Michigan Apples Countryside & Backroad Tours

Central West Michigan Route

Lake Michigan’s influence produces uniquely favorable growing conditions throughout a region dubbed "Michigan’s West Coast." Along this route, which is just less than 70 miles, you’ll find farm markets and fruit stands on virtually every corner of the back roads through Kent and Ottawa counties.

This tour starts in the most obvious location – the Coopersville Farm Museum (375 Main St., Coopersville), just off I–96 in Ottawa County. The 12,000–square–foot facility is open year–round and displays rotating agricultural related exhibits, contrasting old versus new, and showcases the John Deere collection of Ed Hanenburg, the man behind the museum. (616–997–8555) www.coopersvillefarmmuseum.org

The first farm on the tour is Gavin Orchards (16495 40th Ave., Coopersville), about three miles away. From the Farm Museum, head east on Main St., turn right onto East Street, left on E. Randall Street (which becomes Arthur Street East, after just a mile), then turn left on 40th Avenue for a little more than half a mile. This family farm has existed for almost 30 years and features about 80 acres of semi–dwarf–bearing trees. During the fall, you’ll find apples, cider, caramel apples, crafts and much more. (616–637–6472) www.gavinorchards.com

Enjoy your trip through the countryside as you head to the Vince Brown / DK Orchards (18203 8th Ave., Conklin), just six miles away. Travel north on 40th Ave. and turn right on Cleveland Street East for two miles, left on 24th Street, right at Roosevelt for another two miles and finally left onto 8th Avenue. This is a family–oriented working farm with wagon rides to the apple orchards for a pick–your–own experience. (616–899–2333)

Now it’s on to Dietrich’s Harvest Basket (17485 Apple Ave., Casnovia), one of the featured farms in the Kent Harvest Trails – offering special tours and events on weekends throughout the fall. Head north on 8th Ave for a mile or so and then turn right at Wilson, left on Kenowa Avenue NW for about 8 miles and then left at M–37, which becomes E. Apple Avenue. Dietrich’s offers horse–drawn wagon rides, petting zoo, corn maze, spider web climb and picnic areas. They also sell a large variety of apples, perfect for an afternoon snack or for making scrumptious pies and sauces. The Country Store is well stocked with fall decorating items as well. (616–675–5384)

A fun time awaits you just five miles down the road at Fruit Ridge Hayrides (11966 Fruit Ridge NW, Kent City). Head east on E. Apple Avenue toward M–38/S Newaygo Road and take a slight left on M–37/M–46 and then turn right on Fruit Ridge Avenue NW. This 125–year–old farm provides horse–drawn hayrides through the woods and orchards, as well as pony rides, a pig train, fire engine rides, farm animals and a huge 15–acre corn maze. Homemade donuts, cider, goodies and a picnic area are available. Fruit Ridge also offers wheelchair accessible wagon rides. Open weekends in September and October. (616–887–5052) www.fruitridgehayrides.com

Families love the Country Basket (1185 9 Mile Rd., NW, Sparta), just eight miles away. Head South on Fruit Ridge Road for 1.5 miles and turn left on 13 Mile Road NW for about two miles, then turn right on M–37 for four–and–a–half miles before turning right at 9 Mile Road NW. In addition to the u–pick apples, you’ll find a straw barn, petting farm, cat house, maze and picnic area. The Farm market offers cider, hot fresh donuts, caramel apples, popcorn, jams, jellies and honey, as well as home–made crafts. (616–785–9896) www.schwalliers.com

You’ll find fresh–squeezed, award–winning apple cider at Hill Brothers Orchards & Cider Mill (6159 Peach Ridge NW, Grand Rapids). Head east on 9 Mile Road NW toward M–37 S, where you’ll turn right. A couple miles later, turn right at 7 Mile Road NW, followed by another right at Peach Ridge Ave NW. James, jellies, apple butter, handcrafted soaps, cookbooks and apple gadgets can also be found at this farm, which has been family–owned since 1843. (616–784–2767)

Don’t miss Ed Dunneback & Girls Farms (3025 6 Mile Rd. NW, Grand Rapids), a third–generation farm that has been operating since 1925. Travel south on Peach Ridge Avenue NW for less than 2 miles and turn left at 6 Mile Road NW. This historic barn offers a variety of apples, as well as bakery and seasonal items. If your timing is right, you may even see a cooking demonstration. (616–784–0056) www.dunnebackfarm.com

Continuing in the neighborhood, you’re off just a couple miles again to Robinette’s Apple Haus (3142 4 Mile Rd. NW, Grand Rapids). Head east on 6 Mile Road NW toward Peach Ridge Avenue NW, where you’ll turn right and then right again at 4 Mile Road NW. This 125–acre century–old fruit farm has offered a true pick–your–own–fruit experience for generations. A 1800s gift barn has Christmas decorations, floral arrangements, fine collectibles and original West Michigan artwork and distinctive gifts. Horse–drawn hayrides are offered in the fall and a 5.25–mile route serves mountain bikers and cross country skiers alike. In 2006, Robinette Cellars winery was opened, featuring the Barzilla’s Brew hard cider. Apple wines are also a favorite. The bakery and lunch stand offers a full menu of mouth–watering items. (616–361–7180) www.robinettes.com

Celebrate a century of farming at Moelker Orchards & Farm Market (0–9265 Kenowa Ave. SW, Grand Rapids). Head west on 4 Mile Road NW and turn left on Fruit Ridge Avenue NW and right on 3 Mile Road NW, where you’ll drive for about 5 miles before turning left on Wilson Ave NW, then right on Hall Street SW and finally left at Kenowa Avenue SW. They have been growing quality fruit on their farm on the bluffs overlooking the Grand River since 1907. The Farm Market features fresh cider, pure honey, Michigan maple syrup, jams, fruit butters and salsas, baking mixes, country crafts and of course, a variety of apples. On Saturdays in October, enjoy horse–drawn wagon rides through the orchards. Moelker's is the place for great family fun with first–hand farm experiences. (616–453–2385) www.moelkerorchards.com

Apple growing is a long–standing tradition at Wells Orchard (0–8993 Kenowa Ave., SW, Grand Rapids), located nearly next door. Just jump back on Kenowa Avenue SW and head south for less than half a mile to your destination. The Wells Orchard was founded by Louis S. Wells in 1919, although his wife’s family had been farming the area since 1858 and raising fruit commercially as early as the 1880s. Louis had also grown up in a farming family and graduated from Michigan Agricultural College. A third– generation now manages the business, which offers not only a variety of apples, but a corn maze, fall decorations and a selection of honey, jams, pies and apple gift boxes. (616–453–5919) www.wellsorchards.com

Your trip rounds out as you head back to Coopersville for one last stop at the Farm Museum, or perhaps a ride aboard the Coopersville/Marne Railway or a tour of the local historical museum to see the tribute to the town’s most famous resident – Del Shannon. Head north on Kenowa Avenue SW and turn right at Riverbend Drive SW, then left at M–11/Wilson Avenue SW following M–11/Remembrance Road NW until you merge on I–96 W via the ramp to Muskegon. Take exit 19 toward Lamont/Coopersville, then turn right at 48th Ave S., left at Ironwood Drive and then a slight left at E. Randall Street, right at East Street and back left onto Main Street.

For more information about this region:

Michigan’s West Coast

www.michiganswestcoast.com

800–678–9859

Fruit Ridge Country Markets

www.fruitridgemarket.com

616–260–2008

Kent Harvest Trails

www.kentharvesttrails.org

Experience Michigan Apple Orchards

Other Central West Michigan Apple Attractions

Central West Michigan Route