Best Cider Mills & Orchards in Michigan (2026 Guide)

Researched by BG Vance. Last updated October 21, 2026. Cider mill hours, opening and closing dates, U-pick availability and ticket prices change with the weather and the crop, so check each mill’s website or Facebook page before you go.

Michigan is the third-largest apple-producing state in the country, and fall is when it shows. Cider mills across the state press cider fresh, fry cinnamon-sugar doughnuts to order and open their orchards for U-pick, and many add corn mazes, wagon rides and hard cider on the side. This guide covers the best cider mills and orchards in Michigan by region, including the oldest mills in the state, the best stops for families, dogs and adults, and a 2026 apple harvest calendar so you know what is actually ripe when you go.

If you are reading this in late October: you are in the sweet spot. Most mills are open through the end of October, pumpkins are everywhere, and later varieties like Ambrosia and Evercrisp are coming in. A handful of mills, including Franklin, usually keep pouring cider into the fall after Halloween.

The Best Michigan Cider Mills at a Glance

Michigan Apple Facts That Make a Better Visit

• Third-largest apple state: Michigan ranks behind Washington and New York, and growers harvest about 27.2 million bushels in an average year.
• A strong 2026 crop: The U.S. Apple Association forecast more than 25 million bushels for 2026, and the Michigan Apple Committee says the real number is higher, with good size and color and a plentiful Honeycrisp crop. Growers reported harvest running about 10 days early.
• Family farms: The Michigan Apple Committee counts about 850 multigenerational farm families, many in their fourth or fifth generation.
• Variety: Michigan grows more than a dozen commercial varieties, and the harvest runs from August into November.

A Short History of Michigan Apples and Cider

Michigan’s apple story starts earlier than most people think. The French founded Detroit in 1701 and planted orchards along the river, and by the 1730s Detroit cider had a reputation and was being shipped to outside markets and military outposts. By the late 1700s, Detroit-area orchards of varieties like Fameuse, Calville Blanc d’Hiver and Detroit Red rivaled those of New England, and one history of Michigan apples reports that Thomas Jefferson received cuttings of Detroit trees for Monticello.

In the 1800s, “cider” meant what we now call hard cider. During Prohibition, farmers were still allowed to make a limited amount of fermented cider for home use, and many mills survived by selling sweet cider and doughnuts directly to customers, helped by a Michigan law that allowed direct sales of unpasteurized sweet cider. Hard cider made a comeback in the early 2000s with support from the Michigan Apple Committee and Michigan State University, which is why many cider mills now double as taprooms.

2026 Michigan Apple Harvest Calendar

Apples ripen in sequence, so the best apple to pick or buy changes over the season. These are the Michigan Apple Committee’s projected 2026 harvest start dates. Actual dates vary by region and weather.

If you are heading out now, ask what is picking that week. Late-season apples are the main U-pick choice in late October.

Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan Cider Mills

Southeast Michigan has the densest cluster of cider mills in the state, and many sit close enough to string together in one afternoon. For more to do with kids nearby, see our guide to things to do in Southeast Michigan with kids.

Franklin Cider Mill (Bloomfield Hills)

Franklin opened in 1837 as a gristmill and has pressed cider since 1895, in the Franklin Historic District north of Detroit. It is known for doughnuts made from an old German recipe passed down through the family, and its water wheel gave way to electric power in 1968 after an accident. It has riverside views, which makes it one of the prettiest mills to stand around with a bag of doughnuts. Franklin opens the Saturday before Labor Day (September 5 in 2026) and typically runs the longest season of the classic mills, pouring through the first weekend after Thanksgiving.

Address: 7450 Franklin Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

Website: Franklin Cider Mill

Phone: (248) 626-8261

Yates Cider Mill (Rochester Hills)

Yates started as a water-powered lumber mill in 1863 and was pressing cider by 1876. It is still powered by the Clinton River through a turbine installed in 1894, and the site carries a Michigan historical marker. One of only two Michigan mills still pressing cider with water power (the other is Parshallville), it also has a scenic riverside trail. It serves cider and cinnamon-sugar doughnuts in fall, ice cream in summer and fudge year-round. The Rochester Hills mill generally runs from spring into November, and a second Yates location at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion is open year-round. Check the season dates before you go.

Address: 1950 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307

Website: Yates Cider Mill

Phone: (248) 651-8300

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (Armada)

Blake’s opened in 1946 and was the first pick-your-own orchard in Michigan. It is the best full-day stop for Macomb County families, with U-pick apples, a farm market, a bakery and a big fall lineup of activities. It also makes hard cider for the grown-ups. A second location, Blake’s Lyon Township in South Lyon, is the former Erwin Orchards.

