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Cherry Varieties at Wunsch Farms

Pick Cherries at Wunsch Farms

Wunsch Farms offers a diverse selection of cherries throughout the summer, giving visitors the chance to experience a range of flavors, textures, and colors straight from the orchard. Early in the season, varieties like Black Pearl bring a deep, rich sweetness that signals the start of cherry harvest in Northern Michigan. As the season progresses, classic favorites like Ulster take center stage, delivering the balanced, full-bodied flavor many people associate with peak cherry season.

In addition to these named varieties, the orchard produces a rotating mix of dark sweet cherries, known for their bold flavor and firm texture, along with light-colored Rainier cherries that offer a delicate sweetness and lower acidity. Tart cherries are also available later in the season, prized for baking, cooking, and preserving. This variety ensures that whether you prefer something sweet and snackable or bright and tangy, there’s always something ready to pick.

Cherry U-Pick Seasonality

Cherry season at Wunsch Farms follows the natural rhythm of Northern Michigan’s growing cycle, with new varieties becoming available as summer unfolds. The harvest typically begins in late June with early sweet cherries, offering the first taste of the season. By mid-July, the orchard reaches its peak, with a wide selection of sweet varieties ready for picking and ideal conditions for a full orchard experience.

As the season moves into late July and early August, later-ripening cherries round out the harvest. This is when visitors can often find a mix of sweet and tart varieties, making it a great time for both fresh eating and stocking up for pies, jams, and other recipes. Because the selection evolves week to week, each visit offers something a little different, making it worth returning throughout the season.

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Planning Your Visit

The best time to visit Wunsch Farms depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, as well as which cherry varieties you want to pick. For those eager to kick off the season, late June to early July offers the first opportunity to get into the orchard and enjoy early sweet cherries with smaller crowds and a more relaxed pace.

Mid-July is typically the peak of cherry season and the most popular time to visit. This is when the widest variety of cherries is available and the orchard is at its most vibrant. If you’re looking for the fullest selection and a classic U-pick experience, this is the ideal window, though it’s wise to plan for busier conditions, especially on weekends.

Late July into early August is a great time for visitors who prefer a quieter visit or are interested in later-season varieties, including tart cherries. The pace begins to slow, but there’s still plenty to pick, particularly for those planning to bake, preserve, or stock up. Visiting on weekday mornings throughout the season is often the best way to enjoy cooler temperatures, lighter crowds, and the freshest fruit available.

  • Wunsch Farms offers a rotating selection of U-pick fruit throughout the season, including strawberries, cherries, apricots, peaches, plums and apples. Availability changes week to week based on ripeness and weather conditions. Learn more.

  • The best time to visit depends on what you’d like to pick. Early summer is ideal for strawberries and early cherries, mid-summer offers peak cherry varieties and stone fruits, and fall is perfect for apples. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded and offer the best selection.

  • Containers are provided.

  • U-pick pricing is based on the amount of fruit you harvest. Your fruit will be weighed at the end of your visit and priced per pound, so you only pay for what you pick.

  • Yes, Wunsch Farms is a great destination for families. The U-pick experience is designed to be relaxed and accessible for all ages, making it easy to enjoy time outdoors together.

  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Closed-toe shoes are best for walking the orchard, and items like hats, sunscreen and water can help keep you comfortable during your visit.

  • Yes, many visitors stop by to enjoy the atmosphere or purchase pre-picked fruit when available. It’s a great option if you’re short on time.

  • Operations can be affected by weather conditions, especially during rain or extreme heat. It’s best to check ahead before your visit to confirm hours and availability.

  • Most visits range from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how much fruit you’d like to pick and how much time you want to spend exploring.

  • Reservations are not required, but it’s always a good idea to check ahead during peak season or for special events.

  • Yes! There are porta-johns and a U-wash sink available on location.

  • We have a U-Wash sink available to clean fruit before leaving the orchards!