Here are 4 cider mills near Ann Arbor to put you in the fall spirit

Some apple orchards and cider mills in Michigan have already opened for the season (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – As the weather starts to cool down, cider mills have started to open with doughnuts, cider and a bounty of fall goodies.

While some mills and orchards offer hayrides, corn mazes and other amenities, make sure to call ahead or check out their websites for the latest information.

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Here’s are four cider mills to get you in the fall spirit:

Wiard’s Orchard

Where: 5565 Merritt Rd., Ypsilanti

When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays in September

Started in 1837, the Ypsilanti farm has an orchard for U-pick apples and pumpkins, a cider mill as well as a general store for picking up salsas, jellies, baked items and other treats. Visitors can purchase tickets to its Country Fair for access to different play areas, a corn maze and a petting farm. Different parts of the orchard are available at different times throughout the month. Check the website for October and November hours.

The Dexter Cider Mill

Where: 3685 Central St., Dexter

When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays

Having opened on Aug. 28, this cider mill has apples, pies, cider and its famous donuts ready. The Dexter Cider Mill has operated since 1886 and still uses traditional methods to make wood pressed cider.

Tip: This cider doesn’t accept payment by card so make sure to have cash or checks on you. There is an ATM on the premise.

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Erwin Orchards

Where: 61475 Silver Lake Rd., South Lyon

When: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (Cider Mill) and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (U-pick apple hours, weather permitting)

Located northeast of Ann Arbor, Erwin’s opened in up to visitors in August. Its cider mill offers a variety of baked goods, apple and raspberry cider (while supplies last), honey, maple syrup and more. There is also a corn maze and U-Pick patches for raspberries, apples and pumpkins.

The 2021 season will end Oct. 31.

Tip: Erwin Orchards only accepts payment cash or checks. An ATM is on the premise.

Alber Orchard & Cider Mill

Where: 13011 Bethel Church Rd., Manchester

When: Noon-6 p.m. Tuesday through Fridays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays

About 30 minutes west of Ann Arbor, Alber Orchard & Cider Mill grows more than 150 varieties of apples. Owned by the Bossory family, the orchard and mill offer heirloom apples and cider. Donuts will be available starting Sept. 8. Visitors can also listen to musicians play during various times throughout September and October, according to its website.


About the Author:

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.