Cherry Blossom Tour 

The best way to see the blossoms is on a self-guided tour (download our Blossom Tour Guide). Fill up your gas tank, pack some snacks and make sure your phone is charged for photos and video. Please also remember that blossoms are on private farms; please view respectfully from the side of the road and do not trespass. 

On the Old Mission Peninsula, we suggest taking M-37. This state highway runs the entire length of the peninsula with views of East and West Grand Traverse Bay along the way, vineyards, and, of course, cherry blossoms! In Leelanau County, one of the best routes to venture along is County Road 633, which takes you through the heart of the county. The road meets up with the famous M-22 before jetting back into the middle of the county's fruit-growing country north of Suttons Bay. And in Benzie county, locals recommend Joyfield Rd. (south of Elberta and Benzonia) between M-22 and 31 and Herring Road in Blaine Township. Both of these roads are dotted with orchards, farms, and plenty of northern Michigan scenery. 

Since the season can bloom and be gone before we know it, make sure to stay tuned to our Facebook page to keep up-to-date on exactly where the blossoms are happening and what you can expect if you're headed out to see them!

The blossoms on the trees last on average of four to five days during peak cherry blossom season, but because different parts of the region bloom at different times, it's a safe bet you can see blossoms for one to two weeks on average if you make the rounds! 

The region is scattered with cherry orchards so some areas might see blossoms appear midway through the month of May, while others might take slightly longer. Typically, blooms are first spotted in the Acme and Williamsburg areas because trees in those areas are generally farther away from the water, thus resulting in slightly warmer temperatures for the blooms. Next, we have historically seen blossoms start down in Benzie county, followed by the southern and mid-portions of Leelanau County. As we work our way north to the fruit-growing portion of Leelanau County, the blossoms will follow with the latest blooms showing up in the Northport area and the tip of the peninsula. The trend is similar on the Old Mission Peninsula with blooms typically showing first near the southern portion and progressing as we head north towards the town of Old Mission. Wherever your journey takes you, the cherry trees in Michigan are sure to impress.