Michigan’s Famous Cider Mills
Fall in Michigan is truly a spectacular season. The weather is still pleasant, and the leaves start bursting into brilliant yellows, oranges and reds, bathing the landscape in color. This time of year, people start planning their annual visits to the various cider mills around the state, excited for that first taste of fresh apple cider, cinnamon donuts and fresh-baked apple pies.
Fall is the Time to Visit the Cider Mills in Michigan!
Most of the cider mills in Michigan opened earlier in September and will remain open through the Thanksgiving holiday. Many offer not only apple cider and mouth-watering bakery, but also hay rides, corn mazes, nature trails and more!
Here are some of the must-visit cider mills in Michigan:
- Franklin Cider Mill: Built in 1837, the Franklin Cider Mill is a national historic site located in the Franklin Historic District north of downtown Detroit. Originally a gristmill, they began pressing apples into cider in 1895. They grow 21 different varieties of apples and have been using an old German recipe for their amazing cinnamon spice donuts.
- Yates Cider Mill: Located in Rochester Hills, Yates Cider Mill presses 300 gallons of fresh blended apple cider every hour! Yates has been in business since 1863 and is one of the oldest, continually running businesses in the state of Michigan. You can not only enjoy the fresh cider and donuts, but also bring the kids out to the petting zoo or for a pony ride.
- Dexter Cider Mill: Near Ann Arbor, the historic Dexter Cider Mill has been making cider the same way for over 120 years. It’s been voted as one of the top paces to visit in the greater Metropolitan Detroit area. The mill features fresh-pressed cider made from 3-5 different varieties in each pressing, along with caramel apples, donuts and plenty of assorted baked goods. Plus, on the weekends you can enjoy wine tasting from the Sandhill Crane Winery.
- Uncle John’s Cider Mill: When it was first constructed, Uncle John’s Cider Mill was used as a cattle barn where they raises cattle, sheep and draft horses. It was also a wholesale fruit and vegetable farm. In the 1970s, they began making apple cider and donuts, and quickly added more and more goodies to their customers like pies, breads, honey and syrup. The cider mill now features a gift shop, Snack Barn and a winery, and hosts all sorts of festival-like events throughout the fall.
- Historic Parshallville Cider Mill: Sitting on the banks of the nearby North Ore Creek, the Historic Parshallville Grist Mill & Cider Mill is another Michigan Historic Site. This mill is 136 years old and is one of the few remaining water-powered mills in Michigan. Every day is family day at Parshallville Cider Mill!
- Spicer’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Located in Fenton just off M-23, Spicer Orchards features Fall Festival Weekends through October 31st, where you can go on a hayride to pick fruit, view the cider making process, and enjoy all kinds of fresh bakery, hot kettlecorn and cider. There’s also plenty for the kids to do- there’s a petting zoo, corn maze, play area and bounce houses!
These are just a few of the amazing cider mills in Michigan- click here for a list of even more! What’s your favorite fall tradition?