This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip around the highly-anticipated cherry season here in Door County. We would (of course) be honored if you made Julie’s Park Cafe & Motel your homebase for all of your cherry picking adventures!
- When is cherry picking season in door county?
- Typically, Door County cherries are ready to be picked anywhere from early July through mid-August.
- Weather, however, plays a factor in when exactly the picking season begins, as well as the location of the orchard & the variety of cherry.
- How do weather patterns, etc., affect cherry ripening times each year?
- Door County’s cool spring months & unique soil composition make this place we call home the perfect place for growing cherry trees.
- The ripeness & size of the cherries can be affected by factors such as sunlight & rainfall during growing season.
- Heavy rainfall in late June and/or early July can cause sweet cherries to become overripe.
- Sweet cherries usually ripen in early July, whereas tart cherries usually ripen mid-July through mid-August.
- What are the some of the best Door County cherry orchards to visit near Julie’s properties?
- Lautenbach’s Country Winery and Market – 9197 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
- The closest orchard to Julie’s, Lautenbach’s has been growing, harvesting & producing award-winning fruit products since 1955. You can click here to visit their website or call 920-868-3479 to plan your visit!
- Fun fact: We serve their cherry juice in our cafe, including in our Cherry Mimosas!
- The closest orchard to Julie’s, Lautenbach’s has been growing, harvesting & producing award-winning fruit products since 1955. You can click here to visit their website or call 920-868-3479 to plan your visit!
- Hyline Orchard Farm Market, Inc. – 8240 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
- Established in 1958 and also located in Fish Creek, all of the canned products at Hyline Orchard are handcrafted on-site. You can click here to visit their website or call 920-868-3067 to plan your visit!
- Seaquist Orchards Farm Market -11482 WI-42, Sister Bay, WI 54234
- Farther north but well-worth the drive, this multi-generation family business has roots that stem from back in the early 1900’s. You can click here to visit their website or call 800-732-8850 to plan your visit!
- Lautenbach’s Country Winery and Market – 9197 WI-42, Fish Creek, WI 54212
- What are some other Door County cherry-themed activities to take advantage of?
- Eating! From cherry pies to homemade jams & jellies, cherry-infused products are at markets & restaurants all over the county.
- Wine tasting! There’s a whole slew of wines up here made from Door County cherries, as well as many great wineries to visit. For a full list of Door County wineries, click here!
- Last but not least, Door County’s annual Cherry Fest held in Jacksonport celebrates all things cherry, including arts & crafts, car shows and live music! Click here to learn more.
- What are some good cherry recipes to make with all these cherries?
- For a delicious Door County Cherry Pie, follow the Julie’s Cafe Cherry Pie Recipe.
- If picking your own isn’t on your to-do list, buy a quart of Julie’s Cherry Pie Filling, made with cherries picked from Seaquist Orchards. For a healthier alternative, we offer Sugar Free Cherry Pie Filling as well.
Like we said before, please consider us as your homebase for all of your cherry-themed fun! Located in the heart of Door County, Julie’s is only a short driving distance from our favorite cherry orchards, as well as many other popular Door County spots. Come celebrate the season!
See you soon!
Love,
Julie’s