Blueberry season has commenced! Our favorite spot to U-pick ‘em is Rush River Produce, an idyllic nine-acre blueberry farm in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, about an hour southeast of the Twin Cities.
The family-run property, located three miles off the Great River Road (a.k.a. Highway 35), opened its fields on July 9 for the summer 2020 picking season. Terry and John Cuddy grow juicy currants and tart gooseberries from early July to early August, but they’re best known for their blueberries, which they’ve been planting here since 1987.
With 14 varieties on offer, imagine the possibilities! Blueberry hand pies, blueberry coffeecake, blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes, blueberry smoothies…. It’s all-you-can-eat while you pick, too. (Warning: Their berries are so plump and sweet, you may need to be rolled home, Violet Beauregard-style.)
Rush River Produce is open Thursday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but call 715-594-3648 to check availability before setting out. It’s cash or check only (blueberries are $5.50/lb.) and this is a BYO mask situation. While you’re at it, BYO picnic as well — the property is beautiful, with a classic red barn, flower gardens, a tire swing, and scenic views of the Mississippi River Valley and Lake Pepin.
Rush River Produce
4908 200th Ave., Maiden Rock, WI; 715-594-3648.
