Spring in Michigan means one very exciting thing — fresh fruit season is officially open for business. From strawberries to early cherries, May brings a burst of color and flavor to farms all across the state.
Michigan’s u-pick farms are some of the best in the Midwest, giving families, couples, and solo adventurers a chance to get their hands dirty and their baskets full. Whether you’re a longtime farm fan or heading out for the first time, these 13 spots are worth every mile of the drive.
1. Long Family Orchard & Farm
There’s something about Long Family Orchard & Farm that feels like stepping into a postcard version of Michigan spring. Nestled in Commerce Township, this farm has been a go-to destination for families who want more than just a bag of fruit — they want an experience.
The rows of crops stretch out wide, and the whole place carries that easy, unhurried energy that reminds you why weekends were invented.
May is a particularly special time here because the farm starts gearing up for its early-season offerings. Strawberries tend to kick off the u-pick season with a bang, drawing crowds who’ve been waiting all winter for that first sweet bite.
The farm also carries a solid selection of fresh produce and market goods, so even if the picking is slow, you’re never leaving empty-handed.
Kids absolutely love the space — there’s room to run, things to see, and a general sense of wonder that doesn’t require a screen. Parents appreciate the relaxed layout and the fact that staff are usually around to point you in the right direction.
It’s the kind of farm that earns repeat visits, not because it’s flashy, but because it’s genuinely good.
If you’re planning a trip, go early in the morning when the air is still cool and the rows haven’t been picked over yet. Bring your own containers if you want to save a little cash, and don’t forget sunscreen — May sunshine in Michigan can sneak up on you.
Long Family Orchard makes the whole outing feel worthwhile from the moment you pull into the gravel lot.
2. Bixby Farms
Bixby Farms operates with the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from doing things right, season after season. Located in Monroe County in the southeastern corner of Michigan, this farm draws visitors who are serious about getting their hands on quality produce.
The strawberry fields are the main attraction in May, and they do not disappoint — plump, deeply red, and sweet in that way that store-bought berries simply cannot replicate.
What makes Bixby stand out is the attention to field management. The rows are well-maintained, which means picking is easier and more enjoyable than at farms where things feel chaotic or overgrown.
You’re not fighting your way through weeds — you’re actually enjoying the process of finding the best berries and filling your container with purpose.
The farm has a friendly, no-fuss atmosphere that welcomes everyone from first-timers to seasoned u-pick veterans. Staff are helpful without being overbearing, and the whole operation runs smoothly even on busy weekend mornings.
That combination of quality and ease is rare, and it’s a big reason why Bixby has such a loyal following among southeast Michigan residents.
Visiting in May means catching the very beginning of strawberry season, which is exciting because the berries are often at their peak flavor during those first few weeks. Arrive with a cooler in your car so your harvest stays fresh on the drive home.
Bixby Farms also tends to sell out of u-pick access on peak days, so checking their social media or calling ahead before you make the trip is a smart move that’ll save you disappointment at the gate.
3. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in Armada is basically Michigan farm royalty. This place has been operating since 1946, which means it’s had decades to figure out exactly what people want from a farm visit — and it delivers on every count.
The sprawling property covers hundreds of acres, and even in May, before the big apple season kicks off, there’s plenty happening that makes the drive north from Detroit absolutely worth it.
Spring at Blake’s centers around strawberries and the general joy of being on a well-run farm. The fields are organized and clearly marked, making the u-pick experience accessible even for people who’ve never done it before.
There’s a fun, almost festival-like energy here that’s hard to find at smaller operations, and the on-site market is stocked with homemade goods, fresh produce, and those famous cider donuts that have developed a cult following across the state.
Families with young kids will find Blake’s particularly welcoming — there are activities and attractions beyond just the picking, which means the outing doesn’t hinge entirely on whether the little ones are in the mood to harvest fruit. That flexibility makes it one of the most reliable farm destinations in Michigan, regardless of what May is throwing at you weather-wise.
Plan for at least a half-day if you really want to soak it all in. The farm can get busy on weekends, but the size of the property means it rarely feels truly crowded.
Grab a bag of those cider donuts before you leave — they’re warm, sugary, and the kind of thing you’ll think about on the drive home and wish you’d bought two bags of.
4. Nelson’s Farm Market
Nelson’s Farm Market runs on the kind of old-school farm values that feel increasingly rare in today’s world. Located in the Caledonia area near Grand Rapids, this market and u-pick operation has built a strong reputation among West Michigan families who know their produce.
The staff treat customers like neighbors, and the whole place has a warmth that you notice the moment you step out of your car.
