South Haven is home to the largest concentration of blueberry growers in the world. There are nearly 300 blueberry farmers with roughly 18,500 acres of blueberry farms within a 50-mile radius. The beloved blueberry is celebrated when it’s in season at our farm markets, u-pick farms, and at our National Blueberry Festival. Let’s learn about all things “blueberry” in South Haven!
Typical Blueberry Season: July-August
Sample Types of Blueberries Grown:
Berkeley
This powdery-blue berry is often large, typically ready to be picked between mid-July and early August.
Blue Crop
This variety provides a “classic” sweet blueberry flavor and medium size; typically ready to pick from mid-July to mid-August.
Collins
A firm, sweet berry. It is often large in size and typically ready to pick in mid to late July.
Early Blues
Just as the name suggests, this sweet, medium-sized variety is typically ready to pick at the beginning of July.
Elliot
A large, mildly tart berry that is hardy. Great for pies, jams/jellies, or as a snack. Typically ready to pick mid-August to mid-September.
Jersey
One of the oldest varieties, Jerseys are medium-sized, sweet, and very popular for baking. It is typically ready to pick up from late July through mid-August.
Rubels
A small, semi-sweet berry, preferred for pies and baking. Perfect for muffins and pancakes. Ready to pick mid-July to mid-August.
Spartan
A crowd favorite for its sweet flavor and large size, this variety is only available for a short time, usually ready to pick around mid-July.
(varieties and descriptions from DeGrandchamp Farms and True Blue Farms)
Blueberry U-Pick Farms
6785 Baseline Road, South Haven
76241 14th Avenue, South Haven
09589 CR 215, Grand Junction
Farm Markets
1101 Phoenix Street, South Haven
Open May through November, 8 am to 7 pm daily.
539 Huron Street, South Haven
Open 8 am to 2 pm on Saturdays, mid-May through mid-October, and Wednesdays, June through August. Special evening markets take place on the first Thursdays in June, July, and August from 4 pm to 7 pm.
The Blueberry Store
Your one-stop shop for all-things blueberry, located downtown South Haven on Phoenix Street! The Blueberry Store specializes in all things blueberry. They carry fresh and frozen Michigan blueberries, dried blueberries, blueberry coffee, blueberry syrup, blueberry juices, Michigan blueberry gift baskets, and more!
National Blueberry Festival
Always the 2nd Week in August!
The National Blueberry Festival has been South Haven’s signature event since 1963! It is always held on the second weekend in August and is one of the country’s oldest continuously-running fruit festivals. and includes free concerts, a parade, kids’ activities, blueberry pancake breakfasts, pie-eating contests, and much more!