Door County Cherries - Experience

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A Sweet, Sweet County Tradition

Door County's cooler spring months and unique soil composition make it an ideal spot for growing cherries. Early farmers in the county observed this and developed some of the earliest and largest fruit orchards in the state. Some of the biggest names in the county—such as Seaquist, Lautenbach, and Zettel—got their start with a modest grove of cherry trees, eventually making the words "Door County" synonymous with "cherries."

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Cherry Blossoms Report

Current Stage

Stage 1

Stage 1 - Budding

As early as mid-April, the cherries will—slowly, carefully—begin to bloom. Buds in shades of green and white will emerge and, for the next few weeks, mature and grow.

Florets, eventually puffy and floppy, will grow from the plant’s interior, indicating things are moving along smoothly.

Stage 2

Stage 2 - Blossoming

Once mid-May rolls around and the blossoms are in full bloom, it’s primetime! Blossoms will begin dotting trees in the southern portion of the county and make their way north over the next 1-2 weeks.

Then, Door County’s 2,500 acres of cherry orchards will be blanketed in white and pink, and the earliest-arriving wildflowers will bring their greens, yellows, and baby blues as well. A just-perceptible cherry aroma has been known to waft through the air during this time.

Act fast though—the full-bloom stage usually only lasts about two weeks, with apple blossoms’ peak time arriving about a week after that.

Stage 3

Stage 3 - Petals Fall

Depending on how cool the blooming season was, this stage can last up to 10 days. Colder temperatures just prior to bloom will result in a longer blooming period.

After 10 or so days, the cherry trees’ blossoms will begin to fall, one by one, and tiny green fruit will appear, signaling the cherries will be ready in a few weeks.

Stage 4

Stage 4 - Green Cherries

We’re getting there! Peak cherry season is achingly close, and while some trees may be bearing fully formed cherries at this point, most cherries won’t be ready to pick or eat for a little while yet.

If you’re planning a trip or a day-drive to experience the cherries, start charting your course! Consider a cruise up Highway 42 or plan to simply hop in the car and see where the pavement takes you.

Stage 5

Stage 5 - Yellow Cherries

Nearly there! The cherries’ sprouts will take on a yellow-green look as they’re on the verge of harvest readiness.

Now’s the time to dust off your cherry bucket and pie recipes!

Stage 6

Stage 6 - Ready to Pick

During the dog days of summer—those long, sweltering days in mid-July to mid-August—Door County’s cherries will be ready for the picking.

Local orchards and farms will be open for cherry-picking excursions. And markets, roadside stands, and country stores will stock their shelves with fresh jams, pies, wines, and plenty of the tart stone fruits themselves.

Stage 7

Stage 7 - Out of Season

By August’s end, the cherries will fade out of season.

But fear not!

As the weather and season transition, cherries and their byproducts will be available in stores and on menus throughout the county, throughout the rest of the year, until April comes around and the cherry buds make their appearance yet again.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms

Seaquist’s Orchard
Lautenbach’s Orchard
Cherry Lane (Forestville)
Hwy. 42 (North of Sister Bay)
Cty. Rd. HH (SW of Sturgeon Bay)
Shiloh Rd. (South of Sturgeon Bay)
Cty. Rd. A (Baileys Harbor)
Hwy. 42 (North of Egg Harbor)
Hwy. 42 (South of Fish Creek)
Choice Orchards

Where to Get the Full Cherry Experience

Cherry De-Lite/Country Ovens Ltd.
Door County Fruit Connection
Grandma Tommy's Country Store
Koepsel's Farm Market
Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery & Market
Seaquist Orchards Farm Market
Soren's Valhalla Orchards LLC
Wienke's Market
Wood Orchard Market
Bea's Ho-Made Products
Choice Orchards
Door County Wildwood Market

8 Door County Cherry Recipes

Among the humble cherry's many virtues, its versatility in cooking may be one of its best. Check out this collection of our favorite cherry-infused culinary delights for pleasing your dinner guests or putting your cherry haul to good use.

Cherry Wine-Braised Beef Ribs
Cherry Bounce
Cherry Juice Margarita
Pickled Cherry Salad
Cherry Pie
Cherry Almond Scones
Cherry Granola Cookies
Cherry Recovery Smoothie
Cherry Biscotti

View all recipes People walking through blossoming cherry trees from above.

8 Door County Cherry Videos

If you just can't wait for your trip to see Door County's plethora of cherries, our many videos exploring the region's favorite fruit can help sate you. From historical perspectives and cultural significance to 360° tours and fantastic bird's-eye views of our glorious orchards, we've got your cherry curiosity covered.

Unearthed: How to Eat Cherries
Historic Door County: Cherry Orchards
Historic Door County: Dynamite Orchard
Historic Door County: POW Pickers
Historic Door County: Cherry Camps
Door County Cherry Blossoms: 360° Video
Door County Cherry Blossoms: Aerial View
Door County Cherries

View All Cherry Videos Buckets of cherries on a sign that says Pick Your Own Cherries.

Where to Pick Your Own Cherries

Between mid-July and mid-August, Door County’s cherry crop will turn from a golden yellow to a deep red. Orchards offering pick-your-own experiences include Lautenbach’s Orchard, Sorens Valhalla, Seaquist Orchards, Schartner's Farm Market, Hyline Orchard, Alexander's Cherry Orchard, Paradise Farms Orchard, Cherry Lane Orchards, Choice Orchards, Kielar Akers Orchard, Robertson Orchards and Door County Wildwood Market. Grab your buckets and get picking.

Find Cherry & Fruit Orchards A row of cherry trees.

Experience the Cherries from Afar

Want to experience the feeling of picking cherries in a breezy summer orchard but can't be up here in person? Explore the cherries in a virtual experience to learn all about the late-summer harvest that's come to define so much about Door County. View Virtual Experience