Make the Most of the Strawberry Season at These U-Pick Farms

Check out these spots in Ortonville, Ann Arbor, Washington, and more
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strawberries u-pick
Photo: Adobe Stock/Björn Wylezich

Middleton Berry Farm

The Janiga family bought this 40-acre farm from Barb and Bill Middleton in 2014, continuing the tradition of the family business. With an eye toward sustainability, Middleton Berry Farm also mantains a 6-acre wild pollinator preserve with native wildflower and grass species, to attract bees, butterflies, and bats. Don’t forget to bring cash or a check to cover your harvest, as credit cards are not accepted. 4790 Oakwood Road, Ortonville; 248-831-1004; middletonberryfarm.com

Rowe’s Produce Farm

Located in Ypsilanti, this farm touts the most acreage dedicated to u-pick strawberries in the state. You can pull up to the fields in your car to pluck your choice of berries (and bonus: It’s all-you-can-eat while picking). Sign up for the email list to get updates on when to come and pick. Rowe’s also offers sugar snap peas and English shelling peas in June. 10570 Martz Road, Ypsilanti; 734-482-8538; rowesproducefarm.com

Slow Farm

This certified-organic farm has both an on-site stand selling organic produce and u-pick. With about 20 acres under cultivation, the diversified farm grows about 100 different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and flowers that are also available for u-pick throughout the season. Follow the Facebook page for updates and to find out when to sign up for a slot for picking. 4700 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor; 734-249-8359; slowfarmandfriends.com

Stotz Berry Farm

Like many berry farms in Michigan, this Monroe County staple is a family affair. The Stotzes have been growing berries for decades, and in 2017 they opened the strawberry fields so customers can pick for themselves. For those short on time, the farm also offers pre-picked berries. 952 Albain Road, Monroe; 734-625-5072; stotzberryfarm.weebly.com

Westview Orchards & Winery

This Washington farm, which spans 188 acres of land, has been in the family for six generations. After plucking berries from the patch, treat yourself to some donuts and pies or a glass of wine at the bar in the Cider Barn. 65075 Van Dyke, Washington; 586-752-3123; westvieworchards.com

Whittaker’s Berry Farm

This second-generation family farm (Marilyn Whittaker is the daughter of George and Norma Rauch, who ran Rauch’s Berry Farm for 24 years) boasted more than 15 acres of berries last year. Customers can call and hear a recorded message updated daily on picking conditions and hours. 6724 Todd Road, Ida; 734-269-6612; whittakersberryfarm.com


This story is from the June 2022 issue of Hour Detroit. Read more our digital edition.