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Yates Cider Mill

4.7
ยท754 reviewsยทLake Orion, United States

Michigan's oldest cider mill, serving legendary donuts and cider with a historic charm and scenic river walk.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Yates Cider Mill - Image 1

Yates Cider Mill

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Michigan's oldest cider mill, serving legendary donuts and cider with a historic charm and scenic river walk.

4.7
(754 reviews)

"The best cider mill doughnuts in Michigan! This was way to sedate my cravings until next year!"

Vertical photo
TIP

๐ŸŽฏ Best Donuts in MI!

Don't miss the donuts; many rave they're the best in Michigan! Buy extra!

๐Ÿš— Weekday Visits Recommended

Weekends get chaotic. Weekday mornings offer a calmer experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 ยท 754 reviews

Type

Food

โ™ฟ Wheelchair accessible๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Accessible parking๐Ÿšป Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Freshly Made Donuts

Freshly Made Donuts

Donut Counter

Warm, soft, and often called the best in Michigan. A must-try fall treat!

Riverfront Views

Riverfront Views

Along the River

Enjoy scenic walks and picturesque views by the river, perfect for a peaceful moment.

Petting Farm Fun

Petting Farm Fun

Animal Area

A small, charming farm with animals that delight visitors, especially families.

Historic Cider Press

Historic Cider Press

Near the Mill

See the historic cider press in action, a testament to the mill's long-standing tradition.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Fall Rush

Yates Cider Mill is a beloved fall destination, drawing crowds, especially on weekends. Arrive early on weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Weekends can get very busy, so consider visiting during off-peak hours if possible.

Donut Delights & Cider Sips

The star attractions are the fresh cider and donuts, often cited as the best in Michigan. Be prepared for potential lines, especially for these popular items. Consider trying other treats like fudge or hand pies.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Fall weekdays
Why
Peak fall foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It was a beautiful day for the cider mill! ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ‚๐ŸŽ๐Ÿฉ We had a blast hangin out with some of our students at Yates Cider Mill. Dancing sure helped us digest all the cider and donuts! #fall #cideranddonuts #yates #spookyseason #adultdance #jordanmacstudios #cidermill #halloweenfood
jordanmacdance
50 likes โ€ข 2.5K views

๐ŸŽฏ Best Donuts in MI!

Don't miss the donuts; many rave they're the best in Michigan! Buy extra! InstagramReddit

๐Ÿš— Weekday Visits Recommended

Weekends get chaotic. Weekday mornings offer a calmer experience. InstagramReddit

Fall = cider + donuts ๐Ÿ๐Ÿƒ ๐Ÿ“Yates Cider Mill
foodfixdetroit
19 likes โ€ข 451 views
๐Ÿ“ Yates Cider Mill #yatescidermill #newexperience #luckygirl #friends #us
asmaamoaz_
6 likes โ€ข 362 views

๐Ÿพ Dog-Friendly Options

Yates can be busy for dogs. Consider their Canterbury Village location for a more relaxed dog outing. Reddit

๐ŸŽ Apple Tent Treasures

Beyond donuts, explore the apple tent for fresh produce and fall decor. Instagram

Yates Cider Mill Review ๐Ÿ Best doughnuts in Michigan, hands down ๐Ÿ™Œ #thesnowway
iamher_leiasnow
10 likes โ€ข 204 views

Tips

from all over the internet

๐ŸŽฏ Best Donuts in MI!

Don't miss the donuts; many rave they're the best in Michigan! Buy extra! InstagramReddit

๐Ÿš— Weekday Visits Recommended

Weekends get chaotic. Weekday mornings offer a calmer experience. InstagramReddit

๐Ÿพ Dog-Friendly Options

Yates can be busy for dogs. Consider their Canterbury Village location for a more relaxed dog outing. Reddit

๐ŸŽ Apple Tent Treasures

Beyond donuts, explore the apple tent for fresh produce and fall decor. Instagram

๐Ÿ’ฐ Petting Farm Fee

There's a small fee ($2) to feed the animals at the petting farm. Instagram

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ Scenic River Trail

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the nature trail by the river. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(754 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Yates Cider Mill for its exceptional cider and donuts, often calling them the best in Michigan. The historic charm, scenic river walk, and family-friendly atmosphere are also highly appreciated. Some minor critiques mention service speed during busy periods and the crust-to-filling ratio on hand pies.

