How to Pick the Perfect Blueberry, from the Experts at Bowerman Blueberries Farm & Market
- Bowerman Farm Market
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
Your Guide to Pick-Your-Own Blueberries Near Grand Rapids
If you're planning to visit a blueberry farm this summer, there’s no better place to start than Bowerman Blueberries Farm & Market. Located in Holland, Michigan, just a short drive from Grand Rapids, our 100-acre farm is the go-to destination for pick-your-own blueberries, freshly baked goods, and family-friendly fun.
U-Pick is officially open and runs through mid August. For the most up-to-date information about picking times and berry availability, we recommend calling the farm before your visit.
Before you head out into the fields with your bucket in hand, let our team share some tips and tricks to make the most of your experience. This is everything you need to know about picking the perfect blueberry in Holland, from the people who grow them best.
Why Picking Your Own Blueberries is So Rewarding
From Farm to Family Memory
There is something incredibly satisfying about gathering your own fruit. It is a hands-on way to connect with your food, support local agriculture, and spend time outdoors with people you care about. For many West Michigan families, U-Pick at Bowerman Blueberries Farm & Market is an annual tradition that never gets old.
What to Look for When Picking Blueberries
Know the Signs of Ripeness
Picking ripe berries means more flavor, better texture, and a longer shelf life. Here is how to spot a perfect berry:
Color: Look for berries that are deep blue and fully colored. They may have a whitish, powdery coating called the bloom, which is a natural protective layer.
Firmness: Gently squeeze the berry. It should be firm but give slightly under pressure.
No Stems Attached: Ripe berries typically fall off the stem easily and do not hang on tightly.
When to Pick
Blueberries ripen gradually, so don’t rush. In Holland, Michigan, U-Pick typically peaks in mid to late July, depending on the weather. Because different fields are rotated for optimal harvest, there’s always something new to discover. Call us today to confirm open dates.
How to Pick the Perfect Blueberry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Start Early in the Day
Cooler morning temperatures mean the berries are firm and easier to handle. You will also avoid the midday heat, which makes for a more comfortable picking experience, especially with kids.
Step 2: Come Prepared
We provide buckets and containers, but you will want to dress for comfort:
Wear closed-toe shoes for walking the rows
Bring hats and sunscreen
Carry water and snacks (or grab treats from the market)
Step 3: Use a Gentle Roll
When you find a ripe berry, place your thumb behind it and roll it into your palm. A ripe blueberry will fall off easily. If it resists, leave it for a few more days.
Step 4: Pick from the Middle and Underside
People tend to grab the berries closest to their line of sight. Look underneath the branches and deeper into the plant for untouched clusters of perfectly ripe fruit.
Step 5: Handle with Care
Blueberries bruise easily, so avoid tossing them into your bucket. Gently place them down and try not to stack them too high. Once home, refrigerate them in a shallow container with good airflow.
Bakery Grand Rapids Families Love
Made-from-Scratch Goodness You Can Taste
Once you finish picking, reward yourself with a visit to our on-site bakery, where we use our very own blueberries in every bite. Families travel from Grand Rapids just for a box of our famous donuts.
Best-selling bakery items include:
Blueberry Donuts – Fried fresh daily and glazed to perfection
Blueberry Lattice Pie – Handcrafted with flaky crust and loaded with filling
Cherry Blueberry Pie – A sweet-tart twist on tradition
Blueberry Muffins and Hand Pies – Easy to take home or enjoy on the spot
Cool down with a donut flurry or blueberry pineapple twist soft-serve. A must-have summer treat you will not find anywhere else.
Blueberries galore…but so much more!
Whether it is your first time or part of a yearly tradition, picking blueberries at Bowerman’s is more than an activity. It is a hands-on connection to nature, farming, and your local food supply.
Families often share that it is one of the most relaxing and wholesome ways to spend a weekend. Kids learn where food comes from, parents get quality time outdoors, and everyone leaves with buckets full of berries and stories to tell.
Stay Awhile and Savor the Day
We want you to feel welcome from the moment you arrive. That is why we offer:
Shaded picnic areas
Clean restrooms
An outdoor play area
Delicious seasonal and local food straight from the farm
Sweet treats everyone will love
Our famous Farm Store with jams and all the essentials
An Easy Drive to Holland’s Favorite Farm
Located just under an hour from downtown Grand Rapids, Bowerman Blueberries Farm & Market makes for a perfect summer day trip. Take I-196 West to Holland, then head north on US-31 and turn onto James Street.
Make a full day of it by visiting Holland State Park, strolling downtown Holland, and of course, stopping at Bowerman’s for fresh blueberries, bakery favorites, and local produce.
Final Thoughts from Our Blueberry Experts
At Bowerman Blueberries Farm & Market, picking blueberries is more than just filling a bucket. It is about slowing down, enjoying the outdoors, and tasting fruit that was grown with care and harvested with heart.
If you want to pick the perfect blueberry, remember to look, feel, roll, and gently place. These small steps make a big difference, and our team is always here to help along the way.
Visit us Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM. Call ahead for updated picking conditions, and plan your trip at realblueberries.com/farmmarket.
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