May at Nelson’s is all about strawberries, and the farm takes its berry crop seriously. Fields are carefully tended, and when picking season opens, the announcement tends to spread fast through local social media groups and community boards.
People who have been coming here for years know to check in regularly during May because availability can be limited and the best picking days go fast.
The farm market itself is a destination in its own right. Even if you visit on a day when u-pick isn’t available, the store is stocked with seasonal goods, homemade jams, and local products that make the trip feel productive.
It’s the kind of spot that reminds you how much better food tastes when it comes from somewhere close to home rather than a distribution warehouse two states away.
If you’re bringing kids along, keep them engaged by turning the picking into a friendly competition — who can fill their container the fastest without squishing any berries? Nelson’s relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to spend an hour or two without feeling rushed.
The drive out to Caledonia is pleasant in May when everything is green, and the farm itself delivers that satisfying combination of fresh air and fresh food that makes the whole outing feel genuinely restorative.
5. Corey Lake Orchards
Corey Lake Orchards sits in Three Rivers in southwest Michigan, and the setting alone makes it worth a detour. The farm is tucked into the kind of gently rolling landscape that makes you want to slow down and actually look around for once.
Spring here feels particularly alive, with green filling in fast and the orchards starting to show what they’re made of as the season gets underway.
Strawberry picking is the highlight of the May calendar at Corey Lake, and the farm does a solid job of keeping visitors informed about when fields are open and what to expect. The rows are accessible and well-organized, which matters more than people realize until they’ve had a frustrating u-pick experience somewhere less carefully managed.
Here, the focus is on making sure you leave with a full container and a good memory.
The farm also benefits from its proximity to Corey Lake itself, which adds a pleasant backdrop to the whole visit. It’s not uncommon for families to turn the trip into a full-day outing — pick strawberries in the morning, then head to the lake for a picnic with the fresh fruit still warm from the field.
That combination is hard to beat and speaks to why this corner of southwest Michigan is such an underrated destination in spring.
Corey Lake Orchards has a loyal following that stretches well beyond the immediate area, drawing visitors from Kalamazoo, South Bend, and even Chicago on peak weekends. Getting there early on a Saturday is strongly recommended if you want the best picking conditions.
The farm’s laid-back character and beautiful surroundings make even a slow picking day feel like a genuinely good use of your time.
6. Krupp Farms
Krupp Farms in Coloma, Michigan, is tucked into the fruit belt region along the western side of the state — and if you know anything about Michigan agriculture, you know that’s a very good sign. The area’s microclimate, influenced by Lake Michigan, creates ideal conditions for growing fruit that’s genuinely exceptional.
Krupp takes full advantage of that geography, and the results show up in every berry you pull from the vine.
May at Krupp Farms is when strawberry season takes center stage. The farm is known for producing berries that are reliably sweet and well-sized, which makes the picking feel rewarding rather than like a scavenger hunt for anything edible.
The rows are set up for easy access, and the farm staff are typically on hand to help orient newcomers and answer questions about what’s ripe and what’s coming up next in the season.
One thing that sets Krupp apart is the sense that this is a working farm first and a tourist attraction second. That might sound like a small distinction, but it changes the whole vibe of the visit.
There’s no manufactured charm here — just real fields, real produce, and real people who care about what they grow. For visitors who are tired of overly curated farm experiences, Krupp is a refreshing change of pace.
The Coloma area has plenty of other things to see and do, making Krupp a natural anchor for a longer day trip into Berrien County. Pair the farm visit with a stop at one of the local wineries or a walk along the lakeshore, and you’ve got a seriously enjoyable May Saturday on your hands.
Check the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm picking availability before making the drive.
7. Friske Farm Market
Up in Antrim County near Ellsworth, Friske Farm Market is one of those northern Michigan institutions that feels like it belongs on a postcard. The farm sits in the heart of one of the state’s most beautiful agricultural regions, where the rolling hills and clear spring skies create a backdrop that makes even a simple farm visit feel like a mini vacation.
Friske has been operating for generations, and that experience shows in how the whole place is run.
May at Friske is a transitional time — the farm is waking up from winter and preparing for the full swing of cherry and apple season that defines northern Michigan summers. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see or pick.
Strawberries and early-season produce make appearances, and the farm market itself is already stocked with homemade goods, jams, and baked treats that are worth the trip on their own.
The market store is genuinely impressive in its range. You’ll find locally made products, fresh-baked goods, and seasonal items that reflect the best of what northern Michigan has to offer.
