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10 Can’t-Miss Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills in Southeast Michigan

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Michigan is one of the best spots in the country to be during apple season! This harvest starts as early as July in some places and can reach as late as November. However, the prime months for apple picking and getting fresh cider at Metro Detroit apple orchards & cider mills are September and October. 

If you are in Metro Detroit, don’t think that being close to a major city means that you can’t get to the country for apple picking! Some of Michigan’s best apple orchards and cider mills are right in metro Detroit.

Here are the top fall destinations in Michigan that you should add to your fall Michigan bucket list, in fact, an apple orchard tour in Metro Detroit is one of the best fall things to do in Michigan!

Blake Farms | Armada

Blake Farms in Armada is one of the largest apple orchards and cider mill compounds in Michigan. This one-of-a-kind farm is downright elaborate, growing 40 distinct apple varieties and producing both standard and hard cider on its 800 acres.

Here, visitors can pick their own apples at one of the farm’s three locations, taste freshly pressed cider, or visit the orchard’s Funland. Funland features a petting zoo, race track, corn maze, wagon rides, pony rides, and much more.

Meanwhile, seasonal events are always going on, including a haunted house in the autumn. A visit to Blake Farms proves why it is one of the best apple orchards in metro Detroit.

Blake’s Orchard, Armada - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Blake’s Orchard | photo via @pcrome

Yates Cider Mill | Rochester Hills

Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills is a fascinating historic site. It opened its doors in 1863 and began producing apple cider in the 1870s. For nearly 150 years, this cider mill has produced top-quality cider using the same methods β€” and it is these methods that continue to draw visitors year after year!

The cider here varies deliciously throughout the season as the workers use new apple varieties of the highest quality.

Of course, cider isn’t the only thing you’ll find here. You can also visit the mill store, which sells treats like raw honey, baked goods and preserves, and fruit butter.

Yates Cider Mill, Rochester Hills - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Yates Cider Mill | photo via @metrodetroitmom

Long Family Orchard | Commerce

Long Family Orchard is a farm and cider mill that produces crops throughout the year. In the late summer, it turns into all things autumn-related, with plenty of options for family fun and seasonal treats.

Starting in mid-September, visitors are invited to hit the orchard to pick their own apples in varieties like Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Northern Spy, and many more.

There is also a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and brand-new play area. Kids will enjoy exploring tunnels, climbing on the giant β€œspider web”, playing on the giant slide, and petting and feeding the farm goats. You’ll even find unusual activities like an apple and pumpkin cannon!

Long Family Orchard, Commerce - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Long Family Orchard | photo via @sam.maltby

Stony Creek Orchard & Cider Mill | Romeo

Stony Creek Orchard in Romeo is all about making memories with your family. The farm itself is family-owned and has been since 1939.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to pick their own apples, raspberries, and pumpkins or select some produce from the store. There is also a wide variety of homemade goods for sale, including doughnuts, pies, baked goods, caramel apples, honey, jams, jellies, fruit butters, and preserves.

Meanwhile, kids will love the chance to explore the orchard and take pictures on the farm’s antique tractors. Apple varieties include Honeycrisp, Paula Red, Northern Spy, Granny Smith, Snow, and many more. 

Stony Creek Orchard & Cider, Romeo - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Stony Creek Orchard & Cider Mill | photo via @jess_labelle

Big Red Orchard | Washington Township

Big Red Orchard isn’t the only U-pick apple orchard in Washington Township, but it is the oldest! The Misiewicz family took ownership in 2022, and they’ve been hard at work to bring new life to the farm.

With over 1,000 new apple trees now thriving, a beautifully renovated main barn, and a nearly completed Event Center ready to host showers, corporate events, weddings, and more, the farm is better than ever. The Legacy Bar, a full-service bar and restaurant, is also now open year-round, providing a warm and inviting space for guests.

In the fall, visitors are invited to enjoy a range of activities, including Upick apples, tractor rides, a kids’ zone, and delicious treats like fresh cider, donuts, and caramel apples.

The expansive farm market offers a variety of Big Red-labeled products and unique items from Michigan and local artisans, making it the perfect spot to find something special.

Big Red Orchard, Washington Township - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Big Red Orchard | photo via @bigredorchard

Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill | Holly

Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill in Holly has been serving the community since 1954. Now in its fourth generation, the family farm is still committed to providing fresh, delicious produce to everyone in the community, no matter what their income level.

