By Jennifer Carson
When school starts and the stars begin to twinkle a bit earlier in the evening sky, one can’t help but think of picking apples, carving pumpkins, Halloween costumes, and hay rides. We’ve compiled some of the most unique orchard and farm experiences we could find in southeastern Michigan. Grab your jacket and wellies and enjoy the crisp autumn air before Jack Frost dances on your eyelashes!
Wing Farm
Wing Farm, located in Ann Arbor, has been locally owned and operated for over 150 years by the same family. Over the years, the farm has been host to herds of sheep, cattle, and cows as well as fields growing corn, soybeans, and rye, as well as their locally famous giant pumpkins. You can purchase a farm fresh turkey for your Thanksgiving table, gourds, and pumpkins. They also sell cider and offer hayrides on the weekends beginning September 28th. To learn more about Wing Farm, visit them online at wingfarms.com. Wing Farms is located at 5335 Dexter Ann Arbor Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
Jenny’s Farm Stand
For a great family day out, take a drive just west of Dexter to Jenny’s Farm Stand. This 200-year-old working farm offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy a romp through the straw maze, pick a pumpkin, ride a pony, or enjoy a hayride through the pumpkin patch. Ready for a snack? You’ll find freshly made doughnuts, maple syrup, canned goods, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit them online at jennysfarmmarket.com. Jenny’s Farm Stand is located at 8366 Island Lake Road, Dexter, MI 48130.
Wasem Fruit Farm
You may recognize this farm from their Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market stall. Wasem fruit farm is a family owned fruit farm in Milan. You can pick your own apples, pumpkins, and cherries. They also offer cider and fresh doughnuts made daily. In addition, they grow a variety of other fruits, including: currants (red and black), gooseberries, peaches, plums, pears, and raspberries. Check out their Facebook page for up-to-date information. Visit them online at wasemfruitfarm.com. Wasem Fruit Farm is located at 6580 Judd Road, Milan, MI 48160.
Kapnick Orchards
Kapnick Orchards is located south of Ann Arbor in rural Britton. It’s a great drive on a sunny fall day. The orchard has been family owned and operated since 1958 and boasts its own bakery and cider mill. In their farm store, you can purchase homemade fudge and apple butter, as well as freshly baked goods, doughnuts, prepared jams, nuts, and candies. In the fall, you can pick your own apples and pumpkins, enjoy a wagon ride through their Enchanted Forest, and visit the farm animals. The second weekend in October is their annual Apple Festival featuring artisans and crafters, entertainment, and of course seasonal goodies! For more information visit their website, kapnickorchards.com. Kapnick Orchards is located at 4245 Rogers Highway, Britton, MI 49229.
Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill
A woman owned and operated business since 1977, Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill offers cider, doughnuts, wagon rides, and live entertainment. In 2018, with a grant from Michigan State University, they were able to purchase solar electric panels that provide 70% of the electricity the farm needs to operate the cider mill building. Committed to sustainable practices, they are also a certified organic working farm growing apples, blackberries, raspberries, and asparagus as well as organic rye, oats, and hay. The orchard offers wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a meander through the hay bale maze, a visit to the farm animals, or you can watch cider being pressed and staff making doughnuts and pies. Find more information online at plymouthorchards.com. Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill is located at 10685 Warren Road, Plymouth, MI 48170.
