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As fall sweeps across Metro Detroit, it’s time to indulge in one of the season’s most beloved traditions—visiting local apple orchards. Whether you’re looking to pick your own apples, enjoy fresh cider and donuts (arguably the best part of these outings), or take part in fun family activities, these orchards offer something special for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the area’s best apple orchard destinations…
WIARD’S ORCHARDS
5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti Charter Township
With over 187 years of history, Wiard’s Orchards is a cornerstone of Michigan’s apple orchard scene. This year, the orchard celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Country Fair, a fall festival packed with activities for all ages. “Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair is the ‘Family Fun’ destination for your fall season here in Michigan,” says Travis Hill, Director of Operations. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze, mini golf, a petting farm, and the popular playgrounds. On the weekends, families can also check out fire engine rides, apple cannons, paintball shooting, and a plethora of inflatables to play on. And of course, you can’t miss picking apples (weekdays only) or pumpkins and indulging in fresh cider and donuts, loaded caramel apples, and more. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or it’s a yearly tradition, Wiard’s offers something for the whole family.
FRANKLIN CIDER MILL
7450 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills
Few places capture the spirit of autumn quite like Franklin Cider Mill. This historic mill has been pressing cider since 1837 (and is recognized as a National Historic Site) and is beloved for its time-honored traditions. Franklin Cider Mill is famous for its cider and cinnamon sugar donuts, drawing visitors from all over the area. While there are no U-pick options, the mill’s picturesque surroundings and quaint, old-world charm make it a perfect destination for a fall afternoon (and you can still purchase bushels of apples). Visitors can watch the original 90-ton press squash fresh Michigan apples into cider, an old-fashioned bottler filling jugs, and ovens cooking the fresh donuts. Make sure to explore the market for seasonal treats like hot corn, cider dogs, freshly baked pies, caramel apples, and much more.
LONG FAMILY ORCHARD & FARM
1540 East Commerce Road, Commerce Charter Township
Long Family Orchard & Farm offers a charming fall experience for families. Known for its friendly atmosphere, the farm features picked apples, pumpkins, and produce ready to take home. To experience Long Family Fun Farm and an extensive corn maze that changes yearly, visit on the weekend for everything from hayrides and bounce houses to petting goat farms and more. Be sure to get some fresh kettle corn, baked bread, jams, apple butter, and honey while you visit. Whether you’re there to pick up some fruit or enjoy the fall festivities, Long Family Orchard is a great spot for a laid-back autumn outing.
BIG RED ORCHARD
4900 32 Mile Road, Washington
Newly revitalized under the ownership of Rob and Trish Misiewicz, Big Red Orchard is blossoming into a premier destination for fall fun. “Our goals from day one have been to finish incomplete construction projects, revitalize the orchard, and initiate regenerative farming practices,” says Trish Misiewicz. Since taking ownership in 2022, the couple has planted over 1,000 new trees and renovated the orchard’s facilities, including the addition of a new restaurant featuring craft cocktails, local beers, and produce from their farm. Visitors can enjoy U-pick apples and pumpkins from two patches, other seasonal produce throughout the year, as well as freshly baked treats, Michigan-made products, and cider. For kid-friendly activities, check out the yard games, racing tunnels, or the straw mountain. Quickly becoming a favorite for fall fun, “We hope to become a destination for new families and families looking to reminisce from the pastel visiting again as adults and bringing their family,” shares Trish.
HY’S CIDER MILL
6350 37 Mile Road, Bruce Township
Nestled in the countryside of Romeo, Hy’s Cider Mill offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. This family-owned farm is known for its Metro Detroit history, dating back to selling apples at Eastern Market in the 30s, eventually evolving to cider. U-pick apple varieties change regularly but are typically available for 2 to 3 weeks after the pick date. The Cider Mill Store is the perfect spot to grab a gallon of Hy’s Famous Cider, a bag of apples, an apple cider slush, and more. The donuts are freshly made every hour, and the caramel apples are made in-store, too. Make sure to visit one weekend this fall!
BLAKE’S ORCHARD & CIDER MILL
17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
Blake’s is one of Metro Detroit’s largest and most well-known orchards, offering a quintessential fall experience. The farm has been family-owned since 1946 and is famous for its extensive U-pick options, which include a variety of apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal produce. In addition to its orchard, Blake’s is home to a cider mill, where visitors can enjoy fresh cider and donuts. For a more adult experience, Blake’s Hard Cider offers tastings of their farm-crafted hard ciders and wines. The orchard also hosts events throughout the season, from Halloween festivals to family-friendly activities like hayrides and corn mazes. With tickets to Funland, guests can experience the petting farm, play structures, a giant straw bale maze, and more.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on September 5, 2023, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
