As a cider company, we know a thing or two about what makes great cider, one of which is a great cider mill. Michigan is the third largest producer of apples with 775 family-run farms and orchards, and craft beverages are a quickly growing industry throughout the state. Thanks to these factors, there are plenty of family-friendly cider mills in Michigan. If you’re looking for the perfect fall family activity, we highly suggest spending the day at one of these great cider mills in Michigan.
Best Cider Mills in Michigan
Dexter Cider Mill
Dexter, MI
The Dexter Cider Mill is known as the oldest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan. In an effort to preserve tradition and the special taste of their cider, their cider making process has undergone very few changes over the past 137 years. They’re known for their wood-pressed cider, donuts, and apple nut bread, but their farm store holds plenty more delicious snacks. They also have fun events at the mill, ranging from food trucks to partnerships with the local animal shelter. Enjoy your day at Dexter Cider Mill with a donut and cider in hand, surrounded by fall colors on the bank of the Huron River.
Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm
Frankenmuth, MI
If the name isn’t enough to make you excited, Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm has entertainment at every corner. The 60 acre public farm started operating in 1938 with founder William ‘Tiny’ Zehnder, who ran the farm and worked with his family at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. The dark blue petting barn has a range of animals that children can interact with, including cows, donkeys, and chickens. Seasonal activities include hatching baby chicks in the spring, the Frankenmuth Flower Festival in the summer, cider and donuts in the fall, and Santa’s reindeer farm in the winter. Stop by the Farm Store (open year round) for baked goods, bundles of lavender, and produce. You can learn more about the daily activities to plan your perfect visit by heading to their Facebook Page.
Yates Cider Mill
Rochester Hills, MI
Yates Cider Mill holds the title as Michigan’s oldest working water powered mill. Visitors can enjoy the petting zoo and pony rides, fudge shoppe, walking and biking trails, and food trucks throughout the week. Hot commodities at Yates Cider Mill include their apple fritters (which have to be pre-ordered), cinnamon donuts, and apple cider. With over 160 years of history on the 80 acre farm, Yates Cider Mill is a great place to spend the day and make family memories.
Spicer Orchards Farm Market
Fenton, MI
The current cider mill was built in 1980, but the family farming business goes back six generations. After decades of harvesting their produce and wheeling it to town for sale, the Spicer family started to invite others to come to the orchard instead. Now, it’s evolved into a tradition for families in the fall to stop by Spicer Orchards, where there’s something for everyone to get excited about. Hand pick apples with their Pick Your Own (PYO) program, hop on a wagon ride, meet farm animals, and visit the Spicer Orchards Farm Market for drool-worthy baked goods and a jug of farm-made apple cider. If that’s not enough, they also have food trucks, a zipline, and a bounce house. Stay up to date on current events at Spicer Orchards on their Facebook Page and website.
Hill Brothers Orchards & Cider Mill
Grand Rapids, MI
Their apple cider is an award winner for a reason. Like others, this orchard has lasted the test of time. Started in 1843, the original Hill Brothers grew apples, peaches, and vegetables on their farm. Now, Hill Bros. Orchards & Cider Mill sell their cider year round at the farm and fresh apples in the fall. If picking apples yourself sounds like a lot of work, great news – Hill Bros. does it for you. All you have to do is grab whatever assortment of their 15 varieties of apples you want them from one of their bins.
Alber Orchard & Cider Mill
Manchester, MI
The Alber Orchard & Cider Mill has over 100 varieties of apples and an original 1890 Mount Gilead Cider Press that creates their delicious apple cider. The owners of the orchard and cider mill have emphasized maintaining as much of the historic buildings as possible for the public. Their old school approach to apple cider is simple: freshly squeezed apples for the purest tasting cider, which you can taste at Freedom Winery. The orchard offers frequent events for the public, from seasonal celebrations to band performances. Get the most up to date information on their Facebook Page.
Klein Cider Mill & Market
Sparta, MI
This family run market and cider mill specializes in apples, pumpkins, flowers, sweet corn, and “the best apple cider around.” They’re innovating their cider every day, even making their own pear apple cider as of 10/18. It’s definitely a must-stop location if you’re passing through. They don’t have a website, so head to their Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information.
If you prefer your apple cider a bit boozy or want to celebrate a beautiful autumn day with the family at the orchard, we’d suggest our original hard cider. Made with Michigan Macintosh apples and multiple seasonal flavors, we have the hard cider that is the perfect way to cap off a long fall day.
Send us your photos with your favorite Farm Stand Hard Cider and cider mills in Michigan on socials using #farmstandcider. Purchase our spirits at our tasting room in Saugatuck or a retailer near you. Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest from Farm Stand Cider.