Dexter Cider Mill

I have mixed feelings about the Dexter Cider Mill. First, they are a locally owned family business. The cider and other treats are delicious. You can even watch them pressing and bottling cider. The historic building and grounds are beautiful. There's nothing like sipping cider by the Huron River. Now for the downsides. It's always, always packed on weekends. There's not a lot of parking and that can be a challenge. There's always a line out the door to get the goodies. They only accept cash. I understand and respect that, but in this day and age we don't carry a lot of cash and when we went last time, we didn't have enough to buy what we wanted, so we bought less. They have an ATM on site but we don't use ATMs that don't belong to our bank due to fees. There is a nice sitting area in the back by the river with gorgeous views. But having so many people milling about, especially young people dropping f-bombs around our kids, kind of takes the enjoyment away. There are also a ton of wasps in late summer, so watch out! There are port a potties in case you need to use them, which is a nice thing to offer. Overall, this is a wonderful business to have in the Dexter community, but the downsides mentioned make us less interested in visiting.

Not much variety of food. Pretty much apples, which were delicious, and apple cider, also good. Probably layer into fall they have Carmel apples and baked goods. Cool location to visit right on the Huron river.

I really wanted to love this mill because of it’s history, but the tight parking lot and long line made it feel more chaotic than enjoyable. The donuts weren’t warm by the time we could try them, so that was a bummer. One plus was that the cider did taste great, and I’m looking forward to trying their hard cider.

2022.10.01 Saturday Who doesn't love fresh made cider and donuts?!? Literally watching them fill the gallon jugs!!! The smells are indicative of the Fall season that's here! Love coming to the Dexter cider mill. You can also find selections of jams, honey, hard ciders among other goodies on the shelves. Our usual for a weekend is a gallon of cider plus mix of cinnamon and plain donuts. This time around we also grabbed a loaf of homemade sourdough bread from Wild Rose Breads to try. For the cooler evenings ahead, curl up with some warm cider in the evenings with a bit of rum in it, a book and blanket, either inside by a fireplace or outside with a bonfire. Be ready for the lines on weekends. Today was in and out about 20 minutes that included the wait....not too bad for a Saturday!

Take the scenic drive from Main Street Ann Arbor on Huron river drive to dexter for the best apple cider anywhere. And don’t forget the donuts. Went back for more cider and doughnuts…excellent as always. Huron river drive was beautiful. You know you can freeze cider just pour some off the top for expansion and freeze it.

This was my first time visiting the Dexter Cider Mill. My fellow Kayakers entered from the Huron River to partake of the Cider and donuts. I like the atmosphere, the Cider blend was good and the service as well.

I heard about this being the oldest cider mill in Michigan so we wanted to check it out for that fact alone. We live nearby a “famous” cider mill and I have always thought it was the best for its cider. I was mistaken (sorry Uncle John’s). Dexter Cider Mill cider and doughnuts tops anything I have ever tried before. I’m so mad I only bought a half gallon! It’s so GOOD! I bought some smoked Gouda from the store as well that was phenomenal. We will be making the trek for more next weekend. Not only was the destination amazing but the drive was so scenic also. So many wins here.

A must visit! Cider is very good and crisp. Donuts are fluffy but could be better. However there are so many wasps and the gluten free option was lacking in the taste department. Overall a good place to visit for cider.

Stopped for our likely oats Apple cider donut for the year. The highlight of Dexter may be the apple cider mill and maybe the one lane bridge? The cinnamon sugar donuts are cold, but are soft and doughy on the inside. The sugar makes you at first feel like it's a slightly crunchy exterior of the donut, but it's soft. It was okay. The small styrofoam cup of warmed apple cider is $3 a piece, kind of expensive and a bit lacking in spiced seasoning too. The GF donut was $3.50, is was really dense and flavorless and not worth the carbs at all. $25 for the apple strudel, two cinnamon sugar donuts, pint of cold cider, 2 cups of the warm cider and an Apple fritter. The apple strudel tasted okay. Only had apple one side of the entire strudel. Not a big fan of the hugely rock sugar all over the strudel either. The cinnamon sugar donut was so-so. The dough inside and out is soft. The cinnamon sugar ratio is good. The Apple fritter here tastes good at least. Would be better warmer. The exterior has a nice crust and crunch to it.

I think Dexter mill had the best donuts and apple cider slushy's we've had. There's a cute river behind the store with a few picnic tables to relax. Sadly, I just wish there was more to do here. It's a quick trip.

