Best U-Pick Berry Farms in Mid-Michigan: A 2026 Late Summer Family Guide

There are few better ways to spend a late July morning with the family than standing in a sunny field, basket in hand, dropping ripe blueberries into a container while the kids compare who has found the biggest berry. U-pick berry farms are one of Mid-Michigan's great warm-weather traditions, and across Genesee, Oakland, Livingston, and Lapeer counties, there are dozens of family-run farms ready for visitors.

Late July is the sweet spot for berry picking in Michigan. Blueberries hit their peak from the last two weeks of July through the first week of August. Raspberries, blackberries, and sweet cherries are also in season, depending on the farm. It is a fast-moving window, so planning ahead makes all the difference. This guide covers the best u-pick berry farms near Mid-Michigan, what to expect when you arrive, and how to make a berry-picking outing into a full family adventure. For more seasonal family outings, check out our guide to family-friendly day trips and activities in Genesee County.

Genesee County: Blueberries, Cherries, and Family Farms

Spicer Orchards

Location: 10411 Clyde Road, Fenton
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., typically mid-June through October.
U-pick berries: Strawberries (June), raspberries (July), blueberries (July – August), sweet cherries (July).
Other offerings: Winery, bakery, corn maze, hayrides, petting farm, and a farm market with pre-picked produce.

Spicer Orchards, located on the border of Fenton and Linden, is the most established u-pick destination in Genesee County. The farm has been family-owned for generations and offers the widest variety of pick-your-own fruit in the area. The raspberry and blueberry patches are large enough that you never feel crowded, even on busy weekends. After you fill your baskets, the farm's bakery and winery give the outing an extra layer — fresh-baked pies, cider donuts, and a tasting room for the adults.

For families with young children, Spicer offers a designated kids' play area and a small petting farm. The hayrides run on weekends during peak season. Plan for at least two hours to pick berries and explore the farm. Containers are provided, or you can bring your own.

Montrose Orchards

Location: 12141 Seymour Road, Montrose
U-pick berries: Blueberries and sweet cherries, July – August.
Cost: Typical pricing around $3–$4 per pound. Call for current rates.

Montrose Orchards serves the northern Genesee County area and offers a quieter u-pick experience than the busier farms closer to Oakland County. The cherry and blueberry rows are well-maintained, and the farm's rural setting — surrounded by rolling fields and farmland — makes the drive itself part of the enjoyment. It is a good option for families who live in the northern part of the county or in nearby Clio or Goodrich.

Blueberry Lane Farms

Location: Otter Lake (eastern Genesee County, near the Lapeer County line)
U-pick berries: Blueberries — 20 varieties.
Other offerings: Bakery and farm store.

With 20 varieties of blueberries ripening at different times across the season, Blueberry Lane Farms is a destination for serious blueberry fans. The farm is handicap accessible, and the on-site bakery sells blueberry muffins, breads, and other baked goods. Because the farm grows multiple varieties, the season here can stretch from mid-July well into September. It is worth the drive from anywhere in Genesee County.

Oakland County: Deep Berry Country

Wasem Fruit Farm

Location: 8585 Karl Street, Milford
U-pick berries: Raspberries (red and yellow), sweet cherries, blackberries — June through mid-September.
Other offerings: Cider mill, farm market with fresh produce, jams, and seasonal goods.

Wasem Fruit Farm has been a Milford institution for six generations, and it is one of the best u-pick experiences in Oakland County. The raspberry patches are especially productive, with both red and golden varieties. The farm's cider mill is a must-stop after picking, serving fresh-pressed cider and cider donuts that rival any in the region.

Wasem is located near the charming downtown of Milford, which makes it easy to combine berry picking with a walk through the village, a stop at a local café, or a visit to nearby Kensington Metropark for a hike along Kent Lake after your baskets are full.

Erwin Orchards

Location: 61400 Silver Lake Road, South Lyon
U-pick berries: Sweet cherries (July), red and yellow raspberries (July – August).
Other offerings: Corn maze (fall), live music weekends, hayrides, and an extensive farm market.

