The sweet reward of Michigan honey is worth seeking out. Whether you are after a jar of raw wildflower honey, a piece of pure comb, or an infused flavor like lavender or ginger, the state is full of farms and markets that sell honey produced right in their own backyards. Many beekeepers handcraft small batches, leaving the honey unheated and unfiltered to preserve its natural character. This guide highlights where to find local honey in Michigan, from the Michigan Beekeepers Association locator to individual farm stores that offer exceptional products.

Finding Local Honey Through the Michigan Beekeepers Association

The Michigan Beekeepers Association (MBA) maintains a local honey locator list that connects buyers with honey producers across the state. This directory includes contact information and locations for dozens of Michigan beekeepers, making it a practical first stop when you are looking for honey near you. You can visit the MBA website and search for producers in your region. Because the list is maintained by the association, it is regularly updated with active sellers who offer honey in various forms.

If you are shopping at a farm stand or market, it is a good idea to ask the seller whether they are a member of the Michigan Beekeepers Association or follow similar best practices. Many of the farms listed in this article produce raw honey that meets the National Honey Board's definition: honey as it exists in the hive, unheated and unfiltered. That means the honey retains pollen, enzymes, and natural flavors that are often removed in commercial processing.

Notable Michigan Honey Farms and Their Offerings

Michigan is home to a wide range of honey producers, each with its own specialty. From the lakeshore in Ludington to the orchards of northern Michigan, these farms sell their honey directly at their stores and through local markets. The table below provides an at-a-glance comparison of product types and prices from several producers.

Sister Bees (Ludington)

Sister Bees, based in Ludington, offers 100% Raw Michigan Wildflower Honey in a range of sizes. Their 16-ounce jar is priced at $12, and they also sell convenient 2-ounce honey bears for $4 and 8-ounce jars for $7. For bulk buyers, a full gallon of wildflower honey is available for $85. Sister Bees also produces Pure Northern Michigan Honey Sticks, sold in a 10-pack for $5 or a 3-pack for $1.50, making them a handy snack or gift item. A Honey Flight Gift Set priced at $25 is a great way to sample different varieties.

Hudsonville Honey (Hudsonville)

Hudsonville Honey clearly defines their raw honey as unheated and unfiltered, aligning with the National Honey Board's standard. They offer liquid honey extracted from the comb, pure comb honey still in its natural hexagonal form, and chunk honey which combines liquid honey with a piece of comb in the jar. Their Premium Raw Michigan Wildflower Honey in a Glass Queenline Jar ranges from $6 to $15 for a one-pound container, and a three-pack ranges from $17 to $42. The Pure Raw Comb Honey in a Vintage Wood Section is priced at $15, though it has been noted as currently out of stock. Hudsonville Honey is a consistent source for customers who want to try different honey textures and forms.

Big Bear Honey (Zeeland)

Big Bear Honey in Zeeland focuses on small-batch, handcrafted Michigan honey. Beyond traditional raw honey, they create infused flavors such as Ginger, Sea Salt, Lavender, and Tequila Lime, each priced at $12 per jar. They also produce honey-based skin care balms including Dry Hands & Feet Balm, Wrinkles & Fine Lines Balm, Eczema & Burns Balm, and Bug Repellent Balm, each $14. Big Bear Honey's mission emphasizes supporting local beekeepers and caring for pollinators, making them a good choice for customers who value ecological stewardship.

Pickled Viking Farm (Lapeer)

Pickled Viking Farm, located in Lapeer, produces raw clover honey and raw wildflower honey. Their honey comes from a non-certified organic farm, meaning they follow organic practices without formal certification. Customers can visit their farm store or check their website for current availability and pricing. The raw wildflower and clover varieties are common in Michigan and offer distinct flavor profiles based on the plants the bees foraged.

S & L Honey Farm (Flushing)

S & L Honey Farm in Flushing, Michigan, offers local honey along with honey bee removal services, beekeeping equipment, beeswax, and other hive products. While they maintain a Facebook presence rather than a full website, their local customers can find them through word of mouth or the Michigan Beekeepers Association locator. Because of the limited information, it is wise to contact S & L Honey Farm directly for current honey pricing and availability.

