While you could spend a whole trip exploring our breathtaking, vibrant fall color — and many people do — you can also pencil in some of your favorite autumn activities during your visit. No fall season is complete without a stroll around an apple orchard, and the same is true here! You’ll even find cider, pumpkins, donuts, farmers markets and other fall specialties depending on where you go. Here are the locations to consider when you’re searching for bushels and pecks. Have a blast apple picking in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!
Apple orchards in the U.P.
Sunny G. Orchard, Stephenson
Pick from over 10 apple varieties on this up and coming, family owned and operated farm.
Starz Orchard, Wallace
This orchard hosts occasional U-picks, or you can swing by their self-serve stand to purchase a variety of apples, other fruits and fresh apple cider. The cider recipe changes slightly depending on which varieties are used as ingredients — and sometimes, flavors like pear are added in! Check Starz’s Facebook for updated information.
Barron Orchards, Rock
Swing by this orchard for pre-picked apples, dehydrated apples and local honey!
Check the nearest farmers market!
If you can’t make it to one of these orchards, try visiting one of our many farmers markets. Several of them will have in-season produce like apples, plus other delicious goodies from local farmers. Not to mention, you can probably find some thirst-quenching cider, fall pies and apple pastries.
Apple picking tips
When you do pick apples, follow some of these tips from the Farmers Almanac to make sure you get the best out of your bushel!
- Help grow future apples! Separate the stem from the spur, which attaches the apple to the tree.
- Pick from the lowest outside branches for the most ripe apples.
- Pick using a gentle twist and pull motion.
- Avoid trees with a lot of apples on the ground, they probably won’t keep long.
Get the most of your fall trip!
Leaf peepers seeking the best fall foliage in the U.S. come to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Here, you can be awed speechless by the views from mountaintops or explore the area’s many pumpkin patches and farmer markets. Plan your fall foliage trip NOW with these tips and ideas. Then, book your stay and count down the days! We can’t wait to make cherished fall memories with you.