17 Lavender Farms in Michigan You Must Visit This Summer
Most people don’t know that lavender thrives right here in Michigan. Visiting a lavender farm in Michigan is one of my personal summer must-do’s. From wandering the lavender fields, picking my own lavender, and browsing hand-crafted lavender products in the gift shop… there is nothing like a lavender farm in full bloom!
Last summer I even took a road trip of Michigan lavender farms, hitting seven farms in Northern Michigan in three days. I’ve written this article to help YOU experience the beauty of Michigan lavender. Below are 17 lavender farms in all regions of Michigan that are open to visitors this summer.
You might also like these blog posts…
10 Best Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
50+ Off the Beaten Path Things to do in Michigan
15 Places to go Glamping in Michigan
PLAN | Visit my full Michigan page for more travel planning tips!
What is the Best Season to View Lavender in Michigan?
Lavender blooms in Michigan from mid June through mid August. However if you want to experience peak bloom, with those picture-perfect fields of rolling purple, then aim for mid July.
Exact peak bloom time is different every year. Rainfall, temperature, and the previous winter all influence it. Peak bloom also differs by location – farms in northern Michigan may have a later bloom time than farms in southern Michigan. Proximity to the Great Lakes can also impact bloom time!
I recommend following the lavender farms you plan to visit on Facebook, and keep up to date on their bloom. Before my big lavender road trip last summer, I emailed the farm owners ahead of time. By mid June the farmers will have a good prediction of when their peak bloom will be.
Planning Your Trip to Lavender Farms in Michigan
Whether you are taking a day trip to a lavender farm, or plan to hit multiple lavender farms on a road trip like I did for Traverse Magazine, these are some things you should bring with you:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- DEET-free bug spray
- Epi-pen, if you are allergic to bees (there are TONS of bees… but they are very docile and almost never sting because they are “drunk” on lavender)
- Cash
- Water bottle
- Camera (I use the Canon EOS M6)
- Sturdy shoes
- Sundress (that is the dress I’m wearing in some of the photos below)
- Mask, for the gift shops
You should also confirm the lavender farm’s opening hours and days before your visit. I have included some general information below, but the farms tend to change their hours based on weather, lavender bloom, and even family commitments as many of these are small, family-run farms.
Map of Michigan Lavender Farms
17 Lavender Farms in Michigan
Below I’m sharing 17 lavender farms in Michigan that are open to the public either daily or by appointment or special event.
I’ve divided the list into region (click to jump to that region):
Northern Michigan Lavender Farms
1. Lavender Hill Farm
Boyne City (close to Charlevoix and Petoskey)
Where to stay nearby: Weathervane Terrace Inn & Suites is where I stayed in downtown Charlevoix. Hotel Earl is another great choice in Charlevoix, it’s a new boutique hotel that opened in 2020.
Open to public? Yes, 10am-5pm daily May-October plus special events
Lavender Hill Farm is the largest lavender farm in Michigan and one of my personal favorites. If you only have time for one lavender farm in Michigan this summer, and want to pack in plenty of activities, events, shopping, and tours to your lavender visit, then head to Lavender Hill Farm! I even visited twice last summer (the second visit, we came for sunset, then caught a cozy screening of Beauty and the Beast in the 100 year old barn).
In addition to 33 acres of lavender (which you can tour by golf cart or foot), there are tons of events and workshops at Lavender Hill Farm (think: lavender cocktail making, lunch-in-lavender picnics, yoga, and more). Check out their website for upcoming events as you plan your visit.
2. Northern Lavender
Mesick
Where to stay nearby: Mushroom Cap Motel is one of the few inns in Mesick. Mesick is also known for its truffle mushrooms!
Open to public? Yes
Northern Lavender is a family-run lavender farm in northern Michigan. This place is special because it is the only 100% organic lavender farm in Michigan AND has a whole pack of rescued alpacas that you can feed!
This is a newer lavender farm (first planted in 2017), so the fields are not as dense as some other lavender farms. However year by year the lavender here is growing. There is also a small shop on site for lavender, honey, and even alpaca wool products!
3. Bohemian Lavender
Maple City (near Traverse City, Empire, and Leelanau Peninsula)
Where to stay nearby: Park Place Hotel is where I stayed in downtown Traverse City, perfect for walking.
Open to public? Yes
Bohemian Lavender is a really idyllic lavender farm, not too far off M-22 if you are driving toward Traverse City. It is set off a dirt road and very secluded. They have U-pick lavender most days in their beautiful gardens, plus plenty of lavender products and local art for sale in their barn.
When I visited last summer, I picked a bundle of lavender (which I dried and still have by my desk!), plus bought a metal sculpture of a fish, hand-made by the owner of this lavender farm.
4. Lavender on Old Mission Peninsula
Traverse City (on Old Mission Peninsula)
Where to stay nearby: Park Place Hotel is where I stayed in downtown Traverse City, perfect for walking.
Open to public? Only during special events or by appointment.
Lavender on Old Mission Peninsula is one of the few lavender farms featured on this list that is not regularly open to the public. This farm is only open to the public for special events, including their annual Veteran’s Day U-Pick.
