Autumn is the season of harvest, when the crops are brought in and stored for the coming winter. During this season there are lots of fun filled activities for the families and community leading to what is popularly termed as “Autumn agritainment”. This includes apple picking, pumpkin picking, hay rides for the kids, mazes and the inevitable Halloween tricks or treat. Some of the best cider farms are listed below with details of its functioning. These are the cider mills where you can visit with your family this fall.
1. Blakes farm
This farm at Armada is a family oriented farm and was on of the very first “Pick your own” orchards in Michigan. They have expanded into three separate locations within a 500 acres of orchard and farmland. It consists of pick your own apples, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, peaches, pumpkins, vegetables and even you cut Christmas trees. It has been awarded the number one apple orchard in Michigan for their apple cider. It is truly an enjoyable farm with hayrides, cornfield mazes, pony rides, Haunted Barn, Night time haunted hayride and many more.
2. Alber orchard and cider mill
Located in Manchester, this beautiful land was acquired by John Alber in 1881 to function as an orchard and cider mill. This is a wonderful get away for fall events with straw bale maze, viewing the animals, pumpkin patch, viewing the cider press and kids play area with a corn box. You also get to enjoy delicious, crisp heirloom and family favorite apples. It is a clean, safe relaxing time with family and friends on this mill.
3. Diehl’s orchard and cider mill
It is located in Holly with picnic and play areas. There are hayrides, pony rides on weekends and on weekdays you get to pick apples, make donuts, preserves, honey and even press cider. You could dine at the fireside and Diehl’s or check out the cider craft shows.
4. Plymouth orchards
At this farm in Plymouth, you can taste the heritage cider, fresh picked apples and its award winning donuts. There are activities like climbing giant straw bales, picking pumpkins, apples, wagon rides through farm lanes, looking at barnyard animals with your kids, strolling through farm market and visiting picnic area.
5. Franklin cider mill
Located at Bloomfield Hill, this is a suburban orchard started in 1837 and serves old fashioned cider. It is blended out of more than 14 varieties of apples with honey crisp and is truly soothing for the taste bud.
6. Westview orchard and adventure farm
Located in Romeo, there are plenty of activities such as tractor driven wagon rides, daytime corn maze and nighttime corn maze. There is an indoor/outdoor zoo where the kids can have fun petting the animals. This 18 acre farm also includes you pick apples, pumpkins, boot camp obstacle course, sweet shop, grill, bakery and cafe offering apple fritter. It is plain old fashioned fun at a cider mill altogether.
7. Miller’s big red greenhouses and cider mill
It is one of the oldest farm in the Washington area with its own petting zoo, corn maze and straw mountain. It also includes a variety of you pick apples, pumpkins, raspberries and strawberries. Its most exciting is the haunted hayrides where monsters and creatures of the night emerges, as the orchard is transformed into a foggy ground.
8. Parmenter’s Northville cider mill
It is the second oldest farm dating back to 1873. It offers fresh baked doughnuts, homemade cider, preserves, pies and pumpkins. A craft show is hosted every weekend. The kids definitely go bonkers over the Train Play Escape and Monster Truck in the kids area.
9. Wiard’s orchards and country fair
It was started in 1837 and located at Ypsilanti on a 100 acres farmland. Here, you can meander through corn maze, drink cider, u-pick apples and pumpkins, hayrides and field trip. There is also apple cannon, giant inflatables, pony rides, miniature gold, petting farm, straw mountain and haunted barn and Night Terrors. You can visit the country store and bakery. It has been voted as the number one best haunted thrill parks.
10. Erwin orchards, Inc
Situated in south Lyon, Michigan it is a 3rd generation family farm of 200 acres. You can enjoy wagon rides, corn maze and u-pick apples and pumpkins during the weekdays. There is even a Mr Bee’s Big 3-D where you can view through 3-D glasses at Mr Bee in his activities. During the weekends there are two haunted houses to choose from, depending on the level of how much you would want to be terrified.
