5 Secrets Of Fruit Acres Farm Michigan: Why Their Peaches Are The Best-Kept Secret Of The 2025 Season

For nearly two centuries, Fruit Acres Farm Market and U-Pick in Coloma, Michigan, has been a cornerstone of the state's famous "Fruit Belt," and as of the current 2025 season, it remains a premier destination for farm-fresh produce. This 200-plus-acre farm, located in the picturesque Southwest Michigan region, is not just another roadside stand; it is a fifth-generation family legacy specializing in some of the sweetest, juiciest freestone peaches you can find anywhere in the Great Lakes State. The farm's commitment to quality and a truly authentic U-Pick experience makes it a must-visit for families and fruit enthusiasts this year. The 2025 agricultural outlook for Michigan is promising, with a projected strong harvest, especially for apples. However, the true highlight at Fruit Acres is their signature crop: peaches, which are typically available from mid-July through September. From the U-Pick orchards to the bustling farm market, Fruit Acres Farm offers a wholesome, family-friendly day trip that connects visitors directly to the source of their food, a tradition upheld by the Friday family since 1846.

The Deep Roots: Fruit Acres Farm Biography and History

The story of Fruit Acres Farm is inextricably linked to the history of Coloma and the broader agricultural success of Southwest Michigan.

• Location: Coloma, Michigan (Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area).
• Address: 3452 Friday Road, Coloma, MI.
• Founding Year: 1846.
• Founding Family: The Friday Family.
• Current Owners/Generation: Randy and Annette Friday (5th Generation).
• Farm Market Start: The farm market was officially started in 1964 by Jim Friday as a way to sell the farm's bounty directly to the public.
• Acreage: Approximately 200 to 230 acres.
• Specialty Crop: Sweet, juicy, freestone peaches (mid-July through September).
• Key Products: Peaches, Black Sweet Cherries, Rainier Sweet Cherries, Sour Pie Cherries, Nectarines, Plums, Apricots, Pears, Sweet Corn, and 20 varieties of Apples (including Honeycrisp).
• Agri-Tourism Focus: U-Pick opportunities, free hayrides, picnic area, and playground.

The farm’s location in the "Fruit Belt" is no accident; the unique microclimate created by Lake Michigan provides the perfect conditions for growing a vast variety of high-quality fruit, a fact the Friday family has leveraged for over 175 years.

The 5 Secrets Behind Fruit Acres’ Legendary Peaches and Fruit

While many farms dot the landscape of the Fruit Belt, Fruit Acres Farm has cultivated a reputation, especially for its peaches, that keeps visitors returning year after year. These secrets are what make a trip here a top priority for the 2025 season.

1. The Freestone Peach Obsession

Fruit Acres Farm doesn't just grow peaches; they specialize in them. Their focus is on freestone peaches, a variety where the flesh easily separates from the pit, making them ideal for eating, canning, and baking. This commitment to a specific, high-quality type of peach is a key differentiator. The farm's dedication to this crop is so deep that they have been involved in the "Stellar" peach breeding program, contributing to the development of some of the best varieties available. When you visit, you'll likely find popular Michigan varieties like the flavorful Red Haven and Flamin' Fury in their market.

2. The U-Pick Experience: No Ladders Required

The U-Pick experience at Fruit Acres is designed for family fun and accessibility. Unlike some traditional orchards, the farm boasts U-Pick options for cherries and peaches that do not require ladders. This makes it safe and enjoyable for children, seniors, and anyone looking for a stress-free experience. The U-Pick season for cherries typically kicks off in early summer, followed by the main event: the peaches, available on weekends only during the season. Always call ahead or check their social media for the most accurate 2025 U-Pick hours and availability before you go.

3. More Than Peaches: The 20-Variety Apple Collection

While their peaches are the specialty, Fruit Acres is a powerhouse of diverse produce. They grow a wide range of fruits, including Black Sweet Cherries, Rainier Sweet Cherries, Sour Pie Cherries, Nectarines, Plums, and Apricots. Crucially, they also cultivate approximately 20 varieties of apples. Visitors can find favorites like the crisp, sweet Honeycrisp apple, ensuring that whether you visit in July for cherries or October for apples, the market is always fully stocked with high-quality, local produce.

4. The Free Family Fun Zone

A visit to Fruit Acres Farm is an affordable day out for the entire family. The farm provides several free amenities to enhance the experience. Visitors can enjoy free fruit samples at the market, allowing them to taste-test the freshness before buying. The farm also features a free picnic area and a playground, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch break. On most weekends during the season, they offer free hayrides through the picturesque orchards, adding a classic agri-tourism touch to the trip.

5. The Fifth-Generation Legacy of the Friday Family

The final, and perhaps most important, secret is the consistency and dedication of the Friday family. Having farmed the same land since 1846, the current generation, led by Randy and Annette Friday, carries a deep institutional knowledge of the soil, climate, and fruit growing. This multi-generational commitment ensures that every piece of fruit, from the tart pie cherries to the luscious freestone peaches, meets an incredibly high standard of quality. This family-run operation is a shining example of the successful Southwest Michigan agricultural community, standing alongside other notable area farms like Lehman's Orchard and Overhiser Orchards.

Planning Your 2025 Visit to the Coloma Orchards

To make the most of your trip to this historic Coloma, Michigan destination, keep the seasonal timing in mind.

• Cherry Season: Typically starts in early to mid-July. Look for Black Sweet and Rainier varieties.
• Peach Season: The farm's specialty runs from mid-July through September. This is the peak time to pick or purchase their famous freestone peaches.
• Apple Season: Begins in late summer and continues through the fall. This is the best time to find their 20 apple varieties, including the popular Honeycrisp.

The farm market is an excellent source for more than just fresh fruit; you can find local goods like gourmet honey and homemade jams. As a rule of thumb, always check the farm's official website or social media channels for the most current 2025 harvest updates and U-Pick hours before embarking on your journey to the Fruit Acres Farm Market and U-Pick. A trip here is more than just buying fruit; it's an experience rooted in Michigan history and agricultural excellence.

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