Address: 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005

Website: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

Phone: (586) 784-5343

Westview Orchards & Winery (Washington Township)

Westview is a farm market, winery and fall-fun destination all in one. The market is open year-round, and the fall activities start around Labor Day weekend.

Address: 65075 Van Dyke Ave, Washington, MI 48095

Website: Westview Orchards & Winery

Phone: (586) 752-3123

Verellen Orchards & Cider Mill (Washington Township)

Two more Washington Township stops that make it easy to build a Macomb County cider mill afternoon around Westview and Blake’s. Verellen is open year-round except during Christmas and New Year Holidays. Check website for hours.

Address: 63260 Van Dyke Ave, Washington, MI 48095

Website: Verellen Orchards & Cider Mill

Phone: (586) 752-2989

Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill (Northville)

Fresh cider, doughnuts, pumpkins and other fall favorites. Parmenter’s also operates Northville Winery & Brewing Co. across the parking lot, with beer, wine, hard cider and live music, so it works for grown-ups too.

Address: 714 Base Line Rd, Northville, MI 48167

Website: Parmenter’s Cider Mill

Phone: (248) 349-3181

Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill (Plymouth)

The best choice for little kids, with orchard wagon rides, a children’s animal park, a cider mill garden with fall mums and October pumpkin picking. The orchard is also known for its organic practices.

Address: 10685 Warren Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170

Website: Plymouth Orchards

Phone: (734) 455-2290

Dexter Cider Mill (Dexter)

Michigan’s oldest continuously operating cider mill, family-run since 1886 and in its 140th season in 2026. The mill sits along the Huron River in downtown Dexter and still uses an oak rack press, blending three to five local apple varieties in every pressing. It is open Wednesday through Sunday, so plan your visit around those days.

Address: 3685 Central St, Dexter, MI 48130

Website: Dexter Cider Mill

Phone: (734) 426-8531

Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair (Ypsilanti)

A full day of fall fun: a cider mill, apple and pumpkin U-pick, mini-golf, bounce houses and a haunted attraction for older kids. The cider mill opened in early September in 2026, and the Country Fair attractions started on September 12.

Address: 5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Website: Wiard’s Orchards

Phone: (734) 482-7744

More Southeast Michigan stops

• Rochester Cider Mill (5125 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills): open daily during its season for doughnuts, cider and treats.
• Parshallville Cider Mill (Parshallville, near Fenton): a historic water-powered grist and cider mill, one of only two in Michigan still pressing cider with water power, and a Michigan Historic Site.
• Goodison Cider Mill (Rochester): opened Labor Day weekend in 2026.
• Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill (1479 Ranch Road, Holly): family-owned for about 60 years, with U-pick apples, cider, doughnuts and a corn maze.
• Spicer Orchards Farm Market & Cider Mill (10411 Clyde Road, Fenton): a cider mill, fudge shop and bakery, open year-round.
• Long Family Orchard, Farm & Cider Mill (Commerce Township) and Stony Creek Orchard & Cider Mill (Bruce Township).
• Pankiewicz Cider Mill (Casco) and Apple Charlie’s South Huron Orchards (New Boston).
• Detroit Farm and Cider (1600 Lawrence Street, Detroit): an urban farm and cidery in the Dexter-Linwood neighborhood.

Mid-Michigan Cider Mills

Uncle John’s Cider Mill (St. Johns)

The destination mill for the middle of the state, about 30 minutes north of Lansing. Uncle John’s combines a working cider mill with orchards, a corn maze, wagon rides, U-pick apples, a bakery that makes doughnuts, a tap barn with hard cider and wine, and a pie bar. Horse-drawn carriage rides run on the property. Plan a half day.

Address: 8614 US-127, St Johns, MI 48879

Website: Uncle John’s Cider Mill

Phone: (989) 224-3686

Phillips Orchards & Cider Mill (St. Johns)

A smaller option nearby that fits easily into the same trip.

Address: 1174 W Gratiot County Line Rd, St Johns, MI 48879

Website: Phillips Orchards

Phone: (989) 682-4430

Almar Orchards (Flushing)

An organic orchard and cider mill in Genesee County.

Address: 1431 Duffield Rd, Flushing, MI 48433

Website: Almar Orchards

Phone: (810) 659-6568

West Michigan and Southwest Michigan Cider Mills

Grand Rapids is one of the best bases for orchard hopping. See our Grand Rapids destination guide for places to stay and eat.

