Detroit Mom’s Guide to Cider Mills In + Around Detroit

*updated 9/17/2023

Cider mill season in Metro Detroit is here! The best thing about living in Michigan is experiencing each of the seasons, and we have to pay homage to Michigan’s colorful season of fall. Getting in nature and getting fresh air is good for us all. Activities at our favorite local apple orchards and cider mills in + around Detroit include picking apples and pumpkins, taking a breezy hayride, and really just soaking up this short and delightful season!

Sometimes you can find a hot spot for the kids with petting zoos and playscapes; other times you will stumble upon a quiet outdoor winery and cider combo for a much needed day date. In Detroit, there is always a cider mill outside waiting for your family to enjoy!

donuts from cider mills

GENESEE COUNTY CIDER MILLS

Mueller’s Orchard | 6036 Lobdell Lake Rd, Linden, 810-735-7676

With a playground designed for younger children and a shaded pavilion nearby, this cider mill is set up for kids and parents to enjoy their fall day on the farm. Enjoy plenty of doughnuts and apple cider. Hours: Wed-Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; November hours Wed-Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Porter’s Orchard | 12060 Hegel Road, Goodrich, 48438, (810) 636-7156

Not only can you find fresh apples at Porter’s, but they also have a play space, event space, and farmers market. Their fall fun activities include hayrides, u-pick pumpkins, and corn mazes. Stop in for the day and you’ll be sure to have a fun-filled fall experience. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY CIDER MILLS

Markillie Orchard | 5200 N Latson Rd, Howell, 517-546-3485

Markillie Orchard offers many varieties of apples, cider, donuts, cider slushes, and more in their rustic knotty pine sales and dining area. Take the kids to enjoy photo opportunities and the outdoor play area. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Open September, October and November TBD)

Parshallville Cider Mill | 8507 Parshallville Rd, Fenton, 810-629-9079

The historic Tom Walker’s Grist Mill houses the Parshallville Cider Mill in Fenton. The beautiful 137-year-old mill is one of the oldest water-powered mills in Michigan, sitting on the banks of North Ore Creek. Explore the grounds of this Michigan Historic Site while enjoying cider, spiced donuts, caramel apples, homemade apple pie, and more. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Spicer Orchards | 10411 Clyde Rd, Fenton, 810-632-7692

Spicer Orchards offers all you need to spend a day enjoying fall activities. In addition to u-pick apples and a farm market, options include: doughnuts, cider playground, wagon rides,
fudge, train rides, pumpkins, corn maze, old-fashioned tractors, and more. If the sweet treats don’t keep your belly full, grab lunch from their corn and potato roasters or pork BBQ cookout. Adults can enjoy a tasting at the on-site winery as well. Hours: Farm Market daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last wagon for pick your own at 5:30 p.m.); Winery daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

MACOMB COUNTY CIDER MILLS

Big Red Orchard | 4900 W 32 Mile Rd, Washington, 586-752-7888

The 2022 season begins September 30th. Miller’s Big Red Barn offers u-pick produce, wagon rides, and delicious cider and donuts! Hours: Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Blake Farms | 17985 Armada Ctr, Armada, 586-784-5343

Blake’s offers many opportunities for a day of fun, with everything from u-pick apples to various attractions for kids, an artisan market . . . there’s something for everyone! At Orchard Tap House, you can find delicious food as well as wine and hard cider tastings. Visit their website to explore all of the options and various locations. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hy’s Cider Mill | 6350 37 Mile Rd, Romeo, 810-798-3611

Enjoy a glass of Hy’s famous cider alongside a booming variety of apples. Indulge in sweet treats like caramel apples, an apple cider slush, donuts, and other various goodies at Hy’s Cider Mill Store. Hours: Sat-Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (U-pick ends at 5 p.m.) (Open September 9 until November 5)

Pankiewicz Cider Mill & Farm Market | 10387 Lindsey, Casco, 586-727-9051

Stop in for farm fresh produce, apples, pears, and plums. Offering a large selection of pumpkins for carving, corn stalks, straw bales, Indian corn, and all your fall decorating needs. Hours: Thurs-Sun 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill | 2961 W 32 Mile, Romeo, 586-752-2453

