Where and how to pick the season’s juiciest, plus recipes we love.
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Photo by Dave Weidner
Northern Michigan’s blueberry season typically kicks off in mid‑July and rolls through August—just in time for the sun to mellow and evenings to hint at fall. These little blue gems aren’t only sweet and vibrant, they’re nutritional powerhouses, loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, and manganese—making every handful a win for both your tastebuds and heart. Northern Michigan’s sandy soil, ample lake‑effect rain and cool summer nights create the perfect terroir for plump, flavorful blueberries, whether cultivated on farms or foraged from wild patches.
Of all the U-Pick adventures I take each year, my favorite by far is hitting the blueberry harvest. The modest little bushes are friendly—no dense branches or prickles, no reaching, no stooping—and the berries themselves? I can’t get enough of their beauty, from the unripe lilac-colored clusters up through the plump, nearly black ripe berries with their dusty white bloom.
Because the picking is easy, I always pick too much—usually five pounds or so—but a few freezer bags later I’m back to a manageable load of fresh berries, which I love to bake into a crisp. My version is simple and light on the sugar: 4 cups of berries mixed with 2 T. of sugar and some lemon zest, and a topping with ½ c. oats, 1/3 c. flour and 6 T. of melted butter and dash of vanilla, baked at 375 degrees until bubbly and browned.
Where to U-Pick Blueberries in Northern Michigan
Up North Blueberry Farm, Gaylord
This family-run farm grows eight varieties of high bush blueberries maintained for easy picking, but they also offer fresh-picked boxes as well as jams and dried blueberries if you just want to stop by for a fix.
Bulldog Berries, Traverse City
A newer addition to the berry farm scene, Bulldog offers 25 acres with 11 varieties of blueberries, plus strawberries, Saskatoons, raspberries and blackberries in season.
Buchan’s Blueberry Hill, Old Mission
This fifth-generation farm is known for its U-Pick scene and beloved for its blueberry ice cream options sold onsite and at Buchan’s West Bay, their new-ish ice cream shop enterprise.
Noonan’s Blueberry Farm, Interlochen
Locals will post on the socials when the picking is ripe at this family farm located on U.S. 31 in Interlochen. Call 231-299-1853 for updates and to confirm hours, as opening days/times may vary.
Photo by Buchan’s
Blueberry Picking Tips
Call ahead. Ask what they’re picking today to ensure crops are ripe and fields are open.
Bring your own containers and a cooler. Farms will typically provide buckets and bags, but you might want a sturdier Tupperware or produce bag top pop in a cooler to keep berries from smushing if you’re going to be driving a bit.
Leave your pup at home. Most farms don’t allow dogs, even on leash, for health reasons (no one wants to pick from a bush where your dog took a wee when you weren’t looking).
Wear a hat with a brim. Fields are typically sunny and wide open with scarce shade.
Work your technique. Cup your hands around berry clusters and gently jiggle; ripe berries will want to slide off into your palm easily.
Photo by Shelby Soberalski
What to Make: Favorite Blueberry Recipes
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Muffins, shmuffins. When your kitchen is overflowing with ripe blueberries, try these easy and unusual ideas.
Blueberry-Blackberry Purses
Blueberry-Lavender Crêpes
Blueberry Mojito, Blueberry Rum Collins
French Toast with Blueberry-Orange Sauce
Dining and Cooking