How to Celebrate Blueberry Season on Michigan's Sunrise Side

Michigan consistently ranks as one of the top blueberry-producing states in the country thanks to its unique growing conditions. The sandy soil, cool nights, and freshwater influence from the Great Lakes help create berries that are naturally sweet with a bright, balanced flavor.

For a few short weeks during blueberry season, farm stands overflow with fresh berries, cafés bring back seasonal favorites, ice cream shops introduce blueberry-inspired flavors, and breakfast somehow tastes even better. Once you’re here, it doesn’t take much effort to turn an ordinary summer day into one planned completely around this delicious season.

Here’s how we’d spend the perfect blueberry-filled day during a romantic getaway in Michigan.

Wake Up to a Seasonal Breakfast

The best blueberry days begin before you ever leave the property.

Every morning at Huron House, breakfast is delivered directly to your suite, so there’s no rush to get dressed or head into town. During blueberry season, our chefs take advantage of what’s fresh and local, incorporating Michigan blueberries into rotating breakfast specials like fluffy blueberry pancakes, fresh blueberry toppings, and our guest-favorite vegan blueberry cake.

Enjoy breakfast on your private deck overlooking Lake Huron while the morning sun rises over the water. It’s one of those moments that reminds you vacation doesn’t always have to start with a full itinerary.

Spend the Morning Blueberry Picking

After breakfast, make the short drive to Tawas Blueberry Farm, where generations of families have spent summer mornings picking fresh berries.

The farm grows four varieties of blueberries that ripen throughout the season, so there’s usually something ready to pick from late July into August. Wander the rows, sample a few berries along the way, and fill your basket with enough to snack on for the rest of your stay or (if you can resist eating them all) to bake something delicious when you return home.

Before visiting, check the farm’s social media or give them a call (989-362-4638) to confirm current picking conditions and opening dates, as they vary each summer.

Find More Fresh Blueberries and Blueberry Goods

If picking your own isn’t on the agenda, the Northeast Michigan Regional Farm Market is a great place to stock up on fresh Michigan blueberries, homemade blueberry jams, preserves, syrups, baked goods, and other small-batch treats from local growers and artisans. It's a great opportunity to sample different varieties, pick up ingredients for an afternoon snack, or bring home a jar of blueberry preserves to remember your trip.

You'll also find plenty of other seasonal favorites while you're browsing, from locally produced maple syrup and honey to fresh vegetables, flowers, handcrafted goods, and baked treats. Every visit is a little different depending on what's being harvested that week, making the markets a fun stop even if you've already spent the morning at the blueberry farm.

Treat Yourself to Blueberry Favorites Around Town

One of our favorite parts of blueberry season is seeing how local businesses celebrate it.

At Sunrise Kava Café, blueberry season means their famous blueberry muffins taste even better, especially when paired with drinks like the Blueberry Cheesecake Latte, Vanilla Blueberry Latte, or refreshing Blueberry Coconut Bubble Tea. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or something cold after a morning in the fields, it’s a perfect stop to add to your day.

Just a few blocks away, Bimble & Be offers another take on the season. Their homemade blueberry scones pair perfectly with a pot of Blueberry Cinnamon Crumble Tea, a fragrant blend layered with blueberry, blackberry, currants, beetroot, and warm baking spices.

No Michigan summer is complete without ice cream. Parkside Dairy celebrates blueberries with creative flavors that go well beyond a simple fruit swirl. Their Blueberry Waffle Cone combines real Michigan blueberries with crunchy waffle cone pieces and blueberry sauce, while Blueberry Burst blends creamy mascarpone ice cream with ribbons of blueberry throughout.

End the Day with a Blueberry Picnic on the Beach

By the end of the day, you'll likely have a basket of fresh blueberries from the farm, a jar of homemade preserves from the farmers market, and maybe a blueberry scone or sweet treat from one of Oscoda's local cafés.

Bring everything back to Huron House and spread out a blanket on our private beach, or head to one of our other favorite picnic spots in the area. If you'd rather not worry about packing lunch, add our Picnic Package to your reservation. We'll prepare a gourmet picnic complete with champagne and everything you need for an afternoon by the water.

Spend the evening with your feet in the sand, snack on fresh blueberries, and enjoy a glass of wine as the shoreline quiets down. As the light fades, watch the stars appear over Lake Huron, and listen to the sound of the waves crashing around you for the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Plan Your Summer Stay Around Michigan Blueberry Season

Blueberry season in Michigan typically runs from mid-July through August, although Mother Nature has the final say each year. A warm spring can bring ripe berries a little earlier, while cooler temperatures may push the season into late August.

Northern Michigan farms generally begin harvesting slightly later than farms farther south, making the Sunrise Side a wonderful destination for late-summer blueberry picking. If you're planning your vacation around fresh berries, it's always worth checking with local farms a few days before your trip to see what's currently ripe.

Whether you’re filling a bucket at Tawas Blueberry Farm, enjoying blueberry pancakes with breakfast, discovering seasonal treats around town, or ending the day with blueberry ice cream by the lake, it’s a tradition that’s easy to make part of your summer getaway.

Plan your summer stay at Huron House and experience one of Michigan’s sweetest seasons for yourself.