5 Reasons To Love Parshallville Cider Mill in Fenton, Michigan

Just like so many Michiganders, fall is my favorite season. And like many of you, it’s for good reason: God’s gorgeous display of changing leaves, cracking the windows for fresh air, and of course, cider and donuts. {Cinnamon sugar all the way for this gal!}

I have lots of local favorites when it comes to cider mills, but there’s one spot I must visit each fall: Parshallville Cider Mill, located on the Fenton and Hartland border. I have gone here since I was a baby, and I love keeping the tradition alive with my own kids.

I mean, doesn’t this look like a postcard?!

Here are my 5 favorite reasons to visit:

The History.

The Grist Mill was built in 1869 and was one of the last water-powered grist mills to operate in Michigan. I always joke that if you look hard enough, you can see the ghost of Tom Walker up in the windows. I mean, there has to be some type of spirit here, don’t you think?

It’s unchanged.

Although a ramp has been added, the steps to the building are steep and the floors inside the mill are creaky and uneven. It’s dark inside, and if it wasn’t for the VISA sign and a modern register, you could swear you’ve stepped back in time. It all adds to the charm!

They keep it simple.

You can get cider, donuts, apples, pumpkins and a few other bakery treats. You can’t pick apples on the premises, but they do have a good variety available for sale.

The donuts and cider are delicious. I actually prefer their cider to most of the area orchards.

It’s picturesque.

When I’m there, I feel like I’m a world away. It just has this uncanny charm that is hard to beat. For people that love to take photos, this is a fabulous destination filled with a beautiful river, a few foot bridges, mums and even a few cut-outs for the kids. Don’t forget your camera at home when you visit.

There’s not much for kids to do…and that’s awesome.

There’s no inflatables, a playground, or hayrides offered. Really, the only thing this mill has to offer kids is the chance to explore nature. And really, what more do they need? My little ones have plenty of fun just running along the path and admiring the colorful leaves {just watch toddlers…My gal did fall in the river once!}.

For me personally, it’s actually a relief that I don’t have to worry about it overwhelming my kids who often can’t handle crowds and waiting in line. Visit during the week in the morning, and you’re likely to have the entire place to yourself, which is just fine by me.

If you’ve never been to the Parshallville Cider Mill, it’s worth the visit. Even without the additional kid fun, Parshallville just has natural beauty that allows you to enjoy the true essence of fall without any disruptions.

Learn more about the Parshallville Cider Mill at their website or on Facebook.

Get more ideas for places to go at this BIG list of fall fun here:

Where are your must-visits during fall?