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery (Grand Rapids)

The most-loved cider mill in West Michigan. The Robinette family has owned the farm since 1911, built the cider mill in 1971, opened the Apple Haus in 1973 and began serving its own hard cider in 2006. The winery and gift shop are in a barn built in 1881. There is a bakery, hayrides pulled by Belgian horses, mountain bike trails and a long weekend lineup of fall activities, and it is one of the most reliably dog-friendly mills (leashed, outdoors only).

Address: 3142 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Website: Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery

Phone: (616) 361-5567

More Grand Rapids area stops

• Engelsma’s Apple Barn (3520 O’Brien Road SW): a classic apple barn with fresh cider and doughnuts.
• Hill Brothers Orchards (6159 Peach Ridge Avenue NW) and Moelker Orchards (with the Old Bell Bakery).
• Klein Cider Mill & Market (2151 10 Mile Road NW, Sparta) and Schwallier’s Country Basket (Sparta): traditional farm-market mills.
• Post Family Farm (Hudsonville) and The Orchards at Red Barn (Vergennes Township).
• Vander Mill (505 Ball Avenue NE) and Farmhaus Cider Co. (Hudsonville): hard cider, restaurants and taprooms.

VerHage Fruit Farms & Cider Mill (Kalamazoo area)

A family farm in Oshtemo Township with fresh doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, apple cider vinegar and fall events with local artisans and live music.

Address: 8619 W ML Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Website: VerHage

Phone: (269) 375-0153

Schultz Farms (Mattawan)

Schultz Farms in Mattawan is another local favorite offering seasonal fruits and fresh produce.

Address: 60139 Co Rd 652, Mattawan, MI 49071

Website: Schultz Farms

Phone: (269) 668-3724

Northern Michigan Orchards and Cider Mills

The Traverse City area is as much about cherries as apples, but its fall orchard scene is strong, and it pairs naturally with wine country. See our Traverse City guide, our Old Mission Peninsula wineries guide and our Leelanau Peninsula wineries guide to build a full weekend.

Rennie Orchards (Williamsburg)

Run by the Rennie family since 1938, with 19 varieties of apples, a hay maze, wagon rides and views. It is a perfect add-on to a Traverse City weekend.

Gallagher’s Farm Market & Bakery (Traverse City)

Known for pumpkin doughnuts, with a line out the door on the first day of pumpkin doughnut season. There are also goats, chickens and pigs, a corn maze and a pumpkin patch, and the apple turnovers go well with cider.

Jacob’s Farm (Traverse City)

A fall favorite with a corn maze and tractor rides, plus a full-service kitchen and outdoor bar.

Address: 7100 East Traverse Hwy, M-72 West, Traverse City, MI 49684

Website: Jacob’s Farm

Phone: (231) 310-6100

More Northwest Michigan stops

• Friske Orchards (Ellsworth): cider and doughnuts with a play land, U-pick fields and a petting zoo.
• Nugent Orchards (Benzonia): doughnuts and wagon rides.
• Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove (Northport): famous for antique apple varieties like Pink Pearl and Rambo.
• Pond Hill Farm (Harbor Springs): farm fun with Lake Michigan views, gnomes and giant pumpkins.
• Knaebe’s Apple Farm and Ciderworks (Rogers City): U-pick apples, a pumpkin patch, animals, a playground and a corn maze, plus hard cider and wood-fired pizza for adults.

Michigan Apple and Cider Festivals

Most of these run in September and October, so use the 2026 dates below as a guide for planning next year.

• Charlevoix Apple Fest: Held the second weekend of October in downtown Charlevoix (October 9 to 11 in 2026), with more than 30 types of apples, a farmers market, a craft show, a petting farm and food booths. It began in 1979.
• Michigan Apple Fest (Sparta): A mid-September festival in downtown Sparta, the self-styled Apple Capital of Michigan, with cider tastings, vendors and live music.
• Friske Apple Festival (Ellsworth): An October family festival at Friske Farm Market.
• Pond Hill Fall Fest Weekends (Harbor Springs): Saturdays and Sundays from late September through October 26 in 2026.
• Boyne City Harvest Festival: Held on September 26 in 2026, with free cider and doughnuts and free pumpkins for kids.
• Cider Dayze at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (Armada): An August festival at Blake’s.

Hard Cider: Where to Drink It

Several cider mills double as cideries. These are the best places to try Michigan hard cider:

• Uncle John’s (St. Johns): A tap barn pours hard cider and wine on the property.
• Blake’s (Armada and South Lyon): Hard cider from a working orchard.
• Parmenter’s and Northville Winery & Brewing Co. (Northville): Beer, wine, hard cider and live music across the parking lot from the mill.
• Vander Mill (Grand Rapids): A hard cider restaurant and taproom.
• Knaebe’s (Rogers City): Stays open later for adults, with hard cider and wood-fired pizza.
• Leelanau wineries: Two K Farms, 45 North and several other Leelanau wineries make hard cider. See our Leelanau wineries guide.

