Yates Cider Mill

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.

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.

Absolutely love this place! Yates Cider Mill is a must-visit, especially in the fall. The donuts are amazing — fresh, warm, and incredibly tasty. The cider is made right in front of you, and you can taste the freshness in every sip. Honestly, it’s some of the best cider we’ve ever had. Outside, there’s a stand with fresh corn, my wife and I are obsessed! It’s super sweet and delicious. One of our favorite parts is the walking trail nearby. In the fall, it’s absolutely stunning with all the vibrant colors. Perfect for a peaceful stroll after some cider and donuts. Highly recommend, we’ll keep coming back!

When can I move in? I grew up in Michigan but I've never been to a cider mill before. 🤯 I guess my parents didn't really love me. 😄 Well, a stunningly beautiful Saturday in October was a perfect day to rectify that oversight of my youth, mom & dad. Bring your patience. Even though everyone, from the people helping to direct us in parking lot to the young women working in that first, noisy! room, everybody was smiling & helpful. Useful because, at 10 a.m., we were, by far, not alone. But we did beat the just-before-noon rush. 🤙🏼 We joined the queue like good and hungry little lemmings because, inside the barn, was the reason for the trip: fresh donuts & cider! 🤤 By the time I walked out of that pressing/sales room, I was carrying a great deal of delicious comestibles. Donuts, pocket pies & a quart of cider. I was also a great deal poorer, about $40 worth. I may have overdone it my first time but the prices are, well, steep. $6.50 for a quart of cider? It's $8-9 a gallon in the store. My friend got some roasted corn. $7. Ouch. Parking is free, but access gets hard when really busy. Still, the experience was good, the donuts still warm, and the cider was the perfect accompaniment. 👌 Oh, man! I forgot to get fudge! 😭🤦‍♂️

Gluten free and dairy free person here, their allergy friendly donuts are made off site and they are safe and yummy. The staff was super nice and willing to answer my questions about what is safe. Their cider is good too and gf and df! I love getting the cider slush with a donut . Amazing! Love the nature trail that is by there. It is nice to be able to walk around while snacking.

The best apple cider donut I’ve ever had. They were perfect! So much so I went back for more. The area is a cute quiet spot and has seating near a little creek. There are trails here but our time was limited and didn’t walk them. I’ll be back for one of the ice cream treats next visit. I’ll

Yates is top notch! Plenty of things for the kids...They have pony rides, animal petting, face painting and more...Their cider and donuts are yum among other options...Service was quick as the lines moved steady. Even down by the river was scenic and the ducks definitely wanted donuts too lol

Great place to come with your family or your significant other, beautiful trail to walk with ponds filled with ducks, they also have a cool little area with sheep, goats and cows. But the best part has GOT to be the Cider and donuts! Plenty of other treats as well.

Great donuts. Delicious cider. I love the history of the place and you gotta love anything that still uses the mechanical advantage of river power.

My first cider mill. My wife grew up in Sterling Heights and always came to Yates during the season. She wanted to show me around, and of course wanted to relive many of her happy childhood memories. My daughter wasn't with us, so we surprised her with their pecan pumpkin butter. She did request some apples, but we did not think we would make it through TSA. We both had some of their delicious apple cider donuts and apple cider. I had it cold and my wife had hers hot. Yum! Totally have missed out on this since living in Florida, where instead of the roaring seasons, it is practically summer all year round. Hopefully one day, we can get our daughter on a plane to experience Yates.

Perhaps it's because we went on a drizzly day, but I loved going to a cider mill, easily parking, and waiting less than five minutes in line for cider and fresh donuts. We also had fun exploring the nature path and feeding the ducks. The goats and cow were cute, but I do feel there were far too many in the enclosure they were penned into.