"The best cider mill doughnuts in Michigan! We bought a dozen and wish I would have bought more! This was a great surprise for the store to be so close! Usually went to the cider mill every fall. This was way to sedate my cravings until next year!"

dreekie1

"Was so good. The caramel is rich and sweet. Love"

Sherry Hill

"Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon while checking out the Halloween displays at Canterbury Village. Donuts are soft and cider is delicious. Love that you can buy a mini 1 quart size cider jug. This is the perfect size for two people to share. Also tried the cherry and raspberry hand pies. They were good but crust to filling ratio couldโ€™ve leaned more on the filling side. The only star I took off is for the service. It wasnโ€™t super busy but the girl who helped us at the counter obviously didnโ€™t want to be there to wait on us."

Laurie Olds

What People Like

Best cider donuts
Delicious cider
Scenic river walk

What People Dislike

Service can be slow
Hand pie crust ratio

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Getting There

Yates Cider Mill is located at 1950 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI. It's easily accessible by car. Parking can be limited during peak times, so arriving early is advised. Instagram

Public transportation options to Yates Cider Mill are limited. It's primarily a destination reached by car. Check local transit schedules for any available bus routes that might get you close. Instagram

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly, especially on busy fall weekends. Consider carpooling or arriving early to secure a spot. Instagram

While Yates Cider Mill is a popular spot, it can be quite chaotic during peak fall season, making it challenging for dogs. Some visitors suggest their Canterbury Village location might be a more relaxed option for pets. Reddit

Yes, Yates Cider Mill is a popular day trip from Detroit. The drive typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Instagram

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ Tickets & Entry

There is no admission fee to enter Yates Cider Mill. You pay for the items you purchase, such as cider, donuts, fudge, and farm activities. Instagram

Yates Cider Mill is typically open from 7 am to 7 pm, but hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially during the fall season. Instagram

Yes, there is a small fee, usually around $2, to feed the animals at the petting farm. Instagram

While you can't typically pre-order cider and donuts for a specific time, they are made fresh throughout the day. Be prepared for a potential wait during busy periods. Instagram

Yates Cider Mill often hosts family-friendly activities, especially on weekends, including face painting, spin art, and pony rides (for an additional fee). Instagram

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿงญ Onsite Experience

Beyond the delicious cider and donuts, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the river trail, visit the petting farm, and explore the apple tent. They also offer face painting and spin art on weekends. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Families love Yates Cider Mill for its donuts, petting farm, and general festive atmosphere. The river trail is also a pleasant, easy walk for little ones. Instagram

The atmosphere is quintessential fall! Expect a lively, bustling environment with the smell of fresh donuts, the sound of happy visitors, and beautiful autumn scenery. Instagram+1

Yes, you can often see the cider being made, which is a fascinating part of the experience. Watching the donuts being prepared fresh is also a highlight. Instagram

Yates Cider Mill features a nature trail that runs along the river, offering a peaceful escape and scenic views. It's generally an easy and enjoyable walk. Instagram+1

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ ๐ŸŽ Food & Dining

The freshly made donuts and delicious cider are the absolute must-tries. Many visitors also rave about the fudge and hand pies. InstagramReddit+1

Prices can vary, but expect to pay a reasonable amount for fresh donuts and cider. A dozen donuts is a popular purchase, and cider is available in various sizes, including mini jugs. InstagramReddit

Yes, Yates Cider Mill offers a variety of other treats, including hot chocolate, fudge (chocolate, walnut, caramel), and hand pies (cherry, raspberry). Instagram+1

Yes, mulled cider is often available, especially during cooler fall days, providing a warm and spiced beverage option. Reddit

The fudge, particularly chocolate and walnut, is highly praised for its rich and sweet flavor, making it a popular souvenir or treat. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography

Capture the vibrant fall colors along the river trail, the bustling donut-making process, the charming petting farm animals, and of course, the delicious treats themselves. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The fall foliage surrounding the mill and river creates a picturesque backdrop, making it a fantastic spot for autumn photography. Instagram

Yes, the historic cider press is a unique visual element and a great subject for photos, showcasing the mill's heritage. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the serene river views, while late afternoon offers warm, golden hour light. Be mindful of crowds during peak times. Instagram

The river walk, the donut counter with fresh donuts, and the colorful apple tent are all popular spots for Instagram photos. Instagram+1

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Yates Cider Mill (2026) โ€“ Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide