
Yates Cider Mill
Experience Michigan's autumn charm with fresh cider, warm donuts, and scenic river walks at Yates Cider Mill.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Yates Cider Mill
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Michigan's autumn charm with fresh cider, warm donuts, and scenic river walks at Yates Cider Mill.
"Those cinnamon sugared doughnuts!!!!!! 100/10. So light, fluffy, air and delicious."

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking fills up fast! Consider parking down the street and walking if the lot is full . :car:
🍩 Warm Donuts are Key
Some visitors note donuts can be cold. Ask if they're fresh or warm for the best experience! :doughnut:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Freshly Pressed Cider
Cider Mill
Taste the pure, crisp flavor of apples pressed right before your eyes. A true taste of Michigan autumn.

Warm Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Donut Counter
Fluffy, airy, and perfectly sweet donuts, often served warm. A must-try treat that keeps visitors coming back.

Scenic River Walk
Walking Trail
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the river, especially beautiful with fall foliage. A great way to digest your treats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Peak Cider & Donuts
Seasonal Offerings & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking fills up fast! Consider parking down the street and walking if the lot is full. :car:
🍩 Warm Donuts are Key
Some visitors note donuts can be cold. Ask if they're fresh or warm for the best experience! :doughnut:
🚶♀️ Scenic River Trail
Don't miss the walking trail along the river for beautiful views, especially in autumn. :evergreen_tree:
💰 Bring Cash for Snacks
While they accept cards, having cash can speed up transactions at various food stands. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking fills up fast! Consider parking down the street and walking if the lot is full. :car:
🍩 Warm Donuts are Key
Some visitors note donuts can be cold. Ask if they're fresh or warm for the best experience! :doughnut:
🚶♀️ Scenic River Trail
Don't miss the walking trail along the river for beautiful views, especially in autumn. :evergreen_tree:
💰 Bring Cash for Snacks
While they accept cards, having cash can speed up transactions at various food stands. :moneybag:
🍦 Ice Cream Season
Craving cider and donuts in summer? Yates serves ice cream from 1 PM to 9:30 PM! :ice_cream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yates Cider Mill is a beloved Michigan institution, celebrated for its authentic cider and delicious donuts. Visitors praise the fresh ingredients and the charming atmosphere, though some note that weekend crowds and parking can be challenging. The scenic river trail and animal feeding add to the overall family-friendly experience.
"Really fun place to check out! I think it would have been a little better earlier in the season. It was freezing out (literally) and the animals weren't there. We tried walking on the scenic trail along the river, which looked really cool, but it was so windy we ended up turning back.
The hot cider and donuts were awesome! The staff was also very friendly.
Pro Tip: The only public bathrooms available are a couple of port-o-potties near the parking lot. Good to know if that isn't your thing."
Mr3dPHD
"Visited Sunday, Oct 12 2025 130pm - 330pm
We drove from Waterford to meet with friends that live on the east side. It was worth the drive, as I have been to this Cider Mill before over 10 years ago.
It is a full experience Cider Mill.
They offer cinnamon sugar, regular donuts and apple cider fairly priced.
The have a hot dog/ chili dog stand, roasted corn on the cob stand and Frankenmuth fudge stand.
They have plenty of picnic tables, a walking trail and nice river with a bridge running through.
They also offer pony rides and some goat, sheep and 2 small cows that you can purchase food pellets for and feed. By 3pm they are full and lazily lying down.
We arrived about 1:30pm on a Sunday, but it took us about ½hour to park. The Cider Mill is very popular on a Sunday, so traffic was bumper to bumper. We got lucky and found a parking spot in the Cider Mill parking lot as there were people coming and going. Our friends that we met, decided not to wait in traffic and parked down the street on 23 Mile and walked a block or 2.
Overall, it's a great family outing and I wanted to meet friends and bring my boyfriend to experience it.
I prefer smaller, quieter more quaint Cider mills like Franklin Cider Mill (which offers only plain donuts, but they are better tasting and warm and crispy on the outside). But again, Yates is a great, bustling, enjoyable full experience larger Cider Mill with many activities."
S Huie
"Me and my boyfriend had our annual recreation of our first date, only this time we chose to visit a different cider mill this year. Yates was such a great time!!! Between good food, cider and the ambiance, I have no complaints! We went around 2pm and it was a bit packed. Luckily, we got a parking spot rather quickly being that cars were coming in and out. And the lines moved pretty quickly for everything. I am sad that the ice cream stand is closed during certain months, so I look forward to that when I return.
But I must say, those cinnamon sugared doughnuts!!!!!! 100/10. So light, fluffy, air and delicious."
Princess Bates
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yates Cider Mill is located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors report traffic congestion, especially on weekends, so plan your travel time accordingly. Some suggest parking a bit further away and walking if the main lot is full.
