Michigan is home to a rich tradition of beekeeping and honey production. Across the state, family-run farms and small-batch producers harvest pure, raw honey straight from the hive. From the wildflower fields of west Michigan to the clover-rich meadows of the north, the variety and quality of Michigan honey make it a standout choice for anyone seeking natural sweetness. If you're looking to explore local honey yourself, our Honey collection is a great place to start. This guide introduces some of the top honey farms and producers in Michigan and explains what makes their honey worth seeking out.

What Makes Michigan Honey Special?

Michigan's diverse landscape provides bees with an abundance of nectar sources. Wildflowers, basswood, star thistle, purple cone flower, and golden rod are just a few of the blossoms that contribute to the distinct flavor profiles of local honey. Because each harvest reflects the specific flora of its region, Michigan honey offers a range of tastes from light and floral to rich and robust. Many producers in the state emphasize raw, unprocessed honey that retains its natural enzymes, pollen, and flavor. Straight from the hive, this honey provides a pure sweetness that is a favorite for everyday use.

Top Michigan Honey Producers

Finding quality Michigan honey starts with knowing the producers. The following farms and companies are recognized for their commitment to pure, local honey. Each offers something unique, from classic raw varietals to creative infused flavors.

Sister Bees Pure Michigan Honey

Sister Bees operates out of Ludington, Michigan, with a store located at 115 S. James in the heart of town. Their collection of pure Michigan honey includes raw honey in both liquid extract form and honey still in the comb. They also offer chunk honey, which combines liquid honey with a piece of comb for a textured, chewy treat. Beyond honey, Sister Bees produces a range of natural health and beauty products including lip balm, skin balm, whipped tallow, lotion, deodorant, bath products, bar soaps, hand soaps, and a daily face care routine. The farm offers free shipping on orders over fifty-five dollars, making it easy to stock up on Michigan honey from anywhere.

Hudsonville Honey

Hudsonville Honey is a well-known name for raw Michigan wildflower honey. Their premium raw Michigan wildflower honey is available in glass Queenline jars, including a three-pack option that appeals to those who want to keep a steady supply in the pantry. The honey is 100 percent pure and harvested right in Michigan. Hudsonville Honey offers free shipping on qualifying orders of sixty dollars or more, which shoppers can select at checkout. Their raw honey retains the natural qualities that make wildflower honey a favorite kitchen staple for cooking, baking, and sweetening beverages.

Hilbert's Honey Co.

Hilbert's Honey Co. specializes in specialty honey harvested in Michigan. Their three-pound value size jar of Michigan wildflower honey is a popular choice for families and heavy users. Hilbert's emphasizes premium quality and pure ingredients, and their honey has earned a loyal following among customers who make it their go-to kitchen staple. The larger format is ideal for those who go through honey quickly and want a reliable source of local sweetness.

Michigan Bee Co.

Michigan Bee Co. produces pure raw honey collected from basswood, star thistle, purple cone flower, and golden rod. These specific nectar sources give the honey a distinctive flavor that changes with the seasons and the blooms available to the bees. Their raw honey is sold in two one-pound jars, making it easy to share or keep a spare on hand. The company focuses on straight-from-the-hive quality, ensuring that the honey you receive is as close to its natural state as possible.

The Great Lakes Bee Company

Located at 5973 S. Warner Avenue in Fremont, Michigan, The Great Lakes Bee Company is a source of pure Michigan honey and beeswax. They can be reached by email at info@thegreatlakesbeecompany.com or by phone at 1-231-335-0929. The company produces honey that reflects the terroir of west Michigan, and their beeswax products are popular for candle making and other crafts. For those who prefer to buy directly from a farm, visiting their Fremont location offers the chance to see the operation and ask questions about their beekeeping practices.

Big Bear Honey

Big Bear Honey, handcrafted in Zeeland, Michigan, offers small-batch honey that ranges from classic raw varieties to bold infused flavors. Their infused options include bourbon honey and cherry whiskey honey, which add a creative twist to the traditional honey experience. Big Bear Honey appeals to both purists who want raw honey and adventurous eaters looking for something different. The small-batch approach means each run is carefully produced, and the quality remains consistently high.