I personally emailed the owner, Amy, to set up my visit. If you don’t contact Amy ahead of time, you can still drive by the gorgeous farm and see the lavender as you drive up Old Mission Peninsula, or purchase their lavender products online. Their lavender bath salts are AMAZING.
5. Harbor View Nursery and Lavender Farm
Traverse City (on Old Mission Peninsula)
Where to stay nearby: Park Place Hotel is where I stayed in downtown Traverse City, perfect for walking.
Open to public? Yes
Harbor View Nursery and Lavender Farm is off Center Road on Old Mission Peninsula. In addition to growing cherries and other crops, they have five acres of lavender! What I particularly like about this place is that you can walk through their barn where they dry thousands of lavender bouquets, and their roadside stand that sells some amazing cherry and lavender-based products.
6. Brys Estate Secret Garden
Traverse City (on Old Mission Peninsula)
Where to stay nearby: Park Place Hotel is where I stayed in downtown Traverse City, perfect for walking.
Open to public? Yes
This one isn’t a lavender farm so much as a lavender garden, but it still belongs on this list as it is an amazing spot to wander (and U-pick) the lavender while visiting the other farms on Old Mission Peninsula. Brys Estate is an amazing vineyard (one of my top two favorite Old Mission Peninsula wineries), and further back on their estate is a 12-acre garden of lavender (called the “Secret Garden“).
There are chairs set out so you can relax in the lavender, or browse the products at their small shop. I picked up some lavender-infused hand sanitizer and soap here. There is also Moomer’s Ice Cream flavored with culinary lavender straight from the garden.
RELATED | 10 Best Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
7. Terrazza di Lavanda
Lake Leelanau (close to Traverse City)
Where to stay nearby: Terrazza di Lavanda B&B – their own on-site bed and breakfast!
Open to public? To schedule a visit email [email protected]. Also open for special events and for private B&B guests.
Terrazza di Lavanda (“TerLa”) is a bed and breakfast on Leelanau Peninsula that calls itself an “agricultural immersion.” It is more of a lavender garden than a lavender farm, but it is really gorgeous. The views of lavender growing with Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan in the distance is like no other!
As of 2020, TerLa is no longer open to the general public for drop-in visits. Instead, call or email to schedule a visit for U-pick, sunset viewing, or for a special event like a live concert or meditation.
Southwest Michigan Lavender Farms
8. Summerhouse Lavender Farm
Fennville (close to Saugatuck and Holland)
Where to stay nearby: Belvedere Inn & Restaurant in Saugatuck
Open to public? Yes, open Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm, Mother’s Day through Labor Day
Summerhouse Lavender Farm is perfect for those who will be in nearby Saugatuck (or even Holland). It’s a one-acre farm packed with 1,200 lavender plants. There is also an on-site shop where you can buy candles, essential oils, soaps, and lotions made with the farm’s lavender.
There are various events throughout the summer, including the “Bloom Festival” in July and mind-body workshops. Check out their website for updated event details.
9. Sassafras Acres
Eau Claire (close to Benton Harbor and South Haven)
Where to stay nearby: The Fields of Michigan in South Haven for AMAZING glamping!
Open to public? Yes, on Saturdays throughout the summer months
Sassafras Acres is a small family-owned herb garden, with plenty of lavender throughout. They specialize in organic, non-GMO farming practices and each spring and summer hold a lavender plant sale. In 2021 there are plans to open an herbal apothecary and tea house.
RELATED | 15 Places to go Glamping in Michigan
10. Hickory Creek Lavender Farm
Stevensville (close to Benton Harbor and South Haven)
Where to stay nearby: The Fields of Michigan in South Haven for AMAZING glamping!
Open to public? Yes, during blooming season (mid June through July)
Hickory Creek Lavender Farm is a 20-acre farm not far from Michigan’s southern border. The farmland has actually been in the owners’ family for over 100 years, although the first lavender was planted in 2016. There are over 3,000 lavender plants here, all naturally grown and hand harvested. You can also buy lavender honey, sachets, lotion, bug repellant, soap, and more.
11. Shades of Lavender Farm
Mattawan (close to South Haven, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek)
Where to stay nearby: Henderson Castle Inn in Kalamazoo or The Fields of Michigan in South Haven
Open to public? Yes, but hours vary seasonally so check online first
Shades of Lavender Farm has around 1600 lavender plants and offers U-pick in peak blooming season, in late June and July. They also specialize in hand crafted soaps, bath bombs, and culinary creations. Visitors can purchase these on site, view them being made, or even take part in a class.
Janene Rawlinson was the long-time owner of Shades of Lavender, and in 2021 she sold it to its new owner Anthony and his daughters. They are currently going through a transition as Anthony learns the ropes and continues on this amazing local business and farm.
12. Lavender Hill Farm of Niles
Niles
Where to stay nearby: Morris Estate in Niles, or Michiana Hideaway Retreat (4 bedroom cottage) in Niles
Open to public? Yes, but hours vary. Check online for updated information.