Yes, Yates Cider Mill offers parking. However, it can get extremely busy, particularly on fall weekends, leading to long waits to get into the lot. Arriving early is your best bet for convenient parking.
Public transportation options to Yates Cider Mill are limited. It's primarily a destination best reached by car. Check local transit schedules for any bus routes that might get you close, but be prepared for a walk.
To avoid the worst traffic and parking headaches, aim for weekday mornings or late weekday afternoons. Weekends, especially in October, are the busiest times.
While specific policies can change, generally, pets are not allowed inside the mill or near food service areas. It's best to leave your furry friends at home to ensure a smooth visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Yates Cider Mill. You pay for the food and drinks you purchase, such as cider, donuts, and other treats.
Yates Cider Mill typically operates seasonally, with extended hours during the fall. They are also open in the summer for ice cream. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most current hours of operation.
Information on coupons or discounts for Yates Cider Mill is not widely advertised. It's recommended to check their website or local deal sites periodically, though prices are generally considered fair for the experience.
The cider mill season typically begins in late August or early September and runs through the end of October. Summer months offer ice cream, but the full cider mill experience is a fall highlight.
While the full cider mill experience is seasonal (fall), Yates Cider Mill does offer ice cream during the summer months. For cider and donuts, plan your visit during the traditional fall season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yates Cider Mill offers a variety of activities including a scenic walking trail along the river, animal feeding (goats, sheep, cows), pony rides (seasonal), and of course, enjoying fresh cider and donuts. They also have food stands for hot dogs and corn.
Yes, Yates Cider Mill features a scenic walking trail that follows the river. It's a popular spot for a leisurely stroll, especially during the fall when the foliage is vibrant.
Yes, you can purchase food pellets to feed the animals like goats and sheep at Yates Cider Mill. Keep in mind that animals may be less active or resting later in the day or season.
The primary public restrooms available at Yates Cider Mill are port-o-potties located near the parking lot. This is an important detail for visitors to be aware of.
The best experience involves arriving early, enjoying the fresh cider and warm donuts, taking a walk on the river trail, and perhaps feeding the animals. It's a full sensory experience of autumn in Michigan.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yates Cider Mill is famous for its fresh apple cider and warm cinnamon sugar donuts. They also offer hot dogs, chili dogs, roasted corn on the cob, pocket pies, and fudge.
Prices for cider and donuts are generally considered fair for the experience, though some find them a bit steep, with a quart of cider costing around $6.50 and donuts being a few dollars per half dozen. Prices can vary.
While you can get fresh, cold cider, Yates Cider Mill also serves hot cider, which is a popular choice, especially on cooler fall days.
The apple cider and donuts are typically vegetarian. For vegan options, you might need to inquire directly, as ingredients can vary. The roasted corn is usually vegan-friendly.
Yes, you can purchase fresh apple cider by the quart or gallon to take home and enjoy later. It's a great way to extend the taste of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the cider press in action, the warm donuts being made, the scenic river trail with fall foliage, and the rustic barn-like atmosphere of the mill itself.
Taking photos can be challenging during peak times due to crowds. Visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon can offer more opportunities for clear shots without many people in the background.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photos, especially along the river trail. However, the mill's interior is also well-lit and photogenic during operating hours.
Capture the steam rising from hot cider, the dusting of cinnamon sugar on donuts, and the vibrant colors of the fall leaves along the river. The animals can also make for cute photo subjects.
Drone usage is typically restricted at public attractions to ensure safety and privacy. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by Yates Cider Mill management.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍂 Fall Enthusiasts
🚗 Day-Trippers from Detroit
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Cider & Donuts Experience
Pro Tip: For the best donut experience, try to get them fresh and warm from the counter. The smell alone is intoxicating! The mill also offers other seasonal treats like roasted corn and pocket pies, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Exploring the Natural Surroundings
For those who enjoy interacting with animals, Yates Cider Mill has a small petting zoo featuring goats, sheep, and cows. Visitors can purchase food pellets to feed them, which is a popular activity for families. However, it's worth noting that the animals might be less active or resting later in the day or season.
Navigating Crowds and Logistics
To make the most of your visit, planning is key. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are generally less crowded than weekend afternoons. Be prepared for lines at the cider press and donut counter, but the staff are often described as friendly and helpful, which can ease the experience. The only public restrooms are port-o-potties, which is a practical detail to keep in mind.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit