Cherry picking – It’s what put Door County on the map. Believe it or not, cherry-picking is a big part of what made Door County a popular tourist destination. Even with all this place has to offer, Door County cherry picking remains extremely popular to this day. This post will tell you everything you need to know about picking cherries in Door County.
Here is what this post will cover:
- Why pick cherries in Door county?
- When to pick cherries in Door County
- What kind of cherries to pick in Door County
- Why are there cherries in Door County?
- Where to pick cherries in Door County
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why pick cherries in Door County?
Picking cherries might sound like an odd vacation activity to you. Doing your own work on vacation? How much sense does that make?
But, every year thousands upon thousands of people pick cherries in Door County. This has been happening every year for over a hundred years! Surely, there must be something people get out of it.
Here are some reasons why many people find picking cherries enjoyable:
Outdoor Activity
Picking cherries is a reason to get outdoors and experience the natural world. If you live in an urban area, this might especially be a nice diversion. The sun, the fresh air, and exposure to the trees themselves are a nice change from fluorescent lights, laptops, and HVAC.
Cherry Picking is Family-Friendly
You won’t see people frowning at your kids in a cherry orchard. Instead, you’ll see smiles from those glad to see you there. Not only this, but it’s also an activity that multiple generations can participate in. It’s a good way for grandparents to bond with grandchildren.
Quality Food and Food Awareness
These days, people care a lot more about the quality of their food. And, they want to know where their food comes from. Pouring cherry filling out from a can just doesn’t cut it for many people these days.
Picking cherries will let you get the highest quality fruit available. The varieties you will pick are bred to taste good, not just to stand up well to shipping and storage.
And, you can be in control of the cherries you take home. Machine-harvested cherries will often be unripe and of poor quality. Cherries you pick with your hands will be the best cherries on the tree.
Tradition
Tradition is as good of a reason as any to do something. Families have been coming to pick cherries in Door County for generations. Those kinds of customs have meaning and importance to many people. That’s a good reason to pick cherries.
Maybe your family doesn’t have a cherry-picking tradition. You can be the first in the line of your family tree who makes it a habit to climb the ladders into the cherry trees year by year.
Health Benefits
Picking cherries can benefit your health twice.
First, moving around in the air and under the sun is good for health. You’ll feel better just by going to the orchard.
Second, the tart cherries popular in Door County are extremely good for health. They have anti-inflammatory characteristics that can bring relief to people with many different kinds of ailments.
When to Pick Cherries in Door County
Cherries are ready to be picked usually in mid-July through mid-August. The cherry picking season can vary based on weather, location on the peninsula, and cherry variety.
Because the cherry-picking season can vary a little bit, check ahead to make sure that they are ready. Most cherry orchards will update their websites and Facebook profiles to let you know when they expect the cherries to be in season.
Many cherry orchards also mail out postcards to let their patrons know when they can come to pick. If you call them and ask to be put on their mailing list, they will be glad to add you.
What Kind of Cherries to Pick in Door County
The two broad categories of cherries to pick in Door County are tart and sweet. Sweet cherries are the cherries most people like to pop right into their mouths. Some people also like to eat tart cherries this way, but tart cherries are the most popular cherries for making pies and other baked goods. Most cherry orchards will have signs pointing you to the different cherry varieties.
Montmorency Cherries
The most famous cherry variety in Door County is a tart variety called the Montmorency cherry. The first Montmorency cherry orchard was planted in Door County in 1858. It has been popular to grow here ever since.
The Montmorency cherry not only tolerates but actually even thrives in cold climates. This made it a great variety to grown in Door County. At one time, Door County produced 95% of the American tart cherry crop!
It has bright red fruit with yellow flesh. The juice runs clear, and they have a rich, tart flavor. Bakers and jam makers love these cherries.
Montmorency cherries get their name from Montmorency, a community in France. This was once a rural fiefdom, but now it is a wealthy suburb of Paris.
Why Are There Cherry Trees in Door County?
After European settlers cleared the land, they began experimenting with agricultural crops. This was more difficult in Door County than in other areas of the country. The harsh climate and difficult soils meant that many crops failed.
Finally, one farmer tried cherries. He found success!
It turns out that Door County was an ideal place to grow cherry trees. Cherries like alkaline, well-drained soils. This meant that Door County’s hillsides were a perfect place to grow them.
Also, cherries like it cold, but not too cold. Being far north gives the cherry trees the cold they need, but the moderating effect of Lake Michigan’s waters helps to keep hard frosts at bay in the Fall.
Where to Pick Cherries in Door County
Okay, you’re convinced. You want to join the tradition and pick cherries in Door County. Where can you do this? Here are some of Door County’s most popular cherry orchards:
Door County Cherry Orchard Map
Northern Door County Cherry Orchards
Choice Orchards
Website: https://www.choiceorchard.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choiceorchards/
Phone: (920) 743-8980
Address: 4594 County Rd HH, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Barnard Farms
Website: https://www.pickyourowndoorcountycherries.com/
Address: 5807 WI-42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Lautenbach’s Orchard
Website: https://www.orchardcountry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orchardcountry/
Phone: (920) 868-3479
Address: 9197 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Hyline Orchard
Website: https://www.hylineorchards.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hyline-Orchard-Farm-Market-Inc/100063631237249/
Phone: (920) 868-3067
Address: 8240 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
Schartner’s Farm Market
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schartnersfarmmarket/
Phone: (920) 743-8617
Address: 6476 WI-42, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Seaquist Orchards
Website: https://seaquistorchards.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeaquistOrchardsFarmMarket/
Phone: (920) 854-4199
Address: 11482 WI-42, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Southern Door County Cherry Orchards
Soren’s Valhalla Orchards
Soren’s Valhalla is Hello Door County’s recommended orchard for cherry picking.
Website: https://sorensvalhallaorchards.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sorensvalhallaorchardsllc/
Phone: (920) 746-1102
Address: 2412 Idlewild Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Alexander’s Cherry Orchard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandersCherryOrchard/
Phone: (920) 824-5113
Address: 2786 S Stevenson Pier Rd, Brussels, WI 54204
Cherry Lane Orchards
Website: http://www.cherrylaneorchards.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/local/Cherry-Lane-Orchards-283153965059749/
Phone: (920) 856-6864
Address: 7525 Cherry Ln, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Kielar Akers Orchard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kielarakers/
Phone: (920) 856-6978
Address: 648 WI-42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Meleddy Cherry Orchard
Website: https://www.meleddycherryfarm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meleddycherryorchard/
Phone: (414) 379-6508
Address: 1038 Mill Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Paradise Farms Orchard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseFarmsOrchardDoorCounty/
Phone: (920) 825-7274
Address: 2565 County C, Brussels, WI 54204
Robertson Orchards
Website: https://robertson-orchards.business.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertsonOrchards/
Phone: (920) 743-1351
Address: 2575 S Shiloh Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to go cherry picking in Door County is typically from mid-July to early August, when the cherries are ripe and ready to be picked.
There are several cherry orchards in Door County that offer cherry picking, including Lautenbach’s Orchard Country, Seaquist Orchards, and Sorens Valhalla Orchards. Each orchard has its own unique experience and offerings, so it’s best to do some research and decide which one suits your needs best.
When going cherry picking in Door County, it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty, as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.
Conclusion
Picking cherries in Door County is a favorite thing to do of both tourists and locals alike. It’s a great way to get closer to your food and closer to your family.