McKenzie's Top 5 Cider Mills So Far

McKenzie Tucker • October 15, 2024

Is your favorite on the list?



Fall is here, and that means it's time to hit up the cider mills! Michigan is home to some of the best cider mills in the country, and I've had the pleasure of visiting many of them. Here are my top 5:


Leaman's Green Applebarn

Leaman's Green Applebarn located north in Freeland Michigan is more than just a cider mill. It's a family-friendly destination with a playground, corn maze, putt-putt golf, petting barnyard, and hayrides. But it's the cider sundae that truly sets Leaman's apart. A decadent combination of vanilla ice cream, cider slush, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle topped with a cider donut, it's the perfect fall treat. Leaman's carries your standard cider and donuts but they take it up a notch with a variety of unique offerings like almond joy cookies, pumpkin spice donuts, and s'mores cookies. I had a tough time narrowing down my choices because everything sounded so good. (I'll be back for you, Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls) Take a look at the photos below for a better idea on how vast their selection is!

Yates Cider Mill

As Michigan's oldest working water-powered mill, Yates Cider Mill, located in Rochester Hills, has been delighting visitors since 1863. The mill's water turbine, installed in 1894, is still in operation today, generating power to press their amazing apple cider. In addition to their delicious cider, Yates offers donuts, pies, turnovers, and jams. My grandma swears by their Dutch apple pie, claiming it's the best she's ever had in all of her 85 years! Definitely the most picturesque location on the list, you can enjoy cider and donuts at one of the many picnic tables on the property. After you've snagged your goodies take a walk behind the building and you will find a trailhead that offers scenic views of the Clinton River. Explore the branching trails for a leisurely fall stroll, while admiring the changing colors.

Past Tense Cider Mill

This location in Lapeer combines the cider mill experience with a huge gift shop, restaurant, and even haunted attractions after dark. The gift shop has multiple rooms dedicated to home decor, Halloween decorations, and Christmas decorations. Here, among the cider and donuts, you can find homemade chocolates and fudge. Not interested in sweets? Past Tense has a vast menu of sandwiches, salads, and unique pizzas in case you don't want to fill up on just the donuts.


Montrose Orchards

This no-frills spot gets straight to point by serving up incredible fall treats. Their apple cider donuts are my personal favorite. I always leave with a dozen at least. Give their pumpkin donuts a try too!

Spicers Orchards

Spicer's doesn't just serve up delicious homemade cider & donuts, they also serve an appetizer menu, hard ciders, wine, cocktails, and flight boards in their winery. On the weekends you can also find a variety of unique food vendors offering specialties like BBQ, tacos, loaded potatoes, and more! Once you're finished browsing all the goods, take a scenic ride around the orchards on their train or wagon ride.


Honorary Mention: Parshallville Cider Mill

Located in a small picturesque community, sitting on the banks of the North Ore Creek in Livingston County, this 136 year old mill is one of the few remaining water-powered mills in Michigan. The interior and exterior of the building really give off that old world charm. You can enjoy cider, spiced donuts, caramel apples, and homemade apple pies outside right by the creek. Just a short 5 minute drive from Spicer's make sure to include this gem on your list!

Do you have any recommendations on the next cider mill I should visit? Email me and let me know your favorites!

desk@behindyourdesign.com


By Chelsea Mills July 1, 2025
Bring your mat, your friends, and your best downward dog. We'll bring the wine.
By Heather Nevicato July 1, 2025
Behind Your Design unveils this year’s must-have guide to Fenton’s creative trail.
By Chelsea Mills July 1, 2025
At Behind Your Design, we’re honored to have been a part of such an extraordinary milestone event. We coordinated and staffed their Signs by Crannie's 40th Anniversary Celebration Event, and this was one for the books! This spectacular event was filled with sunshine, high energy, and a true sense of community. As always, the team at Signs by Crannie pulled out all the stops to thank their loyal customers, and we were delighted to be by their side to help bring the entire experience to life. What We Did Behind Your Design helped coordinate, staff, and support the event from start to finish. From pre-planning logistics to day-of execution, we were there to make sure every detail ran smoothly—so the Signs by Crannie team could focus on what they do best: connecting with their incredible customers. We collaborated closely with the Signs by Crannie team to create a memorable experience for their valued staff and customers. We helped guide the theme selection and leveraged our expertise to coordinate apparel, decor, music, bar services, food, photography, signage, invitations, and staffing. Our goal is to ensure that each event is not only seamless but also unique, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. Why It Matters Events like these go beyond just saying “thank you.” They create real connections, build brand loyalty, and foster the kind of community that makes a business like Signs by Crannie so special. We’re always grateful for the opportunity to support a brand that values its customers as much as we do—and we’re already looking forward to what the future brings! Why should you consider hiring an event planner? Here’s what we bring to the table: Deeply Rooted Expertise and Experience: With years of experience planning events, we have the knowledge and industry connections to ensure that everything runs smoothly. We help avoid common pitfalls and maximize your budget for a successful event. Time and Stress Savings: Event planning can be overwhelming. We manage the logistics, vendor negotiations, and coordination, so you can focus on other important aspects of your life or business. Creative Innovation: We bring fresh, creative ideas to each event. From unique themes to unforgettable experiences, we ensure your event stands out and leaves a lasting impression on your guests. Strong Vendor Relationships: Our long-standing relationships with trusted vendors mean you get the best deals and top-quality services. We collaborate with caterers, florists, photographers, and entertainers to enhance the overall quality of your event. Attention to Detail and Problem Solving: We handle every detail, no matter how small, to ensure nothing is overlooked. Should any issues arise during the event, we’re there to solve them quickly and effectively. By partnering with us, you're ensuring that your event reflects your vision while allowing yourself to enjoy the occasion stress-free. Let us manage the details so you can focus on celebrating the success of your event.
By Heather Nevicato June 17, 2025
Create a Visual Impact with Stunning Tents, Flags & Banners
By Heather Nevicato June 17, 2025
Celebrating One Year: Custom Details That Made the Macksoods Wedding Unforgettable
A new website design for shiawasee shores retirement park
By Heather Nevicato June 12, 2025
We’re proud to share the new website for Shiawassee Shores Retirement Community.
Show More