Cherry Festival Fun Meets Education in Leelanau County
If you've ever wondered why Northern Michigan is ideal for growing cherries, or how to tell the difference between a sweet and tart cherry tree, one National Cherry Festival event can get those questions answered.
The MSU Extension Horticulture Research Station in Leelanau County is the place to be this week for Cherry Connection. Visitors can take a ride through a cherry orchard on a guided tour, learn about their favorite fruit through interactive displays, and enjoy cherry treats. The event also includes a petting zoo and other activities for kids including a poster contest and face painting.
Cherry Connection offers visitors the chance to sample a variety of products from cherry lotion to cherry nut butter to cherry ice cream. Every year, new products are highlighted.
This year, the Cherry Connection is going green by using recyclable products including utensils, cups, plates, and containers. Most other waste will be turned to compost when the event has ended.
Cherry Connection is open from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Monday through Friday during the National Cherry Festival. Shuttle busses will be available from the Visitors Center on Garland Street in Traverse City every half hour from 9:30 A.M. to Noon.
The MSU Extension Horticulture Research Station is a 15 minute drive from downtown Traverse City. To get there: Drive west on Grandview Parkway (1.5 miles) which becomes M-22. Continue on M-22 for 4.4 miles and turn left on Crain Hill Road. After 0.7 miles, turn right on County Road 633 (Center Highway) for 2.8 miles. The Northwest Michigan Research Station is on the left.
