The fall season in Michigan holds a special place in my heart. I look forward to fall for so many reasons. However, one in particular is my favorite. Eating my way through the best cider mills in Michigan. Those freshly baked warm, soft, homemade cider mill donuts. My fingers covered in delicious cinnamon sugar. Washed down by a refreshing (or warming) cup of freshly made apple cider.

Here’s my list of the best Cider Mills in Michigan!

What is a cider mill?

A cider mill is where they mill, grind, and press apples into apple cider! The “mill” is the equipment used to crush the apples, ferment, store, and ship apple juice products. Cider mills are mostly found in Michigan and other midwestern states in the USA. They sell apple cider, and a variety of flavored donuts. Each Michigan cider mill is unique, and locally owned, serving it’s own version of the cider donut combo.

Most are located on orchards, where you can pick your own apples or pumpkins. Others have hayrides, haunted houses, and corn mazes for entertainment. Some cider mills have a shop inside where you can purchase a variety of apple and fall goods such as jams, pies, fresh fruits/veggies, wines, and more.

Blakes Farm & Orchard

17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill opened in 1946 and was the first pick-your-own orchard in Michigan. This local favorite is located in Armada and makes for the perfect family outing. Blake’s market inside offers fresh pressed cider, donuts, plus rooms full of homemade bakery items to choose from. Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard and enjoy picking your own!

Paint Creek Cider Mill

4480 Orion Road, 
Rochester, MI 48306

Paint Creek cider mill is a historic mill powered by the paint creek river that it resides by. The locals favorite, and one of Michigan’s best cider mills just minutes from my home. They offer cider, handmade donuts & light lunches. Bring your bike, and work off all the cider and donuts as you ride down the paint creek trail. Take a stroll along the scenic trail and find a spot on the paint creek river to enjoy your donuts. Or you could always head over to Goodrich Cider Mill, which is right down the street. You know… to compare whose are better.

Goodrich Cider Mill

4295 Orion Rd, Rochester, MI 48306

Yates Cider Mill

Yates Cider Mill1950 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307

2375 Joslyn Ct, Lake Orion, MI 48360

Yates Cider Mill is also located in Rochester Hills just down the road from Goodrich & Paint creek cider mills. Yates cider mill has been water-powered from the Clinton river since 1863 and presses 300 gallons of fresh blended apple cider per hour. Fresh handmade treats for sale including donuts, apple pies, cider, fudge, apple crisp, jams, and more.

Wiard’s Orchard

5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Franklin Cider Mill

 7450 Franklin Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

The Franklin Cider Mill opened in 1837 as a gristmill and is located in the Franklin Historic District north of downtown Detroit. It has been pressing apples into cider since 1895, and today, all 21 varieties of apples used are hand-picked fresh and 100 percent organic. For a special taste sensation, visit in late September for Honey Crisp cider. Take home apple pie or sugar-free apple pie or a bag full of the signature cinnamon spice donuts.

Erwin Orchards

 61475 Silver Lake Rd, South Lyon, MI 48178

Spicers Orchard & Winery

10411 Clyde Rd, Fenton, MI 48430

Dexter Cider Mill

3685 Central St, Dexter, MI 48130

Historic Dexter Cider Mill near Ann Arbor is the oldest continuously operating cider mill in the state. Today the cider mill keeps its more than 120-year old cider making tradition by using an oak rack press and blending three to five different locally grown apple varieties in every pressing.  

I hope you enjoyed my list of the Best Cider Mills in Michigan! If you did, share it with your friends!

Looking for more to do in Michigan this fall? Check out my post on where the best scenic fall foliage drives are as you visit the cider mills!