This is a nice location once you get into it. The parking lot is challenging to say the least. It is difficult to get into and out of. Walking to the facility is not easy. Handicapped persons, the elderly and anyone with children should be on guard and ready for action! Entry is close up on what can be a very busy intersection. Having said that, on a busy day the facility is quite packed. Their pies are wonderful. The cider ranges from first rate to rather disappointing. I don't know if it's all the source apples or the process. They have a profusion of bees at this location and because of the constricted space it will be difficult to avoid them if you or someone in your party is allergic. The place is heavily wooded all around and the River Rouge runs along and throug the property. The river can alternately run calm and rough - children should be kept away from the river. Do not enter the water. The pies are fine and donuts are good. This attraction is just what it says it is - 'A Family Tradition'. You might not recall the actual reason you are doing but you did it last year so you might as well do it again. It's okay for a short day trip and to pick up the sweet (sometimes) cider and pies and donuts. I give it a solid 'Eh'. read more

This is the best cider mill in MI! I've been coming here since i was a kid and have to make a stop here at least once a year. Came through last weekend with my niece to enjoy some doughnuts and cider and of course she fell asleep before I could get her out of the car! I ordered online and Joe was SO helpful with explaining to me how to order online and get my goodies! Everyone here is so nice and helpful and the atmosphere is wonderful! I highly recommend this place! read more

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What a fun little spot to stop in a grab a few hit Apple cider donuts, or fresh squeezed apple cider, and even and apple cider slush. It's apples, apples, apples and they are wonderful. If you are in the area, stop in, grab some local Michigan grown apples, Macinaw Island fudge or some wonderful jellies, jams and honey. Fun for all!!! read more

Franklin Cider Mill - Donuts Near Me - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Is this place a joke? I am shocked by all of the positive reviews. My experience was laughable from the start, little children near a rocky creek in cold weather, getting close enough to fall in. Run down, confusing, turd brown building with no access to a decent bathroom. Porta potty life here! Once you get inside you will be instantly insulted by the insane markups of every single item. Idk anyone, wealthy or not, who wouldn't find paying $8 for a hot dog or $12 for mustard to be absolutely ridiculous. Like I'm at some type of sporting event at Ford Field lol. The business does not care about its customers, it's main concern are high profits. And yes I understand it's seasonal, blah blah blah, as a Michigander I can name at least 3 cider mills with safe, fun activities for children, bathrooms and FAIR prices. This place totally sucks. read more

Definitely a spot to take the family or kids! The cider is good and so are the donuts. There are stands where some local items are sold as well as hot dogs, pop corn, etc. Just a fun spot for a weekend afternoon to spend time with friends or family! (My nieces love to feed the ducks!) read more

Small and cute cider mill with great donuts and cider! There's a small river with ducks to sit and enjoy

A wonderful fall pleasure! The donuts and cider are the best, I highly recommend this local treat!!

I like this place, but what happened to the cinnamon sugar donuts? What a huge bummer.

This is THE cider mill to me. Yes there are closer to me but none are tastier. This place is tradition for me, my parents would take us on the long trek out here every year. It seemed so adventurous at six I tell ya. Personally I will recommend the early October cider. It just always tastes the best. The greasy in a good way doughnuts make me truly happy. We always have a doughnut or two and some cider while enjoying the mill. I always act like a kid and watch the whole cider making process with the presses, the big water wheel, doughnuts coming down hot off the grease on the conveyor belt near the window and then feeding the ducks hanging out in the stream. Kids will love it all. Yes there are bees and I have even been stung, doesn't stop me from coming back every year for the best cider and doughnuts ever. We always get some cider, doughnuts and apples to go too. Piggish but yummy. read more

