The Best Cider Mills in Southeastern Michigan to Visit this Fall

MICHIGAN - Ah yes, the leaves are changing, the days are getting shorter, and it’s that type of weather where you need a sweater in the morning but a fan to cool off in the afternoon. Welcome to fall. And if you didn’t think of cider mills as you read that last sentence then what are you doing with yourself during this time? Cider mills are the best experience fall has to offer. The pumpkin patch, the petting zoo, apple picking, hayrides, the donuts, the cider, THE DONUTS. If your heart rate just increased from that sentence then keep reading for a full comprehensive guide to some of the BEST cider mills in Michigan and which one fits your likes the most so you can have the full fall experience and hopefully end up with a "food baby" from all of those donuts.

Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill

Armada
This one is probably the best of the best. Your parents probably went here on their first date, or your grandparents brought your mom there for the first time when she was 5. It’s basically the grand-daddy of all cider mills. The cider mill hosts a 3-story haunted barn experience as well as cornfield mazes, haunted hayrides, apple orchards, and of course pick your own pumpkins as well as berries and vegetables. This place is just a staple for any one who wants the whole experience that almost everyone has been through at Blake’s.

• Location: 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, MI 48005
• Hours: The store is open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday open 8 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sundays 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• The u-pick orchard closes at 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: 586-784-5343

Yates Cider Mill

Rochester Hills
Now we may have said that Blake’s is the grand-daddy of all cider mills, but Yates is no youngin itself. With a cider recipe that dates back to 1876, this place has got the whole cider and donut thing down to a science. Visit Yates with your “date” (see what we did there?) and take a stroll through their wooded trails and make a stop at their fudge shop for all the sweets.

• Location: 1990 E. Avon Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
• Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in October
• Contact: 248-651-8300

Parmenter’s Northern Cider Mill

Northville
Don’t feel like getting stuck with all the families and sticky caramel-apple eating kids? Parmenter’s may be the cider mill for you. It’s not only a destination that sells spiced donuts, but it’s also a WINERY. What’s better than some donuts and some boozy beverages?

• Location: 714 Baseline Road, Northville, MI 48167
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week
• Contact: 248-349-3181

Miller’s Big Red Apple Orchard

Romeo
If your looking for a huge attraction to bring the kids to, Miller’s is definitely the destination. With a hay stack pyramid that will look like the ultimate challenge for your kids to climb, or the petting zoo that features goats, chickens, and llamas. You can also visit the store that sells hand-dipped caramel apples, fresh pressed cider, donuts, pies, jams, jellies and more. Can someone say, sugar rush?

• Location: 4900 32 Mile Rd, Washington, MI 48035
• Hours: Open weekdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; U-pick closes at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends
• Contact: 586-752-7888

Franklin Cider Mill

Bloomfield

Opened in 1837, Franklin Cider Mill can be the one stop for your family's new fall tradition. If you're a college student, you'll probably remember this place from your childhood, and we're not stopping you from going back. The donuts make a great pair with the cider slushies that are offered as well as hot cider during the colder days in the fall. You can see the cider made in front of you too with a water-powered apple press. Pretty high tech for a cider mill from 1837, right?

• Location: 7450 Franklin Rd Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
• Seasonal Hours: Weekdays 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Weekends 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: 248-626-8261

Westview Orchards

Romeo
Do you describe yourself as a cider mill fanatic? Westview will have all of your desire fulfilled with a different theme EVERY WEEKEND. Yeah, you read that correctly. Westview hosts a different themed festival every weekend featuring a variety of activities for all ages. Whether it be yoga, farm to table dinners, or live music Saturdays, Westview is definitely the cider mill for you if you get bored easily. They’ll always keep you on the edge of your toes!

• Location: 65075 Van Dyke, Washington Township, MI 48095
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week
• Contact: 586-752-3123

If you plan on visiting any one of these cider mills this fall, be sure to share with Patch your experience and share this article with your friends or family so there can be DONUTS FOR ALL!