rural roads of Lapeer and Shiawassee counties are dotted with small farm stands that reward the curious driver. In Lapeer County, Murphy's Farm Stand on North Saginaw Road offers a classic roadside experience: a covered table stacked with the day's pick and a coffee can for payment. Sweet corn, tomatoes, and cucumbers are the staples in late August. Cash and honesty only.
In Shiawassee County, Corunna Farm Market on M-21 in Corunna is a larger operation with a greenhouse, garden center, and produce market. Their late summer produce is primarily Michigan-grown, and they also carry honey from local apiaries, maple syrup from nearby producers, and farm-fresh eggs. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saginaw County: Rural Markets and Specialty Stands
Saginaw County has several farm markets worth seeking out. Feighner Farms on Hospital Road in Hemlock is a family farm that has been selling directly to customers for generations. Their market stand features sweet corn, tomatoes, cabbage, and a variety of fall squash as the season progresses. Open daily from late July through October, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Near Chesaning, the Chesaning Farm Market on West Broad Street sells produce from area farms alongside Amish-made baked goods, jams, and handcrafted items. Late summer is a great time to visit for fresh peaches, plums, and the first of the fall apple crop. Open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tips for Farm Stand Shopping in Mid-Michigan
A few practical tips to make the most of farm stand season. Bring cash: many smaller stands operate on the honor system or do not accept cards. Bring your own bags or boxes: reusable totes are easier on the produce and the environment. Shop early for the best selection, especially for sweet corn and heirloom tomatoes. And do not be afraid to ask the farmer what is freshest that day, they are usually happy to point you toward what they picked that morning.
Keep an eye out for roadside stands you have not tried before. Some of the best finds are on back roads between small towns, often unmarked except for a hand-painted sign and a table stacked with tomatoes. That is part of the charm of farm stand shopping in Mid-Michigan, and part of what makes this such a rewarding place to live.
If you are exploring a new community and wondering what the local food scene looks like, farm stands are often a great window into the character of the area. I have helped many buyers discover the agricultural and small-town charm of communities like Davison, Corunna, Lapeer, and Chesaning, where access to fresh local food is part of everyday life. If you are considering a move to one of these communities, I would be glad to help you find the right home in the right neighborhood.
Joyce England, REALTOR\u00ae
Keller Williams First · Mid-Michigan
Joyce helps Mid-Michigan families find homes in communities where farm-fresh living is part of everyday life. With more than 20 years of local real estate and marketing experience, she can guide you to the right neighborhood in any of the counties she serves.