This mill offers U-pick apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. Enjoy fresh apple cider and delicious donuts. They also offer tons of fresh produce like apples, pears, handmade pies, caramel apples, pre-picked pumpkins, and many other great products! U-pick apples available. Hours: Mon-Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Verellen Orchards | 63260 Van Dyke, Washington, 586-752-2989

Operating for over 100 years, Verellen Orchards offers apples, peaches, and a variety of produce. You’ll also find delicious baked goods, Cook’s Farm Ice Cream, old-time candy, and watermelon or cider slushies. Curbside pickup available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat-Sun 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Westview Orchards & Cider Mill | 65075 Van Dyke, Washington Twp, 586-752-3123

A day at Westview includes a corn maze, bunny village, and a two-acre playground. Here, you’ll discover wagon rides, straw bale mazes, a tire mountain, 40-foot slide, rope mountain, a log obstacle course, two petting barns, and much more for everyone in the family. U-pick tickets should be purchased in advance. Hours: Farm Market daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through December 24; Farm Fun/U-Pick daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

OAKLAND COUNTY CIDER MILLS

Ashton Orchards | 3925 E Seymore Lake, Ortonville, 248-627-6671

At Ashton Orchards, enjoy homemade apple cider with fresh apples, donuts, peaches, plums, pears, sweet corn, pumpkins, and fresh produce alongside a variety of homemade baked goods and pastries. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Bonadeo Farms | 1215 White Lake Rd, Highland, 248-787-4553

Head down to Bonadeo Farms for cider, donuts, the pumpkin patch, corn maze, and the childrens playground during the day! They also have a haunted house and haunted hay ride Friday and Saturday nights, hours are from dusk to 11 p.m. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Opening September 29)

Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill | 1479 Ranch Rd, Holly, 248-634-8981

The whole family will enjoy this cider mill, including your loyal dogs! Enjoy hot, cold, and slushy cider with their famous donuts, served hot. You can expect an outdoor walk-up window for cider and donut sales, six-foot line spacing in the store, extra washing stations on the grounds, and other modifications to ensure the safety of your family. BYO chairs and blankets for a comfortable spot on their large grounds. Hours: daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October 31; Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., November 1-19.

Blake’s Lyon Twp. (previously Erwin’s) | 61475 Silver Lake Rd, South Lyon, 248-437-0150

Erwin’s is now Blake’s! You’ll definitely want to check out this brand new location, recently opened on August 20. Blake’s will continue the cider mill traditions by offering donuts, cider, and more. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (U-pick 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Franklin Cider Mill | 7450 Franklin Rd, Bloomfield Hills, 248-626-8261

Visit the Franklin Cider Mill if you’re looking for a simple, fun day enjoying fall! Built near a river, you can sit and relax while taking in the view. The donuts are made from an old German recipe, and all the cider is pressed in-house. You can find assorted apples, pies, scones, breads, cakes, hickory farms meats and cheeses, jams, spreads, and so much more. There is a 25 visitor limit to view the cider making process. Online ordering is also available! Place your order by 5:30 p.m. to be picked up by 6 p.m. Hours: daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Open September 2 through November 26.)

Goodison Cider Mill | 4295 Orion Rd, Rochester, 248-652-8450

Here, cider is pressed with a century-old press. Enjoy their famous pistachio nut bread along with fresh donuts, a variety of pies, jams, and other treats. Sunday kids activities include a moonwalk, bounce houses, music, cider pressing, and other entertainment. All activities run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., starting after Labor Day and ending before Halloween. Hours: daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Open September 3 through Thanksgiving; then open weekends only (Fri-Sun) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas Eve. In the off-season, open one day per month for Pistachio Nut Bread sales.)

