Over the years we have been Apple Picking at Wasem Fruit Farm many times. We typically start with donuts and cider and then pick a half-bushel of apples.
About Wasem Fruit Farm
Our favorite place to pick apples is Wasem Fruit Farm, located at 6580 Judd Rd, Milan. Wasem Fruit Farm is open 9a-6p Wednesday-Sunday from September 18 through November 1. Prior to that they are open Thursday-Sunday. The easiest way to get to Wasem Fruit Farm from Ann Arbor is to head south on US-23 to Willis Rd east. Turn right on Pitman Rd and follow it south to Judd Rd. Turn left on Judd Rd and pull into the Wasem Fruit Farm parking lot. Note Pitman and Judd Rd are dirt roads and usually have plenty of potholes.
Wasem Fruit Farm offers you-pick apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. They also have a store with fresh-made donuts, popcorn, cider, jellies and more for purchase.
6 Tips for Apple Picking at Wasem Fruit Farm
1 – Arrive Early
Wasem can get crowded. We arrived shortly after their 9a opening and visited the store first to buy donuts, cider, and popcorn. The line for donuts can get long, so it is better to buy them early. We also found the yellow jackets were not as active since it was still cool and there had not yet been a lot of cider and sweets out that morning. We saw a few, but it was definitely better than past years when we have been later in the day.
As we finished our apple picking, there was a steady line of people heading out to pick apples. The lot was also getting full. I was surprised that the donut line was not long at that point.
2 – Bring a Step Stool (& More)
We started our apple picking in the Jonathan apple rows which had been picking for awhile. We did not see any ladders so we had to pick what we could reach from the ground. In years past, we would lift my daughter up to extend our reach. But, at 11.5 she is too big for us to lift. We did find a ladder in the Cortland row and were able to use it for the Ida Reds.
I also suggest bringing cups. We always buy our cider by the gallon (1/2 gallons also available). They do sell styrofoam cups for $0.05 each, but bringing your own is a better choice (that I always forget).
3 – Dress for the Weather
You will be outside, so make sure you are dressed for the weather. Layers are a good idea. Boots are also a good idea if it has been raining or there is morning dew. My daughter has outgrown her boots from last year and this year’s pair are on order. Fortunately I had an old pair of boots that fit her.
4 – Go to the Back of the Row
If you’re having trouble finding apples, keep walking. The trees at the front of the row are the first picked. We had a lot of success by going deeper into the rows.
5 – Look Beyond Apples
Wasem Fruit Farm offers picking for more than just apples. Their pumpkin patch is great for picking pumpkins. We’ve been to some “pumpkin patches” that are just pumpkins placed in a field. The Wasem Pumpkin Patch is a true pumpkin patch where you pick them right off the vine. Additionally, Wasem offers limited you pick raspberries which we have picked in prior years.
They also have plums and pears.
Previous Tip – Visit Talladay Farms Corn Maze
Unfortunately this tip has not been an option since 2017. They had two years where the weather impacted their crop and they were not able to have a maze. Followed by the pandemic, they have since closed.
Harvesting Memories: The 6 Best Ann Arbor Corn Mazes
There are several Ann Arbor Corn Mazes. Be sure to check out the extras at the Corn Maze before selecting which Ann Arbor Corn Maze to visit.
We like to go to Wasem Fruit Farm since the focus is on the fruit (and the donuts). If you want to combine your orchard visit with more fall fun, Talladay Farms Corn Maze is located next door.
Share Your Tips for Apple Picking at Wasem
Do you have tips for apple picking at Wasem Fruit Farm? Or is there an orchard that you like better? Let us know in the comments section.
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