It’s mid-July. You’re making your way up the coast on a Saturday afternoon. A light breeze blows off Lake Michigan. Out the window, there are endless rows of bushes, their branches bobbing up and down with ripened fruit as they catch in the summer wind. It’s a summer pastime that families here have been partaking in for well over 100 years. Blueberry picking season is finally here. Today, we’ll be tracing the roots of the Blueberry Coast and Michigan’s Oldest Family-Owned Blueberry Farms.

Often quoted as being “the blueberry capital of the world,” Michigan has consistently ranked as one of the top producers of blueberries in the United States. Commercial blueberry farming began to take shape in the 1920’s, largely thanks to Stanley Johnston, a horticulture professor at Michigan State University. Professor Johnston set up numerous test plots all throughout the Upper and Lower Michigan Peninsula to determine what conditions blueberry plants were most likely to thrive in. Without his findings, the commercial blueberry industry would not exist today. Years later, in the 1990’s, Dr. Jim Hancock of Michigan State University led a breeding program that would result in six northern highbush blueberry varieties, with two of these, Draper and Liberty, now being some of the most northern highbush varieties in the world (Rudolph). 

What Makes the West Coast Special

Blueberries thriving in the Great Lakes region are not a new phenomenon. Formerly known as “star berries” because of their star-pointed blossom ends, Indigenous peoples used native blueberry varieties for thousands of years. Used in everything from traditional medicine to dyeing textiles to ceremonies, these were deeply ingrained in their culture, representing renewal and abundance of the season. 

Thriving along the sandy Michigan coastline with the ideal acidic soil profile (between 4.5 and 5.5), Lake Michigan’s eastern elements and blueberries are a match made in heaven. The ancient lake beds formed from glaciers thousands of years ago helped to shape the loamy soil profile that blueberries love. The seasons and climate of the eastern Lake Michigan coast are also the perfect recipe for blueberry farming. Warmer air coming in off the large lake in winter prevents cold damage to the crops. In the early spring, the winds and temperatures help to delay premature blooms that late frosts might otherwise damage. By summer, there are plenty of freshwater storms that roll in off the lake that help keep the plants hydrated and make the best (and plumpest) blueberries around. 

Grown for Generations: A Part of Michigan Heritage

Picking our own berries is a great family-friendly way to gain appreciation for the food we eat and the land it grows on. If you find yourself looking to partake in the U-pick blueberry tradition this year, these are some generational farms we think are worth checking out. From personal experience, this is one of our favorite family summer pastimes, and it’s a great way to stock up your freezer supply with fruit that will last you through the winter months. 

Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm (Holland, MI)

Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm began when Winifred and William Bowerman planted their first blueberry bushes in 1948. By 1954, Bowerman’s was officially founded, and today over 90 acres of blueberry bushes flourish under Carol and Randy Bowerman’s leadership. If you have ever taken a stroll through downtown Holland, you’ll likely have visited their bakery and cafe, chalked full of delish fresh baked goods, Bowerman’s on 8th. We highly recommend attending their Blueberry Harvest Fest that takes place every weekend from now through August 2nd. After partaking in picking your own fresh haul of blueberries, stick around to enjoy the live music with food and drinks. Visit their website here for more details. Before heading out, be sure to visit their farm and market to pick up some of their blueberry baked goods and some local fresh produce (we recommend trying their blueberry donuts (yum!)). 

S. Kamphuis Blueberries (Holland, MI)

A fifth-generation family farm, S. Kamphuis Blueberries first bushes were planted by Gerland Kamphuis back in 1941 along 152nd Ave. and New Holland St. Today, they have 20 acres of blueberry fields and are celebrating their 85th season, proving that through sacrifice and determination, anything is possible. Come celebrate alongside them on July 25th for their Big Berry Birthday Bash from 11 am-2 pm for a day filled with Pizza, JOY99 music, bounce houses, balloon animals, and of course blueberries. You can find more information about this event and more on their website. Don’t forget to stop in their farm store to check out their homemade blueberry sauce on an ice cream sundae, along with picking up a few of their jams, jellies, or sauces to-go. 

Dexter Blueberry Farm (Dexter, MI):

The land that Dexter Blueberry Farm sits on has always been perfect for growing blueberries. Wild blueberries once filled their fields, dating back to the 1930’s. By the 1960’s, the land was formally cultivated, and Dexter Blueberry Farm was founded. U-Pick at the farm opens for the season on July 13, 2026. Feel free to bring your own bucket or bags (otherwise they have buckets you can borrow!) Visit their website here for a list of blueberry recipes you can bake after returning home with your fresh berry haul. 

DeGrandchamp Farms (South Haven, MI)

Nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan is the quaint, idyllic town of South Haven. Officially known as “Blueberry Capital of the World”, the nearly 300 blueberry farms of the South Haven area produce millions of pounds of blueberries a year. DeGrandchamp Farms is no stranger to blueberry growing. Started by Beatrice and Vincent DeGrandchamp back in 1958, the farm began with just 12 acres of land and a dream. Today, this family farm boasts 300 acres of blueberries, a nursery, a greenhouse, and even 40 acres of cranberries! This is now a third-generation farm, proving that dedication, honest hard work, and respect for the land pay off. Their farm store offers lots of yummy fresh baked goods  and even sells frozen blueberries year-round (perfect for those blueberry scone cravings mid-winter!) They even have a shaded patio to recharge on after an afternoon of picking, complete with cornhole. Visit their website here for more information. 

Reenders Blueberry Farms (West Olive, MI)

Reedners Blueberry Farms was started by a father and his sons on 20 acres in 1956. Fast forward to the present day, and they now grow 22 varieties of blueberries across 900 acres of land. This is a fourth-generation farm that was built on faith and a deep passion for providing for the community around them. Please note: There are two different locations for Reenders Blueberry Farms U-Pick, the first being at their main farm, located at 9981 W Olive Rd, West Olive, MI 49460, and the second being at their Blueberry Hill location at 13907 Cleveland St., Nunica, MI 49448. We suggest looking at their website if you have a favorite variety you enjoy to make sure it’s ready for harvest before you visit. Also, be sure to stop into Reenders Market during your visit before you head out. Their fresh blueberry pies are heaven on a plate and perfect if you didn’t have time to bake a dessert for that upcoming cookout!

Tips Before You Go U-Picking:

• Always bring some buckets or bags just in case! Sometimes if it’s busy, farms can run out. 
• A lot of farms operate rain or shine, but if you’re unsure, you can often connect with the farm directly or check their socials for updates before heading out. 
• Bring some wipes or paper towels! (Blueberries can get messy when picking, and it’s always nice to have something to clean up with before the drive home.) 
• Bring cash just in case. Sometimes card readers and their systems can go down, or a farm might just accept cash, so it’s always good to come prepared. 

There are over 500 family-owned blueberry farms in Michigan alone. These are just some of their stories. If you are on the road this summer, this is your invitation to stop on a whim and spend some time connecting with local farmers and enjoying a tradition that families in the Great Lakes region have been enjoying for years. Do you have a favorite blueberry farm you like to visit year after year? Drop it in the comments below! If you enjoyed this read, check out our blog posts on Five Small Harbor Towns That Feel Frozen in Time, and Tulip Time and the Dutch Roots of a Michigan Tradition.

Sources: 

Rudolph, C. (2026, February 10). MSU research bolsters Michigan blueberry industry. AgBioResearch. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/msu-research-bolsters-michigan-blueberry-industry