Your Guide to Cider Mills in Southeast Michigan

You can go to your local grocer for a gallon of apple cider and doughnuts. But sometimes we hear the call of a road trip on a fall weekend.

Be aware, though, that this year's prices likely will be higher than recent years because of a severe crop shortage due to a spring freeze.

Here's an alphabetized guide to cider mills and apple orchards in southeast Michigan. Which one is your favorite?

Apple Charlie's Orchard and Cider Mill

Apple Charlie's has been a family-owned, 95-acre farm for more than 50 years. Weekend entertainment is offered in its pavilion, along with an indoor store full of apples, cider and other treats. 

• Location: 38035 S. Huron Road, New Boston, MI 48164
• Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Contact: 734-753-9380

Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill

New this year to the popular autumn destination is a haunted 3D maze and a "zombie paintball safari." Other tried-and-true attractions include train rides, hay rides, pony rides, a straw maze, story book barn, animal petting farm, barnyard funland, straw mountain and more. Blake's also offer u-pick fruits and vegetables and a store filled with tasty treats and fresh apple cider. 

• Location: 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, MI 48005
• Hours: Open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: 586-784-5343

Dexter Cider Mill

Celebrating its 126th year, this family-owned mill has survived a tough growing season and a tornado, and is still going strong. The family sells apples and apple products, home-baked goods and more. New this year, the mill will be selling its own "Vin & Vigor" apple cider vinegar.

• Location: 3685 Central St., Dexter, MI 
• Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: 734-426-8531

Franklin Cider Mill

This popular historic cider mill in Oakland County is described as a "one-of-a-kind living piece of history." Its favorite cider and donuts are joined by apples, baked goods, meats and cheeses, jams, honey and vegetables. Parking is free.

• Location: 7450 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 (corner of 14 Mile and Franklin, 1 mile west of Telegraph)
• Hours: weekdays - 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m., weekends - 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Contact: 248-626-8261

Goodison Cider Mill

Home of the world-famous Pistachio Nut Bread, Goodison also serves up fresh pressed cider, warm donuts, home-baked goods, and weekend fun for children and adults in the fall. Parking is free.

• Location: 4295 Orion Road, Oakland Township, MI 48306
• Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: 248-652-8450

Hy's Cider Mill

Guests can pick their own apples at Hy's or buy a bushel at the store. Cider is also available.

• Location: 6350 37 Mile Road, Romeo, MI 48065
• Hours: Open through Oct. 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
• Contact: 810-798-3611

Middleton Cider Mill

The donuts, pies and cider are the main attractions at this family-owned cider mill.

• Location: 46462 Dequindre Ave. (just south of Auburn Road), Shelby Township, MI 48317
• Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: 586-731-6699

Miller's Big Red Apple Orchard

Through October, Miller's guests can pick their own apples and pumpkins, stop by the petting zoo and straw mountain, or visit the store for hand-dipped caramel apples, fresh pressed cider, donuts, pies, jams and jellies and much more. Visit the website for haunted hayride dates and ticket information.

• Location: 4900 32 Mile Road, Washington, MI 48035
• Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: 586-752-7888

Paint Creek Cider Mill

The Paint Creek Cider Mill features a lunch and dinner menu, many different flavors of ice cream, smoothies and, of course, local cider and fresh doughnuts that are made on-site. There's pizza, too! Visit the Paint Creek Cider Mill's website and Facebook page for more information.

• Location: 4480 Orion Road, Oakland Township, MI 48306
• Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Contact: 248-656-3400 or scoop@paintcreekcidermill.org

Parmenter's Northville Cider Mill

A favorite for Wayne County residents, Parmenter's is known not just for its cider mill, but also the winery on the premises, which is open late and features wine tastings and live music.

• Location: 714 Baseline Road, Northville
• Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Contact: 248-349-3181

Plymouth Orchards

The Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill has all the fall fun families could want—from U-pick pumpkins to cider and doughnuts. Head out for a wagon ride, pick up a freshly baked pie, or even host a private party.

• Location: 10685 Warren Road, Plymouth
• Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Contact: 734-455-2290

Rochester Cider Mill

From the corn maze and petting farm, to the giant hay climbing pyramid and antique wall, all activities at Rochester Cider Mill are free.  

• Location: 5125 N. Rochester Road (2 miles north of downtown Rochester), Oakland Township, MI 48306
• Hours: Call to confirm hours; for the weekend of Sept. 22-23, hours are 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: 248-651-4224 

Spicers Orchard

Spicer Orchards Farm Market and Cider Mill has been run by the Spicer family for five generations. It has a bakery, cider mill, gift shop and winery. Kids can have fun with free hayrides, pony rides, corn maze, face painting and the kids corral. At the winery, adults can partake in free wine tasting at the outdoor tasting patio.

• Location: 10411 Clyde Road, Fenton, MI 48430
• Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Contact: 810-632-7692

Verellen Orchards & Cider Mill

Verellen Orchards is open year round, but guests during the fall seaseon will find cider, several varieties of fresh apples and other fruits, vegetables, coffee cakes, ice cream, eggs, honey, cookies and more.

• Location: 63260 Van Dyke, Washington, MI 48095
• Hours: Open daily 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: 586-752-2989

Wiard's Orchards and Country Fair

Check out the country fair on weekends, play a round of mini-golf, or head through the corn maze. Admission is $13.50 and includes a whole host of activities. Looking to add a little Halloween fun to your cider mill trip? Wiard's is the place to do it. The Night Terrors Haunted Thrill Park opens Saturday, Sept. 29, and features six scary attractions. Tickets run from $17-$46, including a VIP option.

• Location: 5565 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti
• Hours: Farm market open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: 734-482-7744

Westview Orchards

Every weekend Westview hosts a different themed festival. Guests can also visit the petting zoo, try their luck in a 6-acre corn maze, or pick their own apples and pumpkins. In the store, guests will find fresh apples, 10-inch deep-dish pies, donuts, fruit flips, breads and, of course, fresh apple cider. See the website for weekend activity fees.

• Location: 65075 Van Dyke, Washington Township
• Hours: Farm market open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: 586-752-3123

Yates Cider Mill

Last but not least, Yates is one of the most popular cider mills in the local area. Read more in Michigan's Apple Shortage Won't Detract From Rich History of Yates Cider Mill. Specializing in cider, the mill also sells donuts, pies, apple butter, cider slush and caramel apples.  

• 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