Since 1876, Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills has been producing fresh cider from Michigan apples. They can produce 300 gallons of cider per hour! A trip to the cider mill in the fall has become a tradition for many families in the fall, including mine.
Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills, Michigan
This is the cider mill my family took me to when I was young and I have fond memories of playing on the trails like any true tomboy. Somehow, the donuts and cider just taste better here.
The first time I took my husband to Yates did not go as planned. First of all, it was a very cold fall day and he wasn’t dressed appropriately. This was 4 years ago and we visited the cider mill either just before or after our wedding. Secondly, being English he just didn’t get the concept of our cider. He was expecting hard cider, something like Magners, Strongbow, or Scrumpy. Not quite the same.
The apple press at Yates.
Yesterday, my husband took me to Yates as a surprise (and to get me out of the house so my family could set up a surprise birthday party for me).
It was absolutely packed and brimming with family activities. Besides the usual cider and donuts there was also a petting zoo, pony rides, pumpkins, and fudge. Enjoy a walk along the river viewing the beautiful fall foliage or relax and have a picnic.
We came home with a dozen donuts, a gallon of cider, and 4 slices of Frankenmuth fudge. They didn’t last long.
Yates Cider Mill will be featured on the Food Network show, Unwrapped! The “Fall Favorites” episode will air on October 19th at 9:00pm EST. Tune in and see a local favorite!
Yates Cider Mill is open in the fall, Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-7pm. It’s located at Dequindre Road and Avon Road (23 Mile Road).