There’s something about spring in Northern Michigan that feels like a quiet celebration. The snow melts, the woods breathe again, and if you know what to look for, the forest starts offering up its most underrated treasures — wild mushrooms, ramps, and more.
Whether you're walking a trail behind your house, poking through the edge of a field, or hitting your favorite backwoods path, this is the time to slow down and start spotting what others miss. From golden morels to fan-shaped pheasant backs to the unmistakable scent of wild leeks, spring foraging isn’t just a hobby — it’s a seasonal ritual.
🍄 What You’ll Find in the Spring Woods
Morels: The Crown Jewel
These are the rockstars of spring foraging in Michigan. With their hollow, honeycomb caps and rich, earthy flavor, they’re what most people dream about finding — and for good reason. They’re hard to beat, whether you sauté them in butter or fold them into a creamy soup.
When to Look: Late April through May, depending on warmth and rain.
Where to Look: South-facing slopes, near dying or dead elms, poplar stands, old orchards, and burn sites from the past couple of years. Look low and move slow.
Pheasant Backs (Dryad’s Saddle): The Underrated Early Risers
These fan-shaped mushrooms are often overlooked, but they’re one of the first signs that spring is truly underway. You’ll spot them growing shelf-like on dead or dying hardwoods.
When to Look: Early April through late May.
Where to Look: On elms, boxelders, and maples — especially trees that are down or starting to rot.
How to Use Them: When young, slice them thin and cook in butter or broth. They have a cucumber-like aroma and a mild flavor that works great in soups or dehydrated for later use.
Ramps & Wild Leeks: Michigan’s Best Spring Green
These vibrant green plants grow in clusters on forest floors and smell distinctly of garlic and onion. Ramps are prized by chefs and foragers alike.
When to Look: Mid-April through early May.
Where to Look: Shady, damp forest floors — often carpeting hillsides in certain areas.
Pro Tip: Harvest responsibly. Take only one leaf per plant and leave the roots so the patch can keep growing for years to come.
🌱 Mushroom Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss
Foraging is fun solo — but it’s even better with a crowd of like-minded mushroom lovers. These spring mushroom festivals are some of the best:
Boyne City Morel Mushroom Festival
📍 May 15-18 | Downtown Boyne City
@MorelFestival on Facebook
Expect guided hunts, chef tastings, morel booths, contests, and live music — all set in the heart of spring in Boyne.
🥾 Where to Forage (No Deep Woods Required)
Some of the best mushroom patches are hiding in plain sight. While we’re keeping this guide broader than Traverse City, here are a few types of spots to look for in any Northern Michigan county:
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Quiet riverbanks with hardwood stands
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Old logging trails or fire breaks
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Abandoned orchards or field edges
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Public land access sites with varied terrain
Wherever you go, make sure foraging is allowed — and follow leave-no-trace principles while you're out there.
🍲 What to Make With Your Finds
Here’s a cozy recipe to celebrate everything you find:
Morel, Ramp & Potato Soup
A perfect dish for a cool spring evening after a day outside.
Ingredients:
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2 cups fresh morels, cleaned and chopped
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A handful of wild leeks or ramps (or 1 leek if substituting)
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic
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4 cups broth
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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2 tbsp butter
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Salt, pepper, and thyme
Directions:
Sauté onions, garlic, and ramps in butter until soft. Add morels and cook briefly. Add potatoes and broth, simmer until soft. Blend lightly for texture. Stir in cream, season, and serve.
🧺 A Few Quick Tips Before You Head Out
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Bring a mesh bag to spread spores and support the ecosystem.
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Knife + brush: Clean your mushrooms on the spot — don’t bring dirt home.
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Learn your IDs. Especially with morels — their false cousins can be toxic.
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Leave some behind. It’s good for the forest — and good karma.
🌲 Why It Matters
Foraging isn’t just about what you bring home — it’s about how it roots you to the land. You walk slower. You see more. You start noticing tiny seasonal shifts that most people miss. This way of life is part of what makes Northern Michigan feel like home — not just a place you visit.
Whether you're dreaming of property where you can forage right out your back door or just want to live closer to the rhythm of the seasons, we can help you find that. Let’s talk about what living local really looks like — and where you can do it best.
