It's Michigan cider mill season: 22 to check out in 2022

Sarah Raza and Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press
·9 min read
8

As summer makes way for fall and the leaves begin to change colors, cider mills across the state start to welcome visitors back for apple picking and more. After all, nothing says fall more than apple cider and cinnamon doughnuts.

This apple season there should be plenty of cider. Michigan's apple crop is a bushel buster with nearly 30 million bushels expected. From Gala apples to the beloved Honey Crisp, Michigan is flush with apple varieties that make terrific cider.

Here's a small sampling of what you'll find this fall at orchards and cider mills all over the state.

Apple Charlie's South Huron Orchards and Cider Mill

38035 S. Huron, New Boston

A huge variety of apples and fresh pressed cider are the main attraction at Apple Charlie’s. But on Friday and Saturday in September and October there are other activities. Kids can enjoy pony rides and there's also an animal farm. Food truck vendors and other vendors are also on hand on Friday, Saturday and Saturday There is an animal farm and pony rides for kids, food trucks and vendors.

Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill

17985 Armada Center, Armada

Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill will be open daily in the fall.
Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill will be open daily in the fall.

Just an hour northeast of Detroit, Blake's offers an open-air apple press, a tasting room, and a restaurant, but there's fun for kids, too. On weekends, children can play at Blake's Funland, featuring a cornfield maze and petting farm, or they can head to the Adventure Area for bungee jumping and rock climbing. With an 800-acre farm, visitors can take home a variety of produce at Blake's U-Pick: You'll find sunflowers, lavender, cucumbers, cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, squash, plums and, of course, apples. Blake's is open daily and well worth a day trip from the city. Also nearby is Blake's Big Apple at 71485 North Ave. in Armada with cider and U-pick apples.

Blake's Lyon Township

61475 Silver Lake, South Lyon

This 104-acre apple orchard and mill was formerly the beloved Erwin Orchards and Cider Mill. The orchard opened a few weeks ago and is offering doughnuts, cider, U-pick apples, and a petting zoo. It also has Blake's Hard Cider and wine, cider mill treats and baked goods. The owners of Blake's family of farms bought the orchard operations several months ago from developer Lombardo Homes, which bought the property from the owners of Erwin Orchards.

Dexter Cider Mill

3685 Central, Dexter

Family-owned and operated since 1886, the Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest, continuously operating active cider mill in Michigan. It sits along the Huron River. The cider mill makes unpasteurized cider and bakes doughnuts daily. It accepts cash or checks, and there's an on-site ATM.

The Dexter Cider Mill has been family owned and operated since 1886 and is the oldest, continuously operating cider mill in the State of Michigan, photographed on Friday, Sept. 23, 2021.
The Dexter Cider Mill has been family owned and operated since 1886 and is the oldest, continuously operating cider mill in the State of Michigan, photographed on Friday, Sept. 23, 2021.

Franklin Cider Mill

7450 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Township

Doughnuts are fried in sunflower oil at the Franklin Cider Mill on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. Kevin Michaels, head of doughnut production, says the process takes about two minutes from the doughnut mix being poured to them being cooked and sent down the line.
Doughnuts are fried in sunflower oil at the Franklin Cider Mill on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. Kevin Michaels, head of doughnut production, says the process takes about two minutes from the doughnut mix being poured to them being cooked and sent down the line.

This popular, long-time cider mill also features an open-air market and the Apple Shack and Franklin Tent, where you can buy homemade jams, maple syrup, honey, salsas, meats and cheeses. Back this season are the mill's Cider Dogs, which are hot dogs marinated in cider. Inside the mill, you can observe the cider-making process. Mellow jazz is offered each Saturday and Sunday.

Friske Farm Market, Ellsworth

10743 U.S. 31 N., Ellsworth

Family-run for generations, the Friske operation includes wood-fired pizza, a cafe, bakery, festivals and camping. It draws thousands of visitors and tourists and grows nearly 30 apple varieties. Alongside apples, the U-pick site includes peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, corn, squash, cucumbers, green beans and tomatoes. Kids will enjoy the Mega Pillow, zip line, petting zoo and rubber duck races. Friske is open to visitors Monday through Saturday.

People lined up at the Country Christmas event Saturday at Friske Farm Market in Antrim County in northern Michigan.
People lined up at the Country Christmas event Saturday at Friske Farm Market in Antrim County in northern Michigan.

Goodison Cider Mill

4295 Orion Road, Rochester

Along with its cider and doughnuts, Goodison Cider Mill is known for its famous pistachio nut bread. There are also treats like pies, jams and caramel apples. The cider mill opens on Labor Day weekend and is open daily through the end of November. In December and through Christmas Eve, it's open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hy's Cider Mill

6350 Thirty-seven Mile, Romeo

At this third-generation farm and traditional cider mill, workers press up to 1,500 gallons of cider per hour. The mill opens Sept. 10 and is open on weekends only from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It also sells a large variety of apples, doughnuts, homemade pies and caramel apples.

Knaebe's Apple Farm & Ciderworks, Rogers City

2621 S. Karsten, Rogers City

Situated at the top of the Lower Peninsula, Knaebe's farm has more than 40 varieties of apples, including Gala, Golden Delicious and Ida Red. Though the U-pick option is unavailable this year, pre-picked apples are available. On Saturdays, visitors can enjoy hard cider and wood-fired pizza in the tasting room. The farm also sells frozen pies you can bake at home. Knaebe's is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Markillie Orchard

5200 N. Latson, Howell

This is a small family-run orchard and cider operation. It’s also relatively new. The operators began planting apple trees in 1998. More than a half-dozen varieties are offered along with doughnuts. Markillie also sells jams, jellies, salsa, soft-serve ice cream and cider slush. The orchard is open Saturdays and Sundays through October.

