As the country’s third largest apple-producing state, Michigan offers plenty of orchards to get away to. Farm markets, hayrides, corn mazes, and more fall favorites await as the season takes hold. Many are centered near cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor, while some are closer to the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect day trip outside of the city, or planning to take more time to explore rural Michigan, consider visiting one of the following orchards to enjoy the best of the Midwest.
1. Long Family Orchard, Farm and Cider Mill
Address: 1540 E Commerce Rd, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48382
Located just outside of Detroit, Long Family Orchard offers you-pick experiences, with Apple starting in the fall. The apple page on the orchard website lists available varieties, recipes, and how to make the best of each apple when it comes to cooking.
Throughout the fall season, the farm hosts several activities to go with apple picking. Things to do include moonlight corn mazes, hayrides, a pedal kart race track, and a petting farm. The orchard is also home to a cider mill, which offers cider, donuts, honey, jam, and more.
2. Spicer Orchards
Address: 10411 Clyde Rd, Fenton, MI 48430
Just under an hour from Detroit, Spicer Orchard is a family-run farm offering apple picking, other fall activities, and even an on-site winery. Counting six generations in the region, the Spicer name is a local mainstay. The orchard’s farm market and winery are open throughout the year, while apple picking starts in September. Available varieties range from MacIntosh to Mutsu, and an estimated pick-your-own schedule is available for viewing here.
On fall weekends, visitors can tour the orchard via scenic train and wagon rides, and sample a variety of food vendors. Other events include a corn maze, pumpkin picking, and the orchard’s seasonal Wine & Harvest Festival. When it comes to lunch and dinner, visitors can enjoy a variety of baked goods, ice cream, snacks, and apple cider.
3. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
Address: 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005
Located less than an hour north of Detroit, Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill invites visitors to partake in fall festivities ranging from apple picking to cider sampling. Covering 800 acres, Blake’s has been serving the state for over 70 years, and the orchard now grows more than 40 apple varieties. Varieties available for U-pick vary, so be sure to check out the orchard’s website to see exactly what you can go home with.
While the orchard and cider mill are located in Armada, it’s important to keep in mind that Blake’s actually has three separate locations in Michigan- Armada, Almont, and South Lyon. All offer u-pick opportunities, but if you’re looking to add cider tasting to your getaway, head to the Armada location. This is the home of the original cider mill, where you can admire an open-air- apple press, get your fill at Blake’s Tasting Room and Restaurant, and stock up on local goodies at the cider mill store.
Since apple-picking season coincides with the spookiest time of year, don’t miss the orchard’s haunted attractions, including hayrides. Blake’s Funland is also a must- with 25 activities to choose from, families can spend the whole day enjoying all the orchard has to offer. Tickets can be reserved online in advance and fall day passes are available.
If you’re looking for a getaway with friends, the orchard hosts group tours for adults and seniors. Adult tours include a train ride, apple picking, cider sampling, and donuts.
4. Philips Orchards and Cider Mill
Address: 1174 W Gratiot County Line Rd, St Johns, MI 48879
Located just north of Lansing, Philips Orchards and Cider Mill offers apple picking starting in mid-September and lasting until late October. Open on weekends, the orchard also offers hard cider, cider-making demonstrations, and the Gatehouse Market, where you can find local goods to take home. Check out the orchard’s Facebook Page for updates and more details.
5. Gull Meadow Farms
Address: 8544 Gull Rd, Richland, MI 49083
Located on Michigan’s west side near Kalamazoo, Gull Meadow Farms is a local go-to for all things fall. In September, the farm kicks off the season with McIntosh and Honey Gold varieties. The farm’s online apple ripening schedule lists available varieties, along with when to expect them.
Family fun includes over 30 activities, including a corn maze and food trucks on weekends. There are a number of events scheduled throughout the season, so keep an eye on the online calendar.
The on-site farm market offers local cider, jams, honeys, dips, fresh baked goods, and more.
6. Jollay Orchards
Address: 1850 Friday Rd, Coloma, MI 49038
Just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan, Jollay Orchard offers apple picking starting in September. Orchard activities include a corn maze, fishing pond, hayrides, a playground, and a haunted house. Call ahead of time to get more details on dates and availability. The orchard’s Facebook Page is also a great resource.
7. Twin Maple Orchard
Address: 15368 Cleveland Ave, Galien, MI 49113
Located on Lake Michigan’s south shore, Twin Maple Orchard offers U-Pick opportunities daily. The orchard website is under construction, but its Facebook page is active and filled with updates! Call ahead for the most up-to-date details.
8. Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze
Address: 6054 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
Also located just a few miles from Lake Michigan, Crane Orchards is one of the state’s top orchards. The orchard is home to over 20 apple varieties and has been family-owned for generations. Introducing a newly designed corn maze every year, the orchard also has plenty of fall activities for families to enjoy. A variety list is available here.
9. Rennie Orchards
Address: 11221 Monroe Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690
Located just south of the town of Elk Rapids, Rennie Orchards sits on a small sliver of land between Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Skegemog. The orchard is a way’s away from large cities like Detroit but makes an ideal option for those looking to get to know the Traverse City area.
Apples join peaches and plums in the farm’s seasonal U-Pick schedule, and there are 19 varieties for visitors to choose from (a list can be found here). Additional activities include hayrides, a hay bale maze, log cabin and teepee visits, and more. The orchards are open daily until October- call ahead for the most up-to-date picking details.
10. Westview Orchards & Winery
Address: 65075 Van Dyke Ave, Washington, MI 48095
Located just north of Detroit, Westview Orchards & Winery makes a great day destination for entire families or just adults. After checking in at the cider barn, you’ll have the opportunity to pick your own apples and other crops (check out this handy harvest calendar to see what else will be available).
Kids will love the on-site petting zoo and playground, while adults can enjoy a glass of wine straight from the source. The winery offers a food menu and plenty of seating. Don’t miss the farm market, where you can pick up fresh produce, condiments, and other local goods on your way out.
11. Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery
Address: 3142 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI 49525
Easy to reach from Lansing and even closer to Grand Rapids, Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery is a western Michigan go-to when it comes to fall fun. The orchard offers apple picking starting in mid-September, with Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Blondee, and more. The orchard grows over 20 varieties of apples, and a harvest guide is available here. Keep in mind that the guide lists the apples the orchard grows, not necessarily the ones that are available for U-Pick.
Corn mazes, hayrides, a jumping pillow, and a petting zoo invite the youngest guests to join the fun. Adults can sip and relax at Robinette’s winery, which has a tasting room and serves homemade wine and cider. The on-site Apple Haus has been around since 1973 and still serves visitors fresh baked goods, hot drinks, lunches, local products, and gifts.
12. Grange Fruit Farm
Address: 1900 13 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Sitting just north of Grand Rapids, Grange Fruit Farm hosts apple picking throughout the season. Apple picking often coincides with peach and flower picking, meaning you can go home with a range of nature’s best. Check out the farm’s website for the latest updates. You can also call ahead to get the latest information on availability and your pick details. The farm is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Related Articles
14 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Maryland (2023)
12 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Illinois (2023)
10 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Pennsylvania (2023)
13 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Rhode Island (2023)
16 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Maine (2023)
Discover the Best Apple Picking Orchards near Los Angeles (2023)