Yates Cider Mill Tour — Rochester Hills, Michigan

Discover the Yates Cider Mill Tour in Michigan

Experience one of Michigan’s oldest and most beloved cider mills at Yates Cider Mill, operating along the Clinton River since 1863. Visitors can watch fresh apples transform into cider using century-old water-powered equipment, sample classic cinnamon doughnuts, stroll scenic riverside trails, and enjoy a true fall tradition.
Why it’s special:
Yates uses an authentic water-powered press system—one of the few still operating in the United States—producing some of Michigan’s most famous cider.

History/Story of Yates Cider Mill

Established in 1863, Yates began as a gristmill and transitioned to cider production in 1876. Its massive water wheel powered grinders and hydraulic presses long before electricity arrived. Over generations, Yates preserved its original techniques while expanding into fresh cider, donuts, fudge, ice cream, and a lively farm-market experience. The mill remains a cherished Michigan landmark, especially during fall harvest.

What You’ll See & Do at Yates Cider Mill

• Watch apples being washed, sorted, pressed, and filtered into fresh cider

• See the historic water wheel turning along the Clinton River

• Learn how hydraulic pressing produces the mill’s signature unpasteurized cider

• Sample fresh cider, donuts, fudge, and seasonal treats

• Visit the petting farm with alpacas, goats, and farm animals

• Browse the outdoor market with apples, jams, honey, and Michigan-made goods

• Walk the Riverwalk Trail, a scenic path behind the mill

Hands-On Elements: Tasting samples, apple varieties display, animal feeding at petting farm (seasonal).
Photo/Video Policy: Photography encouraged outdoors and in retail areas; no flash by production windows.
Souvenirs & Extras: Cider jugs, donuts, caramel apples, jams, honey, seasonal decorations, apparel, gifts.

Pricing of the Yates Cider Mill Tour

• Self-Guided Cider Viewing: Free

• Guided Group Tours: Typically $5–$7 per person (schools & organizations)

• Food items: Regular retail pricing

• Petting farm and pony rides have seasonal pricing

Practical Info for Visiting Yates Cider Mill

Duration: 20–45 minutes (longer if exploring trails or markets)
Format: Self-guided viewing + tasting + outdoor attractions
Schedule & Seasonality:

• Open spring, summer, and fall

• Peak season: September–October
  Working Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–7:00 PM during fall; shorter hours off-season
  Audience: Families, school groups, apple lovers, fall-season travelers
  Accessibility: Outdoor grounds accessible; production viewing via windows
  Safety & Restrictions:

• Stay behind production windows

• Pets allowed outdoors only
  Languages: English
  Group Visits: Schools and clubs welcome; reservations required
  What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable outdoor clothing, camera, appetite for donuts
  Facilities: Market, donut shop, fudge counter, petting farm, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Peak-season lines can be long; cider pressing runs in batches

Nearby

• Paint Creek Trail

• Stoney Creek Metropark

• Downtown Rochester shops & restaurants

• Van Hoosen Farm Museum

FAQs About Visiting Yates Cider Mill

Can I tour the inside of the mill?
Visitors observe production from large viewing windows, while school and group tours may receive guided explanations.

When is cider pressing happening?
Pressing is most frequent in September and October; weekday mornings often show the most activity.

Do they make donuts on-site?
Yes—donuts are fresh-made daily during peak season and are a major highlight.

Is the petting farm open year-round?
No—animal areas and pony rides operate seasonally, mostly in fall.

Is the cider unpasteurized?
Yes—Yates produces traditional unpasteurized cider, using strict safety and sanitation practices.