What's better than a cup of hot spiced cider and a donut fresh out of the oven on a brisk Michigan afternoon? Add to that an apple pie, apple sauce, cherry and blueberry jams, and beautiful flowers to take home to mom. Oh, and the leaves on the trees were all yellow, orange, red, and even some purple... My husband might say the smell of the Jersey shore, but I disagree - Michigan in the Fall is quite an experience. I had the pleasure of revisiting Franklin Cider Mill on a recent trip to my hometown and I really enjoyed it. Sure, the prices are kind of steep and there are a lot of bees hanging around, but the service is friendly and this place has oh so much character... If you catch it at the right time, you can even see the cider being made! The only thing missing from FCM is the actual orchard - oh how I miss the hayrides and apple picking experiences I grew up on. Nonetheless, if you find yourself in the Franklin area, I highly recommend a visit to Franklin Cider Mill. read more

I'm not sure I understand the hype of this cider mill, it was nothing special. As others have mentioned the parking situation is a cluster. It took about 25 mins to get into the lot, once in people were not obeying the one way lanes and others were making their own spots near the porta potties. I realize this is not Franklins fault but maybe it would help to have someone directing traffic during peak times to avoid the chaos. The lines here were incredibly long, if you go on a weekend be prepared to spent 20-30 mins in line for cider and donuts. What is so special about cider and donuts that you'd wait that long?? Other cider mills I have been to have more activities going on to draw people in. The ability to watch the cider being pressed, pick your own apples, see animals etc is not something offered here at Franklin. It is literally just cider and donuts and a tent with a few miscellaneous items for purchase. Lastly, the bee situation is out of control! Yes, I understand bees are a part of Mother Nature but holy hell this was bad. I am talking hundreds of them, one flew in my mouth, another got in the car and almost stung me. I feel like there must be some solution to this problem, spray or something. I wouldn't feel safe bringing my kids here if they had a bee allergy or were scared. All and all I just don't see the excitement here. I'm sorry to be a Debbie downer but I feel there are far better cider mills around. read more

Simple, friendly, small but quaint! I grew up going to this cider mill and of course I'm biased. Delicious donuts; they don't offer cinnamon donuts but they don't need to offer those. Going early in the morning before the crowd arrives is just peaceful and should just make you feel overcome with calm. Everyone's nice and there's a smile. Always look forward to top by! Oh and the hot cider... mmmmm! read more

We've been going to this cider mill since I was a kid, and it's kept its integrity and stayed exactly the same: the exterior, the crowd in the sale area, the big water wheel that you can go look at, the ducks on the water. Hot donuts and cold cider are the quintessential emblems of Midwestern autumns in my mind. I love cider mills so much that I have a cider mill charm on my charm bracelet. I don't think I can say much more than that. Franklin was the original for me; my family still goes back to visit and now takes my little cousins (who are toddlers) to continue the family/Michigan tradition. read more

I am not sure if I'm missing the appeal or if I've just frequented better cider mills. At least a small part is due to the crowd. A gorgeous, warm Sunday in the beginning of October meant we were not the only ones who thought it was a good idea. The parking situation, as others have mentioned, really is that bad. We parked up the street a bit and were able to avoid a majority of the craziness, a smart idea upon witnessing the confusion. The Franklin is not very big, it is just the cider mill store and stands on a small area of grounds, more like a market. They sell all of the expected items besides cider: apples, donuts, pies as well as breads and meats and cheeses. The lines for main attraction goods are quite long, however my main complaint is the price. A $1.25 each for a donut? They really were very good but c'mon! Their cider is sweet, leaning towards an apple juice version. Again, good but not my favorite version. The area with a small stream and bridge were pretty but beyond viewing it while eating your donut there is not really anything else to do. Beware the crowds during good weather weekends! read more

Fall (in Michigan) = cider & donuts, that crisp nip in the air, leaves changing all sorts of brilliant colors So, one of my coworkers discovered that I'd never in my several years here gone for the local fall ritual of apple cider & donuts, so this is where I was taken for this experience to remedy the situation. There's actually several cider mills in the area (NW suburbs of Detroit), & I think they're only open in the fall. It's located by a stream/creek (some small running body of water) where a bunch of mallard ducks were hanging out. You could walk inside the mill & see the "machinery" inside & see how the running water turns the water wheel. So, we bought a bag of donuts & a jug of cider, sat on the back of her pickup truck & enjoyed a cup of cider & munched on some donuts. I even bought a half gallon of cider to take home with me, which I was advised to freeze, so I could enjoy it over a longer period of time. They also sell other items, too like apples, pies, carmel apples, etc. This is one of those "Michigan" experiences, along with going "up North" on weekends in the summer, which I finally got to experience about a month before I moved out of state. Located on the west side of Franklin Rd., just north of 14 Mile Rd. Hmm...I don't think the Google map to the right is quite right... read more

