3 Cider Mills that Take Fall Fun to the Next Level

3 Michigan Cider Mills that Take Fall Fun to the Next Level 

Fall is finally in full swing, and we couldn’t be more excited here at The Michigan Outfitter. With temperatures cooling, leaves turning color, and football season kicking off we’re sensing some apple cider and donuts in everyone’s near future. Check out these three incredible Michigan cider mills that give you something to get excited about this fall: 

Spicer Orchards in Fenton, Michigan

This orchard truly has everything for your day of family fun. From hay rides to pick apples in their expansive orchard, a cider making display, a farm animal barn, train and pony rides, and special weekend events where they bring in inflatable slides and bounce houses, Spicer Orchards really has something for kids of all age groups. And, of course, their donuts and fudge are a sublime way to end your trip. 

Not interested in bounce houses and face painting? Spicer Orchards also has a winery and cider mill where they do tastings by the glass for their adult patrons. From fruit wines to classic reds and whites, their selection is top notch.  http://www.spicerorchards.com/winery.html

Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Franklin Cider Mill offers a historical experience to its visitors. Built in 1837, the Mill’s ownership changed hands many times before being bought by Jack Peltz in 1966. To this day, the Mill has stayed in the Peltz family, and they’ve kept up many of the old traditions. Their cider is completely preservative free, and is not filtered or pasteurized, making it 100% fruit juice. Additionally, their donuts are made fresh daily using an old German cinnamon spice recipe—as if we needed an excuse to love a cider mill donut any more than we already do! http://www.franklincidermill.com/

Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. Johns, Michigan

An incredibly large cider mill and orchard, Uncle John’s Cider Mill offers countless activities for visitors. Uncle John’s boasts a massive cider mill where you can watch cider being freshly made, a shop full of pies, fudge, donuts, souvenirs, and treats, a cidery and winery on site, train rides, hay rides, a kid’s activity play corral, an orchard for apple and fruit picking, regular events such as inflatable jumping pillows, a corn maze, and a 5k trail where they frequently host high school and adult races. 

Uncle John’s doesn’t just get points for quantity of activities, though. Uncle John was one of the original founding members of the Michigan Cider Maker’s Guild, a members-only group dedicated to raising the bar on cider quality and production. Uncle John’s Cider Mill still abides by these standards, and their cider—mulled and fresh pressed—shines as a result. http://www.ujcidermill.com/cider-mill/

By Zoe Meggert