Picking fruit at local farms is such a quintessential part of summer in Michigan for me! I prefer the easier picking fruits like cherries, peaches, and blueberries.
I know there are quite a few blueberry farms as you head to the lakeshore, but I discovered North Ridge Berries via social media which is north of town near Sparta/Kent City. It's about 25 minutes from my house, and worth the drive as the bushes were loaded with tons of ripe berries on their first day open for U-pick.
Keep an eye out for the small sign near a long drive. Once you get up to the barn, hop out and grab some buckets (the white buckets hold about 6 pounds of berries each). If you drive all the way down to the parking area you'll have to walk back up the hill to get a bucket.
After about an hour, my bucket was full, and I was ready to pay. They only take cash and checks for payment. The pricing is great at $2/pound for U-pick. They also have pre-picked berries for sale.
I will definitely be back next year for more blueberry picking! read more