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I wish I could say I was more excited about this place. Maybe I am rating it unfairly by comparing it to other places, maybe not. But I find this place a bit overrated. Nestled in a small corner of town, we knew we were headed in the right direction when small street traffic got bad and we saw people walking in a common way. We finally found the cider mill but had an even harder time finding parking. When we finally did, we were surprised to find a massive line wrapping around the building and that was only to get inside. We joined, and luckily it moved quickly. But once inside, we were a little underwhelmed and felt like herded cows. The neat part of inside was the machine where (we assumed) they were making cider, the big press that yielded floods of apple juice. We followed the line that continued to wrap inside only to end at a walk up window where you ordered your cider and doughnuts. For a quart of cider and two small doughnuts, we spent $8. I wouldn't have been too upset except the doughnuts were sad. No larger than the palm of my small hand and extremely over-greased, like the oil wasn't hot enough and the doughnuts had to cook too long. They only had a plain doughnut option and our doughnuts weren't the exception, everyone seemed to be walking around with oil slicked doughnut bags. Don't get me wrong - the historic feeling of this place is unmatched and you can't fake the homey feeling with the creek running through the center of everything. But all in all, we won't go back. The cider was good but nothing surprisingly exceptional. I feel like cider mills should be a family experience and this one didn't capture that feel. There are ways they could improve the process, resulting in a better experience for patrons, so hopefully that works itself out. read more

Um just my favorite place in the whole entire world!!! You will NEVER, I repeat NEVER find another donut this delicious and I pride myself on being a donut connoisseur! They are a hot, fresh bag of spicy greasiness and they are worth every single calorie. Their cider is amazing as well. The level of sweetness does vary so for a more tart, crisp cider, go earlier in the season. When freezing it (and trust you will want to) make sure you drink a swig or two because otherwise it will explode in your freezer and I hear that your tongue sticks to the side when you are licking it up. It is slightly pricey but it is worth every red cent! It is also a great experience for kids. The water wheel is pretty cool and if you get a chance to see them actually pressing cider it will be an experience never forgotten. The Franklin Cider Mill can not be beat! read more

Ooh honeycrisp apple cider and warm donuts, I likey!! The cider here is so wonderful and sweet, it's like liquid candy. And those donuts! So simple and so heavenly. I can see what people are saying re: donuts, that they're almost TOO simple and plain. HOWEVER, the warmth and crisp of the donut and the sweet aftertaste surprised me and made me a fan for life. This place is like a circus on the weekends: live music stand, warm nuts roasting (yes!!!), fruit stands and aggro drivers in the parking lot. The parking situation and the wait makes this place a little intense for a Sunday afternoon. It's a little spendy at about $15 for a half gallon of the honey crisp cider and half a dozen donuts, but it doesn't feel like robbery. read more

Franklin Cider Mill - Nice mantra by the door, awesome cider and donuts inside! - Donuts Near Me - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Ok here is my biggest disappointment in a long long time. I have been going here since I was a kid, and bringing my 15 year old daughter here at least once a season for tradition. Sorry to say this will be our last time. Why ? Because a dozen chewy doughnuts and 1/2 gallon of watery cider cost $20. $16 dollars for a 1/2 gallon of cider $32 for a gallon. Are you F ing kidding me, and it was watered down so bad no way they can deny it. Yes people in the area have money, but when your just ripping families off that's bullshit to me. Don't go here. Close this place down they had only one kind of doughnut and that is chewy and plain. The watered down cider really pisses me off. I swear this is all true. Don't go here anymore until they can figure out why and make you improvements. Oh yea cash only and their ATM machine charges $3.50 read more