My beloved cider mill. Boy, have things changed around you! Do you really need this many roundabouts?! Time has changed, but when you enter the parking lot, time stands still.Take a whiff the moment you open your car. You will smell a perfume mix of apples, cinnamon, and sweet dough. Max got a cold cider and I got mine hot. So sweet and delicious. I couldn't resist getting the famous cinnamon and sugar soft like a pillow donut. The staff runs this place like Disney. Lots of turnstiles, but in the thick of the season the line will move quickly. A word of caution to those that have bee allergies. Stay away from the picnic tables by the water.

Great place to visit in the fall. Donuts were awesome and the cider is probably one of the best tasting and freshest apple ciders I've had. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. The barn was really cool they also have a river in the back of the property we took a ton of pictures here. Great place to bring the whole family to.

This was my first time at this particular cider mill and it was cute. They had Pony rides for the kids and a petting zoo where you can feed and pet the animals. The donuts were delicious so warm and soft . They had a nature trail that is very long we did not walk the whole trail. They also had a fudge shop there, an apple market, and a corn vendor. Good for families and kids

This is the best place to get all the fall vibes! From the petting zoo to the nature walk to the most incredible and decadent donuts, cider and apples! This place has everything and is incredibly picturesque. Go early to get a parking spot because this place fills up.

The best cider mill donuts and cider in all of south east Michigan, there's a reason Miranda cosgrove went here!! There is not that much to do after your done eating except a little petting zoo with goats. Blakes cider mill does have more activities but Yates food is way better.

been coming here for years and then more with my family. imo, this is the best cider mill in the area! their cinnamon sugar donuts are HANDS DOWNNNN the BEST donuts between all the major cider mills in the area. such a fun place to spend some time at, eat some donuts and cider and then walk the trail! you can even spend time feeding the goats if that's something you like doing.. emphasizing the five stars because even during peak season, they keep the line moving so fast somehow! amazing! the overall ambiance is just fall vibes.. but the ice cream in the summer is amazing too!

Yates is a great way to spend the day with family and friends. Not only do they have the delicious Michigan Apple Cider, but they have the amazing sugar and cinnamon donuts that make the visit 20 times better. There is a small river and trails that you can explore while having the treats from heaven. Go! Now! You will love it.

An exceptional cider mill: really good cold pressed cider, classic cinnamon donuts, stunning desserts. There is a reason this place has been around for over a century: it is Americana.

It was a beautiful November sunday afternoon. Expected lots of people and yes it took some effort to find a spot to park but after that, even with the line, it was quick. Got the donuts, apple cider and apple cider salad dressing. Donuts were still warm. Very yummy. Goes extremely well with the apple cider. Nice tables outside and good for a short walk in the woods!

As always, my favorite place to visit when I come home to Michigan! Luckily, today was not nearly as busy as the most previous years I've came to Yates. We were relieved to see no backed up traffic, parking in the front lots (not across the street), and no line to get our cider and donuts around 1:30 p.m. today. It's always so nice to stroll down the trail & visit the pop up tents at Yates before getting our cider and donuts. Just gets too much to carry. I picked up a quart of cider and a half dozen of cinnamon and sugar donuts for only $11! The most friendly & caring staff make this place much more than just apple cider and donuts.

Always a lovely place for a walk along the water! Also great for pumpkins in the fall and for doughnuts whenever they're available!!

Autumn day trips at the cider mill, this is Michigan! We don't think about it, it's installed in us at a young age, they load us up on buses, take us out of school, let us run around and eat donuts while filling up on that handmade apple cider. I don't really care on your thoughts about how long the lines are or how much it costs. This is Americana at it's best. The smells of fresh donuts being made, the taste of cinnamon & sugar on your tongue, those few straglers of sugar, left over on your lip..... all washed down with a cool glass of cider that refills itself every time you hold your cup out..... these trips are almost as special as the memories we create with loved ones. Relax, take advantage of what the season has to offer, rebel in sunshine as you walk the near by trails, hang out in the park, pull your head out of your phone & live life, Yates is the perfect host to create fall memories, enjoy.

Awesome atmosphere. Delicious cider and doughnuts. Cool spot to take the kids in the fall

Great cider mill. I will say if you have kids this is not the place though. Unless you are just going for the cider and the donuts. The service there is great and very friendly. And when you get there there is a big apple cider mill and everything smells like apples. Overall great experience.

