Our History

Since 1962 - Building Upon Dreams ... 

Richard and Olga Friske arrived in northern Michigan in 1952, leaving their war-torn German homeland behind. They worked hard at several ventures while their children were born before purchasing a run-down, bankrupt, 240-acre farm near Charlevoix Michigan in 1962. Richard and Olga, along with their three young children, labored to rejuvenate the orchards and build their dream, Friske Orchards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fresh Fruit & Produce to the Midwest

The baton was passed to the next generation in 1983, and through God’s blessing and continued hard work, Friske Orchards now produces hundreds of acres of fruit and produce including: apples, sweet and tart cherries, peaches, apricots, nectarines, pears, plums, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, and asparagus.

Our abundant, beautiful quality produce is marketed retail at our Friske's Farm Market location and at many local and regional farmer's markets, as well as marketed wholesale to stores, markets, and distributors throughout the Midwestern United States.
 

Friske's Farm Market   "A Bushel of Family Fun!" 

Friske’s retail operation expanded greatly in 2000 with the purchase of Elzinga’s Farm Market on US-31 near Atwood, just two miles from the main farm. The seasonal market was turned into the beautiful year ‘round Friske’s Farm Market, which includes Fruit Stand, Bakery, Orchard Café, General Store and Country Haus Gift Shoppe, as well as family-oriented attractions like the Barnyard Petting Zoo and Orchard Playground.

Three Generations and a Great Staff ...

Today, three generations of Friskes, along with a talented and dedicated staff strive to accomplish their mission of “winning and keeping customers by offering them finest quality products, exceptional service, and a ‘bushel of family fun’ experience.”