Best Fall Activities & Cider Mills in Metro Detroit
Fall in Metro Detroit brings crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the perfect excuse to indulge in all things cozy and autumnal. If you’re looking to enjoy the best that this season has to offer in Southeast Michigan, here’s a detailed list of activities and cider mills to visit.
1. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (Armada)
Location: 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005
Distance from Metro Detroit: 30-40 minutes
Blake’s is an absolute must for anyone in the Metro Detroit area during the fall. Not only can you pick your own apples, but they also offer a wide variety of activities like a corn maze, haunted attractions, and a pumpkin patch. Don’t forget to try their hard cider and homemade donuts!
Top Picks:
U-pick apples & pumpkins
Hayrides
Haunted attractions (spooky nights)
Cider & hard cider tastings
2. Yates Cider Mill (Rochester Hills)
Location: 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Distance from Metro Detroit: 30 minutes
Yates Cider Mill has been serving delicious cider since 1863! Their scenic mill, located on the banks of the Clinton River, offers stunning fall views and is the perfect spot to enjoy fresh cider and warm cinnamon donuts. Visitors can also take a walk along the river.
Top Picks:
Fresh cider & cinnamon donuts
Riverwalk trails
Petting zoo
U-pick pumpkins
3. Franklin Cider Mill (Bloomfield Hills)
Location: 7450 Franklin Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
Distance from Metro Detroit: 25 minutes
Franklin Cider Mill is steeped in history and charm, offering a traditional cider mill experience with their famous cold-pressed cider and warm donuts. It’s a great spot for families, as it also features a lovely pond, and they often host craft shows and other events during the fall season.
Top Picks:
Famous cold-pressed cider
Fresh baked goods
Beautiful pond & picnic areas
4. Westview Orchards & Adventure Farm (Washington Township)
Location: 65075 Van Dyke, Washington, MI 48095
Distance from Metro Detroit: 35 minutes
Westview Orchards is perfect for a full day of family fun. They offer an impressive range of activities including a corn maze, petting zoo, and U-pick apples. For the adults, they have hard cider tastings in their cider barn, making it a fun destination for all ages.
Top Picks:
3-acre corn maze
U-pick apples & pumpkins
Petting zoo
Cider Barn (hard cider tastings)
5. Rochester Municipal Park
Location: 400 Sixth St, Rochester, MI 48307
Distance from Metro Detroit: 30 minutes
For those who prefer a more laid-back autumn day, Rochester Municipal Park is the perfect spot for a fall picnic or a scenic walk. The fall colors are stunning in this park, and it’s conveniently located close to downtown Rochester, so you can enjoy a post-walk coffee or a meal at one of the local restaurants.
Top Picks:
Scenic walking trails
Perfect for a fall picnic
Close to downtown Rochester for dining
6. Paint Creek Trail (Rochester to Lake Orion)
Trail Start: Rochester Municipal Park
Distance from Metro Detroit: 30-45 minutes
The Paint Creek Trail offers a perfect fall hike or bike ride. Stretching from Rochester to Lake Orion, this 8.9-mile trail follows the Paint Creek River and winds through stunning woods, farms, and small towns. Fall foliage is at its best along this trail, and the peaceful surroundings make it a perfect autumn escape.
Top Picks:
8.9-mile scenic trail
Ideal for hiking or biking
Stunning fall foliage
7. Upland Hills Farm (Oxford Township)
Location: 481 Lake George Rd, Oxford, MI 48370
Distance from Metro Detroit: 40 minutes
Upland Hills Farm offers a hands-on farm experience, making it a great option for families with children. During the fall, they host a Harvest Festival that includes hayrides, farm animal visits, and a corn maze. Plus, their weekend festivals include cider and donuts, live music, and pony rides!
Top Picks:
Harvest Festival (September-October weekends)
Hayrides & pony rides
Cider, donuts, and live music
8. Stony Creek Metropark (Shelby Township)
Location: 4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48316
Distance from Metro Detroit: 35 minutes
Stony Creek Metropark offers more than just outdoor fun. During the fall, the 4,461-acre park is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and scenic drives to see the fall colors. If you’re a bird-watcher or simply love being surrounded by nature, this park will quickly become a fall favorite.
Top Picks:
Hiking & biking trails
Beautiful fall scenery
Ideal for picnics and nature photography
9. Erwin Orchards (South Lyon)
Location: 61475 Silver Lake Rd, South Lyon, MI 48178
Distance from Metro Detroit: 40-50 minutes
Erwin Orchards is a bit of a drive but is totally worth it. This family-run orchard offers a ton of fall fun, including apple picking, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and fresh donuts. It’s a bit further west but provides a classic fall farm experience for those willing to take a scenic drive.
Top Picks:
Apple & pumpkin picking
Corn maze
Fresh cider & donuts
10. Oakland County Fall Festivals & Events
If you’re looking for more than just cider and apples, be sure to check out the variety of fall festivals in Oakland County. Many towns, including Rochester and Lake Orion, host autumn events with hayrides, scarecrow-building contests, and seasonal farmers’ markets.
Top Pick:
Rochester Farmers’ Market (October)
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy day at a cider mill, a scenic hike, or a day filled with family-friendly activities, these spots in and around the Metro Detroit area have something for everyone. Be sure to check out at least a few of these this fall season, and don’t forget to tag us in your adventures! Happy fall! 🍂🍎
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