The Michigan Honey Festival

For anyone wanting to explore Michigan honey in a community setting, the Michigan Honey Festival is a highlight of the year. The festival is described as a fun, affordable, and informative weekend for everyone, from young children and non-beekeepers to seasoned apiarists. It welcomes "newbees" and experts alike. The next festival is scheduled for July 18 and 19, 2026, at the Shiawassee County Fair Grounds located at 2900 Hibbard Road in Corunna, Michigan. Hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM each day, and parking is five dollars per vehicle per day. Attendees, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers all walk away with something valuable. The festival includes educational opportunities, vendor booths, honey tastings, and the chance to connect with local beekeepers.

How to Find Local Honey in Michigan

If you want to buy raw honey directly from a local beekeeper, there are several ways to find one near you. The Michigan Beekeepers Association maintains a local honey locator list that can help you identify beekeepers and farms in your area. If you cannot find someone nearby on their list, the National Honey Board locator is another resource that may be useful. Many beekeepers in southeastern Michigan and other regions sell honey directly from their homes or at farmers markets. Online forums and community groups, such as the Detroit subreddit, often have threads where people ask for recommendations on where to buy raw honey locally. These personal referrals can lead you to small-scale producers who may not have a large online presence but offer excellent honey.

What to Look for When Buying Raw Honey

When shopping for raw Michigan honey, look for terms like "pure," "raw," and "unfiltered" on the label. Raw honey has not been heated to high temperatures, so it retains natural enzymes and pollen that are often lost in processed honey. Many Michigan producers sell honey in both liquid extract form and in the comb, as well as chunk honey that contains a piece of comb in the liquid. Each form offers a different experience. Liquid honey is versatile for cooking and drizzling, while comb honey is a chewy treat that can be eaten as is. Chunk honey gives you both textures in one jar.

Storing Michigan Honey

Raw honey does not spoil if stored properly. Keep it in a sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. If your honey crystallizes over time, that is a natural process and a sign of its raw quality. To return it to a liquid state, place the jar in a bowl of warm water and stir gently. Avoid microwaving honey, as high heat can destroy the beneficial enzymes that make raw honey special.

Why Choose Michigan Honey?

Choosing Michigan honey means supporting local beekeepers and farms that take pride in their craft. The state's varied landscape gives honey a complexity that is hard to find in mass-produced alternatives. Whether you prefer a mild wildflower honey, a bold basswood varietal, or an infused flavor like bourbon or cherry whiskey, Michigan producers offer options for every taste. At Bonz Beach Farms, our own Troll Tree Honey (1 lb Jar) and Troll Tree Honey (2 lb Jar) are crafted with that same local pride — pure, raw, and straight from Michigan. Buying local also reduces the carbon footprint of your food and helps sustain the agricultural traditions that keep Michigan's rural communities thriving. For home cooks, breakfast enthusiasts, and gift buyers alike, a jar of Michigan honey is a simple way to bring farm-to-table quality into your kitchen.

If you are looking for pure Michigan honey, the farms listed in this guide are excellent places to start. Sister Bees in Ludington, Hudsonville Honey, Hilbert's Honey Co., Michigan Bee Co., The Great Lakes Bee Company in Fremont, and Big Bear Honey in Zeeland all produce honey that reflects the best of what Michigan has to offer. Visit their stores, check their websites, and taste the difference that local, raw honey makes. You can also explore our own Michigan honey selection at Bonz Beach Farms — your breakfast, tea, and baked goods will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Michigan honey good?

Yes, Michigan honey is widely regarded for its quality and flavor. The state's diverse nectar sources, such as wildflower, basswood, star thistle, and golden rod, give the honey complex and varied taste profiles that appeal to many palates.

Is Michigan known for honey?

Michigan is recognized for its beekeeping tradition and the production of pure, raw honey. Many small-batch farms and producers across the state specialize in local honey, and the Michigan Honey Festival draws visitors from across the region to celebrate the craft.

How do I find raw honey from a local beekeeper in Michigan?

The Michigan Beekeepers Association provides a local honey locator list on their website. If no options appear near you, the National Honey Board locator is another helpful resource. You can also ask for recommendations in local community groups or forums.

What is the difference between raw honey and processed honey?

Raw honey is not heated or filtered heavily, so it retains natural enzymes, pollen, and flavor. Processed honey is often pasteurized, which can destroy some of these beneficial components. Many Michigan producers sell raw honey to preserve its natural qualities.