This place was recommended a few years ago. I was told the apple pies were delicious but the baker was not available last year. Finally made it to the tucked away location and purchased two apple pies at $20 a piece CASH ONLY. Not at all what I expected. They were frozen and the taste wasn't great. Lard and plastic like taste to the dough and the apples tasted as if only one kind of apple was utilized. My daughter raved about this pie a few years ago but she was also disappointed this year. She thinks it's a different baker or that all the pies are frozen. I'm not sure but for me it's too far and the taste is not worth the price or worth returning. Did I taste any butter...No.

From out of town- Thought there would be more to do here.. You can purchase cider and donuts and other merchandise; but nothing else much to do. Doesn't have a ton of outside seating or anything either. Had a burger food truck there the day I went.

Very limited street parking Long lines to purchase - worth the wait! Cash or check only ATM nearby

I'm a bit of a cider mill newbie as I've only been to Franklin and now Dexter's Cider Mill. Dexter proudly reps that they're the the "oldest, continuously operating cider mill in the State of Michigan"! That's some serious cred. It's small and it's mainly a line that snakes into the building and out, but you can get a nice view of the Huron river in the back. The parking lot is small but you can easily find parking in the surrounding neighborhood. I ordered the: *Half Dozen Apple Cider Doughnuts - They were able to accommodate half plain & half cinnamon sugar, so that's what I got! They were both great - nice, fluffy & warm. *Apple Fritter - This was a bit more toasty looking like an extra toasty Cheez-It but it really brought out some caramel-y flavors. Delicious!

I so look forward to this being open every fall! The cider is delicious and the donuts are good. It's also by a pretty creek which is perfect for photos.

A nice quick Fall activity for foliage chasers. I came here on a sunny Sunday to escape the Ann Arbor bubble. It was a peaceful and scenic drive. Everyone else had the same thought because the line was out the door. I tried the hot spiced apple cider, apple turnover, and the cinnamon cider donut. All of it was really good. Beware of wasps looking for sweets :X and cash only, but other than that a really good time!

Came here for the first time after living in the area for 20 years. On the plus side, it's a cute building, I like the history behind it, and the staff are kind and efficient at moving the (very long) line. The cinnamon donut was great; the cider and caramel apples are fine. If you haven't been here before, it's a good idea to first understand that this is just a store, not a "destination" or "activity." It has very little parking, and it's not in the walkable downtown area, so you'll have to park on neighborhood streets. The "grounds" (if you can call them that) are poorly maintained and a little sad. There's nothing really here... it's just a store, a few picnic tables strewn about half-dirt/half-grassy areas, and a porta potty. Nobody seems to clean the area, so there are spilled glasses of apple cider and apple cores strewn about. The yellow jackets are absolutely insane. Like, apocalyptically insane. Exactly three landed in my son's "cider slushie" within a minute of walking outside, which startled him and made him drop it. Their trash cans are located where people congregate, and they have thousands of bees buzzing around them. I get it: there are bees at cider mills. But between the hype that preceded this place, the poor facilities, and the lack of cleaning and poor siting of trash cans, it was really frustrating. We had a much better time strolling downtown Dexter and hanging at a coffee shop afterwards.

A bike ride to the Cider Mill for a pint of ice cold apple cider and a warm, freshly made donut... life simply doesn't get much better than this! Family owned and operated since the horse-drawn buggy days of 1886, the Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest, continuously operating cider Mill in the state of Michigan. The Mill is housed in a rustic, barn-red structure perched above Huron River and presses native Michigan apples to create a deliciously fresh, unpasteurized apple cider. Their cider is what I call "Clean Water" baby! The "Mill" also bakes and prepares 2 classic styles of fresh donuts as well as a delicious apple nut bread, strudel, turnovers and homemade pies on the weekend. Over the years, my wife and I have enjoyed all of the above...and they've all been over the moon. A visit to the Dexter Cider Mill is an annual rite of Fall for us here in the upper Midwest. Today, my wife and I rode our bicycles to the Mill via the bike trail in the Dexter-Huron Metropark. Burning a few calories on our bikes was my perfect excuse to chow down an extra donut! If you are looking for a fun-filled Fall adventure, let me suggest that you consider venturing out to the small town of Dexter to soak in some history and make some enjoyable 5 star memories.