You might as well not go if you are going on the weekend or at peak hours during the week. We tried going here this weekend and there was a full parking lot (with people parking across the street where there weren't signs that said "NO CIDER MILL PARKING") and about 75 people in line. They are other tents outside that sell their jams, jellies, and other assortments of canned items, as well as some vendors selling grilled corn and others items - but the majority of the crowd was trying to get inside for the doughnuts, cider, and pies. There are no real attractions for children, so I would leave them at home, or else you'll be trying to entertain them in line. I would suggest expanding or reworking the way the business works to capitalize on the amount of people that visit this place during peak season. The only way I'll ever try and go back is if I'm in the area and it's in the middle of the workday where I might have a chance of getting something without waiting an hour in line. read more

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Best donuts and cider around! They do not accept any credit cards. Beware of the bees, if you are allergic. For read the best fresh donuts and cider around. You can feed the ducks next to the little stream, that's cute for kids. Lots of pricey cool home made novelty stuff to buy. Bacon Ketchup? Hells yea. Loved the cinnamon honey straws. read more

It's a tradition to visit the cider mill every year. Some years, I even participate in a cider mill crawl. So, when I realized cider mill season was almost over, I quickly decided to plan a trip to one. I actually tried to go to two: Wiard's and Buck's but found them both to be closed. On the recommendation of my friend, I looked up Franklin Cider Mill to give them a call and see if there were still open for the season. To my pleasant surprise, they were open and would be closing the following Sunday for the season. So, although it was about a 35 minute drive for me, I made my way out there. It wasn't crowded at all and maybe that was due a combination of the season being almost over and the weather being cold and rainy that day. In any event, there were tons of ducks congregated together by the bridge. There was so many, I felt obligated to take some pics and a video. Upon walking in, I was guided to a tent with large crate of apples, jams, and other assortments. I inquired about the fresh donuts and cider slushies and was told those were indoors. I went inside and found a small wrap-around area with even more goodies. I decided I would only get donuts and cider. I was quite disappointed when I was told there was only one donut option. I'm used to multiple options with my favorite being apple with cinnamon sugar. I was told the cinnamon sugar was baked inside. There were tasty but were certainly not the best cider mill donuts I had experienced. I also sampled the cider. It was flavorful and I would rank it higher than the cider. All in all, I was glad I was able to continue my tradition of visiting the cider mill but I'll be sure to get started earlier next year to make it my usual stop: Wiard's, Blake's and Yates. read more

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First time visiting the Cider Mill, one of my friend suggested we go here so we took a road trip. We purchased the apple cider and dozen donuts combo for $15. With six people, when everything was said and done, we had 1/2 gallon of the cider left and 2 donuts. There is something about eating a hot donuts that was just made! YUM-O! Just note that when you go inside to order the donuts and the cider, they have seven cashier's... if you are in the back by the cider press, you may not see other cashiers... When you are outside, there's a mini farmer's market - where they sell everything from jams, honey, apples, breads, pies, etc. If you get a chance to go, try it, you will be glad you took a road trip!! read more

This is one of my favorite places to visit for perfect apple cider and doughnuts in the fall. The cider isn't too sugary and has a crisp apple taste. The doughnuts are nice and soft on the inside and pairs well with the cider. They also have a tiny cinnamon kick, unlike some of the others I've tried. The place is small and dated, which has a nostalgic feeling about it. I love seeing the ducks as well, it makes for a fun afternoon visit with family and friends. read more

The Franklin Cider Mill is a traditional stop for me during the fall. I even remember coming here as a child and literally nothing has changed. The lines are just as long and everything is still very expensive, but the experience is "Pure Michigan" (Yes, Governor Snyder...that was a plug...lol) The donuts are always warm, maybe not always hot...but very good. They crunch slightly as you bite into them and exude a soft cinnamon fragrance and flavor that is perfect for fall. As a side note, one of these doughnuts is never enough....don't buy more thinking you will have extras. There are never any extras. The cider is fresh and traditional; served cold with little plastic cups to share from. As a side note, as fall progresses, the flavor of the cider changes. During early fall, the cider tends to be fruity and light, due to the early harvest apples. As the season progresses, the cider tastes deeper and richer, due to the hardy, late harvest apples used. I suggest the Franklin Cider Mill as a great place for kids and families on a bright fall day. This is one of those places your kids will remember as they become adults. I have good memories from my childhood and I am building those memories with my daughter. The cider mill is a great place to build memories. read more

