‘Gander readers weighed in with their favorite cider mills from around the Great Lakes State.
Whether you’d rather pick your own apples off of the tree or enjoy a fresh glass of apple cider straight from the press, there’s something for everyone at one of the many cider mills that can be found in the Mitten State. We asked readers which cider mill was their go-to spot for fall-fun activities. Here are the top choices in the state, according to you.
Southeast Michigan
Blake Farms
17985 Armada Center Rd., Armada, MI 48005
Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Open year-round
What folks are saying: “I’ve been to this place several times as a kid, but I definitely appreciate it more as an adult. I came back in the fall and did the corn maze and all the other fall activities. I happened to be in the area in the spring, and decided to swing by to see if they had any donuts and to my surprise, they had donuts, caramel apples, popcorn and tons more goodies. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that we came in time to watch them make the cider. I think they may have the best cider in the area, so it was cool to watch them make it and see how many apples it takes.”—Paige A.
Dexter Cider Mill Inc.
3685 Central St., Dexter, MI 48130
Wed.-Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Open from August to November
What folks are saying: “I recently visited Dexter Cider Mill and had an absolutely delightful experience. The atmosphere was charming and rustic, evoking the perfect autumnal mood. From the moment I stepped in, the aroma of fresh apples and cinnamon filled the air, creating an instant feeling of warmth and nostalgia.”—Shauna R.
Franklin Cider Mill
7450 Franklin Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Open from early September to Thanksgiving
What folks are saying: “My favorite since the 70’s! Franklin Cider Mill has the expected, apple cider and donuts, but has also included hot roasted corn, breads, salsa, barbecue sauces, fudge and Caramel apples to name some of the items. The duck pond is serene and the Mill history is always a nice re-read! Be patient with parking as this intersection is usually tough to get through and parking is very limited.”—Dorothy
Paramenter’s Northville Cider Mill
714 Base Line Rd., Northville, MI 48167
Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Open from mid-August to mid-November
What folks are saying: “My new favorite cider mill! Their donuts and cider are the best my family and I have had in all our years living in Michigan. The place is beautifully decorated, but beware of bees during warmer days (they won’t hurt you; they just love sugar). The apples are freshly dipped in warm caramel, and the fudge is fantastic. Will willingly drive out to keep coming back!”—Kya C.
Yates Cider Mill
1950 E. Avon Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Open from March to November
What folks are saying: “Lots of excellent fall foods like donuts, pies, and cider. Several food vendors with things like tacos or Mexican corn. Lots of goats for the kids to feed as well as pony rides. Great for a family visit. Dogs are welcome too. Fairly good selection of pumpkins of different types and sizes.”—Joe A.
Alber Orchard and Cider Mill
13011 Bethel Church Rd, Manchester, MI 48158
Tues.-Fri. Noon-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Open from early September to mid-November
What folks are saying: “Went here today for the first time. There were 7 of us, ranging in age between 3 and 83 and we all had a great time. The hard cider was especially good and I would highly recommend. Prices are very reasonable. Staff was great!”—Karen B.
Bennett’s Orchard
5647 Consear Rd, Ottawa Lake, MI 49267
Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open from August to mid-December
What folks are saying: “Adorable place, delicious hard ciders, very picturesque! It was so fun to walk around the apple trees and take pictures.”—Nina B.
Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill
1479 Ranch Rd., Holly, MI 48442
Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Open from mid-August to end of October
Sat.-Sun. Noon-5 p.m. in November
What people are saying: “We went because we saw that they had gluten-free donuts (which were very good). They had so many canned jellies and sauces and mustards. They have pies and a lot of other different goodies. One of the things my husband and son really liked was the cider and custard drizzled with carmel slushy. They had animals and apple picking. They had very clean port-a-potties.”—Cynthia C.
Bonadeo Farms
1215 White Lake Rd., Highland Charter Twp, MI 48356
Fri 6 p.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Open from end of September to end of October
What people are saying: “This place is the greatest! It’s not Halloween without a trip to bonadeo farms for cider and donuts and a good scare LOL.”—Michael H.
Rochester Cider Mill
5125 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, MI 48306
Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Open from September to November
What people are saying: “The absolute best value and best atmosphere for all of your cider and donut needs! The free petting zoo is a huge plus!”—Christine M.