It’s the kind of place where you walk in for one thing and leave with a full bag of stuff you didn’t know you needed but are very glad you found. That discovery factor is a big part of Friske’s appeal.
If you’re planning a longer northern Michigan trip in May, Friske Farm Market makes a perfect stop along the way. The drive up through Antrim County is beautiful in spring, and the farm itself delivers that combination of fresh food and genuine character that makes northern Michigan so worth visiting.
Arrive hungry — the baked goods situation here is not to be underestimated, and you will want one of everything in the case.
8. Slow Farm
Slow Farm earns its name in the best possible way — this is a place that prioritizes doing things right over doing things fast. Located in the Ann Arbor area, Slow Farm has developed a devoted following among people who care deeply about where their food comes from and how it’s grown.
The farm operates with a commitment to sustainable practices that goes well beyond a marketing tagline, and you can taste the difference in every piece of fruit you pick.
May is a beautiful time to visit because the farm is in full spring mode — everything is growing, the air smells incredible, and there’s an energy of possibility that’s hard to describe but easy to feel. Strawberries are typically the u-pick star of the early season, and Slow Farm’s approach to growing them results in berries that are noticeably more flavorful than what you’d find at a conventional operation.
The smaller scale of the farm also means the picking experience feels more personal and less like a crowded event.
The community around Slow Farm is part of what makes it special. Regular visitors tend to know each other, and the farm has a social dimension that goes beyond just buying produce.
CSA shares, farm events, and a general spirit of openness make this feel like more than a transaction — it’s a genuine connection between people and the land that feeds them. That’s a rare thing, and it’s worth seeking out.
Because Slow Farm is smaller in scale, u-pick availability can be limited and fills up quickly. Following the farm on social media or signing up for their newsletter is the best way to stay in the loop about when picking days are scheduled.
Show up with an open mind, comfortable shoes, and a genuine appreciation for the effort that goes into growing food this thoughtfully.
9. Hanulcik Farm Market & Orchard
Hanulcik Farm Market & Orchard has that rare combination of genuine quality and unpretentious charm that keeps people coming back year after year. Located in the thumb region of Michigan, the farm is a beloved local institution that serves its community with the kind of consistency that builds real trust over time.
When the strawberry fields open in May, it’s practically a community event — people who grew up picking here bring their own kids now, and that generational connection says everything about what this place means to the area.
The orchard side of the operation becomes more prominent as the season progresses toward summer and fall, but May is all about early crops and the excitement of a new season beginning. The farm market is well-stocked with fresh goods, local products, and homemade items that give you plenty of reasons to linger even after your picking basket is full.
The staff are friendly and know their product inside and out, which makes every visit feel like a conversation rather than a checkout line.
What’s particularly nice about Hanulcik is the scale — it’s big enough to have a great selection but small enough that you don’t feel like a number. The rows are accessible, the property is clean and well-maintained, and the overall experience has that thoughtful quality that comes from people who genuinely love what they do.
That’s not something you can fake, and visitors pick up on it immediately.
The thumb region of Michigan is an underappreciated destination for spring day trips, and Hanulcik is one of the best reasons to explore it. Pack a cooler, plan a scenic drive through the agricultural landscape, and make the farm your main stop.
You’ll leave with fresh strawberries, a lighter mood, and probably a jar of homemade jam you didn’t plan on buying but absolutely needed.
10. King Orchards Fruit Stop
King Orchards Fruit Stop up near Traverse City in Kewadin is the kind of place that makes you genuinely excited about fruit. The King family has been farming this land for generations, and their passion for growing exceptional cherries, peaches, and other northern Michigan specialties comes through in everything they do.
May marks the beginning of the season here, and the farm is buzzing with anticipation as the trees bloom and the fields prepare for what’s ahead.
Early-season strawberries and fresh market goods anchor the May experience at King Orchards, while the iconic cherry season is still a few weeks away. But that doesn’t make a May visit any less worthwhile — the setting alone is enough to justify the trip.
The farm sits in a gorgeous stretch of northern Michigan landscape, and the views from the property in spring, with everything blooming and the sky that particular shade of blue you only get up north, are genuinely stunning.
The farm stand is a treasure trove of locally made products, including cherry preserves, dried fruits, and baked goods that showcase what this region does best. King Orchards has also developed a strong mail-order business over the years, which means their reputation extends well beyond Michigan — but visiting in person is a completely different experience that no shipping box can replicate.
If you’re making the drive up to the Traverse City area in May, King Orchards is an essential stop. The farm sits just far enough off the main tourist corridor to feel like a genuine local discovery rather than a packaged attraction.