Knowing absolutely nothing about Michigan has its advantages since I have no preconceived notions of what the state has to offer. My unabated ignorance led Jamie W. and I to take a slightly rural detour on our way to Ann Arbor to visit Jamie's alma mater. Go Blue. I had no idea how pretty this part of the state was considering we weren't that far away from Motor City, and I certainly didn't know apple cider mills were a thing her. I figured that was a Washington state thing or maybe New England. I need to get out more. Anyway, this family-owned operation is just a fifteen-minute drive off Hwy 23. All we did was follow the rest of the cars to the inviting barn-red farmhouse. Around it were huge crates of apples, and inside were more apples in little bags. I get it. They sell apples. They also sell apple cider and doughnuts. Apparently that's what you're supposed to buy for a breakfast snack. I wish I knew that before the veggie omelette I had an hour before, but it won't kill me if I had one $1 Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut (photo: http://bit.ly/2S54Hbp). Right? Even though glazed cinnamon buns and apple bread were within reach. It was just a cake doughnut, nothing special, but the $2.50 styrofoam cup of Hot Spiced Cider was soothing balm on a wintry morning (photo: http://bit.ly/2QahWtQ). Strudel and pies, jams and bottles of their wood-pressed cider. It's a hard-knock apple life here. However, the best part was in the next building where the Sandhill Crane Vineyards offered complimentary tastings of four of their wines. Since I was so not the designated driver, I fully indulged and they were delicious. So pleased was I that I bought an $18 bottle of their Rhapsody in Red, a velvety red wine with a raspberry finish (photo: http://bit.ly/2Q9P1X0). No, it wasn't Boone's Farm. Not by a long shot. Open since 1866, Dexter Cider Mill is Michigan's oldest continuously operated cider mill. How's that for history? Don't care? Go Blue. CIDER - 4 stars...tasty elixir but the doughnut was barely a 3 AMBIANCE - 5 stars...as quaint as the Stratford Inn on "Newhart" SERVICE - 3.5 stars...it's what they do TOTAL - 4 stars...fulfill your cider mill fantasies...even if you didn't know you had any RELATED - Are you coming to Detroit? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: bit.ly/2TghclT

Very good cider. I really did not try the doughnuts. Nice area as well. Very thin on traffic which is great!

Can you even call it fall without a visit to the Cider Mill? Me thinks not. Dexter Cider Mill is the classic, family-owned cider and donut spot that is everyone's favorite. The apples are locally grown in their Chelsea orchard where they pick a blend of 3-5 different varieties. I mean, cider slushees??? Yumm -- : @thedextercidermill : Wednesday - Sunday 8am-5pm : 3685 Central St. Dexter, MI 48130 : Cash or Check Only -- #metrodetroit #michigan #sugar #sauce #tasty #delish #doughnuts #dessert #donuts #wonderfulplaces #donut #carbs #instafood #yum #delicious #foodporn #foodgasm #food #yummy #fall #cidermill #donuts #nomnomnom #detroiteats #cideranddonuts #DexterMichigan #DestinationAnnArbor #dexter #mlive

This was a pleasant little stop for a Californian. I came in November and enjoyed having hot cider and donuts down by the river bank. It was nice experience with the fall leaves. This was hidden gem.

This was my first ever cider mill experience and I enjoyed it! I had no idea what to expect from a cider mill except donuts and cider. This place has both of those plus a lot more! The country store portion has tons of apple butters, preserves, honeys, etc as well as baking mixes, cook books, and take home apple-based gifts. Besides the delicious donuts and cider, they sell pie and caramel apples. There is a cute set of picnic tables behind the barn near the river for you to enjoy your purchases, just beware of hungry bees!

Fall (almost). Midwest travel weekend. You bet we're going to head out to the Dexter Cider Mill for a sweet local treat of cider and donuts! Daughter had never been, so this local cider mill of solid reputation fit the bill for breakfast. We've been before. My son LOVES LOVES LOVES apple cider. This is a no-brainer. We arrived around 9:30 on a Sunday morning. Store was not jammed, so I assume we beat the weekend crowd by coming early. We quickly chose our treats, stocked up on cider and headed out back to enjoy them along the river. Sadly, the wasps instantly swarmed and since both kiddos are terrified of wasps, we decided to take our donuts and cider elsewhere to eat. Which is too bad, because it really is lovely along the river. No matter in terms of enjoying our food & cider. We purchased a dozen sugared donuts. Even 1/2 hour later they were divine bites of sugary-crisp outside & light fluffy donut goodness inside. The cider accompanied our food, refreshening as well. My daughter also ordered a cider glazed cinnamon roll. She reports it was tasty and she loved the glaze. It had a good amount of cinnamon spice, not overpowering. Hubby sampled the apple fritter. He wished it had been softer inside but it had good chunks of apple inside and he's definitely order it again. If you are in the area (it's an easy drive from Ann Arbor), and want a cider mill experience primarily focused on cider and other apple/fall food treats, this is an excellent establishment to visit!

