One of the sweetest signs of summer is appearing across Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. Thimbleberry plants are flowering now, covering roadsides, forest edges, and trails with delicate white blossoms.
The flowers are the first step towards one of the Keweenaw’s most prized seasonal treats. As summer continues, the center of each flower will develop into a soft, red berry known for its tart, sweet flavor. They are related to raspberries and blackberries and taste somewhat similar, but are larger and have a hollow inside, like a thimble. The plants have wide, fuzzy leaves and thornless canes. The berries are delicate and difficult to transport, which means most people experience them close to where they grow.
It’s just in time as the Keweenaw Thimbleberry Festival takes place Aug. 18-22. Come see the creativity, tastes and art around thimbleberry season.
There will be three “Berry Delicious Markets” over the weekend in Houghton, Hancock, and Calumet. Check out storybook walks, bites and sips, games and fun and plenty of thimbleberry products to take home. The festival is presented by From the Ground Farmers Market Collective and Visit Keweenaw.
“The flowers give us our first real look at what thimbleberry season could bring,” said Visit Keweenaw Executive Director Brad Barnett. “For people who love the Keweenaw, those white blossoms create the same excitement as the first snowfall. You know a special season is coming.”
In the Keweenaw, thimbleberries are commonly found near sunny forest edges, old homesteads, roadsides, and hiking trails. The pale, five-petaled flowers are easy to spot against the plants’ large green leaves. Visitors should remain on public land, respect private property, and leave flowers undisturbed so they can continue developing.
Ripe berries generally begin appearing in late July, with the heart of the season arriving in August. Timing varies by location, weather and exposure to sunlight. Enjoy berry picking season soon and remember to always use Leave No Trace Principles and recreate responsibly in the Keweenaw.