What to Order at a Michigan Cider Mill

• Fresh-pressed cider: Cold in a jug to take home, or hot in a cup on a chilly day. Cider is unfiltered and usually a blend of several varieties.
• Cinnamon-sugar doughnuts: The classic. Get them warm, and buy a dozen to eat in the car.
• Pumpkin doughnuts: A northern Michigan specialty at spots like Gallagher’s.
• Caramel apples, pies and fudge: Many mills have a bakery or fudge counter. Yates is known for its fudge.
• Apples by the bag: Ask which varieties are in season. Fresh Michigan apples are sold at most mills.

Is the Cider Safe? Raw vs. Pasteurized

Some mills sell unpasteurized (raw) cider, which carries a warning label. Pasteurized or UV-treated cider is the safer choice for young children, pregnant women, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system. Ask the staff which kind they are pouring if the label is not obvious.

Tips for Visiting Michigan Cider Mills

• Go on a weekday morning. Weekends in October are packed, with long lines for doughnuts and full parking lots.
• Entry is usually free. Many mills let you walk in at no charge, but attractions like corn mazes, wagon rides and animal parks cost extra.
• Check hours before you go. Opening and closing dates shift each year, and some mills, like Dexter, keep limited days.
• Call about U-pick. Availability depends on the variety, the weather and the day.
• Bring a bag and a cooler. Cider travels better cold.
• Dogs: Policies vary. Robinette’s is the most reliable, and most mills allow leashed dogs outdoors only. Call first.

Sample Cider Mill Itineraries

A Macomb County afternoon

Start at Blake’s in Armada for U-pick and doughnuts, then drive to Washington Township for Westview Orchards and Verellen. Finish with hard cider at Blake’s or the Westview winery.

A Rochester Hills and Bloomfield loop

Combine Yates and Rochester Cider Mill, then drive to Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills for riverside doughnuts.

A Western Wayne and Washtenaw day

Parmenter’s in Northville and Plymouth Orchards in Plymouth are close together. Add Wiard’s in Ypsilanti or Dexter Cider Mill if you want a longer day, and check the days each is open.

A Grand Rapids weekend

Robinette’s for the bakery and hayrides, then Vander Mill for hard cider and dinner, and Klein or Schwallier’s in Sparta for a second mill.

A Northern Michigan fall weekend

Rennie Orchards and Gallagher’s near Traverse City, then wine tasting on Old Mission or Leelanau. Drive up to Harbor Springs for Pond Hill Farm.

More Michigan Fall Fun

Pair a cider mill stop with our guides to things to do in Michigan with kids and the best Michigan vacations for families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Cider Mills

What is the oldest cider mill in Michigan?

Dexter Cider Mill in Dexter is Michigan’s oldest continuously operating cider mill, family-run since 1886. Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills dates back to 1837 as a gristmill, and Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills opened in 1863 as a water-powered mill and was pressing cider by 1876.

When do Michigan cider mills open and close?

Most open between late August and mid-September and run through October. Some, like Franklin, keep pouring cider into November or later. Check each mill’s dates, because they change every year.

Are any Michigan cider mills open year-round?

A few farm markets and mills, including Westview Orchards’ farm market, Spicer Orchards and the Canterbury Village location of Yates, stay open year-round. Confirm before you go.

What are the best cider mills in Michigan for kids?

Plymouth Orchards, Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair, Blake’s, Westview Orchards, Uncle John’s and Robinette’s all have extra activities for kids.

Which Michigan cider mills have hard cider?

Uncle John’s, Blake’s, Parmenter’s (with Northville Winery & Brewing), Vander Mill and Knaebe’s are good starting points.

Are cider mills dog-friendly?

Robinette’s is one of the most dog-friendly, and many other mills allow leashed dogs outside only. Call before you go.

Is it free to go to a cider mill?

Entry at most mills is free. You pay for cider, doughnuts, apples and extra attractions like wagon rides and corn mazes.

When is the best time to go apple picking in Michigan?

September and October are peak, with different varieties ripening in order. Honeycrisp starts in late August, and later varieties like Ambrosia and Evercrisp are available into late October.

Sources and Further Reading

• Michigan Apple Committee
• Michigan Apple Committee: 2026 crop press release
• WXYZ: 2026 projected harvest dates for Michigan apples
• WMTA: Time to Celebrate the Fall Harvest