Awesome place to try fresh cider and donut. Great view of the lake behind the store. This spot is like a pit shop for kayakers which is kind of nice to watch. Sipping cider , munching on fresh donut and listening to lake flowing . Can it get any better?? No right. So move your ass and try this place.

This is a great local spot on the river near Ann Arbor. They have good apple cider and a nice selection of apple themed treats including cider donuts, cinnamon rolls, and apple butter to name a few. They only take cash or check, but they do have an ATM on the premises. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because I wish there was a bit more to do.

Good donuts and cider, can't complain. Didn't get to try their other stuff, also parking is a nightmare.

Dexter Cider Mill is a fun and popular fall destination for those around the area. They have a beautiful property right next to the river, with ample seating around to enjoy it outside when the weather is nice. Their cider is delicious as are their donuts! It seems like that is the combination they are known for, but their shop also sells other delicious items (a lot of seasonal items).

You know what? I'm upgrading my review. I know it's not the most flashy of cider mills in the area (no petting zoos, no hayrides here) but the cider is probably my favorite in the area and the doughnuts are amazing to boot. I also love the small market where you can buy local honey, caramel apples, baking mixes, maple syrup and such too. Pet-friendly and the river in the back makes for a lovely setting to snack and sip (although seating is limited, you might need to get creative). They also have cider slushies if you come when it's a bit warmer out and want something a bit cooler to sip on.

The line was long, but the wait wasn't. Pretty efficient service to buy your traditional cider and donuts, honey, maple syrup and pumpkin spice stuff!

Being the bucket-list-pursuing, Instagram-seeking, local-food-obsessed millennial that I am, my ears definitely perked up when I heard that visiting Dexter Cider Mill is a favorite Michigan fall activity. Dexter Cider Mill has a no-frills store featuring their famous cider, house-made donuts/pies/pastries, caramel apples, freshly picked apples, and local products ranging from hipster pumpkin butter to specialty honeycomb. There isn't a seating area and the cider comes in prepackaged quarts/gallons, so I suggest planning on taking your items to-go (unfortunately, not really any Insta-worthy backdrops to showcase your donuts and cider). The cider (~$10/half gallon) really is exceptional, testifying their 120-year-old technique with an oak rack press. True to the description of blending 3-5 different varieties of hand-picked apples in every pressing, there are more nuances than your typical apple cider, to the point that you can essentially use wine tasting jargon to describe the bouquets. Note that their regular cider is not hard cider (which is also sold); it took me awhile to realize this because I had forgotten about the existence of non-alcoholic apple cider :P For hot days, they also blend a slushie version with their apple sauce. The donuts come as plain ($0.70 each), cinnamon sugar ($0.80 each), and a seasonal pumpkin flavor. It's hard to go wrong with freshly baked donuts with a magically soft interior and a satisfying crisp to the coating, though I do wish the infused apple cider had a stronger taste. Pairs well with the cider because it's primarily more doughy and not too sweet. FYI I've also seen this sold at Plum Market in AA so no need to fret if you are craving Dexter Cider Mill donuts, though the price is slightly marked up to ~$1 each. It was a very hot day so we didn't visit the rest of the site, but I think there's a small area by the river to walk around. The rustic ambiance of the store itself almost makes it feel like something out of the Oregon Trail, creating an overall memorable cider mill visit. Other tips: *As is expected for any place near a farm, there are bees. (Don't forget that Epi-Pen if you are allergic!) *There's a decently sized parking lot, but gets filled up quickly *Cash only (come well stocked, because you'll probably be tempted to buy a lot of their unique products)

Always delicious donuts and apple cider. I've been coming since I was little and it hasn't changed one bit. One of my favorite parts about the Dexter Cider Mill is the picnic area behind the building on the river - just watch out for all the bees! New this year is hard cider! I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but a decent sized bottle (at least two glasses) is $6 - what a steal!

We absolutely love the Dexter Cider Mill. Nancy and Marty are amazing people. Get the hard cider early in the season if you want a Prosecco style drink. It's to die for. Make sure you bring cash. Atm is there but for ease, bring cash. Enjoy your cider and donuts on the back of the property looking at the water and capture beautiful photos.

