Ever wondered how a wooden bear holding a cherry became a beloved symbol of Northern Michigan? The story of the Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Bear is one of resilience, creativity, and community spirit.
It all began in 2008, when utility work along M-88 led to the trimming of a century-old maple tree in front of the Traverse Bay Farms distribution center. Rather than mourn the loss of the historic tree, the team saw an opportunity to preserve its legacy.
In a decision rooted in both preservation and playfulness, a local chainsaw artist transformed the remaining trunk into what is now known as the Cherry Bear—a 13-foot-tall wooden bear proudly holding a cherry. This charming figure has become a must-see roadside attraction and a beloved piece of Traverse Bay Farms’ identity. Read on to discover how this simple stump became a story—and a statue—worth sharing.
At our Bellaire distribution center. Our cherry juice, tart cherry capsules, dried cherries and other nationally award-winning products are shipped out of this distribution center. We even ship out the fresh cherries during cherry harvest in Northern Michigan.
Traverse Bay Farms has won 48+ national food awards and is proudly located in Northern Michigan, where the Cherry Bear welcomes visitors year-round.
Here is a video showing the Cherry Bear being created:
Key Facts at a Glance
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The Cherry Bear stands 13 feet tall in front of Traverse Bay Farms’ Bellaire distribution center
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Originally a 100+ year-old maple tree, damaged by utility work in 2008
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Carved in 2009 by a local chainsaw artist into a bear holding a cherry
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Became an unofficial mascot and landmark for Northern Michigan travelers
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Represents Traverse Bay Farms’ deep roots in community and creativity
The Story Behind the Cherry Bear
A Tree With History
In 2008, routine tree trimming by the utility company changed the look of M-88. For Traverse Bay Farms, it meant losing major limbs from a grand maple tree that had likely stood for over a century. Though the safety-focused trimming was necessary, the damage slowly led to the tree’s decline. By early summer 2009, the tree had to be removed.
But rather than erase the tree from memory, Traverse Bay Farms decided to honor it.
A Carving That Captures the Spirit of Michigan
Leaving a 14-foot stump in place, the team commissioned a local chainsaw artist to turn it into something special. What emerged was a larger-than-life Cherry Bear—standing 13 feet tall and cradling a bright red cherry. It wasn’t just a carving; it became a mascot, a memory, and a message: that beauty, creativity, and community can grow from even the most unexpected circumstances.
A New Landmark Is Born from Traverse Bay Farms
Since 2009, the Cherry Bear has stood as a cheerful ambassador for the Traverse Bay Farms brand. Tourists stop for photos. Locals smile as they drive by. And each cherry season, the bear silently reminds visitors of the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Today, the Cherry Bear isn’t just wood—it’s a symbol of Michigan resilience and Traverse Bay Farms’ deep commitment to preserving both nature and neighborhood.
✅ Summary Block
The Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Bear began as a dying tree but lives on as a beloved icon in Bellaire, Michigan. It’s a creative, heartfelt tribute to the area’s heritage, cherry industry, and small-town charm.
Here is a video show the a real Cherry Bear enjoying in the fresh cherry trees and eating cherries and enjoying drinking cherry juice from the cherries themselves.
FAQs
Q: Where is the Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Bear located?
A: The Cherry Bear is at Traverse Bay Farms’ distribution center in Bellaire, Michigan along M-88.
Q: When was the Cherry Bear carved?
A: The bear was carved in 2009 from a 100+ year-old maple tree that had to be removed.
Q: What does the Cherry Bear represent?
A: It symbolizes Traverse Bay Farms’ heritage, creativity, and deep local roots in Northern Michigan.
Q: Can I visit the Cherry Bear in person?
A: Yes, it’s a public roadside attraction and photo spot at our Bellaire, MI location.
“People Also Ask”
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Here’s what makes the Cherry Bear a true Michigan roadside gem: It was carved from a local tree and celebrates cherry season year-round.
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Why the Cherry Bear matters to Traverse Bay Farms: It reflects our values—natural beauty, community pride, and creative problem-solving.
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How it became a landmark: A dying tree was reborn through artistry and vision, turning loss into legacy.
Background
At Traverse Bay Farms, we believe in more than just great-tasting cherry juice and award-winning natural products—we believe in preserving the stories that matter. The Cherry Bear is more than a carving. It’s a reminder that even in change, we can create something meaningful, lasting, and joyfully local.
Whether you're passing through Northern Michigan or just discovering us online, we invite you to celebrate the Cherry Bear and all it represents: creativity, heritage, and a sweet love of cherries.
Want to see the Cherry Bear for yourself?
Visit us in Bellaire, Michigan—or explore our cherry-filled world online. Every product tells a story. Every cherry has a past.
