Find U-Pick Cherry Farms
Are you looking for farms where you can go cherry picking? There’s something incredibly special about strolling through rows of cherry trees, reaching up to pluck the perfect piece of fruit right from the branch.
Whether you are a fan of the sweet varieties or prefer the tart ones for baking and preserves, cherry picking offers an experience that’s just as delightful as the fruit itself.
The Cherry Picking Experience
Cherries, with their brilliant hues ranging from yellow-blushed-with-red to deep ruby, are truly one of nature’s most stunning fruits. And there’s more to cherry picking than the hunt for the juiciest, ripest fruit – it’s about the cool shade beneath the trees, the leaves rustling in the wind, and the satisfaction of a basket full of fresh-picked fruit.
It’s a summertime tradition, a chance to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of picking this fruit.
Where To Go For Cherry Picking
The climate and soil conditions of a region determine how well cherry trees grow, which means some parts of the United States are more suited to growing cherries than others.
Michigan, particularly the Traverse City area, is a renowned location for cherry orchards. Often referred to as the “Cherry Capital of the World“, Michigan offers cherry lovers a chance to pick from trees heavy with both sweet and tart varieties.
The fertile valleys of Washington state are another excellent location for cherry picking. Known for their vast agricultural output, farms in Washington boast an impressive variety of cherries ready to be handpicked right from the tree.
In Oregon, the temperate climate provides ideal growing conditions for cherry trees. U-pick farms here offer several different types of cherries, giving pickers a chance to try their hand at picking a variety of fruits.
California, especially its northern regions, also supports a healthy cherry production thanks to the favorable climate. Cherry season here is a vibrant time, with U-pick farms inviting visitors to harvest their share of the crop.
Door County in Wisconsin is famous for its tart Montmorency cherries, a variety typically used in pies and preserves. The annual cherry harvest is a significant event in the region, and U-pick farms offer visitors a chance to be a part of it.
Cherry Picking Seasons
The cherry picking season isn’t uniform across the country – it varies based on the local climate. For instance, in the warmer regions of California, cherry picking season can start as early as mid-April and extend through June. Here, visitors have a chance to get a head start on cherry picking before the rest of the country.
In contrast, states like Oregon and Michigan, with their slightly cooler climates, typically see cherry season starting in June and lasting until late July or early August. The harvest in these states coincides with the height of summer, making cherry picking a delightful way to enjoy the sunny weather.
Washington’s cherry picking season generally runs from June to August, providing a long window for locals and visitors to explore the state’s numerous orchards. And in Wisconsin, where the tart Montmorency cherries reign supreme, July is the prime time for picking.
Exact harvest times can vary from year to year depending on weather conditions, it’s always a good idea to check with your local U-pick cherry farms for their most accurate and up-to-date seasonal information.
Tips For A Successful Cherry Picking Experience
When planning your cherry picking adventure, remember to dress appropriately. The ideal attire includes comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and a hat to protect you from the summer sun. It’s also advisable to wear layers as the temperature can change throughout the day.
In terms of choosing the best fruit, look for cherries that are firm and glossy, with their stems still attached. Unlike some other fruits, cherries don’t rip.
Find your state below to quickly find all of the farms near you that offer cherry picking. Be sure to verify the open season, hours of operation and if the farm is currently offering cherries before driving to that farm.
With our state county maps, it’s easy to see where in your state you can find u-pick cherry farms. The green highlighted counties will show you farms that offer cherry picking.
Gray States: If you see your state in gray that means we do not currently have a u-pick cherry farm listed there. We are adding new u-pick farms all of the time, so if you do not see a farm in your state please come back soon.
If you know of a farm that is missing, please help us by adding the farm here.