Friske Orchards (Northern Michigan)

Friske Orchards produces Pure Michigan Honey harvested from their fruit orchards in northern Michigan. Because the bees forage on apple, cherry, and other fruit blossoms, the honey takes on a unique floral character. Friske Orchards sells their honey on-site at their farm market, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring northern Michigan orchards.

Michigan Bee Co.

Michigan Bee Co. is referenced in a guide from Bonz Beach Farms as a producer of pure raw honey. Their bees collect nectar from basswood, star thistle, purple cone flower, and golden rod, producing a complex honey that varies with the season. Michigan Bee Co. is a good example of a smaller operation that focuses on single-source floral honey. Check their website or social media for purchase locations and pricing.

Understanding Honey Forms and Varieties

When shopping for local honey in Michigan, you will encounter several forms and varieties. Liquid honey, also called extracted honey, is the most common and is spun out of the comb in a centrifuge. Comb honey is sold as a piece of the original honeycomb, wax and all, and is often considered a delicacy. Chunk honey is a combination a piece of comb placed in a jar of liquid honey. Hudsonville Honey offers all three forms, providing a clear example of the choices available.

Floral variety matters for flavor and color. Michigan beekeepers produce honey from wildflowers, clover, basswood, star thistle, purple cone flower, golden rod, and fruit orchard blossoms. Raw honey, as defined by the National Honey Board, is honey that has not been heated above natural hive temperatures or filtered to remove pollen. This is the form preferred by many buyers who want the full flavor and potential health benefits of unprocessed honey.

Infused honey is a growing category. Big Bear Honey creates flavors by adding natural ingredients like ginger or lavender, while other producers might experiment with spice infusions. These are not raw in the strict sense if the infusion process involves heat, so ask the producer about their methods if that matters to you.

Tips for Buying Local Michigan Honey

Start by using the Michigan Beekeepers Association local honey locator to find producers near you. Look for farms that explicitly state their honey is raw (unheated, unfiltered) if that is what you prefer. Ask about the floral source: wildflower honey is a broad category, while honey from a single source like basswood or clover will have a more distinct taste.

Check the packaging date. Honey does not spoil, but fresh honey from the current season often has a more vibrant flavor. If you are buying at a farm store, ask how recently it was harvested. Many of the farms listed, such as Sister Bees and Hudsonville Honey, offer clear labeling and detailed product descriptions. Prices can vary from $4 for a small honey bear to $85 for a gallon of wildflower honey, so compare sizes to find the best value for your use.

Consider visiting during a farm's open hours or attending a local farmers market. Many of these producers sell at multiple locations across the state, and the MBA locator can help you find the closest point of sale. If a farm offers honey through their website, check their shipping policies. Some offer free shipping above a threshold, such as Sister Bees (free over $55) and Hudsonville Honey (free over $60).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find local honey near me in Michigan?

The Michigan Beekeepers Association maintains a local honey locator list on their website. This directory includes contact information and locations for beekeepers across the state. You can also ask at farmers markets, farm stores, and roadside stands. Many producers listed in this article sell directly from their farms or through local retailers.

Is all Michigan honey raw?

No, not all Michigan honey is raw. Some producers heat and filter their honey for clarity and shelf stability. However, many of the farms featured here, such as Hudsonville Honey and Sister Bees, explicitly market their honey as raw, meaning it is unheated and unfiltered. Always check the label or ask the seller to confirm how the honey was processed.

What is the difference between liquid honey, comb honey, and chunk honey?

Liquid honey is the conventional form, extracted by spinning the honey out of the comb. Comb honey is sold as a piece of the honeycomb, including the wax. Chunk honey is a combination of liquid honey with a piece of comb sealed inside the jar. Hudsonville Honey offers all three forms, giving customers a chance to compare them.

What is infused honey, and where can I find it in Michigan?

Infused honey is honey that has been flavored by adding ingredients such as ginger, sea salt, lavender, or other natural flavors. Big Bear Honey in Zeeland offers infused honey varieties in small batches. Infused honey can be used in cooking, baking, or as a specialty spread. Always check with the producer about whether the infusion process involves heating that might affect the honey's raw status.

Michigan's honey producers take pride in the quality and variety of their honey. Whether you visit a farm store like Sister Bees in Ludington or order from Hudsonville Honey online, you are supporting local beekeepers and tasting the unique flavors of the region. Use the Michigan Beekeepers Association locator and the recommendations in this article to find a source of local honey that matches your preferences.