Few places in business today have the kind of generational staying power as the Franklin Cider Mill. Over the years numbering as many as the state is old, this simple water wheel-powered cider press has endured hardships both natural and economic. But through it all, this historical gem is a staple for the kind of memories that you and your children will remember for years. Come for the history, stay for the sights, the aromas, and especially the comforting warm embrace that is the best damn hot cider doughnut matched with a cool pint of fresh apple cider. Pure Michigan... read more

Delicious hot cider, fresh donuts, roasted corn and almonds! Everything was so yummy, we took our friends from out of town for a visit and we all had a great time. $1 Duck food = old donuts, great for the kiddos (both big and small). We just checked out Three Cedars cider mill today and the cider and donuts were definitely better at Franklin's. Coming back for sure! Tip: they have multiple doors with multiple lines for quick customer service, don't get stuck in the long line at the end filled with confused patrons! read more

Franklin Cider Mill - Donuts Near Me - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Nuts and cider were amazing and the donuts were just ok (I prefer cinnamon and sugar). I loved the atmosphere and the workers were very friendly! read more

Franklin Cider Mill - Cider, donuts, and candies almonds - Donuts Near Me - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

I love going to the Franklin Cider Mill !! Everything from the watching of the "wagon wheel" to walking thru the barn-to actually view how the yummy apple cider is made. After seeing the show, I would definitely be ready for one of their "awesome" doughnuts and a Large apple cider !!!! **WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE TO VISIT !!** read more

Although we were outside and no lines and the Michigan Supreme Court ruled the governor's EOs unconstitutional, we were denied service without a mask. Didn't matter that we were outside, if we have a medical exemption or not. We weren't allowed service on "that" side of the bridge. I call that discrimination and will not be going back to this cider mill. Btw, everything was outside and we could easily social distance. Left a bad taste in my mouth. We won't be back....plenty of other cider mills with better choices and lower prices to go to. read more

September 18, 2021 The Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan is the place I used to try to stop, when The Franklin Cider Mill was opened during the September to November season and I was commuting between the State of Michigan and the State of Georgia. But now that I live near this Michigan Treasure, (IA) more Designated Visits will be planned into my schedule at The Franklin Cider Mill. This year of 2021 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic related challenges, I waited more than one week for Volunteers to Transport to me a Gallon of The Franklin Cider Mill Apple Cider from the State of Michigan's best apple blends; TWO Apple Pie loaves of bread and a large container of The Franklin Cider Mill Apple Butter but it was well worth the wait. YUM! I have made the comment to one of the owners of The Franklin Cider Mill that their Apple Butter would have great competition from my memories of my 104 years old Grandmother's Homemade Apple Butter which I always will rank as a 10 out of 10. I now rank The Franklin Cider Cider Mill Apple Butter a 9 out of 10! I received ALL of my Franklin Cider Mill Delights by 7 a.m. and by 8 a.m., I had already tried The Franklin Cider Mill Apple Pie Loaf Bread (both the oven warm version and room-temperature version), first with the Franklin Cider Mill Apple Butter, then with TWO DIFFERENT PRESERVES and finally, with a Premium Michigan Honey. To say that the different combinations were tasty would be an understatement! It was a delightful day to just eat The Franklin Cider Mill products. So much so, I am already planning to use FedEx Overnight Express Service before the Franklin Cider Mill closes the weekend after Thanksgiving 2021. My WOW ME RE-ORDER will include SIX SLICED Apple Pie Loaf Bread, so that I can make delicious vegetarian and/or meat sandwiches or simply serve plain to my Thanksgiving Dinner Guests. (IA)That FedEx delivery order will also include SIX LARGE Apple Butter and TWO Gallons of Apple Cider. I am willing to share the Apple Pie Loaf Bread because the Bread is made with simple ingredients that I am familiar, can actually pronounce and no preservatives BUT I'm not so sure yet that I will share that Franklin Cider Mill Apple Butter, which "may last" me through the spring 2022! I'm already starting to make more room in my freezer for that 6 LOAF ORDER of The Franklin Cider Mill Apple Pie Loaf Bread. (IA) That planned November 2021 Fedex Overnight Re-Order of The Franklin Cider Mill Food Products will NOT be a disappointment! Ms. Sophia read more

