Lesser-Known Cider Mills and Orchards Across Michigan

Michigan orchards and cider mills bring back nostalgia of playing in leaves and haystacks, eating doughnuts or spending the day with family. Bring those feelings back by visiting a nearby cider mill, while also supporting local farmers!

An apple on a branch
Michigan Apples | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan

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We hope you can use this list of lesser-known cider mills to start your own fall tradition or just try somewhere new!

1. Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill – Holly

First time apple picking
First time apple picking | Photo Courtesy of The Lemon Bowl

Family-owned and operated, Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill opened in 1954 to give families memories that last a lifetime. The mill is open daily through October and on the weekends in November. Located off a dirt road, it gives off an up north vibe in Southeast Michigan. The orchard is the perfect place to create autumn traditions and enjoy time together while viewing beautiful fall foliage. With a corn maze, petting farm, playground, an orchard and a hayride; there are so many activities to keep you and your family or friends busy. Not to mention between all of the apples, cider, doughnuts, jams and honey, it’ll be hard to choose just one item. You might end up bringing them all home!

2. Anderson & Girls Orchards/Gifts – Stanton

Located in Mid-Michigan, this orchard is complete with a farm market, bakery, ice cream parlor and gift loft. The cider mill operates through November. What’s incredibly interesting about this orchard is that there are barnyard animals like reindeer, camels, zebras, lemurs and more! This alone is worth the trip, as kids will love to see and interact with these incredibly diverse animals that are rarely seen in Michigan outside of zoos. Don’t miss Great Pumpkin Day in late October where you can pick your own pumpkins, ride in a wagon or on a camel and participate in Kid’s Town.

3. Hayes Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch – Rock

Have a great time in the U.P. with your family and friends through through October at Hayes Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, only open on the weekends. There is no shortage of activities here so you won’t ever get bored! Of course, hit the corn or hay maze, take a hay ride, participate in the photo contest, visit the pumpkin tree house with kids or sit around a campfire and relax. Come home with a huge pumpkin as a souvenir from your visit.

4. The Jollay Orchards Farms – Coloma

Jollay Orchards is open daily in Southwest Michigan. The Jollay family has been perfecting the craft of growing fruit since 1857! Jump on a hayride heading to the U-pick orchards which are well-maintained and manicured making it easy to choose your favorite apples among the many varieties grown. You can also visit the Farm Market for apple pies baked in brown paper bags and lots of other Michigan-made treats like jams, BBQ sauces and dumplings. Enjoy a stroll through the Animal Farm or Cornfield Maze, cast your line in the Fishing Pond or let the kids enjoy the playground area. The possibilities are endless!

5. Sietsema Orchards & Cider Mill – Ada

Based in West Michigan, Sietsema Orchards was founded on the outskirts of Grand Rapids in 1934. Occasionally this location provides farm-to-table dinners, so be sure to regularly check the website to participate in those. They also create four different types of hard cider and just released a new one called Maggie’s Reserve. Proceeds from sales of Maggie’s Reserve will benefit Mercy Health Birth Center at Saint Mary’s. Contribute to a great cause while also having fun! Another reason to visit is to gather an amazing variety of apples and pumpkins.

6. Friske Orchards Farm Market – Ellsworth

Since 1962, Friske Orchards Farm Market has been a family tradition in Northwest Michigan. The orchard grows and harvests approximately 5.5 million pounds of fresh Michigan fruit and produce annually and about 50,000 gallons of premium apple cider blends. It is open year-round, bringing you their high-quality fruit and handcrafted specialty food products. Be sure to check out the fruit stand, Orchard Cafe, Old World Bakery, general store, Country Haus Gift Shop, the seasonal children's Orchard Playland and Barnyard Animal Petting Zoo. Apple Fest Days occur mid-October and are full of fun activities.

7. The Fruitful Orchard and Cider Mill – Gladwin

This Mid-Michigan orchard will make for a perfect day trip. Open Monday through Saturday, the location offers cider slushies, made-from-scratch baked goods like cinnamon rolls, salsa and sauces as well as candles and gifts. Visit the observation area to see cider pressing in action. Be sure to call ahead to see what time the next press will occur. There are hay ride tours on Saturdays and a pumpkin patch where you can choose your next jack-o-lantern or to make pumpkin pie at home!