About Steffens Orchard Market
Steffens Orchard Market is the public face of a fourth-generation apple farm with more than 300 acres, run by Rob and Christine Steffens, who grow in Alpine, Sparta and Chester townships on the Fruit Ridge north of Grand Rapids. Most of their apples are hand-picked and sold fresh to grocery stores, with the rest going into cider, applesauce, slices and desserts. The trees bloom around mid-May, rented bees pollinate them, and harvest begins in August with Paula Red.
The U-pick season runs from September 8 to October 31, Tuesday through Sunday from 11 to 6, closed Mondays. The orchard behind the barn has 13 varieties for picking, among them Blondee, Gala, Honeycrisp, Early Fuji, Cortland, Spy, Jonagold, Ida Red, Pink Lady and EverCrisp, with signs marking which rows are ripe. You pick up wooden bushel crates and bags at the red barn entrance and pay by bag size at the market stand.
A pumpkin patch in the back lot is open daily during the season, and cider donuts are made on weekends only. Leashed dogs are welcome in designated areas. Wear sturdy boots, since the orchard ground is uneven, and leave ladders at home: climbing trees isn't allowed.
Great Lakes Lavender Farm near Rockford is about 25 minutes east; it isn't open for farm visits, but its lavender is sold online.
What to do
- Pick apples from 13 varieties, September 8 to October 31
- Choose a pumpkin from the back-lot patch
- Get cider donuts on weekends
- Shop the market for cider and apple goods
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- U-pick September 8 to October 31
- Hours
- Season as posted on their website: Tue–Sun 11–6, closed Mon
Good to know
- Dogs
- Leashed, in designated areas
- Payment
- Cash and card
Tips for your visit
- Wear sturdy boots; the orchard ground is uneven.
- Look for row signs marking which varieties are ripe.
- Cider donuts are weekends only.
- Call the harvest line, (616) 887-2404, for what's picking.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Great Lakes Lavender Farm · about 25 minutes away
Great Lakes Lavender Farm near Rockford is about 25 minutes east; it isn't open for visits, but its lavender is sold online.
Getting there
Questions
When is U-pick at Steffens Orchard Market?
September 8 to October 31, Tuesday through Sunday, 11 to 6.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash in designated areas.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Rockford, Lowell & Grand Rapids, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
