8 Delicious Dog Friendly Cider Mills in Michigan

What is better than crisp air, warm cider, and cinnamon sugar donuts? Taking your pup with you to one of these 8 dog friendly cider mills in Michigan! Going to the cider mill in Michigan is a fall tradition for most locals.  Michigan ranks 3rd in the U.S for apple production, so we pride ourselves in knowing apples and with apples comes the delicious nectar of cider, which also translates to donuts in most cases.

Most of the cider mills listed are within driving distance of each other, so make it a whole family affair road trip and see how many you can go to before entering a sugar coma.

Here are the top dog friendly cider mills in Michigan worth visiting this season:

yates cider mill – Rochester, Mi

Touted as Michigan’s #1 cider mill, if you haven’t been to Yates you need to go at least once in your life! It’s a very popular destination in the Fall so expect long lines and a lot of people, but it is so worth it.

The Mill dates back to the 1800s and still uses the Clinton River to power the cider mill process. They also have a bunch of other fresh baked goodies you can buy in addition to donuts. 

The cider has a rich spiced taste and is one of the best in my opinion!

Other things to do at Yates: Visit the apple tent to buy Michigan apples and pumpkins, get a slice of fudge, walk the ¾ mile trail along the river, pet a few animals at the petting zoo, and take a ride on a pony. If you live nearby, stop in for some ice cream in the summer.

They are dog friendly, but in recent years, have stated on their website that they prefer you bring dogs only on weekdays. You won’t get turned you away if you have your dog with you on a Saturday or Sunday, but it could be overwhelming for your dog with all the crowds. Make sure to bring water and some poop bags!

Dogs are not allowed in any of the buildings or the apple tent and should be kept away from the petting zoo. There are plenty of picnic tables to sit with your dog and walking the ¾ mile trail is a great way to tire your pup out.

Rochester cider mill – Rochester, mi

The cutest cider mill there ever was. Whoever decorates Rochester Cider Mill makes it so picturesque and quaint even though you are only a couple miles north of the bustling downtown of Rochester. Since it’s close to Yates, you won’t see nearly as many crowds here, which makes it a perfect stop after waiting in line forever at Yates. 

The cider is tangy and light. We got a dozen of their day-old donuts and they tasted perfectly fine.

You can purchase Michigan made goods, pumpkins and gourds, and feed the few animals they have in the back.

Dogs are allowed on the grounds, just not where the animals are kept and not allowed inside. There is not a lot of outdoor seating, so this would be more of a get in, get out stop.

paint creek cider mill – Rochester, mi

If you are making this a day trip, definitely stop by Paint Creek Cider Mill around lunch time since they are also a restaurant and serve some really good food. Dogs are allowed on their porch so they can enjoy lunch with you! The porch is fairly large so finding a seat shouldn’t be hard.

In addition to being a restaurant, you’ll find the traditional cider and donuts, but also ice cream! When we went, they even had homemade dog treats by the register. Kirby loved it!

The cider here has a very good deep flavor with a decent amount of spice. We had it warm, so that may have elevated the spiciness.

The great thing about Paint Creek is that it is right next to the Paint Creek Trail. So, grab some lunch and cider and hit the trail for a stroll afterward.

goodison cider mill – Rochester, mi

Goodison Cider Mill is literally ¼ mile north of Paint Creek so it’d be a shame to not stop by. They also pride themselves as being: Home of the world-famous Pistachio Nut Bread. It’s pretty tasty.

I highly recommend the donuts here! The cinnamon cider donuts have the best crunchy sugar coating out of all the donuts at any other mill and they have blueberry frosted donuts that are so worth getting as well.

We got a cider slushie here and it was almost as good as Uncle John’s cider slushies (which is saying something), a very good combination of sweet and tart.

Dogs are welcome on the grounds.

franklin cider mill – Bloomfield hills, mi

Another popular one because of its central location in the midst of the metro-Detroit area. 

Franklin Cider Mill offers a variety of baked goods, donuts, and apples for purchase. The little town of Franklin is also super quaint and worth walking around if you have the time.

If you are planning on going to the other cider mills on the list, skip the donuts here. You’ll find better donuts at the cider mills mentioned above.

Parking is kind of a nightmare here, so it’s best to visit on the weekdays or right when they open on the weekends.

honorable mentions:

uncle john’s cider mill – St. John’s, MI

Probably not going to be a mill on your day trip, but it makes the list because it has the best cider slushies and you can usually get them year round. Uncle John’s also has hard cider, a bunch of different events throughout the season and a few yard games that Kirby enjoyed watching.

If you are traveling up north, it’s a perfect stop on your way up, just north of Lansing. 

Dogs are allowed on the grounds, but not in the buildings.

robinette’s apple haus & winery – grand rapids, mi

I have not been here, but if you are in the Grand Rapids area, I didn’t want you to feel left out. Robinette’s is more than just a cider mill. They are a full fledged orchard, winery, lunch spot, and shop that is open year round. 

Stop in and let me know how it is!

Dogs are not permitted in the buildings, corn maze or hayrides.

Deihl’s Cider Mill – holly, mi

Another one I haven’t been to yet, but would love to check out. Deihl’s is also an orchard, with a corn maze, hay rides, pumpkin patch, and pony rides on the weekends. 

They welcome dogs on the grounds. 

Have you taken your pup to any of these dog friendly cider mills in Michigan? Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments!

Check out the map for all the locations mentioned in this post:

Looking for more things to do in Michigan with your dog? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Dog Friendly Travel in Michigan.

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