I've been going to this cider mills for years and it's always crowded. They have the best apple pie and honey crisp cider ever. They have so many delicious items to pick from. I went the other day and they are handling the pandemic in such a stellar fashion. There are plexiglass dividers at the checkout and everyone was outside, wearing masks and social distancing. I'd write more, but I'm craving cider and am going there right now. read more

Franklin Cider Mill has amazing cider and doughnuts, plus all the other awesome baked goods you can shop for. It's a family tradition to stop every Fall and get a fresh batch. S read more

One of my favorite cider mills, I love the atmosphere..everyone is super friendly! (The donuts need a whooooole separate review, they are amazing) read more

My husband and we're visiting in Lavonia, Mi and I found this mill. Franklin is a wonderful little town and I'd love to go back on a Saturday. There were carts with cotton candy, roasted corn (the best peaches and cream variety), a man playing the marimba. He played Under the Sea and all the kids were laughing and dancing. He let the kids play a song too. You could buy corn to feed the ducks swimming in the creek that ran by the lower side of the building. The store offered local honey and sweets. Inside they sold baked goods and a very expensive apple flavored donut. The best part for me was when we saw the salad dressing bottles. They are a private label of our favorite manufacturer. (I've no idea who it is but it's the best) cucumber bacon, bacon katsup, Vidalia onion dressing in a couple varieties. We bought a case of them. Franklin Mill wasn't what I was expecting, but I wasn't disappointed. read more

We finally headed to the cider mill yesterday. Except for the burst of hail, the visit was enjoyable. Darn mother nature! Fortunately it passed quickly and the sun returned for most of our visit. Honestly, I have to take a half star away because I really, really like donuts with cinnamon sugar on them, and Franklin just has them plain. But I added the half star back for the super yummy cut up apples with caramel and nuts on them. Since these are actually put together while you wait, they were able to put nuts on just half of mine so I could share with my daughter. read more

The epitome of cider. The center piece of historic Franklin Village where I grew up. Franklin was founded in 1825 and is the closest thing to an old time michigan town in the entire Detroit metro area. The cider mill and its environs are quaint and charming to the point that any photograph will look like a Norman Rockwell painting. The cider is great, if you like cider, and the selection of foods and beverages is fine too. The doughnuts are greasy in the best sense of the word and the candy apples are a challenge to anybody's dental work. Its all part of the charm of this seasonal piece of local history. And please try to keep your road/parking rage to a minimum. This is a place to contemplate an era where time passed more slowly like the river running over a waterwheel read more

This was a first for me, I had never been to a cider mill before. Really neat experience, they have lot's of things they sell like apple cider (duh), apple donuts, roasted corn all kinds of bread with apples and of course apples! Good area for kids, they have ducks that people keep feeding. Great experience for kids, hard not to feel sorry for the ducks being on an apple donut diet but I guess worse things can happen to them. Lot's of families with children here and even tourists, everyone was really pleasant to talk to here. read more

Very fresh apple cider and delicious apple cinnamon donuts! I usually don't like either, but they were so good at Franklin Cider Mill! The donuts have to be eaten fresh and hot. YUM! read more

Franklin Cider Mill - Donuts Near Me - Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

A Fall staple in Southeastern Michigan. Buy a dozen doughnuts and a gallon of cider...try not to eat them all while sharing with the ducks. Only drawback...CASH only! And Expensive...but Sooooooooo worth it. read more