As fall quickly approaches us here in Michigan, we are reminded of why we love having the different seasons. Although we hate to see summer end, we are greeted with fall, which means a chill in the air, carving pumpkins, fresh donuts and cider, caramel apples, and hayrides.
One of the activities many residents and families enjoy is going to the apple orchard and cider mill. We are lucky in Livingston County to have a many different locations nearby that we can go to enjoy all they have to offer.
I’ve put together a list of some of the best apple orchards and cider mills in and near Livingston County, as well as some of their features. Check some of them out this fall!
Spicer Orchards
A Livingston County staple and a fall favorite, Spicer Orchards has been around since the 1950’s. Starting out, the family had locations in Detroit and Novi, and eventually moved to the Hartland area in 1967. Since then the operation has grown to include a 10,000-bushel storage facility, sorting machine, donut shop, bakery, cider mill, winery and sales room. Anything you need, you can probably find it here. Just a few of the many activities they offer are: hayrides to pick fruit, donut production, farm animal barn, pony rides, and pumpkin picking. Bring the whole family to enjoy the activities, find that perfect pumpkin, and try some of their unique wines.
810-632-7692
10411 Clyde Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430
http://www.spicerorchards.com/
Parshallville Cider Mill
Parshallville Cider Mill, as it is commonly known, was originally called Tom Walker’s Grist Mill and is a Michigan Historic Site. Situated on North Ore Creek, the 136-year-old mill is one of the last remaining water-powered mills in Michigan. They make a variety of products in including cider, spiced donuts, caramel apples, and homemade apple pies. The mill is open 7 days a week from Saturday of Labor Day weekend thru mid-November, weather permitting.
810-629-9079
8507 Parshallville Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430
http://parshallvillecidermill.com/
Markillie Orchard
Located just north of Howell in a quiet country setting, you’ll find the family-owned Markillie Orchard. They began planting apple trees in 1998 and would travel to farmers markets to sell their products. In 2006 they built a barn to start a cider mill and begin donut production. You’ll find jams, jellies, salsa, soft serve ice cream, cider slushes, and more available for purchase. Bring the kids along to enjoy the outdoor play area!
517-546-3485
5200 N. Latson Rd.
Howell, MI 48855
http://www.markillieorchard.com/
Erwin Orchards
Located just outside Livingston County in Lyon Township, Erwin Orchards is very popular for families around the area. The first trees were planted in 1920 and is now on the third generation that maintains the 200 acres of fruit. At the cider mill, along with their fresh donuts you can find raspberry cider, caramel apples, Michigan maple syrup, honey from their own hives, gourds and pumpkins, and apple sundaes. Activities for the whole family include wagon rides, u-pick apples, raspberries and pumpkins, corn maze, target paintball, and a petting farm with several different animals.
248-437-0150
61475 Silver Lake Rd.
South Lyon, MI 48178
http://erwinorchards.com/wordpress/
So, get out and make the most of the beautiful fall season that we get in Michigan. Check out some of these awesome cider mills and if you get the chance, drop me a message to let me know about your experience!