As the crisp air of autumn descends upon Traverse City, the region’s apple orchards and cider mills come to life, offering a perfect blend of family-friendly activities and seasonal delights. From apple picking to cider tasting, this is the ideal time to explore the heart of Northern Michigan’s harvest season. Gather your loved ones and get ready for a day of fun at Traverse City’s most charming orchards and cider mills.

1. Apple Picking Adventures: Create Lasting Family Memories

Best Orchards for Apple Picking: Traverse City is home to a variety of orchards that welcome families to pick their own apples. Strolling through the rows of apple trees, with baskets in hand, is a quintessential fall activity that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

• Jacob’s Corn Maze & Farm Market: Known for its vast apple orchards and fun activities, Jacob’s is a must-visit. Choose from a wide selection of apple varieties, and while you’re there, get lost in the corn maze or take a hayride through the picturesque landscape.

• King Orchards: This family-owned farm offers a wide range of apples perfect for picking. With over 180 acres of orchards, there’s plenty of space for everyone to find the perfect fruit. King Orchards also offers U-pick pumpkins, making it a great spot for a full day of harvest fun.

• Gallagher’s Farm Market & Bakery: Combining apple picking with freshly baked goods, Gallagher’s is a favorite among locals. After filling your basket with apples, don’t forget to stop by the bakery for a warm apple cider donut or homemade pie.

Tips for Apple Picking:

• Visit early in the season for the best selection of apples.

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sturdy basket or bag for your apples.

• Don’t forget to taste as you pick – nothing beats the flavor of a fresh apple straight from the tree!

2. Savor the Flavors: Cider Tasting and Farm Markets

Cider Mills and Tasting Rooms: After a day of apple picking, what better way to relax than with a refreshing glass of hard cider? Traverse City’s cider mills offer some of the best ciders in the state, made from the region’s abundant apple harvest.

• Tandem Ciders: Located on the Leelanau Peninsula, Tandem Ciders is renowned for its small-batch hard ciders. The cozy tasting room is the perfect place to sample a variety of ciders, from dry to sweet, all crafted from locally grown apples. Try the “Smackintosh” or “Farmhouse” for a true taste of Michigan’s apple heritage.

• Left Foot Charley: Situated in the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons, Left Foot Charley offers a unique selection of hard ciders and wines. The picturesque setting, combined with their innovative ciders like “Henry’s Pippin,” makes it a must-visit for cider enthusiasts.

• Altonen Orchards Cider Mill: For a more traditional cider experience, head to Altonen Orchards. Their cider mill produces both fresh apple cider and hard cider, perfect for sipping as you enjoy the farm’s autumnal ambiance.

Farm Markets: No visit to an apple orchard is complete without stopping by a local farm market. Traverse City’s markets are stocked with fresh produce, homemade jams, and an array of apple-themed treats.

• Cherry Republic: Though known for cherries, Cherry Republic also offers delicious apple products. From apple butter to cider, it’s a great place to pick up gifts and goodies for the whole family.

• The Cheese Lady: Pair your cider with locally sourced cheeses from The Cheese Lady. The store offers a wide selection of artisanal cheeses that perfectly complement the flavors of fall.

3. Family-Friendly Farm Activities: More Than Just Apple Picking

Pumpkin Patches and Hayrides: Many orchards in Traverse City offer more than just apple picking. Pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes provide endless entertainment for kids and adults alike.

• Jacob’s Corn Maze: In addition to its apple orchards, Jacob’s Corn Maze is a favorite for its intricate and fun-filled corn maze. Each year, the maze features a new design, making it a great adventure for repeat visitors.

• Hoxsie’s Farm Market: This farm market offers a delightful pumpkin patch and scenic hayrides through the orchard. It’s an ideal spot to pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving or to simply enjoy the autumn scenery.

Petting Zoos and Farm Tours: Introduce your kids to the joys of farm life with visits to petting zoos and farm tours. Many local farms offer interactive experiences where children can meet farm animals and learn about the apple-growing process.

• Gallagher’s Farm Market & Bakery: The farm’s petting zoo is a hit with children, featuring friendly goats, sheep, and chickens. It’s a fun and educational way to round out your visit.

Fall in Traverse City is a celebration of the season’s bounty, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by exploring the region’s apple orchards and cider mills. With family-friendly activities like apple picking, cider tasting, and visiting local farms, you’ll create lasting memories while savoring the flavors of autumn. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a day spent among the orchards is the perfect way to embrace the harvest season. Plan your visit today and experience the best of fall in Northern Michigan!