Parmenter's Northville Cider Mill

714 Baseline, Northville

Cider, doughnuts, cider slush and other desserts and products are available here. Fresh hard cider and beer are offered at Parmenter's Northville Winery and Brewing Co. This cider mill will celebrate 150 years in business in 2023. Parmenter’s taproom is open all year.

Parshallville Cider Mill

8507 Pashallville Road, Hartland

This cider mill is on the banks of the North Ore Creek in Livingston County. The mill began in 1869 and is a Michigan historic site. It's one of the few remaining water-powered mills in Michigan, according to its Facebook page. Along with cider and doughnuts, Parshallville partners with local businesses that offer heirloom apples, apple pies, honey, maple syrup, butters and salsa. The mill is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday into November, weather permitting.

Rennie Orchards, Williamsburg

11221 Munro, Williamsburg

Just 15 minutes north of Traverse City, Rennie Orchards offers panoramic views of the area to enhance your visit. The U-pick site features apples, peaches, gourds and squash, pears and pumpkins. Visitors can enjoy orchard hayrides, the hay bale maze, a log cabin and teepees as well as cider and doughnuts. There are 19 varieties of apples, and the farm is open daily.

Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery, Grand Rapids

3142 Four Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids

Robinette's Orchard opened in 1911 and continues to serve as a destination for families in western Michigan. Its U-pick operation, which offers more than 35 apple varieties, will begin in mid-September and will be available most weekends. The Apple Haus, which opened in the 1970s, has a bakery, lunch counter and cider mill. Visitors can enjoy fresh bread, doughnuts, pastries and pies, and catch a glimpse of how the cider is made. The winery offers wine tastings, with house-made wines and hard ciders. Families can enjoy nature trails, a corn maze, hayrides, a jumping pillow and a petting zoo. Starting Tuesday, Robinette's will be open seven days a week.

More: Michigan apples: The harvest is expected to be a sweet bushel buster

More: Sugar Factory and its $99 sundaes arrive Sept. 2 in Detroit

Rochester Cider Mill

5125 N. Rochester Road, Rochester

A Rochester mainstay for more than 30 years, the Rochester Cider Mill is known for its popular cider slushes. Its cider is crafted from a blend of apple varieties, has no preservatives and is not pasteurized. It uses Michigan ingredients for its doughnuts, caramel apples and fudge.

Spicer Orchards

10411 Cylde Road, Fenton

Open year-round, Spicer Orchards is family operated and has been growing fruit for six generations. Its Hartland farm was purchased in 1967. A second Hartland market was built in 1980 at its current location. Among the apple orchard and cider operation, there’s Spicer’s winery and a doughnut shop and bakery.

Stony Creek Orchard & Cider Mill

2961 W. Thirty-Two Mile, Romeo

There are a variety of apples on the orchard's 20 acres, which have been owned by the Ross family since 1939. The cider mill and orchard open Sept. 17. During the season, you can pick your own apples on Saturdays and Sundays. The sales room is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for apples, fresh cider and doughnuts.

Sunny G Orchard, Stephenson

N9512 County Road 354, Stephenson

Sunny G is a family-run, up-and-coming apple orchard in the Upper Peninsula, offering 10-plus varieties of apples. Its smaller size also allows the operators to give visitors a more personal and hospitable experience. The family is happy to offer tours and hayrides to show visitors what life is like on the farm. Because hours are dependent on the weather, visitors are encouraged to call ahead.

Uncle John's Cider Mill, St. Johns

8614 N. U.S.-127, St Johns

The owner took a leap of faith in the '70s when he turned his family's barn into a cider mill, but the decision paid off. No season is the same at Uncle John's, and festive events take place throughout the fall. You'll come for the cider and doughnuts, but stay for the activities. Live music, food trucks, a car cruise, and corn maze are just a few things in store for visitors. The taproom features hard ciders, wine and spirits. Uncle John's is open throughout the week.

Westview Orchards & Winery

65075 Van Dyke at 30 Mile, Washington Township

Six generations have operated this farm for more than 200 years. Westview owns and operates 188 acres of land. There are a variety of crops available for U-pick, along with a farm market, a winery with live music most Saturday nights. Seasonal events include a corn maze, monthly wine dinners, goat yoga and orchard yoga.

Wiard's Orchards & Country Fair, Ypsilanti

A Paula Red apple hangs from a tree at Wiard’s Orchards in Ypsilanti.
A Paula Red apple hangs from a tree at Wiard’s Orchards in Ypsilanti.

5565 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti

Founded nearly 170 years ago, Wiard's has a petting farm, corn maze, wagon rides, mini golf, fire engine rides, paintball, karaoke and a giant inflatable slide. There are also U-pick apples and pumpkins. For those seeking a thrill, Wiard's will be hosting its Haunted Thrill Park on weekends in September and October, complete with a Haunted Barn, MindShaft and Asylum. Wiard's is open Wednesday through Sunday; additional attractions open on weekends.

Yates Cider Mill, Rochester Hills

Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills is often extremely busy on weekends. Weekday afternoons are generally calmer.
Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills is often extremely busy on weekends. Weekday afternoons are generally calmer.

1990 E. Avon, Rochester Hills

One of the oldest cider mills in the country, Yates has been a local favorite for decades and prides itself on its historic and simple feel. It offers sider, pastries and fudge along with a petting farm that includes sheep, horses, and even Lucy the Llama. Guests can also take a walk on numerous riverside trails. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: It's Michigan cider mill season: 22 to check out in 2022