It's just the neatest fall experience for me when I get to visit Ann Arbor in this season. I was here once before, over 10 years ago and having the chance to re-visit this week reminded me of just how good it is. Get the cider, get the donuts, get some apples (and yes, they have some Macintosh) and look at all the other treats for sale, you'll find some really good ones including fresh cookies and apple desserts and some packaged goods. I brought home some pure maple sugar treats from Benedict Family Maple in Vermontville, MI, which I am currently nibbling as I write this from my home in CO, not a place with local sugar maples. I ordered the cinnamon sugar donut, which I have had before and loved and tried the pumpkin donut also. At first I thought the pumpkin a little different but in the end, I think that is the one I would have ordered if I had still been hungry. Also take a peek through the door in the back to see them filling containers of fresh cider with a big hose. Very cool. And you must take a cider jug of some size home. We warmed it up later and had a few more days worth to savor with morning waffles. And my hosts made the most wonderful apple pie with the Macintosh we purchased. They really do need lots more outdoor seating here though, and as others have said, the bees are a problem. But sometimes your car will need to be a few blocks away if you go during a busy, beautiful fall weekend, like we did. It's a little tough to eat the donuts and drink the cider and walk safely! But we did, after getting part way through our treats under a tree first.

I am highly impressed with this establishment. It is held in high regard in the local area, and is often exceptionally busy. So on a Sunday morning in October, I began my journey to investigate this purveyor of fine cider and donuts with a brisk walk down Central Street. I arrived shortly after they opened, and was greeted by the sweet smell of warm cinnamon and sugar. A friendly gentleman greeted me, and I requested a half gallon of cider and two varieties of donuts: the highly esteemed cinnamon sugar donuts, and the seasonally appropriate pumpkin donuts. The first donuts came dusted with a lovely coating of sugar, and I was regretfully informed that they were out of pumpkin donuts; but Dexter Cider Mill had a neat trick up their sleeve. You may notice that in the main room of the store, just behind the counter, there is a rope that is suspended from the ceiling by a pulley and disappears mysteriously through the floor, extending into regions unknown. Well this gentleman walked over to that rope, looked down, and asked the floor if it had any pumpkin donuts to spare; and I kid you not this man pulled on that rope and up came a bag of pumpkin donuts! Straight out of the floor! Well slap me silly and call me Shirley, they must have a hidden laboratory down there! I paid for my goods and thoroughly thanked this gentleman, for he is surely a wizard of sorts. I immediately opened this small bag of savory treats and the aroma was heavenly! They were warm, soft, and oh so sweet. I didn't think a donut would impress me in this way, but there is a first time for everything. The cider is phenomenal as well. It is worth noting that they accept cash only, but there is an ATM on premises for the ill-fated traveler. I recommend coming from near or far, and treating yourself to a top of the line donut from Dexter Cider Mill, the cider mill with a sweet little secret, hidden in the floor!

It's fall in Michigan & the ring of cider & donuts are in the air! Oh yum! This was a nice visit to enjoy some cider & donuts. As other reviews stated: there are bees, the parking lot is on the smaller end & fills quickly, and it is cash only. Make sure to walk out back & see the beautiful scenery. #puremichigan

Delicious but definitely over did it with the donuts + cider lol, 2 donuts probably is enough for one person P.S. popular place should be ready to stand in line or go really early to avoid the line

Mmmm apple cider. I'm not from Michigan, but ever since someone mentioned cider mills I was all for visiting one ASAP. I did some searching online and Dexter's is one of the oldest/sounded like a good one to visit, so that's the one we went to on a really warm and sunny Saturday in October. Everyone must have had the same idea, because the line was long!!! Good thing it was warm out. Anyways, I was a little disappointed that it was such a small place - I think I was hoping for some apple orchards, a pumpkin patch, and just a little bit more space to wander around. Don't get me wrong, the cider and cinnamon donuts were delicious (scary wasps flying around the tables though). I also reallllly liked that Sandhill Crane Vineyards had a little shop and tasting table in the barn (delicious local wine, I got the seasonal apple wine). Make sure to bring cash (or check) because they don't take credit cards. There's also a variety of other products (apple butter, honey, baked goods, candy) if you're in the mood for a little something else. I would probably return to Dexter Cider Mill, particularly for the wine haha, but also for more cider and donuts. I just think I would try to visit a couple other cider mills first next fall.

