What Else Can You Do at Crane Orchards Besides Apple Picking?

Updated

Beyond apple picking, Crane Orchards offers a corn maze and, later in the season, pumpkin picking. The orchard frames all of these as ways to "create fall memories" for families, so a visit can combine several activities in one trip. U-pick fruit is the main draw, but it isn't the only thing on the property.

Activities at a glance

Activity When it's available Notes
U-pick apples Peak apple season, typically until near the end of October Many varieties; opening dates for each are posted as they're determined
U-pick cherries Cherry season only Finished for the year at the time of the source page
U-pick peaches Peach season only Finished for the year at the time of the source page
Corn maze Fall Listed alongside u-pick as a core fall activity
Pumpkin picking Later in the season Described as a later-season activity

U-pick fruit is still the centerpiece

The orchard grows many varieties of apples, peaches, and sweet cherries for u-pickers, and it describes itself as one of the finest u-pick orchards in Michigan. Fruit availability shifts through the season:

  • Cherries and peaches are done for the year once their seasons end.
  • Apples run through peak season, with varieties ripening at different times. The orchard notes that warm weather can speed up ripening, so it's worth checking earlier rather than later for a favorite variety.
  • If a specific apple isn't listed yet, that means an opening date hasn't been set — updates get posted when they are.

The corn maze and pumpkins round out a fall visit

The corn maze is presented as a fall activity alongside apple picking, and pumpkin picking comes later in the season. Together with u-pick fruit, these give a single visit more than one thing to do, which fits the orchard's stated goal of being a place for families to make fall memories.

One thing to know before you go

The orchard and the pie pantry/restaurant are separate businesses — separately owned and operated, even though the people behind them are extended family. If you have praise or a concern, direct it to the right business. The orchard also points visitors to its FAQ and tips page for common questions and advice on a smooth visit.

Practical details

  • Hours: Open 10am–6pm daily, weather permitting, until the end of apple season (typically close to the end of October).
  • Ownership: Locally owned, farmed since the 1880s and currently on its sixth generation of Crane farmers.
  • Recognition: Described as voted one of the top ten apple orchards in the nation.

If your goal is a full fall outing rather than just a bag of apples, plan around apple season and leave time for the corn maze — and check back for pumpkin picking if you're visiting later in the year.