Seeking Info on Strawberry/Berry Picking

We just went last weekend to Indiana. It was about an hour away at the most. They just started picking on Saturday last week and there are a TON. It is free to get in and you pay by the bucket($6.50?) Also, if you buy five buckets you get one free. We picked the 6 buckets and the kids had fun passing them out to family and friends! Here is their website. http://www.johnsonsfarmproduce.com/strawberries.shtml

It was really a fun day...oh and they have port-a-potties :). They also have a hot dog stand, BBQ Pork stand, a bakery and homemade strawberry shortcake!!

I know the place in Homer Glen costs $5/person just to go to the field, that is not even for any strawberries!

Have fun!! I think we are going cherry picking this weekend in MI! Tree-Mendous Fruits in Eau Claire :)

There's a place right in Homer Glen and it looks like strawberry picking is taking place right now. It seems a bit pricey to me, but I've not been in many, many years.

http://www.gardenpatchfarms.com

we went to the one in Homer Glen that was linked to. It was fun, but be aware that you have to eat what you pick within days. Like in 2 days they were mushy. So don't overpick. They had currents, cherries, raspberries and blackberries when we went and we spent WAY more then we really should have. The kids really liked it though, it was more for the fun then the fruit in the end.

I know that Cedarburg, Wisconsin has a huge strawberry festival, every spring (around Milwaukee Wisconsin), but they still may offer places to pick strawberries (don't know if it's getting too late) and the Saugatuck, MI is a huge area for blueberries. You may even find closer places around St. Joseph, MI, for blueberries, which is soooo convenient to your area (easy 1 1/2 hour drive). We make that a day trip (lunch/shop/beach/ice cream), every year (leave at 7:00 - back by 5:00 pm)

Enjoy.

EDIT: Someone mentioned Apple and peach picking in Michigan - that can also be in the Saugatuck/South Haven area. Homer Glen also has apple picking, seasonally, and I've heard nice things about that, too.

There is a blueberry picking farm in Wilmington called Tammenberry Farm? I don't think they are ready for picking until late july or early August. The cost is based on how many you pick. Have fun :)
There are also places in Michigan to pick apples and peaches. I heard the peaches are to die for. Not ready until the same time . Don't know the names.

I don't have any practical advice, but I will tell you that my mom used to do this with us (strawberry picking) when we were younger (like, ages 5-9) and it still remains in my memory as one of the fun things we used to do during the summer. May you find this as bonding of an experience as I did nearly 30 years ago!

I've been to the place in Homer Glen right on 159th Street just west of Bell Road by about a mile. Really nice people and a great experience for my kids. Although it's pricey, the berries are way better than the store and it's close to you so you'll pay for the "convenience." If you think of it more like a day of fun instead of just strawberries, you can justify it. ;) Have a blast with your kids!