This amazing orchard loves celebrating the fall with its annual Ciderfest, which features a barbecue and tons of activities, including a corn maze, pumpkin patch, apple picking, playground, crafts, pony rides, petting zoo, and of course, plenty of treats.

They even have live entertainment from local artists, including music and a puppet show. Visitors can also watch them make doughnuts and cider. 

Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill, Holly - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill | photo via @diehlsorchard

Rochester Cider Mill | Rochester

Rochester Cider Mill has been a pillar of the community since it was first established in 1981. Since then, the Barkham family has been dedicated to creating the best and freshest cider from their own apples.

This cider doesn’t rely on windfalls or ground apples β€” instead, only the highest quality apples are used in a special blend to make the most unique cider you have ever had.

But make sure to come hungry, since the cider mill also sells one-of-a-kind treats like doughnuts, caramel apples, fudge, apple pies, and apple crisp. You won’t want to leave empty-handed!

Westview Orchards, Washington - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Westview Orchards | photo via @westvieworchards

Hy’s Cider Mill | Romeo

Hy’s Cider Mill in Romeo offers visitors the chance to buy freshly pressed cider or hit the orchard to pick their own apples. You’ll find varieties in the fields like Empire, Jonagold, McIntosh, Gala, and much more.

The orchard began in the same family in the early 1930s, with the cider mill opening in 1973. These days, Hy’s processes more than 1,200 gallons of cider in an hour.

In the farm store, you will find treats like apple cider slushies, doughnuts, caramel apples, and rotating seasonal goodies. This simple family farm knows what it’s good at and delivers! 

Hy's Cider Mill, Romeo - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Hy’s Cider Mill | photo via @slynne716

Kapnick Orchards | Britton

Kapnick Orchards in Britton had its start in 1951 as a humble family farm. These days, it remains in the same family but has exploded into its current operation with a full orchard, bakery, and cider mill.

Visitors will find not just some of the best apples and other produce in the area, but also freshly-baked goods like pies, breads, doughnuts, and other treats. Meanwhile, the orchard is open for U-pick apples and is a great place for school or family trips.

Things really pick up in October with the annual Apple Fest, which doubles as a venue for local artists and musicians

Kapnick Orchards, Britton - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Kapnick Orchards | photo via @kaylablackburn

Westview Orchards | Washington Township

Westview Orchards and Winery is an amazing spot in Washington Township. This one-of-a-kind family farm has been around for more than 60 years.

These days, it offers everything from U-pick apples and pumpkins to a petting zoo, straw bale maze, rope mountain, playground, and tire climbing.

Adults will definitely want to take the time to visit the winery on the second floor of the cider mill. Here, fresh fruit wines and hard ciders are served. Come for a tasting or a full glass and stay to enjoy live music.

There is something for everyone at Westview Orchards! 

Westview Orchards, Washington - Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills
Westview Orchards | photo via @mcmicha7

FAQ About Metro Detroit Apple Orchards & Cider Mills

Where Can I Pick Honeycrisp Apples in Michigan?Β 

Honeycrisp apples are one of the most popular varieties, but they are notoriously fragile during picking. For this reason, most apple orchards prefer to pick Honeycrisps ahead of time and offer them for sale.

However, you can find Honeycrisp apples for U-pick at some orchards in Michigan, including Blake Farms, Long Family Orchard, and Stony Creek Orchard.

What is the Best Month to Go Apple Picking in Michigan?Β 

The best month to go apple picking varies depending on your location and the variety of apples. In general, however, most apples are ready to be harvested from September to October.

If you are looking for a certain variety, be sure to contact your Metro Detroit apple orchard of choice ahead of time to learn their harvest schedule.Β 

More Than Apple Orchards in Metro Detroit

If you are looking for the best Michigan apple orchards near Detroit, you don’t have to look far, but there is so much more to enjoy during the fall! There are so many great things to do, see, and experience during fall in the big city and its suburbs.

From the best Metro Detroit pumpkin patches to scenic fall color drives in Metro Detroit, there is no shortage of fall things to do in Metro Detroit and the rest of Southeast Michigan! Spend a day, a weekend, or even escape for a mid-week getaway in this beautiful region of Michigan.

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