Delicious apple cider. The doughnuts are awesome too. Great place for a family outing. The service is great too.

Great place! I took my parents and they were hesitant but agreed to come on a rainy day. Also, no entrance fees. My parents loved coming here! They show how the cider is made - definitely should come for that. Must try: - cider --- we bought two gallons after just taking one sip. It is so good! - cinnamon sugar doughnuts. These were like eating pillows. It was so so good! I bought a dozen! This is a sweet store with great trails nearby, since it was raining we could not walk the trails but I highly recommend coming here. Everyone is super friendly and great for families - all ages would enjoy!

When did it get so expensive?! My husband and I wanted some cider and donuts so we stopped by on a Tuesday night. There were people but it wasn't super crowded. Normally we would get a gallon and bring some home to enjoy later but the cider was $12.50 a gallon and the donuts were $9.50 a dozen. So we just ended up with half a gallon (still expensive compared to the orchards a little farther north). Husband said the cider tasted more like apple juice. The donuts were good. There were so many bees we had to eat the donuts in the car. Overall we will be sticking to the cider mills that are a little farther north.

Great place to come and enjoy the Michigan fall vibes. I have been coming here ever since I was a kid and always enjoy getting some cider & donuts with my family and taking a stroll down the trail. As always, the donuts were warm when served and have the best texture - crispy on the outside and fluffy and warm on the inside. I always get half with cinnamon sugar & half without + gallon of cider. There is seating outside and the shop has cups available for you to drink your cider.

Here can be croweded on the weekends, but don't let the long line intimidate you. They are very efficient with moving the line fast, with people notifying customers of open registers and each cashier has a helper to grab things you ordered. Since so many people are ordering at the same time, they are constantly making more donuts. The fresh donut is so good! The hot cider is great too. I wish they sell the hot cider in a large container too, like in a coffee shop to-go container. We had a big party and need to buy hot cider individually is inconvenient.

I really like Yates Cider Mill because of the variety of things they sell, the products are great quality. The walking trail is very nice and the customer service is always a plus.

Yates is always amazing!! However, the little kids pony ride is extremely disturbing. Those poor horses should not be used that way. Please consider putting an end to that its animal abuse!

Best cider mill in Michigan. Doughnuts are incomparable. I also recommend a doughnut sundae. They have farm animals available for petting and feeding. Every so often they have food trucks. Fudge shop is worth checking out, since they make it fresh and you can watch as they make it. They also have a trail along the river that you can walk. Family friendly. My favorite place to be in Michigan.

Went for a nice morning for cider and apple baked goods! At first this place seems way too busy and getting items from the shop might be expensive but the food and service is very quick and the baked goods were delicious! They were also a healthy portion size which made it even better. After enjoying the food, there are a variety of places to hike on the property which was a nice way to experience nature and the fall colors! Highly recommend

It was a perfect fall day to get my fix for some warm apple cider. There are plenty options in the area but I'm glad we chose Yates. This cider mill had the perfect CINNAMON donuts (I was not as excited about the plain) some other great baked goods and I took a jug of cider home. Sitting outside, there wasn't much to do but great that there are benches for outdoor space. Then we took a walk on the trail - with no idea where it would lead to but keep going. We took the option that loops around, it was a good way to be outside and walk off all that sugar and apple goodness! For the overall experience everything here was a bit.

Awesome!!! One word.... Lol!!! FREAKING AWESOME!! Ok two! Can't wait to go back next season! The kids had a blast and best donuts and cider ever!!! Great photo ops.. awesome parking ... definitely will be back

One of the best cider mills I have been to! I love the peaceful scenery. the line moves fast and the staff is friendly. Donuts are a perfect size and are always super fresh and warm. I appreciate how they offer the single-serve size of cider as well! I hope to try more baked goods in the future!

Love love love!!!! The kids love it and it the best cider around!!! The trails are beautiful it's just well worth the time!!!!

