Who Offers the Best Apple Cider in Michigan?

Fall is all about everything apple-related in Michigan and there’s no purer taste of fall than a glass of apple cider. While Michiganders have their preferences for hot or cold cider or sweet or tangy cider, there’s no doubt that a glass of cider is as synonymous with a Michigan fall as sweaters and college football.

We asked members of the Day Trips in Michigan Facebook group where they get the best cider in Michigan, and they responded enthusiastically with orchard suggestions from all over the state.

So whether you’re determined to visit as many orchards as possible this fall or you’re looking for options in your area, add these orchards to your fall bucket list for delicious apple cider…

Franklin Cider Mill | Bloomfield Hills

One of the overwhelming favorites for cider among Michiganders is Franklin Cider Mill, which has operated since 1837 and has made gallons and gallons of cider with its unique process.

Visitors can buy fresh pressed cider made from Michigan apples to enjoy at home or enjoy it on-site hot or cold, in a tasty slush, as an apple/pumpkin mix, or delicious honey crisp cider later in the fall.

Uncle John’s Cider Mill | St. Johns

Uncle John’s cider has been a mid-Michigan favorite for decades and is best enjoyed with a freshly made donut (or two).

Guests of appropriate age can also visit Uncle John’s taproom to try a variety of hard ciders including apple apricot, apple cherry, apple blueberry, apple cranberry, and apple pear.

Related: Catch Live Music & Handcrafted Cider at Uncle John’s Cider Mill

Almar’s Orchards | Flushing

Almar’s dedication to organic and sustainable apple farming comes through in a delicious lineup of hard ciders and Haybaler Switchel. This “old-fashioned” energy drink is a refreshing alternative to pop, a great cocktail mixer, a home remedy for colds, or even a workout rehydrator. It comes in several flavors, including original, cherry, and mooseberry.

Almar’s also offers seven flavors of hard cider, known as “Scrumpy,” a word used to describe handcrafted, small-batch ciders that pop with flavor.

Related: Organic Apples, Scrumpy, and Haybalers – Almar Orchards and Cidery

Yates Cider Mill | Rochester Hills

The oldest working water-powered mill in Michigan offers top-notch cider and is another overwhelming favorite of Day Trips group members.

The sweet taste of cider pairs perfectly with donuts and both are best enjoyed at one of Yates’ picnic areas on a perfect fall day.

Dexter Cider Mill | Dexter

For over 130 years, Dexter has been a Michigan tradition and is the state’s oldest, continuously operating cider mill. Dexter offers a little bit of everything for apple cider enthusiasts, including cold cider, apple cider slushies, hot-spiced cider, and three flavors of hard cider.

Try with Dexter’s apple fritters, apple turnovers, or apple strudel and you’ve got a winning combination!

Related: Since 1886, Dexter Cider Mill is a Favorite Fall Destination Near Ann Arbor Michigan

Spicer Orchards | Fenton

Families can find a little bit of everything for a memorable day trip at Spicer Orchards, but you can’t leave without having at least a sip of cider. Day Trips members say the cider here is the perfect mix of sweet and tart.

Spicer’s makes its cider fresh on-site with no adding flavorings or preservatives, so every sip of cider a visitor takes is packed with the sweet, tangy taste of pure Michigan apples.

Related: AWESOME Guide to Spicer Orchards Farm Market & Winery in Fenton

Phillips Orchard & Cider Mill | St. Johns

Visitors can find delicious, unpasteurized cider just down the road from Uncle John’s (actually 0.7 miles). It’s made through a traditional rack and cloth process that’s labor-intensive but produces high-quality cider that’s sold year-round.

Enjoy quarts, half-gallons, or gallons of cider with Phillip’s fresh donuts, cookies, bread, and pies.

Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill | Holly

The smell of fresh donuts will draw you to Diehl’s for a memorable day, but make sure you enjoy some of Diehl’s cider too.

One of the best times to visit is during Diehl’s annual Ciderfest, which features food trucks, a corn maze, and plenty of cider and coffee drinks.

Hill Bros. Orchards & Cider Mill | Grand Rapids

The freshly made, award-winning cider at Hill Brothers hits the spot during a visit to the orchard and is made with no preservatives.

That means visitors of all ages can savor the flavor of fresh Michigan apples — what’s better is visitors can buy frozen cider year-round to enjoy that sweet taste at home.

Goodison Cider Mill | Rochester

If you’re looking for fresh donuts and cider made with love, Goodison is the place to be! We absolutely recommend enjoying a glass of cider with Goodison’s world-famous pistachio nut bread — a tasty delight that draws visitors from miles around each year.

While you’re enjoying cider, peruse Goodison’s other offerings including caramels, honey, caramel apples, and pies.

Alber’s Orchard & Cider Mill | Manchester

Located just 30 minutes west of Ann Arbor, Albers is the perfect fall getaway. Albers takes apples seriously with over 100 varieties of apples and award-winning cider.

Visitors can watch an original cider press from 1890 in action as they watch apples being squeezed, blended, and hugged the way Albers has done it for many years. Visit the bakery after a demo for a fresh glass of cider and hot, fresh donuts.

Crane’s Orchard | Fennville

Voted as one of the nation’s best apple orchards by USA Today 10Best, Crane’s has been a West Michigan favorite for decades.

After indulging in U-pick apples or navigating Crane’s corn maze, visitors can quench their thirst with fresh cider and pair it with delicious donuts. Does it get any better in the fall?

Meckley’s | Cement City

Meckley’s has dedicated itself to crafting flavorful, artisan ciders for many years. In addition to traditional cider, visitors of age can enjoy one of several hard cider flavors.

The most die-hard cider enthusiasts can join the Mug Club, which gives them a cider mug, penny pints, refills on growlers, and more.

Anderson’s & Girls Orchard | Stanton

Anderson’s has all the ingredients for a perfect fall day: Famous donuts, sweet cider, fresh produce, and much more.

The cider tastes just right on a fun-filled visit and is the perfect compliment to one of Anderson’s famous donuts, ice cream, or full lunch menu.

Related: Stop at Anderson & Girls Orchard

Past Tense Country Store | Lapeer

The award-winning cider at Past Tense is made with many different apple blends during the year, creating a sweet drink with a tangy finish.

In the fall, diehard cider enthusiasts can get Honey Crisp cider — a brighter, smoother, sweeter cider that’s a perfect taste of fall.

Treat Yourself to the Best Apple Cider in Michigan

No matter if you’re an apple cider enthusiast or you like it as a compliment to freshly baked apple goodies, the best apple cider in Michigan showcases the incredible taste of Michigan apples.

No matter what orchard you visit, a glass of fresh cider hits the spot on a fall day and makes fall in Michigan that much better!

Don’t see your favorite orchard on the list? Tell us in the comments below & check out our guide to the best apple orchards and cider mills in Michigan to visit this fall.