The Franklin Cider Mill has been a pillar of the Franklin-Birmingham area community since 1837. Every year, the cider mill season runs from the end of August through December, driving in hundreds of customers every weekend. We visited on a sunny Saturday in October, and got to experience everything the cider mill has to offer; including different foods and activities. 

When the cider mill was founded in 1837, it ran off power from the water wheel, which you can still see in the same spot today. It is also recognized as a national historic sight, still having parts of the original building and cider press. Due to a flooding incident in the early 1900s, it was changed from a grist mill into a cider mill to only operate during the fall. In 2024, the cider mill has become a must-see place for people from and visiting the Franklin community. Whether you have 30 minutes or three hours, you will be able to find something that will peak your interest.

The moment you exit your car, you are hit with the sweet smell of the fresh apple cider and donuts from the mill, but that’s not all they offer. Food options include ice cream, hotdogs, corn and caramel apples.

On our visit, we tried the apple cider and donuts from the mill. The cider is made from seven varieties of Michigan apples to create its sweet taste. You can watch as the workers use a 90-ton press to create their fresh award-winning cider. The warm donuts are frequently baked throughout the day, and you can look into the bakery as they are created. The donuts are made from an old family recipe to create the classic cinnamon and spice donuts everyone loves. When you visit the cider mill, it is crucial you get the apple cider and donuts at some point during your trip.

Once you walk in, the first thing to notice is the tents with many food items. Ice cream, hotdogs, and caramel apples are all offered in the tents. For the price of $8.00, you can get ice cream with sliced apples, caramel and nuts. If you prefer your ice cream without the add-ons, you can get just the ice cream for $4.00. The caramel apples have two different options, one with nuts and one without. The apples, caramel and nuts are the same as the ones that are sold in the Franklin market. Getting a hot dog is also a necessity on your trip. There are plain, or cider dogs that are offered in a jumbo or regular size. No matter what you choose, you will not go home disappointed.

There are many activities that people of all ages can enjoy; from face painting to learning about the historic water wheel. Other things that are available on your trip are a merch stand, an apple stand and a tent full of Michigan products, such as fudges and salsas.

The merch stand has many items for whatever your style is. There are t-shirts and sweatshirts in different styles and colors, so there is something for everyone. Also available at the stand is a bag full of duck feed. To fill your trip with fun, you can go down by the river and feed the ducks that hang out right below the bridge.

Apples, salsa, fudge, jams and much more are all available in the Franklin market. The tent is full of people’s favorite types of apples, with over 25 different options. The jams are made from their delicious Michigan apples, offering different flavors. Each item in the tent is homemade, making it the best it can be.

If you find time in your busy fall schedule to visit the Franklin Cider Mill, there is a wide variety of activities and new things for you to try. If you need a reason to get out of the house and don’t want to spend money, or you want to buy and try all different types of Michigan-made treats, the cider mill is the perfect place to spend your day. Don’t forget to feed the ducks on your way out!