Bring cash or a card, arrive with an empty cooler, and prepare to leave with more than you planned to buy. That’s just the King Orchards effect, and it’s one worth experiencing for yourself.
11. Strawberry Fields Farm Market
With a name like Strawberry Fields Farm Market, expectations are set high — and the farm delivers. Located in the Grand Rapids area of West Michigan, this spot is exactly what its name promises: a serious strawberry operation that takes the fruit’s short but glorious season very seriously.
When the fields open in May, there’s a genuine buzz of excitement that spreads through the local community, and regulars know to clear their calendars for opening weekend.
The picking experience here is well-organized and enjoyable, with clearly marked rows and staff who keep things moving without making you feel rushed. Strawberry picking has a rhythm to it once you get going — crouch, scan, pick, repeat — and Strawberry Fields is set up in a way that lets you fall into that rhythm quickly.
The berries are typically plentiful and in excellent condition during peak May picking, making for containers that fill up faster than you’d expect.
Beyond the u-pick fields, the farm market carries an appealing selection of seasonal items that round out the visit nicely. Fresh-baked goods, local honey, and other Michigan-made products fill the shelves, giving you plenty of options for rounding out your haul.
It’s the kind of market where you wander around and end up spending more time than you planned because there’s always something new to look at.
For families with younger children, Strawberry Fields is an especially good fit because the whole experience is focused and manageable. There’s a clear beginning, middle, and end to the visit, which is helpful when you’re managing short attention spans.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little stained — strawberry juice is enthusiastic in its distribution — and bring a hat because the open fields offer minimal shade on a sunny May afternoon.
12. Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm
Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm has a name that immediately tells you something important about the place — family is at the center of everything here. Operating out of the Grand Rapids area, this farm has been serving West Michigan for decades, and the “Girls” in the name refers to the daughters who helped build and sustain the operation across generations.
That story of family commitment gives the whole farm a warmth that you feel before you even get to the fields.
Strawberry season in May is a major event at Dunneback’s. The farm’s fields are known for producing excellent berries, and the u-pick experience is well-run and genuinely enjoyable.
Rows are maintained with care, and the farm communicates openly with customers about field conditions and picking availability — a small thing that makes a big difference when you’re planning a trip and don’t want any surprises. That kind of transparency builds the trust that keeps customers loyal year after year.
The farm market is a real highlight, stocked with homemade jams, baked goods, and fresh produce that reflect the farm’s long history of growing things right. Shopping here feels different from a grocery store run — there’s a story behind every product, and the quality reflects the care that went into producing it.
Picking up a jar of strawberry jam made from fruit grown right on the property is the kind of thing that turns a farm visit into a lasting memory.
Ed Dunneback & Girls is also a wonderful option for anyone who wants to introduce kids to where food actually comes from. Watching a child’s face light up when they find a perfect strawberry and pull it from the plant is one of those genuinely sweet moments that makes the whole outing worthwhile.
The farm’s welcoming, unpretentious character makes it easy to relax and just enjoy being there.
13. Papa’s Pumpkin Patch & Country Farm Market
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch & Country Farm Market might be best known for its fall pumpkin season, but spring visits reveal a whole different side of this Lansing-area gem. May here is a season of fresh beginnings — strawberries take the spotlight, the market fills up with early-season goods, and the farm sheds its dormant winter look in favor of something vibrant and alive.
It’s proof that great farm destinations aren’t one-trick ponies tied to a single season.
The strawberry u-pick at Papa’s is a genuine community gathering. Families from the greater Lansing area make this a spring tradition, showing up with their containers and their enthusiasm and leaving with berries that taste nothing like what you’d find under fluorescent grocery store lights.
The fields are well-tended, the staff are cheerful and helpful, and the whole operation has a neighborly quality that makes you want to come back the following weekend just to see what’s new.
The country market side of the operation is worth spending time in after you’ve finished picking. Local products, seasonal baked goods, and fresh produce fill the space with color and good smells, and it’s genuinely hard to leave without picking up a few extra items.
The market has a curated but unpretentious feel — nothing is there just for show, and every product has been chosen because it’s actually good.
Papa’s is a particularly smart choice for people in the Lansing area who want a farm experience without a long drive. The farm is close enough for a casual weekday evening visit, which is a luxury that not everyone has access to.
Go on a Tuesday morning if you can swing it — the crowds are thinner, the berries are just as good, and the whole experience feels more relaxed when you’re not competing with half of Ingham County for the best picking rows.