Past Tense
1965 Farnsworth Rd., Lapeer, MI 48446
Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Open year-round
What folks are saying: “What a wonderful place to visit, shop unique gifts and buy awesome pies! The corn maze is the BEST!!!”—Jean C.
Porter’s Orchard
12060 Hegel Rd., Goodrich, MI 48438
Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. Noon-6 p.m.
Open from mid-September to November, weekends only in December
What folks are saying: “Very quaint place to visit. Their apple cider is amazing. Lots of other items, including delicious apples. A great place for kids to play. Love their cat and dog.”—Linda H.
Mid-Michigan
Uncle John’s Cider Mill
8614 N. US 127, St. Johns, MI 48879
Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Open year-round
What folks are saying: “One of my favorite cider mills. Donuts are delicious, and the cider is some of the best around. I prefer the hot cider to get me into the fall mood. Great variety of apples, and the hayride is something I think everyone could enjoy. All the staff is very friendly and helpful.”—Xavier B.
Anderson & Girls Orchard
2985 N. Sheridan Rd., Stanton, MI 48888
Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Open from Labor Day weekend to December
What folks are saying: “So much to see and lots of family fun! The animals were very friendly and inviting. No charge to get in. Only charges for rides, food to feed the animals and food for your family. Would be 5 stars if an adult could have rode the camel with our granddaughter. We will definitely go again.”—Tracy A.
Phillips Orchard and Cider Mill
1174 W. Gratiot County Line Rd., St Johns, MI 48879
Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Open until mid-October
What folks are saying: “Heaven on US-127. Beautiful location, all of the things you may want or need on site and an absolutely bountiful harvest to be had in the U-Pick! Couldn’t rate our experience or hosts more highly. We’re not worthy!!”—Clara
The Fruitful Orchard & Cider Mill
5740 M-61, Gladwin, MI 48624
Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Open from mid-August to mid-November
What folks are saying: “Nice place. Many bakery and other items available for purchase. You can observe cider process through window. All items I purchased were great especially the cider and sugar/ cinnamon donuts.”—Annette B.
Northern Michigan
Knaebe’s Apple Farm & Ciderworks
2621 S. Karsten Rd., Rogers City, MI 49779
Wed.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Open from late August to early December
What people are saying: “This is a wonderful cider mill. Delicious cider, excellent donuts, and much more. There is a wood fire pizza cafe too. The petting zoo is fun, and you can pick your own apples. The staff is very organized and friendly. It’s very busy on weekends but it’s worth it.”—Julie A.
Tandem Ciders
2055 N. Setterbo Rd., Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Mon.-Sun. Noon-6 p.m.
Open year-round
What people are saying: “Perfect. The ciders were absolutely delicious. The view is so lovely and we had plenty of space for my kids to run around while we tried a flight of ciders. Absolutely recommend this place!!”—Kimberly M.
Two K Farms Cidery & Winery
3872 S. Way Bay Shore Dr., Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Sun. and Wed. Noon-5 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. Noon-7 p.m.
Open year-round
What folks are saying: “Great tasting ciders with a beautiful view! Very friendly and attentive staff. The dessert ciders are a must try! Something you don’t find everywhere. The apple wine was AMAZING! This is a must visit among all the wineries!”—Diane P.
Sunny G Orchard
N9512 City Rd. 354, Stephenson, MI 49887
Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Open year-round
What folks are saying: “Dan has fantastic apples. Went for the Fall Festival today and it was a good time. Hope to visit again soon.”—Brent D.
Southern Michigan
Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm
11025 S. Jackson Rd., Cement City, MI 49233
Wed.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Open August to October
What folks are saying: “Definitely a great place for a couple or friends to come. Brewery combined with flowers something for everyone. Baked goods were pretty tasty. Upstairs where the Brewery is has a restaurant as well. Definitely will come back. Sticky buns were worth the 30 minute drive for me. Take and bake were the only thing they had left but I’m glad I discovered them. Came back for apple packing. Definitely an experience you have to try at least once in your life. Corn maze apple picking pumpkin cutting petting zoo. Had to get some apple cider and of course cinnamon rolls again.”—Doug A.
West Michigan
Farmhaus Cider Co
5025 Stanton St., Hudsonville, MI 49426
Wed-Fri. 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Open year-round
What folks are saying: “Great cider! Good options for every taste. Did not try the food truck but it smelled good. Refreshing place on a warm afternoon.”—Jason L.
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