Few things say fall in Michigan quite like a trip to the cider mill. Crisp autumn air, the smell of fresh-pressed apple cider, warm cinnamon donuts and a beautiful orchard filled with changing leaves — it's a seasonal tradition families look forward to every year!
Whether you're looking for a quick stop for cider and donuts or want to make a whole day of it with a hayride, corn maze, pumpkin picking and farm animals, there are plenty of places to enjoy the best of fall right here in Southeast Michigan.
We've rounded up some of our favorite cider mills, orchards and family-friendly fall destinations within an easy drive of Lake Orion, Rochester, Oxford and surrounding communities.
Keep reading for our family tips and a list of places to add to your fall bucket list!
🍎 Family Tip Corner: Make the Most of Your Cider Mill Visit
A little planning can make your fall outing even more enjoyable!
âś… Go early when you can – Weekends can get busy, especially during peak fall weekends. Arriving earlier in the day can mean shorter lines and easier parking.
âś… Check the weather first – Fall temperatures can change quickly. Layers, comfortable shoes and a jacket are always a good idea.
âś… Bring a stroller or wagon – Little legs can get tired quickly, especially if you're tackling a corn maze or spending several hours on the farm.
âś… Bring wipes and napkins – Between cider, donuts, caramel apples and pumpkins, things can get sticky!
âś… Check before you go – Activities, hours, admission fees and U-pick availability can change based on weather and crop conditions. Always check the farm's website or social media before heading out.
âś… Plan around the kids' priorities – If your kids are all about animals, choose a farm with a petting area. If they're pumpkin pickers, look for U-pick options. And if they're just there for the donuts... well, we won't tell!
âś… Don't over-schedule – Sometimes the best part of a cider mill visit is simply wandering around, sipping cider and enjoying a beautiful fall day together.
🍎 Local Cider Mills
1. Yates Cider Mill – Rochester Hills
A Michigan fall tradition! Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills is a great stop for fresh cider, warm donuts, apples, baked goods and plenty of seasonal goodies. The historic mill sits along the Clinton River and is a favorite destination for families looking to soak up the fall atmosphere.
Yates also has a second location at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion, making it an especially convenient stop for local families.
đź“Ť Rochester Hills
2. Yates Cider Mill at Canterbury Village – Lake Orion
Yates Cider Mill at Canterbury Village
You don't have to drive far for your cider-and-donut fix! Yates' Lake Orion location at Canterbury Village offers a convenient way to enjoy some classic fall treats while exploring one of the area's most recognizable family destinations.
đź“Ť Canterbury Village, Lake Orion
3. Goodison Cider Mill – Rochester
Goodison Cider Mill is a longtime local favorite and the home of its famous Pistachio Nut Bread. You'll also find fresh-pressed cider, warm donuts, pumpkin nut bread, pies, caramel apples, jams, honey and plenty of other fall treats.
The 2026 season opened September 4 and runs through Christmas Eve, making this a great stop throughout the fall season.
đź“Ť Rochester
4. Rochester Cider Mill – Rochester
Since 1981, Rochester Cider Mill has been making handcrafted cider using Michigan apples. Stop in for fresh cider, warm donuts, caramel apples, pies and other seasonal goodies.
Kids can also enjoy the giant straw pyramid and petting farm, making this more than just a quick cider-and-donut stop.
đź“Ť Rochester
Be sure to check the mill's current website or social pages for 2026 seasonal hours and activity updates before visiting.
5. Big Red Orchard – Washington Township
Established in 1878, Big Red Orchard is one of Michigan's oldest cider mills and U-pick orchards. Families can enjoy apple picking, fresh cider and a beautiful orchard setting.
The 2026 orchard season is underway, with U-pick apples available as different varieties ripen throughout the season. Big Red also has its Legacy Bar and Crimson Hills Event Center for additional food, drinks and events.
đź“Ť Washington Township
6. Verellen Orchards – Washington Township
A family-owned orchard that's been part of the community since 1920, Verellen Orchards is open year-round and offers fresh produce and seasonal favorites.
Fall is a great time to stop by for apples, baked goods and other farm-market goodies. U-pick availability varies by season, so check before planning a picking trip.
đź“Ť Washington Township
7. Westview Orchards & Winery – Washington Township
If you're looking for a full day of fall fun, Westview Orchards is a great choice! Their 2026 Fall Fun Weekends began Labor Day Weekend.
Families can enjoy activities including a 40-foot slide, straw mountain, tire and rope mountains, playground, petting animals, straw bale maze, wagon rides, barnyard basketball and a themed corn maze.
Activities are primarily offered on weekends, with limited availability during the week, and are weather dependent.
đź“Ť Washington Township
8. Diehl's Orchard & Cider Mill – Holly
Diehl's is getting ready for its 46th Annual Ciderfest, happening September 26–27, 2026. The family-friendly event includes a craft show, free corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, pony rides, small petting farm, playground, kiddie maze, face painting and live entertainment.
The cider mill also offers the fall favorites you expect — including hot donuts, apple cider and freshly picked apples.
đź“Ť Holly
9. Mitchell Farm – Holly
Looking for a classic farm-style fall outing? Mitchell Farm is a family-owned farm dating back to 1838. Its fall season features pumpkins, gourds, mums, fall decorations, fresh donuts and apple cider.
Weekend fun begins in October with hayrides to the U-pick pumpkin patch.
đź“Ť Holly
10. Porter's Orchard Farm Market & Cider Mill – Goodrich
Porter's Orchard is a great destination when you want to combine cider-mill treats with classic fall farm fun. Families can enjoy fresh apples, cider, donuts, hayrides, a corn maze and U-pick pumpkins.
Their 14-acre corn maze includes a smaller path for little ones and a larger maze for more adventurous visitors. Fall activities are offered from September through October, with schedules subject to weather and availability.
đź“Ť Goodrich
11. Cook's Farm Dairy – Ortonville
Okay, technically this isn't a cider mill — but we're including it because it's such a fun fall stop for families!
During the fall season, Cook's Farm Dairy offers weekend hayrides, pumpkin picking and a corn maze, along with plenty of ice cream and a chance to visit the farm animals.
It's a great option for families who want to add a little farm fun to their fall weekend — and yes, you can absolutely get ice cream in October!
đź“Ť Ortonville
12. Franklin Cider Mill – Bloomfield Hills
Dating back to 1837, Franklin Cider Mill is one of Michigan's historic cider mill destinations. Families can watch the cider-making process, enjoy warm donuts and fresh cider, visit the water wheel and even feed the ducks along the river.
The 2026 season runs from September 5 through November 29, with the mill open daily during the season.
đź“Ť Bloomfield Hills
13. Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill – Armada
Ready to make a whole day of it? Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill is a large working farm on 120 acres in Armada with plenty to see and do.
Families can enjoy the cider mill, bakery and farm market, along with seasonal activities, wagon or train rides, apple and pumpkin picking, and special fall events.
The orchard's 2026 fall programming is already underway, making Blake's a fun destination for a bigger fall adventure.
đź“Ť Armada
🍂 More Fall Fun: Family Events Near Lake Orion, Rochester & Oxford
Cider mills aren't the only way to celebrate fall! From fall festivals and pumpkin patches to hayrides, Halloween happenings and community celebrations, there are so many family-friendly fall events near Lake Orion, Rochester, Oxford and surrounding communities. We've rounded up some fun local events happening this fall, so you can fill your calendar with plenty of opportunities to get outside, enjoy the season and make memories together!
