Traverse City
The centre of American tart cherry growing, on a Lake Michigan bay whose water keeps the orchards from late frost.
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The two peninsulas reaching into Grand Traverse Bay grow the bulk of America's tart cherries, and the reason is the water: Lake Michigan holds the spring temperature back so the blossom opens after the last hard frost, and moderates the autumn. Tart Montmorency cherries dominate, going mostly to processing rather than the fresh market, with sweet varieties alongside. The National Cherry Festival runs in early July around the harvest. The same climate suits wine, and Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas now carry a substantial number of vineyards, particularly riesling. Blossom is around mid-May and lasts about a week, depending entirely on the year.
What you actually see
- Orchards on two peninsulas - tart Montmorency cherries dominating.
- Lake Michigan moderating frost - the reason the crop works here.
- The Cherry Festival in early July - around the harvest.
- Vineyards on the same slopes - riesling in particular.
When to go
Mid-May for blossom, July for harvest and the festival. A full day.
Honest expectations
Blossom lasts about a week and the date moves with the season. Festival week fills the town and prices with it. Most tart cherries go to processing, so pick-your-own is limited. Winters here are long and the region shuts down.
Nearby
Sleeping Bear Dunes is west; Leelanau peninsula is north-west.
What to pack for Traverse City
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
