A trip to the cider mill is one of fall’s most cherished traditions in Michigan! It’s a chance for families to enjoy fresh air, sweet treats, and memories that last long after the season ends.
From the first sip of fresh-pressed cider to a warm cinnamon donut, the sights and smells set the tone for the day. Often families can hop on a hayride through the orchard, pick apples straight from the tree, or choose the perfect pumpkin to take home.
Many mills also offer corn mazes, petting farms, and play areas for kids, while parents browse shelves of local jams, honey, and baked goods. Yum!
Keep reading for handy tips to plan a foolproof fun day, plus nearby spots to explore this fall!
 |  |  |  |
🍎 Family Tip Corner: Visiting the Cider Mill with Kids
✅ Go early in the day – Beat the crowds by arriving in the morning.
✅ Dress in layers – Fall weather can change quickly, so bring jackets or hoodies.
✅ Bring a wagon or stroller – Perfect for tired little legs and carrying pumpkins or bags of apples.
✅ Pack wipes and napkins – Cinnamon sugar and cider spills are all part of the fun!
✅ Set a meeting spot – If the mill is busy, it’s good to have a spot where everyone can regroup.
✅ Take lots of photos – Between the orchards, hayrides, and pumpkin displays, you’ll have plenty of memory-making backdrops.
✅ Don’t rush – Leave time for kids to explore, play, and enjoy the simple moments.
🍎 Local Cider Mills: Perfect for Family Outings and Fall Fun
Click the link for all their details:
1. Yates Cider Mill at Canterbury Village (Lake Orion)
Located at Canterbury Village, this charming fall stop features fresh cider, baked goods, ice cream, and a fun atmosphere perfect for family outings.
2. Goodison Cider Mill (Rochester)
A quaint, must-visit spot right off Orion Road known for its warm donuts, famous pistachio nut bread, and welcoming local vibe.
3. Rochester Cider Mill (Rochester Hills)
This nearby mill offers handcrafted unpasteurized cider, tons of fall fun - there's a petting farm, straw pyramid, and delicious donuts.
4. Yates Cider Mill (Rochester Hills)
A historic and popular destination right by the river. They offer apples, cider, bakery items, pumpkins, honey, jams - you name it.
5. Big Red Orchard & Cider Mill (Washington Twp)
One of Michigan’s oldest farms combining U-pick orchards with a cider mill and seasonal events - great for a full-day family outing.
6. Verellen Orchards & Cider Mill (Washington Twp)
A year-round favorite offering fresh produce, baked goods, donuts, and U-pick fruit - perfect for visiting any time of autumn.
7. Westview Orchards & Cider Mill (Washington Twp)
Extensive farm market with U-pick apples and pumpkins, cider, donuts, corn maze, petting zoo, and frequent weekend festivals.
8. Diehl's Orchard & Cider Mill (Holly)
Offering quality cider, donuts, apples, and wholesome family fun like hayrides and a corn maze! Check out their Ciderfest at the end of September!
9. Mitchell Farm (Holly)
Everything to get you excited for fall: donuts, cider, pumpkins, mums, corn stalks, and straw. They offer weekend hayrides to a u-pick pumpkin patch, too!
10. Porters Orchard (Ortonville)
Fall FUN on the farm! Think hayrides, corn mazes, U-pick pumpkins! This is a perfect place to explore and enjoy on a beautiful fall day.
11. Cook's Farm Dairy (Ortonville)
Ok, ok... not a cider mill. BUT! this is such a FUN place to visit on a beautiful fall day. Hayrides and you-pick pumpkins will be available every Saturday and Sunday until October 25th. All Pumpkins are only $6.50, no matter the size. Hayrides are also $6.50 and come with a donut from Yates and a small chocolate milk fresh from Cook's Farm Dairy. The Corn Maze is open everyday this October for $6 a person! Don't forget to try the ice cream and see the cows.
12. Franklin Cider Mill (Bloomfield Hills)
Built in 1837, this mill has undergone many changes and has only had modern electricity since 1968! This is a great location for Michigan apples, cider, and donuts.
13. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (Armada)
This is a large working farm with cider mill, open-air press, bakery, Funland (25+ activities), U-Pick, tasting room, restaurant, events & seasonal festivals. Definitely worth the drive for some fall fun.
