A Michigan proclamation
Michigan Governor William G. Milliken first proclaimed February as National Cherry Month, honoring the state that grows most of America’s tart cherries.
Read the history →February 1–28, 2027 · America’s month to celebrate the cherry
Every February · Since a Michigan proclamation
February is National Cherry Month
The stories, the history and the recipes behind America’s favorite little red fruit, from George Washington’s legend to the tart cherry orchards of Northern Michigan.
Countdown to National Cherry Month 2027
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Why February?
Three reasons February belongs to the cherry
Washington’s cherry tree
George Washington’s February birthday ties the month to the famous “I cannot tell a lie” story, a legend first told by his early biographer, Mason Locke Weems.
The real story →A gift of blossoms
In 1912, Japan gave Washington, D.C. about 3,000 cherry trees as a sign of friendship. Their buds begin waking in late winter, ahead of the spring festival.
How it began →Cherry dates to circle in February 2027
Feb 1
National Cherry Month begins
Feb 15
Presidents’ Day
Feb 20
National Cherry Pie Day
Feb 22
George Washington’s birthday
From the blog
Fresh from the orchard
What to Do With Frozen Tart Cherries
10 easy ways to use frozen tart cherries, from pies and cobblers to smoothies and sauces, plus thawing tips and a 10-minute cherry compote. ...more
Cherry Recipes
November 09, 2026•4 min read
Dried Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy dried cherry oatmeal cookies with brown sugar, cinnamon and Michigan tart cherries. One bowl, 10 minutes in the oven, about 4 dozen cookies. ...more
Cherry Recipes
November 07, 2026•3 min read
George Washington and the Cherry Tree: Fact or Legend?
Did George Washington really chop down a cherry tree? The true story behind the legend, who invented it, and why it ties cherries to February. ...more
History & Traditions
November 04, 2026•3 min read
Cherry recipes
Cook your way through February
Free download
The Michigan Cherry Recipe Cookbook
Sweet and savory cherry recipes for every meal. Tell us where to send it, and we’ll add you to our February cherry emails too.
From Northern Michigan
Brought to you from cherry country
NationalCherryMonth.com was founded by Andy LaPointe, co-founder of Traverse Bay Farms, a family-owned tart cherry company in Bellaire, Michigan, since 2001.
Our mission is simple: help more people discover, cook with and celebrate the cherry every February.
Our story →