The Best Cider Mills To Visit Near Detroit, Michigan
Sip, Savor, & Discover Some Of The Best Cider Mills Near Detroit, Michigan
The cider-making tradition has been deeply rooted in the culture of southeast Michigan since the French settlers founded Detroit in 1701. By the 1730s, Detroit cider had gained acclaim and was being exported to distant markets and military outposts, solidifying its place in the region’s history. Over the centuries, cider production evolved, and Michigan became known for its unique apple varieties and the dedication of cider makers to craft high-quality beverages.
Each year, family-owned cider mills scattered throughout the Detroit metro area set the tone for fall as they offer their unique twist on their cider and delicious treats. With additional activities such as u-pick orchards, wagon rides, petting zoos, and corn mazes, these cider mills offer all the ingredients you need for the perfect fall day. Hop in your Ford Edge or Bronco Sport from Bill Brown Ford in Livonia, MI, and discover some of the top cider mills you must visit this season.
Michigans Top Cider Mills To Visit This Fall
- Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill (714 Base Line Rd, Northville, MI 48167): Situated in the historic Cabbage Town neighborhood of Northville, Michigan, the Urban Cider Mill boasts a rich heritage spanning 150 years. Guests can observe the cider-making process through the viewing gate on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. The mill offers an enticing selection of cider mill treats, including artisanal fudge and candied almonds from the Nut Hut. During weekends, the Chow Mill serves hot dogs and kielbasa, and visitors can explore the Northville Winery and Brewing Co., which crafts its hard cider, beer, and wine. Established by Benijah Aldrich Parmenter in 1873, this mill has undergone generations of transformation and is presently under the ownership of Robert and Carina Nelson, who continue a 32-year family legacy.
- Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill (10685 Warren Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170): Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill, a woman-owned family business established in 1977 by Mary Emmett, has evolved into a certified organic farm and a beloved autumn destination for families seeking apples, fresh cider, donuts, and wholesome activities. Emmett’s vision for community engagement and organic agriculture has been faithfully carried forward by a dedicated team, making every visit a memorable experience. From the joy of cider pressing and donut-making to wagon rides and live entertainment, Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill offers a quintessential Michigan fall experience. Moreover, their commitment to sustainability is evident in their transition to a certified organic working farm, the addition of solar electric panels, and their dedication to protecting the environment through practices like beekeeping for pollination, ensuring a healthier future for all.
- Franklin Cider Mill (7450 Franklin Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301): The Franklin Cider Mill has a rich history dating back to 1837, when it was initially constructed as a gristmill. Over the years, it transitioned into a cider mill under the ownership of Robert McKee in 1918. Today, the mill remains a family tradition, and they take pride in using only Michigan apples to craft their cider, pressing and bottling it on-site. Their cider is made with care, with no filtering, pasteurization, or preservatives, ensuring a pure apple juice that must be kept refrigerated to preserve its freshness.
- Yates Cider Mill (1950 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307): Yates Cider Mill takes pride in their smooth, crisp cider bursting with apple flavor. They use only premium fruit, a choice that’s evident in every sip. With various apple types harvested throughout the fall season, their cider evolves in flavor, starting with tart late-summer apples like Ginger Golds and Paula Reds. Different apple varieties are blended as the season progresses, resulting in a unique and fantastic taste experience by mid-October, featuring up to 10 different apple varieties.
- Dexter Cider Mill (3685 Central St, Dexter, MI 48130): The Dexter Cider Mill, Michigan’s longest-running cider mill, continues to make cider the same way it did over 137 years ago, using an oak rack press and a blend of 3-5 apple varieties for a unique flavor in each batch. Alongside their natural oak-pressed unpasteurized cider, they offer a delectable range of apple-themed goodies from their bakery. With a rich history from 1886 and three generations of the same family now involved in its operation, the Dexter Cider Mill is a must-visit destination for those looking to savor traditional cider-making and apple-based treats in the greater Metropolitan Detroit area.
- Spicer Orchards Farm Market (10411 Clyde Rd, Fenton, MI 48430): The Spicer family, with a rich farming heritage spanning six generations, has been a fixture of southeastern Michigan. Their cider reflects this deep-rooted tradition and commitment to quality. With a farm in Hartland that includes a cider mill, winery, and bakery in a building designed after an old Victorian carriage house, visitors can enjoy cider embodying the essence of this long-standing family farm while experiencing the evolution of farming traditions.
- Obstbaum Orchards (9252 Currie Rd, Northville, MI 48167): Nestled in Salem, Michigan, Obstbaum Orchards is a cherished 40-year-old apple orchard and cider mill that offers a warm, personal atmosphere for visitors looking to celebrate the fall season with family and friends. Their family-run operation takes pride in providing a more intimate and personalized experience, ensuring a leisurely visit complete with warm donuts, cold cider, picnic areas, and a range of family-friendly activities like U-pick apples, pumpkin picking, caramel apples, and even interactive sessions in donut making and cider pressing.
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