A Guide to Traverse City's Cherry Season

As with most produce, differences can be attributed to both soil and climate, which are also influenced by the region's geography. Lake Michigan acts as a thermal “blanket,” keeping destructive frosts from devastating our orchards. Sandy soil and rolling hills that drain easily are more reasons cherries grow so well in Traverse City.

Why Cherry Season Attracts Visitors Every Year

Traverse City for cherry season has become an annual tradition for returning visitors and a must-see event for those who have never been. Enjoy a variety of food, fun, music, and of course, the cherries, which taste even better when baked into a pie, of which there will be many.

Traverse City cherry blossom season arrives in the first two weeks of May, making that time the best time to see the delicate flowers. Summer, however, July especially, is peak cherry season, with the National Cherry Festival starting the first Saturday in July and ending on the second one. This is the best time to plan a cherry-themed vacation, as the colorful fruit becomes the star of Traverse City.

Traverse City Cherry Festival (officially named the National Cherry Festival) is exactly what the name implies, a festival celebrating the wonder of cherries. Held over 8 days, every day is filled with fun and exciting events and activities, and although we can’t list them all here, we’ve provided a list of some of our favorites for your planning purposes.

Day 1: The Fun Begins

We aren’t going to do a day-by-day itinerary, but the first day of the festival is always so much fun, so we had to talk about it. The ceremonial slicing of a cherry pie lets the crowds know it has begun, and the community breakfasts, air shows, and the opening of Arnold’s Amusements carnival rides provide even more excitement.

Every Other Day at the Festival

Throughout the festival, you can enjoy a variety of parades, live music, and cherry-themed events, including the world-famous cherry pit spitting contest. Parents traveling with children will find that the family-friendly nature of these experiences makes them fun and wholesome activities.

Tips for Attending the Festival

Traverse City will be bursting at the seams during festival time, so reserve your favorite Elevated Stays retreat early, perhaps choosing one in downtown so you don’t have to fight the crowds on the roads. Carry a refillable water bottle, as there will be multiple water stations to help combat the summer heat, and bring your appetite for everything cherry.

Once the festival is over and Traverse City cherry season is in full bloom, there will still be many cherry-oriented activities to engage in. U-Pick Cherry experiences are extremely popular, inviting guests to check in at the farm stand, where you will be given picking containers. From there, you will head to the orchard, filling your basket with low-hanging fruit. Third Coast Fruit Co (Wunsch Farms) is one of the more popular u-pick orchards in the area.

• Address: 555 Wilson Road, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Phone: (231) 492-0422

• Learn More

Some local orchards, such as Rennie Orchards, will offer tours of the orchard, educating visitors on cherries and their place in the world. And although cherry season is over long before fall begins, Rennie Orchards offers hayrides through the trees in the fall.

• Address: 11221 Munro Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690

• Phone: (231) 264-8387

• U-Pick Varieties

Photography Opportunities in the Orchards

No matter which orchard you visit, the stunning beauty of the landscape and the trees laden with colorful berries will ensure every picture you take is frame-worthy. For those seeking professional photography sessions, The Weber Photographers is a popular company that offers seasonal photo shoots at local orchards. A photo shoot in the orchard makes for a great engagement announcement!

• Address: 505 N Elmwood Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Phone: (231) 622-8877

• Schedule a Session

As you delve deeper into Traverse City cherry season, it is time to explore the yumminess that is a Traverse City cherry.

Grand Traverse Pie Company

Offering everything from cherry pie to cherry cookies, cherry muffins, and cherry turnovers, Grand Traverse Pie Company is the first spot we recommend.

• Address: 101 N. Park Street, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Monday-Saturday

• Pie Flavors

Cherry-Inspired Breakfasts and Snacks

The fully equipped kitchen of your Elevated Stays Michigan sanctuary may be the perfect spot to make your own cherry-inspired breakfast, especially if you picked a bucket or more of cherries at any time during your trip. You can try this cherry pie overnight oats recipe or just make a cherry compote to pour over your pancakes.

When you are looking for something cherry, fun, and unique, a visit to Benjamin Twiggs is highly recommended. They have cherry-focused baskets and gifts, including their cherry salsa, which will add a spicy sweetness to your life.

• Address: 305 W Front St Ste D, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Phone: (231) 947-0208

• Gift Boxes

Cherry Wines

Traverse City cherry season also encourages our local wineries to create cherry wines and ciders, with Chateau Grand Traverse offering a tart and wonderful cherry-spiced wine.

• Address: 12239 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Phone: (231) 938-6120

• Tasting Room

Mari Vineyards

Mari Vineyards is a favorite among locals and travelers from all over the world. Offering 73 acres of vineyards and featuring 24 grape varieties, their Balaton Tart Cherry wine fits right into the season’s theme.

• 8175 Center Road

• (231) 938-6116

• Learn more

You may have heard about our wine trails, but during Traverse City cherry season, it’s the cherry trail that truly shines. During Cherry Season, the Old Mission Peninsula becomes a haven of cherries, adding to its scenic appeal.

Roadside farm stands along the route will offer many opportunities to purchase fruit and other produce to stock the kitchen of your vacation home. The best stop on the Old Mission Peninsula, however, may be Cherry Connection at Edmondson Orchard, another of our favorite U-pick cherry spots.

• Address: 12414 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Phone: (231) 223-7130

During Traverse City cherry blossom season, the Leelanau Peninsula offers another stunning drive, showcasing the trees in full bloom and breathtaking views of Lake Leelanau. Cherry Republic, a charming shop centered around cherries, is a fantastic place to stop for pie, gifts, or souvenirs. There are a few of these stores in Michigan, but its flagship store is in Glen Arbor, just 27 miles outside of Traverse City on the Leelanau Peninsula.

• Address: 6026-B, S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636

• Phone: (231) 226-3014

• Best Sellers

Traverse City cherry season is prime time in this part of the country, but if you follow our tips, you will discover a vacation that is more than you dreamed it could be.

• Book accommodations early

• Plan around festival and harvest dates

• Pack for summer weather

• Expect popular attractions to be busy

The Traverse City cherry festival isn’t the only reason you want to visit our Michigan town during cherry season, even if it is one of the biggest reasons. Our beautiful summer weather enables you to enjoy the best of Traverse City in just one season. Mostly warm but not too hot, nights can feel like paradise, and on occasion, you may want to wear a light jacket to guard against summer breezes. The wineries of Traverse City are beyond amazing, the food is hearty, delicious—and often made with cherries—and other summer events will keep you wanting to stay longer and longer.

Now that you have a better understanding of why Traverse City cherry season is something you can’t wait to explore, the million-dollar question remains. Where should you stay during your cherry adventures? Right here in the most comfortable vacation rentals in the state, our Elevated Stays sanctuaries!

Choose between our downtown Traverse City rentals (closer to the events of the season) or near Grand Traverse Bay (closer to the vineyards) and enjoy all the benefits of both. Make Elevated Stays your home base and discover how our properties can make your vacation even better!