Autumn is always a good time for families to get outside and spend some quality time – picking apples is one of the best fall family activities. Fall means apples coming in all forms, in donut shapes, beverages, and pure states. What is a better way to spend an autumn holiday than sipping fresh apple cider with some warm donuts by the side on a sunny day? Michigan is the third state with the largest production of apples, which means these fruits are a big deal in the state. There are many apple-picking spots for travelers to enjoy in the fall. Planning a Michigan trip this fall? These are the 10 best apple orchards ripe for the picking.
10 Uncle John’s Cider Mill, Saint Johns, Michigan
Every traveler is bound to find something interesting at Uncle John’s Cider Mills in the fall. Founded in the 1970s, this farm was once run as a wholesale vegetable and fruit farm until it was later converted into a thriving cider mill. Now in the fifth generation, Uncle John’s Cider Mill is gorgeous, boasting a cider mill, an apple orchard, definitely one of the best in the state, and a magnificent corn maze, among others – all seated on a beautiful landscape, waiting for exploration.
The farm’s orchard comes with incredible varieties, including Gala and the Northern Spy. Travelers will get a taste of their hard cider, snacks, wine, some food items, and gifts.
9 Bayne’s Apple Valley, Freeland, Michigan
Located in Freeland, Bayne’s Apple Valley Farm has been the top orchard in Mid-Michigan for three consecutive years, and it’s not hard to see why. Coming with fresh apple cider, freshly baked donuts, and the fruits in their pure forms! The farm even boasts a beautiful café where vacationers can grab some sandwiches and lounge outside as they take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding forest. Their apple orchard is one of a kind and is the best place to connect with new friends.
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Hours of operation:
9:00 am – 7:00 pm on Mondays through Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm on Thursdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Sundays
8 Leaman’s Green Applebarn, Freeland, Michigan
At Leaman’s Green Applebarn, visitors will some fresh donuts and apple cider. And what could be more fun than gazing at and later picking some beautiful red apples on a tree? Leaman’s Green Applebarn is undoubtedly one of the best apple orchards in Michigan. Tourists will encounter more than 20 varieties of apples here, and the best part is that they are all grown on just a 10-acre land. The apple orchard is simply amazing, and while vacationers are not allowed to pick the fruits, they can always purchase them, plus other goodies from the picturesque gift shop.
7 Sunny G Orchard, Stephenson, Michigan
Sunny G Orchard is an outstanding farm on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, growing over 10 different kinds of apples. The farm provides tours and hayrides to vacationers looking to have an experience of the farm. The weather patterns and seasonal changes are the major contributing factors to when the farm operates and when they don’t. But Sunny G Orchard welcomes everyone to explore their farm, as they are always excited to meet new friends.
6 Knaebe’s Apple Farm And Ciderworks
Located in Rodgers City, Knaebe’s Apple Farm and Ciderworks is one of the most impressive apple orchards in Michigan, with more than 50 apple varieties. These apples are grown on land in a hardwood jungle with incredible autumn colors surrounding them. The farm’s barn has a bakery offering different kinds of baked goods, including pies, donuts, and more. Also, over 13 acres of u-pick and hand-picked apples are always on display throughout autumn.
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Hours of operation:
9:00 am – 6:00 pm on Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sundays
5 Franklin Cider Mill, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Always open for some apple picking in the fall, Franklin Cider Mill offers one of the best Orchards in Michigan. The farm’s fresh hand-picked Michigan apples come in varieties, including Michigan Honey Crisp, Cortland, Empire, and Macintosh, among others. It is important to check for updates to know which varieties are available each week. Other than the apples, Franklin’s Favorite’s Tent offers a variety of goods, such as butter, preserves, jellies, and jams.
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Cost of caramel apple (with or without nuts):
$6 -
Cost of Gus’ nuts:
$9 small, $13 large
4 Friske’s Farm Market
Friske’s Farm Market would make a perfect day-trip destination if looking for where to hang out and spend time outside in the fall. Driven by their mission, ”bringing families and friends together around great food and extraordinary farm fun,” this is one of the best apple orchards in Michigan ripe for picking. The farm’s gorgeous orchards offer the most impressive u-pick experience ever! The apples are available in many varieties during market hours.
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Hours of Operation:
8:00 am – 7:00 pm on Mondays through Saturdays
3 Rennie Orchards, Williamsburg, Michigan
Located about 15 minutes north of Traverse City, Rennie Orchards in Williamsburg is one of a kind, offering 19 varieties of apples, including Honeycrisp. Travelers will also find cherries, peaches, gourds, and pumpkins on this adorable farm. The farm is family owned and offers some of the most fun fall activities, including scenic hay wagon rides and more available throughout autumn. Fruit lovers would definitely have the most wonderful experience on this farm.
2 Schell Family Farm, Pinckney, Michigan
Recognized for its Honey Crisps, Schell Family Farm is one of the best apple orchards in Michigan, ripe for picking. They process all kinds of syrup flavors, including apple flavored, which no travelers would want to miss in fall. Boasting thousands of pumpkins to choose from, Schell Family Farms-Awesome Apple Orchards is one of the best places to spend an autumn vacation or simply go apple picking with family and friends.
1 King Orchards, Central Lake Michigan
King Orchards is an amazing farm managed by a family of farmers who are always excited to meet and welcome new guests to their homes. Apple lovers and fruit enthusiasts will really love it here; thanks for all it has in store for visitors. Apples are available in different varieties. The farm boasts an on-site bakery processing jams, jellies, and pies by using fresh farm fruits. From this gorgeous farm, tourists will have breathtaking views of Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay.