Long Family Orchard & Farm | 1540 E Commerce Rd, Commerce, 248-360-3774

Long Family Orchard offers a lot more than cider and donuts. Enjoy a wooden playscape, sand pits, petting zoo, a great big slide, mums and sweet corn for sale, and much more. The sweet corn is available via drive-thru, inside of a small red shed. Hours: daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Paint Creek Cider Mill | 4480 Orion Rd, Oakland Twp, 248-656-3400

Paint Creek Cider Mill offers a menu of delicious meals featuring BBQ meats and sauces you can’t resist, healthy snacks, and amazing treats including homemade soups, sandwiches, desserts, and ice cream. If you’re looking for an ice cream cone on a hot summer night or a hot cider for a cool evening walk on the trail, then this is the cider mill for you. Hours: daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Rochester Cider Mill | 5125 N Rochester Rd, Rochester, 248-651-4224

Enjoy a variety of tasty donuts and sweet apple cider. You can purchase an array of Michigan-made items, as well as fall decorations for your home like straw bundles, hay, and cornstalks. Additional activities include a petting farm, giant hay pyramid, and antique wall . . . for free! House-made Apple Cider Vinegar in a variety of flavors including blueberry, grape, coffee, hot pepper, apple, and peach are perfect for salads, beverages, and cooking! Cash or check only. Hours: daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., opening in September.

Yates Cider Mill | 1950 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, 248-651-8300

The historic grist mill was built in 1863, with the Yates family putting in a cider press in 1876—and they’ve been doing it ever since! You can even view the process of a water-powered double table press used to produce cider. Be sure to visit the apple tent, take a picturesque walk around the grounds, or get the kids a pony ride for $5 a person. With a cider mill, bake shop, and ice cream shop, you’re sure to find something for everyone. Hours: daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WASHTENAW COUNTY CIDER MILLS

Alber Orchard and Cider Mill | 13011 Bethel, Manchester, 734-428-9310

Alber Orchard and Cider Mill offers cider, donuts, and over 100 types of apples, many heirloom selections. Admission is free, but there are several activities available for a small fee. Cider is available beginning September 17, and frozen cider is available now for $8. Hours: Tues-Fri 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Opening September 6)

Dexter Cider Mill | 3685 Central St, Dexter, 734-426-8531

The oldest continuously-operating cider mill in the state, Dexter’s is situated along the Huron River. They offer old-fashioned cider mill doughnuts, caramel apples for the kids, and homemade wood-pressed cider for the big kids. No admission/parking fees; cash or check only (ATM on site). Hours: Wed-Sun 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lesser Farms and Orchard | 12651 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, 734-426-8009

Lesser Farms and Orchard offers apples and cider, along with jams, jellies, and pumpkins. You can also purchase pre-picked Michigan apples (no u-pick available). Hours: Wed-Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wiard’s Cider Mill and Apple Orchard | 5565 Merritt, Ypsilanti, 734-390-9211

Wiard’s visitors can enjoy picking their own pumpkins and apples. The cider mill offers traditional staples like hayrides, a corn maze, and, of course, cider and doughnuts. You can purchase weekend tickets online for any of their five haunted attractions at their annual haunted Night Terrors events. U-pick apples unavailable this year. Hours: Country Fair Wed-Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat-Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Country Store Tues-Sun 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WAYNE COUNTY CIDER MILLS

Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill | 714 E Baseline, Northville, 248-349-3181

Mr. Parmenter opened this mill in 1873 and it has only been owned by three families since then. This mill makes fresh apple cider, donuts, caramel apples, and a few other goodies. You can also visit Northville Winery and Brewery for a tasting. Hours: daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Opening August 27)

Three Cedars Farm | 7897 Six Mile Rd, Northville, 248-437-8200

Three Cedars is the number one spot for kids, offering multiple play structures, tricycles with tracks, a huge corn pit, an electric train that drives around the park (for an additional fee), farm animal petting zoo, wooden train carts, and lots more. Check out the bonfire pits spread throughout the farm while you’re taking a hay ride out back to the corn maze. Cash or check only. Hours: Sun-Thurs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Open September 2 through October 31, and November 3-5)

For more fall fun, check out where to find pumpkins in + around Detroit.

*This post was originally written by Kailyn Boggess, and was updated in 2023 by Amber Armstead.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.