Love the cinnamon donuts and when they're hot they also have flavors of sparkling cider as well. There's always a long line but it moves quickly

My favorite cider and donut place mainly because of how close I am to it. I just wish they had more to do there instead of just walk a trail and the small grounds. It's great for grabbing and going. The yellow jackets are awful there in the fall. The quality is what I come back for.

It was my first time visiting Yates Cider Mill and I'm a fan! Upon arriving, there was a line but it moved rather quickly. It was chilly that particular day so we ordered spiced hot cider, a dozen donuts (6 plain and 6 cinnamon sugar) and a 1/2 gallon of apple cider to go. Nothing beats drinking spiced hot cider and eating fresh hot donuts in the cold! After eating our goodies, we decided to talk a nice stroll through the trail they have. There were people fishing, kayaking, walking their dogs, and enjoying their donuts and cider. The walk took us about 20 minutes round trip and I definitely recommend walking around a bit while you digest your donuts. I saw a sign that said they will be closing for the season on December 22nd. They're usually closed on Mondays, but they will be open on December 21st, so be sure to visit before then for your donut and cider fix! They have a large private parking lot with porta potties.

Yates is hands down my favorite cider & I've tried many a cider mill! (Blake's is probably a close second!) I'm not a *huge* donut fan in general, but I'd probably say I like Yates donuts the best too!! I like how mini they are - you can just pop them into your mouth and eat like 10 of them without even blinking an eye LOL! There is a massive parking lot at Yates and across the street, but if you're looking to make a cute afternoon of it and want to bring your dog and/or do some hiking too, my tip is to park at the parking at Holland Ponds and hike through to the apple trail that leads to Yates! Then you can pick up some nice cider & donuts, enjoy them for a bit at Yates, then head on back through Holland Ponds! The hike is right along the river, so your dog (I'm imagining you bringing a dog with you here, like I always do hehe) has plenty of opportunity to play in the river too when the weather is nice! It's a wonderful area all around! There's also a wonderful park (Yates Park) across the street from Yates too for hiking as well if you're interested! Yates Cider Mill is the whole package! Family fun for all!

Yates has delicious donuts and cider. They are definitely a great place to grab fresh cider mill donuts and goodies if you're in the area. Being a local, the parking lot and traffic jams are things we avoid during peak season and times. It's crazy busy on the weekends! However, it's worth the adventure if you don't want to drive north to Armada or Romeo for the larger cider mills and orchards.

Love the cider & donuts. The prices are high, but everywhere you go prices have increased. Have delicious other baked good like their Apple fritters. Love the tails to walk near by.

Yates Cider Mill is wonderful! While it certainly doesn't offer as much family entertainment as some other local cider mills might, Yates definitely impresses and is a great place to visit. There's a nearby stream that offers a place for the adults to relax and the kids to play. My family loves their apple BBQ sauce and we pick up a jar every time we're in the area. We gifted jars of apple BBQ sauce, apple butter, and applesauce for the holidays and everyone has asked to receive them again. On Wednesdays during the summer, they offer free donuts. We love visiting for the donuts and cider and enjoy their shop very much. I definitely recommend giving Yates a visit!

Too expensive and no cherries in the cherry handheld pie just cherry filling from a number 10 can. Cheap and disappointing. Went elsewhere afterwards to get the real thing.

Was not happy with an item I purchased. Was already home and unable to return for 2 days. It was expensive. Manager could not have been nicer, kept apologizing, and was surprised by the return. I was able to select other items, and was surprised she had included even more than I had requested. I sincerely appreciate her acknowledging the returned item, but gained 5 pounds just looking at everything. She went above and beyond. All items are delicious and the cider is sweet and delicious.

CIDER AND DONUTS We've come here a couple times with family and it's fits all of us. There's lots of options on the menu so there's something for everyone. We always get varying amounts of apple cider, caramel apple cider, cinnamon sugar donuts, plain donuts, and bread pudding with local ice cream. In the fall this place gets way busy but it's open year round (usually on the weekends) they have a cute village out back that you can see. Check to see which vendors will be there. Perfect for entertaining larger groups and it's a pretty drive. Solid weekend activity with kids too!

