Pressed cider, apples and hot donuts herald the fall season in Michigan. Sure, you can stop by your local grocery store, but there’s something addictive about hanging out on a picnic bench next to a large red barn in the crisp fall air.
Metro Detroit Cider Mills and Orchards
- Armada : Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill dates back to 1946. In addition to cider and donuts, Blake’s has “choose your own” orchards, a cafe with a lunch menu, train rides, farmers market, pony rides, greenhouse , hayrides, cornfield mazes, and various haunted attractions. It also hosts a Fall Festival in September and October.
- Franklin: Franklin Cider Mill is located in the quaint town of Franklin and makes the most of its historic mill, which dates back to 1837. The cider mill sells not only Michigan apple cider, but also cinnamon spice donuts made with an old fashioned German recipe. Note: The cider factory has limited space to enjoy cider and donuts on site.
- Holly: Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill offers much more than cider and donuts. For example, Diehl’s hosts an annual Ciderfest in the fall that includes a craft show, races, craft demonstrations, face painting, and live entertainment. On weekends, you can take a tour and / or stroll along the path, as well as find your way out of a corn maze.
- Northville: Obstbaum Orchards not only has cold cider and hot donuts, they also produce cherry concentrate and estate wines. Family-run Obstbaum prides itself on being a slightly more intimate experience than some of those other cider factories. That said, it has picnic areas, hayrides, pumpkins, caramel apples, and more. The Cider Mill is located at 9252 Curie Road. It usually opens from September.
- Northville – Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill dates back to 1873. That said, a fire destroyed the original cider mill in 1977, so a new mill built at that time houses all that cider, donuts, apple pie, preserves, cheese, donuts, fudge, honey and maple syrup available for sale. Parmenter’s has added things over the years, including a Chow Mill (open on weekends) that serves hot dogs and cotton candy. However, its biggest expansion is a winery and tasting room located across the street that offers Syrah and hard cider, as well as outdoor seating and live music.
- Northville: Three Cedars Farm has cider, donuts, pumpkins, a country store, a corn maze, fire pits, hayrides, and a play area. Three Cedars Farm is located at 7897 Six Mile Road. The cider factory opens in September.
- Plymouth: Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill sits on the site of a former dairy farm. These days, orchards produce 16 varieties of apples. In addition to fresh-cut cider, donuts, and apples, the cider factory offers wagon rides, cakes, pumpkins, and a petting zoo. There is also plenty of picnic space.
- Rochester: Yachting Cider Mill dates back to 1863 and sits on the edge of Bloomer Park, which means there are many hiking trails and picnic benches nearby. The mill itself is powered by a water wheel dating back 100 years. In addition to cider and donuts, Yates offers baked goods, several varieties of fudge, ice cream, apples, homemade cakes, apple butter, and packaged goods. There is also a grill with hot dogs and knackwurst. In addition to all that food, Yates has a petting zoo and a hiking trail, as well as pony rides on the weekends.
- Romeo: Westview Orchards & Adventure Farm sits on 188 acres. The original farm / orchard dates from 1813, while the current cider factory is housed in a barn dating from 1850. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, Westview Orchards has a bakery, ice cream parlor, and sweet shop (located in a former school dating from 1869), and a cafeteria with hot dogs, nachos, and sandwiches. Westview also offers a restaurant called Grill on the Hill . Their menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, wraps, and more. The “adventure” portion of Westview includes several corn mazes, obstacle course, pet farm, wagon rides, and playground.
- South of Lyon: Erwin Orchards is a third generation family farm. In addition to cider each fall, the 200-acre farm has “pick your own” apples, sweet cherries, raspberries and pumpkins. Entertainment includes a corn maze, Fright Night Haunts, wagon rides, paintball, pet farm, bounce house and more. Erwin Orchards is located at 61475 Silver Lake Road. The cider factory opens in mid-August.
- Ypsilanti: Wiard’s Cider Mill and Apple Orchard date back to 1837. In addition to cider and donuts, it has a maze of corn, hayride, and apples and pumpkins. Wiard’s is also home to an Orchard and Country Fair, as well as 6 scary attractions collectively known as “Night Terrors.” Wiard’s is located at 5565 Merritt Road. The cider factory opens in September.