Tasty destination for a late summer day. We filled up on doughnuts, a cinnamon bun with lots of glaze, and a cider slushy. All delish, but you definitely pay a premium compared to the same stuff at the grocery store. Got to watch the old fashioned cider pressing procedure up close, which was fun. The cider mill is quaint and pretty, but also fairly no frills (limited seating, port-o-potty.

Arrived this morning, bright and early around 10 am and the doughnuts were fresh and warm. The cider was that deep color that one expects to see in a real container of apple cider. It tasted great; sweet with a touch of tartness. I love that this location has two types of doughnuts to choose from, either plain or cinnamon/sugar. Both are excellent. They are fried and therefore, have that slight crispness around the edges but are quite fluffy in the center. The woman manning the counter was so warm and welcoming and genuinely friendly. I bought one dozen total with half plain and have sugar (just to try them both out) and after we ate one I turned right back around and ordered another dozen. Yes, they were that good! There are several picnic tables to eat at and some down by the river. There were a number of bees but, I have always seen these at cider mills. They also sold all the other typical cider mill offerings aka honey, apples, apple bread, pie etc. I officially love this cider mill. They are much closer to my house than my life-time favorite, Franklin Cider MIll. Franklin will always be nostalgic to me and it just wouldn't be Fall without visiting them at least a couple of times but, this place will be my go-to cider mill from now on...they are amazing!

No decent apples. Not much available. A mess to get to and park (and not many masks). We don't eat donuts. Won't go there again.

My family has come here for years. We absolutely love this place! I refuse to get my cider from anywhere else. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The only downside of this place is that they only accept check or cash. Although there is an ATM customers can use.

This is a great way to kill about 30 minutes on a gorgeous fall morning (still too cold for this LA girl). Definitely go behind the building and into the basement area as you might be able to catch the apple pressing which occurs every 2 hours. We got a delicious pint of apple cider, a apple donut and a large apple gingersnap cookie for about $5. Surprisingly, I found the apple gingersnap cookie to be my favorite item. I typically do not dig gingersnaps but this was the best gingersnap I have had ...ever! The hubby, on the other hand, commented that it was not "gingery enough" but he's a gingersnap snob and I refuse to demote my opinion of such an excellent cookie! If you decide to go behind the barn to view the river, you may want to do it when you have finished consuming all your apple products as there was a serious bee issue today. Otherwise, its a beautiful view of the river. Also, although they sell apple products and maple syrup inside the barn, none appear to be made on-site. Which is fine but I'm usually more impressed by homemade products. One of the employees mentioned that apple season was ending soon so definitely try to visit now if the cider mill is on your to-do list! They only accept cash or check but they do have a ATM out back.

Not much to speak of - we visited with my out of town family. In a cool old mill. Lots of friendly people hanging around. Old time candy and items for purchase. That was it. The most impressive was the sitting area behind the mill, that overlooks the river. Such a beautiful spot. I was surprised to see a Sandhill Crane winery tasting counter, tucked in the corner of the mill. Free tastings and good selections, but we didn't taste anything we cared for enough to purchase. Check it out if you are in the area. The candy apples looked good. Not really a place for kids. There isn't much for them to do there.

Too many bees! Bees everywhere! Apples aren't local. I guess it is just a mill, but get rid of the bees. Bring an epi pen if you come here

Such a great cider mill! It doesnt have hay rides and all the bells and whistles that some places do, just really great donuts and cider. The line is usually very long on the weekends, but it goes by pretty fast so dont let it deter you from getting in line. The donuts are so fresh they are hot and leave little rings in the brown bag... if you have ever been to Franklin Cider Mill this is just like it. Keeping tradition and classics front and center. They also sell products like fresh honey and pastries.

There was a huge line when we came on a Saturday afternoon! It made me excited to experience what I understand to be a quintessential Midwestern fall activity: cider and donuts. They have plain donuts and cinnamon sugar donuts, and I opted for the former so I could taste the pure batter unmasked by cinnamon sugar, a flavor of course everyone knows is good. There's nothing to dislike about deep fried dough, though I wasn't sure if I could actually taste any apple flavor infused in the donut, or if my senses were in general overloaded with apple-ness in the air around Dexter Cider Mill. I also for the first time tried real apple cider, which I would describe as a more concentrated and fizzy version of apple juice. So sweet and potent that I could only sip it in small doses, so I used much of it in apple-y baked goods later on. The line weaves through the store shelves, which hold products including mustard, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, and pickled vegetables. I couldn't help but pick up a jar of stone-ground dijon mustard for $3.75, which I don't think is terribly more expensive than one would find in the normal grocery store. In addition, they also had free wine tasting in the room next to the shop. Random, but I'll take it. They generously had pretzels to cleanse the palate in between tastings, plus If one tried the dessert wine one got a piece of chocolate to pair with it. Given the crowd, parking was surprisingly not a problem, and the line actually moved decently fast. I don't know how the quality of the donuts compares with others, but it seems like Dexter Cider Mill has all the traits of a proper cider and donut producer so I would recommend it to anyone who has not done this traditional fall activity.