Erwin Orchards in South Lyon is a family favorite for good reason. The cherry trees and raspberry canes are well-spaced and easy to pick, even for small hands. On weekends, the farm often hosts live music and family activities that turn a simple pick-your-own outing into a full afternoon destination. The farm market carries local produce, honey, and baked goods.

Livingston County: Hazen's Farm and the Howell Area

Hazen's Farm

Location: 1144 Peavy Road, Howell
U-pick berries: Blueberries and raspberries, July through September.
Other offerings: Local honey, gift shop, concessions, restrooms, and a shaded picnic area.
Phone: 517-548-1841.

Hazen's Farm is a well-loved u-pick destination in Livingston County, using natural growing practices that produce flavorful berries throughout the season. The farm keeps its blueberry and raspberry patches well-maintained, with rows clearly marked so you know which varieties are ready for picking. The shaded picnic area makes it easy to turn the outing into a family lunch — pack sandwiches and enjoy them under the trees after you have filled your baskets.

Hazen's is about 15 minutes from downtown Howell, another great small-town day trip destination. After picking, head into Howell to explore the historic downtown, grab lunch at a local restaurant, or visit one of the antique shops along Grand River Avenue.

Lapeer County: Blueberry Country

Blueridge Blueberry Farm

Location: Capac, MI (northern Lapeer County)
Phone: 810-395-2245
U-pick berries: Blueberries — dedicated blueberry farm.

For families in northern Lapeer County or those looking for a rural adventure, Blueridge Blueberry Farm offers a focused u-pick experience. The farm is dedicated entirely to blueberries, which means the rows are extensive and the selection is consistently excellent. Lapeer County's agricultural landscape makes the drive itself scenic, especially in late July when the fields are lush and green. For more reasons to love this part of Mid-Michigan, see our Lapeer County community guide.

Tips for a Great Berry-Picking Trip with Kids

• Go early, leave when it's hot. Young children have about 45–60 minutes of focused picking in them. Arrive when the farm opens (usually 8 or 9 a.m.) and plan to be done before the midday heat sets in. Bring water for everyone.
• Dress for the field. Closed-toe shoes are essential. Long pants help protect legs from scratchy berry canes and insects. Sunscreen and hats are non-negotiable in July.
• Teach the picking rules. Show kids how to gently roll berries off the plant rather than pulling. Explain that white and pink berries aren't ready yet. Turn it into a game: "Find the biggest blueberry" keeps little ones engaged.
• Bring cash. Many u-pick farms still operate on a cash-only or cash-preferred basis. Call ahead to confirm payment options.
• Check availability before you go. A quick call or Facebook check the morning of your visit can save a disappointed drive. Berry crops shift with the weather, and farms will post closures when they need to let patches ripen further.
• Bring containers. While most farms provide containers, bringing your own shallow, wide baskets helps prevent berries at the bottom from getting crushed. Avoid deep buckets for the same reason.

Beyond the Berries: Make It a Day

One of the things that makes Mid-Michigan special is how easy it is to combine a simple outing like berry picking with a full day of local experiences. A morning at Spicer Orchards pairs naturally with lunch in downtown Fenton and an afternoon walk along the lake. Hazen's Farm connects to Howell's historic downtown, antique stores, and the Livingston County trail network.

These connections are part of what I love about working with families in Mid-Michigan. The communities here offer a quality of life that is hard to match — where you can pick your own fruit in the morning, eat lunch at a locally owned café downtown, and be home in time for afternoon naps. For more family-friendly outings, see our guides to the best splash pads and pools across Mid-Michigan and the best lake beaches for swimming near Mid-Michigan.

If you are thinking about a move to Mid-Michigan and want a community that puts these kinds of family experiences within easy reach, I would be happy to help. From berry farms to parks to farmers markets, the lifestyle here is shaped by the seasons and the places that bring people together.