Michigan, with its rich agricultural landscape and diverse flora, is a prime location for beekeeping. Here are ten of the best honey bee farms in the state, known for their quality honey and commitment to sustainable practices.
1. Sleeping Bear Farms
Location: Benzie County, Michigan
History: Established in 1981, Sleeping Bear Farms is known for its high-quality honey and dedication to natural beekeeping.
Unique Practices: Focus on producing raw, unfiltered honey and practicing sustainable beekeeping.
Experiences: Honey tastings and educational tours.
Products: Raw honey, honeycomb, beeswax candles.
Website: Sleeping Bear Farms
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “Their honey is top-notch, and the farm tour was fascinating.” – Amanda L.
2. Star Thistle Honey
Location: Leelanau County, Michigan
History: Specializing in Star Thistle Honey, this farm has been a favorite among locals for decades.
Unique Practices: Natural beekeeping and focus on a single, unique type of honey.
Experiences: Honey tastings and farm tours.
Products: Star Thistle honey, beeswax products.
Website: Star Thistle Honey
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “The Star Thistle Honey is a must-try, and the farm is beautiful.” – Kevin M.
3. Thornapple Woodlands
Location: Barry County, Michigan
History: Thornapple Woodlands is a family-owned apiary known for its educational programs and high-quality honey.
Unique Practices: Sustainable beekeeping and focus on education.
Experiences: Beekeeping workshops, honey tastings, and farm tours.
Products: Raw honey, beeswax candles, beekeeping supplies.
Website: Thornapple Woodlands
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “Their workshops are incredibly informative, and the honey is delicious.” – Sarah P.
4. Bee Wise Farms
Location: Wayne County, Michigan
History: Bee Wise Farms is dedicated to producing pure, raw honey and promoting urban beekeeping.
Unique Practices: Urban beekeeping and community education.
Experiences: Honey tastings and educational events.
Products: Raw honey, beeswax products.
Website: Bee Wise Farms
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “A great place to learn about urban beekeeping and enjoy fantastic honey.” – John D.
5. Grampa’s Honey Farm
Location: Lapeer County, Michigan
History: This family-run farm has been producing honey for generations, focusing on natural beekeeping.
Unique Practices: Emphasis on natural, chemical-free beekeeping.
Experiences: Farm tours and honey tastings.
Products: Raw honey, honeycomb, beeswax candles.
Website: Grampa’s Honey Farm
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “Their honey is pure and delicious, and the farm is a lovely place to visit.” – Emily T.
6. Bear Creek Organic Farm
Location: Antrim County, Michigan
History: A certified organic farm, Bear Creek focuses on sustainable agriculture and high-quality honey.
Unique Practices: Certified organic practices and sustainable farming.
Experiences: Honey tastings and educational workshops.
Products: Organic honey, beeswax products.
Website: Bear Creek Organic Farm
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “The organic honey is exceptional, and the farm is beautiful.” – Linda H.
7. City Bees Detroit
Location: Wayne County, Michigan
History: City Bees Detroit promotes urban beekeeping and provides locally-produced honey.
Unique Practices: Urban beekeeping and community involvement.
Experiences: Educational events and honey tastings.
Products: Raw honey, beeswax candles.
Website: City Bees Detroit
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “Their urban beekeeping initiatives are fantastic, and the honey is great.” – Michael B.
8. Great Lakes Bee Company
Location: Muskegon County, Michigan
History: Specializing in producing high-quality honey and supporting local beekeepers.
Unique Practices: Sustainable beekeeping and focus on supporting local agriculture.
Experiences: Honey tastings and beekeeping workshops.
Products: Raw honey, beeswax candles, beekeeping supplies.
Website: Great Lakes Bee Company
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “A wonderful place for beekeepers and honey lovers alike.” – Nancy K.
9. Sleeping Bear Farms
Location: Benzie County, Michigan
History: Known for its organic beekeeping practices and raw honey production.
Unique Practices: Organic methods and natural beekeeping.
Experiences: Honey tastings and farm tours.
Products: Raw honey, beeswax candles, honey-based skincare.
Website: Sleeping Bear Farms
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “The honey is incredible, and their commitment to organic practices is admirable.” – Alice M.
10. Honeyflow Farm
Location: St. Clair County, Michigan
History: Honeyflow Farm offers a wide range of honey products and supports sustainable beekeeping.
Unique Practices: Focus on sustainability and high-quality honey production.
Experiences: Honey tastings and educational workshops.
Products: Raw honey, beeswax products, honey-based skincare.
Website: Honeyflow Farm
Social Media: Facebook
Customer Reviews: “Their honey is some of the best I’ve ever had, and the farm is a joy to visit.” – Karen R.
Conclusion
These honey bee farms in Michigan offer a variety of high-quality honey products and support sustainable beekeeping practices. Explore their websites and social media pages to learn more about their offerings and contributions to the beekeeping community.
See More: 10 Best Honey Bee Farm Tours In US