Cider Mills in Michigan Perfect for a Fall Day

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery – Grand Rapids

The century-old Grand Rapids Apple Haus features apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries and a hugely popular bakery. Fall attractions include a corn maze, horse-drawn hayrides, u-pick apples and, of course, cider, both hard and fresh. In addition to their Apple Haus, Robinette’s has a winery, a 5.25 biking trail, and cross-country skiing.

Blake Farms – Armada

Voted the number one apple orchard in Michigan by AAA, Blake Farms was one of the very first "Pick Your Own" orchards in Michigan. Currently, Blake’s has three locations with 500 acres of orchard and farmland.  Whether you pick your own apples, sip some award-winning apple cider, enjoy a hayride, or wander their cornfield mazes, there is plenty of fall fun to be had at Blake Farms.

Uncle John’s Cider Mill – Saint Johns 

Uncle John’s is well known for its cider mill, which serves fresh cider and doughnuts. Already-picked apples are also available for purchase. Uncle John’s has many activities for families to take part in, such as a pumpkin patch, fruit fling, wagon rides, corn maze and even a mining company where visitors are able to mine their own gemstones. 

Friske Orchards – Ellsworth

In 2011, Friske Orchards was voted the number one U-Pick farm in Northern Michigan by Traverse Magazine.  While at Friske’s you can choose to pick your own fruit, shop the general store, or attend one of their many festive events such as the Apple Festival or Fall Fun Saturdays. Other activities include guided wagon rides, orchard walks, farm animal petting zoo, large kids’ playground and an old-world bakery. Dig into a house-baked pizza and make a day of your visit.

Yates Cider Mill – Rochester Hills

Yates Cider Mill, located in Rochester Hills for over a century, has been featured on the Food Network for its apple cider.  While at Yates, visitors can choose to visit the cider mill, ice cream shop, fudge shop, or all three! Family activities include pony rides, a petting zoo and river walk. Enjoy cider, donuts, caramel apples and homemade jams and jellies at Yates this fall.

Crane Orchards – Fennville

Crane’s season begins with sweet cherries and leads soon after to peaches. But it is the nearly 20 apple varieties available for purchase or U-Pick that draws crowds each fall at this beloved Fennville orchard and cider mill. Enjoy a hayride, a corn maze or a ride on the Cow Train when you visit. But be sure to save time for Crane's Pie Pantry, Restaurant, and Winery where you can enjoy a meal, a slice of pie and a glass of cider.

Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm & Cider Mill – Rogers City

The season is short at Knaebe’s, lasting only from Labor Day through early November. But the range of activities makes this farm well worth the drive to northeastern Michigan. Indulge in a surprisingly fun Halloween Egg Hunt before scooping up bags of apples, a fresh-baked pie and cider to take home. Stay for dinner and dig into wood-fired pizza or bratwurst accompanied by Knaebe’s Twisted Roots Hard Cider.

Vander Mill Cider & Winery – Spring Lake & Grand Rapids

Head to Vander Mill for a sampling of West Michigan’s most famous hard cider. Infused with such ingredients as local honey, raspberries, ginger or poblano peppers, Vander Mill offers a cider for every palette—including straight apple ciders. Tour their production facility in Grand Rapids to see the magic in person.