With the kids back in school, the weather getting cooler, and the leaves beginning to change, Michiganders have come to know this time of year simply as: apple season. Home to many great varieties of apples, ranging from sweet and juicy to tangy and tart, Michigan proudly reins as the nation’s third largest apple-producing state.
With hundreds of orchards to choose from, it may be hard to know where to begin. Featured below are five apple orchards, one from each region of the state, to help you get started.
Be sure to pair these stops with a fall color tour to really maximize your autumn experience!
King Orchards
Located in Antrim County, miles from the Grand Traverse Bay, rests one of the best apple orchards in the nation: King Orchards. As a top three contender in USA Today’s “Best Apple Orchard” contest, this stop is sure to please! Their long list of apple varieties paired with the beauty of Northwest Michigan in the fall cannot be surpassed.
This family-run orchard offers an array of fruits, pastries, jams, jellies, and so much more. After the family is done picking, be sure to stop by one of their two farm markets to explore all of their delicious products.
Dexter Cider Mill
Although not technically an orchard, this apple cider mill is a must see in Southeast Michigan. Featured on Food Network’s “Will Work For Food,” and “cited by Hour Detroit magazine as one of the 101 places to visit in the greater Metropolitan area” the Dexter Cider Mill is a fun trip for the whole family.
For over 120 years the Mill has been perfecting their craft, blending a variety of apples in each batch to make new and unique ciders, breads, donuts, and pastries. The kids will love watching the cider being made on the Mill’s 100-year-old equipment.
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
This family farm truly has it all: apple picking, a winery, corn mazes, hayrides, jumping pillow (yes, a jumping pillow!) mountain biking, and a lunch menu. Bring the whole family to Robinette’s for a fun-filled, action-packed day! And be sure to tour their gallery of photos from the farm’s origins back in 1911.
You can find them in the Southwest region of the state, in lively Grand Rapids.
Spicer Orchards
In the small town of Fenton, Michigan, resides Spicer Orchards, a charming, family-owned orchard bursting with activities. If your visit is a family affair, your children will love the animal barn, large inflatables, and the train rides, to name a few. There is honestly so much to do and see you’ll have a hard time getting them to leave!
However, if this is an adult’s only trip, you and your significant other will enjoy the romantic scenery of the Spicer Orchard winery. Located within the farm market, adults can enjoy a class of wine or hard cider while eating lunch out on the patio.
Les Cheneaux Farmers Market
Again, not technically an orchard, but the Les Cheneaux Farmers Market, nestled in the scenic Upper Peninsula, offers fresh produce from the area’s local farms. Every Friday from 4-7 the market offers “fresh grown and locally made goods for table, grill, home and gift-giving.” While taking in the beauty of Lake Michigan, shoppers can find some truly wonderful treasures.
Just a short jaunt beyond the Mackinaw Bridge, be sure to plan a trip up before the season is over.
Michigan offers a vast variety of apples and hundreds of orchards – there’s a perfect place for every apple lover. Where are some of your favorite orchards? Share a photo of your favorite spot on our Facebook page and take a moment to visit our interactive map to help plan your next orchard outing – with a home on wheels, why not challenge yourself to visit them all?