Your 2025 guide to apple picking in Michigan
We’ve got the when and where to go for all your apple picking in Michigan fall fun needs, so bring on the apple cider!
If you’ve been waiting for fall to officially hit in Michigan to go apple picking, there is no need, because apple season in the Mitten State actually starts in August. Who knew, right?
But then again, this is Michigan we are talking about, and those of us proud to call this state home know that sometimes, there is no rhyme or reason to the fickle changes of the seasons here, so I say if the apples are ready, it’s time to get picking! As the second-largest apple-producing state in the entire nation, it’s pretty much your inherent duty to pick apples if you live in Michigan.
Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know about picking apples in Michigan, along with what variety of apples you can find in the state, where the best U-pick apple farms are, and when to pick for maximum freshness.
When to go apple picking in Michigan
As we mentioned, you can pick some varieties of apples in Michigan as early as August. For instance, Jersey Mac starts in August, and the Paula Red apple, a variety discovered in Sparta, Mich., can only be harvested in August through mid-October. Paula Reds are perfectly juicy and flavorful, making them popular for snacking, especially among the kid crowd. They also make a great applesauce!
August aside, September and October are typically prime apple-picking times in Michigan. Most orchards keep track of their crops and open mid-September when apples are ready to be picked, so if you’re unsure if apples near you are ready to be harvested, simply Google a local orchard and check with them.
Some farms have end-of-summer produce available for picking as well as fun fall activities starting right after Labor Day. Weekends are ideal to visit orchards if you plan on participating in U-Pick—you might want to double-check each farm for weekday availability (and don’t be afraid to ask when field trip days are happening if you want to avoid the school bus crowd).
Here’s a brief list of Michigan apple varieties and when they ripen, courtesy of Knaebe’s:
Mid-August – Early September
- Jersey Mac
- Paula Red
Early September
- State Fair Whitney Crab
- Ginger Gold
- Early Gold
Early – Mid September
- Wealthy
- Zestar
September
- Cortland
- McIntosh
- Honeycrisp
- Sweet Sixteen
October
- Gala
- Spartan
- Cameo
- Empire
- Wolf River
- Golden Delicious
- Jona-Gold
- Jonathan
- Red Delicious
- Red Haralson
- Ida Red
- Northern Spy
- Double Red Stamen Winesap
- Yellow Newton or Pippen
What are the best apples to pick in Michigan?
The answer to what is the best apple to pick in Michigan really depends on whether you plan on eating or baking with the apple. With over one billion pounds of apples produced every year in Michigan, there is truly an apple for everyone.
While you can’t go wrong with a basic Honeycrisp, Fuji, or classic Gala that all pull double-duty for baking or snacking on, you can get more specific with your apple choice if you’d like. And when in doubt, again, we recommend calling your local apple grower, who will be more than happy to assist you in finding the best apple for your needs.
Best Michigan Apples for Baking
- Cortland
- McIntosh
- Spartan
- Cameo
- Empire
- Wolf River
- Golden Delicious
- Jona-Gold
- Jonathan
- Red Haralson
- Ida Red
- Northern Spy
- Double Red Stamen Winesap
- Yellow Newton or Pippen
Best Michigan Apples for Snacking
- McIntosh
- Honeycrisp
- Sweet Sixteen
- Gala
- Spartan
- Cameo
- Empire
- Golden Delicious
- Jona-Gold
- Jonathan
- Red Delicious
Where to go apple picking in Michigan
You might get tired of us saying it by now, but the best place to go apple picking in Michigan is definitely at an orchard near you. Your local grower can help direct you to the freshest varieties, guide you on the apples for your needs (whether for baking, storing, or snacking), and it’s easier to haul apples back when you’re closer to home.
That being said, you can find an apple orchard near you with Michigan’s interactive apple map, or check out our list of some of our favorite U-pick apple orchards in Michigan. Just don’t forget to keep room for all the goodies you’ll be bringing back home! Many of these orchards also offer additional fun outside of apples, so there’s entertainment for the whole family.
1. Blake’s Farms
- Address: 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, MI 48005
- Cost of U-Pick: $25.96 per ½ bag; $38.95 per full bag ($20 minimum purchase required)
- Activities offered: Funland with 25+ activities (including petting zoos and competitions), four haunted attractions, a cider tasting room, and a cider mill and full restaurant.
2. Stony Creek Orchard & Cider Mill
- Address: 2961 W. 32 Mile, Romeo, MI 48065
- Cost of U-Pick: $35 per ½ bushel; $20 per peck of apples
- Activities offered: Kids can explore the orchard and antique farm tractors; picnic area with playable straw bales; shop for home goods for sale, including doughnuts, pies, baked goods, caramel apples, honey, jams, jellies, fruit butters, and preserves.
3. Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
- Address: 3142 4 Mile Rd N, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
- Cost of U-pick: Call for pricing
- Activities offered: Hayrides, nature trail, petting zoo, wine tastings, corn mazes, Apple Haus bakery, dining area, cider mill, and homegrown fruits for purchase.
4. Crane Orchards
- Address: 6080 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
- Cost of U-pick: $1.65/lb
- Activities offered: 20-acre corn mazes, tractor-driven hayrides to tour the farm, orchard, and woods, cow train ride, and farm-style lightshow in the winter months.
5. Knaebe’s Apple Farm
- Address: 2621 S. Karsten Rd., Rogers City, MI 49779
- Cost of U-Pick: Prices will be available mid-September upon opening of U-Pick orchards
- Activities offered: Corn maze, visiting and feeding farm animals, horse-drawn wagon rides, Barrel Train Ride, Mac an’ Squasher Apple Slingshot.
6. Rennie Orchards
- Address: 11221 Munro Rd., Williamsburg, MI 49690
- Cost of U-Pick: Prices will be available mid-September
- Activities offered: Orchard hayrides, kids’ hay bale maze, play log cabin and teepee, and delicious concessions like cider and donuts.
7. Country Mill Farm
- Address: 4648 Otto Road, Charlotte, MI 48813
- Cost of U-Pick: $15 per ½ bushel
- Activities offered: Wagon rides, corn maze, Apple Cannon, Pumpkin Pitch, feed the fish at the pond, pick sunflowers, pumpkin picking, and a winery and farm market with fresh produce. The farm also offers a full events calendar with weekly special events and offerings.
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