A great stop in the fall, but the yellow-jackets like the apple cider as much as I do. I love the idea of stopping by a cider mill in the fall, and the Dexter Cider Mill covers most of the bases --- hot cider (a little too sweet for me), cold cider (also a little sweet), and fresh donuts (solid). The gingerbread cookies are a less-common standout. This mill deals with apples from several orchards, so both the fresh apple and cider offerings vary week to week. The biggest downside is easily the insects --- yellow-jackets and bees enjoy the cider spilled on the ground, and go after the cider that hasn't yet been spilled. I've never been stung here, but I had several yellow-jackets land on me during my last visit. Get your cider & donuts to go, and consider heading to somewhere quieter to enjoy them.

The prices are amazing compared to the places around metro Detroit that really can sink your wallet. The cider was crisp and fresh - the donuts are amazing. Fried, not caked. The only downside is the lack of seating around the mill. We found ourselves squatting or standing to eat our delicious treats.

Cooler autumn days and the inevitable transformation of Michigan forests into multicolour patchworks of vermillion and copper bring a longing for pumpkin spice lattes, snug fires, and waiting in lines snaking around outside cider mills, along with a quarter of Detroit metro's population, hoping the doughnut faeries don't retire back to cider-land before you get to the front of the line. Unlike many cider mills, Dexter Cider Mill is not buried away in the depths of a corn field hours from civilization, accessed through a corn maze and a pumpkin mine field. It sits right along the Huron River next to a bridge, and the staff proudly told me that the water turns into a river of golden leaves when the maples cast off their foliage. Not more than a half mile from downtown, the feel is partially urban and still country, rustic-like, and peaceful. You won't find modern amenities here inside the shop, as the spry elderly fellow at the antique cash register informed some newcomers ahead of me. No coffee for sale, as we don't "do that kind of drink here." They do, however, have hot and cold cider, cider slushies, and cider tea along with apple cinnamon tea bags in boxes. Credit cards and debit cards will stay in your wallets too, as only cash or cheques are accepted. None of those newfangled plastic swipey devices work here, as it's an old fashioned place. ATMs can be found in town but make sure you bring a few bills or else you won't be picking up your peck of honey crisps and Galas. The shopfront encompasses an aisle doubling back from the door to the register area. Shelves stocked with local honey, maple syrup, muffin and bread loaves, and cider provide produce to complement the stars of this show, the cider, apples, and doughnuts. A separate table offers pints, half-gallons, and gallons of pressed cider made from apples in the orchards. Mid- and late-season ciders taste different than early ones, and the blends are worth exploring. Apples are bagged on trays closer to the register, and doughnuts are stowed away on a shelf behind. The caramel apples are devastating if you're managing a diet or healthy eating plan, given how sumptuous and thick the gooey caramel is. I didn't go for a peck of apples, but rather three dozen doughnuts to share with family and friends. Considerable restraint was necessary not to devour five in a row, as they were soft, spongey, and cinnamon-sugar dusted. There are only two flavours, plain and cinnamon sugar, and the sugar ones absolutely hit the spot,. The sugar is thickly coated, finger-licking and sweet. Stuff your face with glee and wander up the Huron River daydreaming of long, warm months.

I love this place because it isn't all Vegas-like with the concessions booths and the chotchkies and the kiddie rides (I'm talking to you Franklin and Wiard's!). If you want the world's widest selection of maple-based products, go somewhere else. If you want fantastic cider and donuts, go to Dexter. Be sure to catch the apple-pressing demo. It's fascinating. You get to stand in this creepy basement room and watch as they drop fresh apples through a chopper, down a chute, and onto a wood slat platform. Each batch of chopped apple is wrapped in a giant nylon cloth. Then another platform is stacked on top, then comes more chopped apple bits, and so on until you have 8 platforms stacked high (1,700 lbs of chopped apple!), a sweet smelling flood of fresh cider pouring out the sides. The product is unpasteurized which means BIG flavor. The apples are grown in a local orchard - they simply don't use any outside of a 20 mile radius. I know I'm a geek, but I find that demo way more interesting than the Moon Walk at Wiard's, or whatever it is that brings in their crowds.

