简体中文
EnglishWhat is Crane Orchards?
Updated
Crane Orchards is a family-owned u-pick orchard in Michigan that has been farmed since the 1880s and is currently run by the sixth generation of Crane farmers. It offers seasonal u-pick fruit — apples, peaches, and sweet cherries — along with a corn maze and pumpkin picking later in the season. It describes itself as the only locally-owned Crane Orchards u-pick and notes it has been voted one of the top ten apple orchards in the nation.
What you can do there
The orchard's main draw is picking your own fruit, but the experience changes with the season.
- U-pick apples — the core of the fall season, with many varieties ripening at different times
- U-pick peaches — available in season
- U-pick sweet cherries — available in season
- Corn maze — a fall activity alongside apple picking
- Pumpkin picking — offered later in the season
Cherry and peach seasons had already finished at the time of the source page, so those are earlier-summer activities. Apple season is the one that runs into the fall.
Apple picking details
According to the orchard, apple season typically runs until close to the end of October, with daily hours of 10am–6pm, weather permitting.
Varieties listed as being picked at the time of the page included:
| Apples | |
|---|---|
| Cortland | Late Fuji |
| Northern Spy | Jonagold |
| Empire | Jonathan |
| Golden Delicious | Ida Red |
| Mutsu | Cameo |
| Evercrisp (starting Tuesday, Oct 13) |
Two things worth knowing before you plan a trip:
- Ripening varies by variety. The orchard notes that warm weather expedited ripening for many apples that fall, so it advises watching earlier rather than later for your favorite variety.
- Not every variety has a set date. If an apple isn't listed yet, the orchard says it simply hasn't determined an opening date and will post an update when it can.
One important distinction
The orchard and the pie pantry/restaurant are separate businesses. They are related and operated independently, so praise or concerns should go to the appropriate business rather than being directed to the orchard.
Who it's for
Crane Orchards suits families and groups looking for a fall outing built around picking your own fruit, with a corn maze and pumpkins adding to the experience later in the season. Because availability is seasonal and variety-dependent, the practical move is to check the current picking list before you go rather than assuming a specific fruit will be ready.