With ample space and advanced safety features, the Blazer ensures every journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
This is the time of year Michiganders look forward to. The leaves are changing, football is in full swing, and of course, apples are ripe for the picking. There’s no better way to bask in the changing seasons than a trip to one of your local cider mills, where the aroma of hot donuts in crisp autumn air can be matched only by the sweetness of the cider itself. We already know how fleeting the fall can be, so get over to one of these Metro Detroit cider mills before it’s too late!
YATES CIDER MILL
1990 East Avon Road, Rochester Hills
2375 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
Yates Cider Mill is a must-visit destination for many families in Metro Detroit, so much so that it is the oldest continually operating cider mill in Michigan. Located in Rochester Hills, Yates offers premium apple cider, legendary always-fresh-made donuts along with a variety of Yates signature bakery products. “Nestled alongside the Clinton River, Yates offers a tranquil oasis with trails and neighboring parkland to explore. Also, weekends bring face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, spin art, hot dogs, roasted corn, and more while the Gift Shop is open daily. Visit our store in Lake Orion at Canterbury Village for all the same tasty treats along with an ice cream and coffee shop,” says owner Mike Titus. Since 1863, Yates has provided families with wonderful experiences along with breathtaking autumn views.
PARMENTER’S CIDER MILL
714 Baseline Road, Northville
Located within the historic homes of Cabbage Town in Northville, Parmenter’s Cider Mill offers all the classic fare, plus a wide range of Michigan-made products, hot food, and a winery/brewery. The mill was originally opened in 1873 – primarily for the production of apple cider vinegar – but transitioned to the sweet beverage after 1953, and is now celebrating its 150th year. On Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays you can watch the cider as it’s pressed, and weekends feature fresh candied nuts, hot dogs, and smoked kielbasa.
ROCHESTER CIDER MILL
5125 North Rochester Road, Rochester
The Rochester Cider Mill has provided families with some of the freshest apples, cider, donuts, and even fudge featuring Michigan ingredients for decades. Michael Dwyer from Michigan Cider Mills says, “The Rochester Area is blessed to have four cider mills to visit in the Fall. Rochester Cider Mill offers a picturesque location, with tons of produce, a petting farm, picnic area, and of course wonderful cider and donuts. If your timing is good, try one of their craft blends if they are available, such as grape, cranberry, pear, or peach cider.”
WIARD’S ORCHARDS & COUNTRY FAIR
5565 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti
Another very popular spot for the season is Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair. Director of Operations, Travis Hill shares, “You can head up to our country store and get warm donuts, fresh pressed cider, hand-baked pies, apple dumplings, fresh dipped caramel apples, Michigan-made products, fall-themed decor, and so on!” With the Country Store open Tuesdays – Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can certainly get your fill of fall’s best goodies.
FRANKLIN CIDER MILL
7450 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills
Contrary to its name, Franklin Cider Mill is technically located in Bloomfield Hills, but it’s right down the street from some popular Franklin Village attractions. With freshly pressed apple cider, bushels of apples, and homemade donuts, it’s no wonder Franklin Cider Mill has been a family-friendly hotspot for decades. You’ll also find a delicious, local selection of jams and butters, salsas, hard salamis, and spicy mustards that lend themselves perfectly to your fall palate or your next charcuterie board. Feel free to watch in amazement as fresh apples are pressed into cider right before your eyes.
DIEHL’S ORCHARD AND CIDER MILL
1479 Ranch Road, Holly
Whether you want hot, cold, or slushy cider, Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill has the perfect drink for any occasion. For more than 60 years, Diehl’s has been a popular autumn destination for many families and continues to produce quality cider and donuts. You can even enjoy your own private dinner and a hayride event with friends and family.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on October 11, 2021.