Nothing spells Fall like crisp apple cider and fresh fried donuts. It's a Dexter institution right on the Huron river. You can watch 'em at work if you get there are the right times. When the leaves start to pop, it's time to take a nice drive, head over to the cider mill, and get some of the best cider around. I'm in San Francisco now. Fall isn't the same without good quality cider.

Sweet little cider mill off the beaten path in Dexter. I was expecting a bit more, having grown up going to orchards, where we would pick apples, look at old timey farm implements, and come home with the best cider and donuts ever. Dexter Cider Mill provided the latter but not the former. It's a good place to go for treats, but not so good if you're looking for something to do to fill up an afternoon. That said, the donuts! So good! Oh, and bring cash. There are ATMs in "downtown" Dexter, but nothing immediately nearby, which is a big bummer when you want to eat one of those donuts RIGHT NOW.

SO STINKING CUTE! D'aw. Now that I've got that off my chest, I will elaborate some on my previous statement. Dexter cider mill is my new love for local cider mills in the area. Sure, it's the latest (& greatest) I visited and the grass is always greener.. and all that, but this cider mill truly is a special one. We visited here last season (fall '13) on an unseasonably sunny and warm day, and it made for the perfect setting to stand in line for their glorious apple liquid and take in the charm of this mill. I speak of this line which was of respectable size and of the snaking kind, but it moved rapidly. Once you get closer to the entrance you will understand why, it is because this mill is a well-oiled machine. The staff is as efficient and buzzing as many of the bees that swarm outside, and around this place. Speaking of which, unless you are highly allergic (and what are you doing here, then?) please just leave them be. They are friendly and docile and a lot smaller than you are. The floors of this beautiful Michigan red building are hardwood, creaky and crooked. Inside you will find locally sourced snacks and goodies such as jams, pre-made cake mixes, honey and cookies. The creamed honey with cinnamon is delicious and worth every of the 12 dollars I paid for it. The cider during our visit was sweet with a nice, tart undertone. It was refreshing and delicious. The donuts are soft and fluffy with a crispy outside, which in my book means perfection. Maybe the funnest part here is the pie-hauling thingamajingy. You know. A little whatchamacallit basket attached to a rope which lifts up fresh baked goods through a hole in the floor. Did I mention it was cute in here, already? Between the antique barn feeling and look of this building, the gorgeous river scene out back with its beautiful, colorful trees the Dexter cider mill makes for a great family stop and a wonderful backdrop for iPhoneographists and Instagrammers alike.

I grew up in Dexter so maybe I'm biased but this cider mill has the best donuts around! I am a donut connoisseur and have proclaimed the cinnamon sugar donuts to be the lightest, most satisfying deep-fried morsels available. I last went there on Saturday and even though the parking lot was almost full, I was delighted to receive super fast service for my purchase of a dozen donuts. I won't go into what happened next on the drive back home, but let's just say I got my fill of fried foods for a while. Note: it would be a bad idea to come here if you suffer from a bee allergy as this place is swarming with them.

Gems like this are what make Fall in Michigan my favorite time of year. This place is adorable. Every time I've been here, the father-daughter duo have been working, talking to regulars they see every year, etc. Frequently, the line extends through the parking lot, all the way to the street. They are friendly, and efficient, but you will still wait about 25-30 minutes. We went there this past weekend, the line was just barely out of the building, and it took us about 20 minutes to get through. I don't even like sweets, but could easily eat three of these donuts in one sitting. They are so tasty! The cider is great early in the season, before it gets super sweet. The bees were out of control when we were there this year. So, if you're allergic, either send someone else to get your donuts, or bring your epipen!

The doughnuts here are very good! Just as good as Yates & maybe even better! The line is crazy long but worth the wait.

This is my favorite cider mill next to Paint Creek in Rochester. The cider is absolutely delicious and the employees are very friendly. I would suggest coming during the week when it is less crowded (especially if you have an aversion to kids). The donuts are very good, but could stand to be a little fresher/warmer when purchased. It has a very nice area in the back next to the Huron River to sit at a table and enjoy the fall view (or catch leaves). If you want to preserve some cider for a long plane ride (say, to Texas), buy the pints, freeze them, and wrap them in plastic. They should survive the ride quite well. I am now enjoying some of this incredibly tasty cider (slush) right now.