Super awesome and fun for all family's, There's a nice trail you take, is about 1 1/2 I believe. There treats like apple juice, ice cream etccc.. Everytime we visit Michigan from AriZona we make sure we stop there

They have very tasty donuts, and fudge. As my wife was looking at the merchandise she asked if the had a different size shirt, and the wonderful lady went into the back to check, unfortunately they didn't but they are getting some new merchandise in soon. I give her A+ for taking the time to check!

Over time this has become one of my favorite places to get my cider from and the warm donuts are the best here. Even though I've never experienced this place outside of cider and donuts, they have lots of activities to do I guess on the weekends. I also like that they are open almost all of the year.

Everyone I know loves Yates Cider Mill. I love the ambience and the staff is always extremely helpful. Who doesn't love donuts, plane or sugar and Friday fritters, are everything!!!

At 10 in the morning they were already pretty busy even during covid-19 times. it's great to see there business is still booming ! The gluten free donuts are actually better tasting than the regular donuts. It's finally fall which means it time for cider mills! If you haven't tried the gluten free donuts already it is definitely a must!!! The cider is amazing! They have cold and hot cider! As soon as you walk in the door the smells are amazing! Check this place out !!!

By far my favorite cider mill. Beautiful barn that is super clean and beautiful inside. The walking path along the river is a great walk after your cider and donuts!

Something for everyone, which also explains why it was super busy. This cider mill had everything classic + more (like ice cream sundaes, fudge from frankenmuth, apple salsa, roasted corn, etc.) along the lines of food. They even had hot dog and chick-fil-a stands if you're into that. There was a selection of pumpkins, guords, and decorative corn stalks. Pony rides for kids (today is Saturday). It's really beautiful to walk through the trail, across the bridge, and take the loop through the woods back to the cider mill after downing some cider.

This is one of those places that everybody knows about, and it's wonderful that you can rely on them to continue to be what you remember. I've gotten cider from other places in town, including Blakes apple orchard and some of the fancier looking brands at the upscale markets like Salvaggios. In the end none of it came close to matching the quality from Yates. There must be something in the equipment that they're using that engenders just the right flavor. Perhaps it's simply a byproduct of the fact that I grew up drinking this cider. Whatever the case my taste buds tell me this is the best cider in town. Their service is always been good, but in the midst of the pandemic they've stepped things up considerably. They have an orderly process for getting you in and out at the shop, and somehow they're able to keep everything readily available for the customers that want it. Whether you're after cider, their wonderful donuts, or any of the other products you're not gonna be waiting long. They've even taken some considerable strides in improving their parking situation. On busy days the local police department is even out helping direct traffic which is always appreciated. Autumn doesn't feel right until I've had a visit to this place, I'll keep going until the day I die.

I have been coming to Yates since I was a Girl Scout. We enjoy walking through the trails and just being one with nature. It's one of my favorite parts of fall. One thing about living out here, there are cider mills on every corner. There is one just a couple miles from me. But we like to go to Yates because we can bring the pups and walk the trails. They sell ice cream and you can get one that has a donut in it. Sometimes choosing between the two can be tough. So why not have both? I like to buy coffee mugs when I go and I have about 6 of them. I don't know why I love their mugs so much but I do. It's always very busy here and the traffic is awful. But it's always worth it to me.

Loved living by Yates and sad when we moved to the other side of town. Now we're back and so happy to be close again. We love coming to Yates for cider and donuts and to feed the goats and Llama. Nothing says fall like cider donuts! Yates has been around for over 150 years and the donuts are so delicious. The Apple cider is really good too, some of the best I've had from going to other cider mills in the area. You can bring your dogs, walk along the river and take pictures or just people watch. Try the roasted corn also! It's absolutely delicious! Grab a dozen cider donuts, quart of cider and you're all set! The caramel apples are delish too!