Lavender Hill of Farm of Niles is one of the longer running lavender farms in Michigan, as it opened in 2001. This means the lavender plants here are dense and fully grown. In addition to the fields of lavender, there is a gift shop with many lavender products. Crafting and watercolor painting classes are also offered.
Thumb Area / Southeast Michigan Lavender Farms
13. Indigo Lavender Farms LLC
Imlay City (closest lavender farm to Detroit and Flint)
Where to stay nearby: Days Inn by Wyndham if staying in Imlay City, or my favorite boutique Detroit hotel Trumbull & Porter if staying in Detroit
Open to public? Yes, open 7 days a week.
Indigo Lavender Farms is one of the only lavender farms in southeast Michigan or the thumb region. It’s the closest lavender farm to Detroit! This is also one of the bigger lavender farms in Michigan, at 50 acres with 14,000 plants. There are rows and rows of full-grown lavender making it a perfect photoshoot spot.
In addition to wandering the lavender, you can go on a farm tour, buy handmade lavender products in their shop, or come for special events like “Brunch on the Farm,” “Lavender Daze” in July and “Indigo Fest” in August. More information on events is available on their website.
RELATED | Gluten Free Detroit Guide
Mid Michigan Lavender Farms
14. Sixteen Sprigs
Lansing
Where to stay nearby: The newly opened Graduate Hotel in East Lansing is by far the best boutique hotel in the area
Open to public? Yes, at the downtown Lansing location from mid June to late July
Sixteen Sprigs is an urban lavender farm in my hometown (oh… and Michigan’s capital city!) of Lansing. In addition to the small plot, or “demonstration garden,” in downtown Lansing that I have visited, Sixteen Sprigs also has a larger farm in Ithaca where they grow more lavender for their products.
Throughout the summer it is so fun to drive through downtown Lansing and see LAVENDER growing right in the city. The demonstration garden is open for U-pick, open farm days, and many special events throughout the summer (usually with lavender lemonade and shortbread on hand). Check their website for updated events.
15. Mid-Michigan Lavender
Marion (close to Clare and Cadillac)
Where to stay nearby: Evergreen Resort in Cadillac
Open to public? Yes, open daily during July and August. Confirm hours on their website.
Mid-Michigan Lavender is a family-owned lavender farm. It is open throughout the summer months, and visitors can pick their own lavender from July through August. There is also a gift shop, open on Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, with lavender and local Michigan-made products.
16. The Lavender Fleece
Midland
Where to stay nearby: The H Hotel in Midland
Open to public? Yes, by appointment or for special events.
The Lavender Fleece is actually an Icelandic sheep farm that has been operating in Midland since 1999. They also have a lavender display garden on site, and sell lavender plants throughout April and May. The garden is not open to the general public for drop-ins, but they do have special events and open days throughout the spring and summer, and you can also call them or message on their Facebook to set up an appointment (their Facebook is updated more regularly than their website).
RELATED | Michigan Bucket List
17. Cherry Point Farm and Market
Shelby (close to Ludington and Muskegon)
Where to stay nearby: Cartier Mansion in Ludington
Open to public? Yes, open daily 10am-6pm.
Cherry Point Farm and Market is just a mile from Lake Michigan and one of the oldest operating farms in the area. It is also home to a massive lavender labyrinth! Unfortunately, the polar vortex in 2019 killed a lot of their lavender, and the lavender labyrinth is not as visually arresting as it once was. However it is still very peaceful to walk the labyrinth, and there is a fantastic herb garden at the center! The lavender grows back year by year.
This is a great spot to stop for lunch if you are drive up or down the Lake Michigan coastline, near Ludington or Muskegon. Buy some cherries (and pie… and more…) at the farm market, walk the lavender labyrinth, and just relax in the sun like we did!
What are the Best Lavender Farms in Michigan to Visit (My Opinion)?
I don’t have a favorite Michigan lavender farm because they are all so different from each other. Honestly, there is a lavender farm to suit any mood! However here are my picks for best lavender farms in Michigan for the below categories:
- Best lavender farm for kids: Lavender Hill Farm
- Most peaceful lavender farms: Bohemian Lavender, Lavender on Old Mission Peninsula
- Best lavender farm for special events: Lavender Hill Farm
- Best lavender labyrinth: Cherry Point Farm and Market
- Biggest lavender farms: Lavender Hill Farm, Indigo Lavender Farms
- Only urban lavender farm: Sixteen Sprigs
- Best lavender farm for animal activities: Northern Lavender
- Best gift shops: Shades of Lavender Farm, Lavender Hill Farm, Brys Estate
Whichever lavender farm you choose to visit, I can promise you will be blown away by the incredible scenery, the peaceful sensory overload, and the amazing, hard-working farmers. Please let me know in the comments below if you have any questions, or if I missed a farm!
You might also like these blog posts…
23 Most Romantic Cabins in Michigan
10 Best Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
19 Tiny Houses in Michigan for Your Next Vacation
PLAN | Visit my full Michigan page for more travel planning tips!
so nice! we have lavender farms too but they can’t be visited like this, that’s a shame