The Keweenaw Peninsula, nestled in the uppermost part of Michigan, is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, but also a treasure trove for foragers. Among the wild berries that flourish in this region, thimbleberries hold a special place. reveals a burst of exquisite flavor. Thimbleberries are small, aggregate fruits that resemble a flattened raspberry. Tasting a berry will reveal a taste of tart sweetness, leaving a lingering sensation on your tongue. Eating thimbleberries in the Keweenaw Peninsula is a visitors rite of passage. Although they can be eaten raw, they are more known for making jams and jellies. You can find a wide-array of delectable tasting options all throughout the Keweenaw! Here are some ways you can enjoy thimbleberries, aside from the trail.

Jams

A jar of Thimbleberry jam is the most popular way to use this tasty fruit. You can find a delicious jar at The Poorrock Abbey’s Jampot near Eagle Harbor, The Jam Lady in Eagle River, or the Wood’n Spoon in Mohawk. You can also find them in various giftshops throughout the Peninsula.

Donuts

Aside from jam, the second most popular thimbleberry treat is a donut from Jamsen’s Bakery in Copper Harbor. The bakery makes two types of donuts: a cakey donut with thimbleberry frosting or a raised donut with thimbleberry glaze. They also make thimbleberry turnovers. This family-owned bakery offers many other fresh baked treats and organic coffee. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and enjoy a treat with a cup of morning brew.

Margaritas or Cosmopolitan

After exploring the trails and beaches, head to Carmelitas in Calumet to cool down with a thimbleberry margarita or cosmopolitan. Carmelitas is a southwestern grille in a historic building. Although they are famous for their thimbleberry margaritas, you can enjoy their baja tacos, enchiladas, salads, or specialty aged steaks.

Kombucha

Living Proof Brewing Company is a Keweenaw-based, small-batch kombucha brewery. They source as many ingredients locally to create regionally appropriate flavors. In local stores, you can find their Gingerbee brew and Thymekeeper brew. But during the summer months, you can find them at the farmer’s market selling seasonal brews. The thimbleberry kombucha is the most popular and a fast seller, so be sure to be at the market first thing for a free taste-test or to buy a bottle from tap. Bonus? You can bring back the jar to the next market they are in for a $4 refill!

Pannukakku

While you’re in downtown Houghton, swing in Suomi Restaurant for breakfast or brunch. Suomi serves the Finnish specialties, like their baked custard pancake called Pannukakku with a thimbleberry sauce. In the fall, you can find an autumnal Pannukakku too!

Salad Dressing

If you are staying, or eating, at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, you can enjoy one of their salads! Keweenaw Mountain Lodge offers a delectable mixed green salad with a plum-thimbleberry vinaigrette. The plums are picked from the trees on the Lodge property and the thimbleberry jam is sourced from the Jam Lady. The Lodge is also the Keweenaw’s first dark sky park, so you can enjoy the beautiful dark skies of the Keweenaw area. If you are lucky, the northern lights might even make an appearance!

Ice Cream

The Copper Scoop in Calumet is perfecting a thimbleberry ice cream. During thimbleberry season, you may be able to find freshly blended ice cream at this specialty ice cream shop. The flavors are constantly rotating. You can also find sorbet, coffee, and Living Proof Kombucha here.

These are only some of our favorite options! Have you ever tried a thimbleberry before?

Thimblelicious Delights: Exploring the Best Thimbleberry Treats in the Keweenaw