The city of Traverse City in Michigan is known for its wide variety of fruit orchards, with the apple orchards and cider mills particularly standing out as top destinations.
Many of these orchards offer U-Pick options, fresh fruit markets and bakeries, and other festive options like corn mazes, hayrides, and Christmas tree and pumpkin picking throughout the year. For a more adult-themed experience, many of these orchards also offer local hard cider and wines.
If you’re looking for the best time of year to go apple picking in Michigan — aim for mid-September to mid-October.Â
If you’re looking for an experience that’s as great for families as it is for adults, you’re in the right place. Traverse City, Michigan offers something for just about anyone.Â
1. Rennie OrchardsÂ
Rennie Orchards features U-Pick apples, cherries, and pumpkins. They also carry pears, peaches, and apricots for sale.
Plenty of fun for kids with a wagon ride, teepee, log cabin, and hay bale maze. The fall is the perfect time for fresh-pressed cider and donuts as well.Â
Location:Â 11221 Monroe Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690Â
Hours: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Phone: (231) 264-8387Â
Types of Apples:
- HoneycrispÂ
- GalaÂ
- EmpireÂ
- MacintoshÂ
- JonamacÂ
- Ida Red Â
- Golden DeliciousÂ
- BlondeÂ
- Crimson CrispÂ
- CameoÂ
U-Pick Option: Yes
Has Cider Mill: Yes
Other Fruits Available:
- Cherries
- Pumpkins
- Pears
- Peaches
- Apricots
2. Shangri-La TooÂ
Shangri-La Too features U-Pick apples and raspberries. They also carry vegetables, eggs, and honey in their market along with jam and baked goods.Â
Location:Â 12602 Center Road, Traverse City, MI, 49686Â
Phone: (231) 499-0106Â
Hours: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
U-Pick Option: Yes
Has Cider Mill: No
Other Fruits Available:
- Cherries
- Raspberries
- Black Raspberries
3. Altonen Orchards
Altonen Orchards has been in business for four generations. It features fresh fruits and a wide array of vegetables in season.
Location:Â 11595 US 31, Williamsburg MI
Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Â
Phone: (231) 264-8052Â
Types of Apples:
- JonagoldÂ
- HoneycrispÂ
- CortlandÂ
- Ruby MacÂ
- GalaÂ
- Golden SupremeÂ
- Ida Red Â
- Northern SpyÂ
- MutsuÂ
- CameoÂ
U-Pick Option: No
Has Cider Mill: No
Other Fruits Available:
- Cherries
- Strawberries
4. Townline Cider Works
Townline Cider Works is a separate branch of Altonen Orchards and features hard cider from Altonen’s crop. Townline features locally made hard cider, live music, and a food truck. They also offer award-winning local wine made from their own vineyard.Â
Location:Â 11595 US 31, Williamsburg MIÂ
Phone: (231) 883-5330Â
Hours:
- Monday: 12-6 pm Â
- Tuesday: 3-8 pm Â
- Wednesday: closed  Â
- Thursday: 3-8 pm Â
- Friday: 1-8 pmÂ
- Saturday: 1-8 pmÂ
- Sunday: 12-6 pmÂ
U-Pick Option: No
Has Cider Mill: No
5. Jacob’s Farm
Jacob’s Farm features U-Pick fruit orchards, a corn maze and a kitchen that serves pizza, salads, and wraps. They also regularly host events like live music, yoga, and weddings. Jacob’s farm is recognized by the State of Michigan’s Historical Commission as a Centennial Farm.
Location:Â 7100 East Traverse Hwy. Traverse City, MI 49684
Hours: Dawn until Dusk Â
Phone: (231) 632-6293Â
Types of Apples:
- ZestarÂ
- HoneycrispÂ
U-Pick Option: Yes
Has Cider Mill: No
Other Fruits Available:
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Plums
- Raspberries
6. Buchan’s Blueberry Hill
Buchan’s Blueberry Hill is a 100-year-old family-run fruit farm. They pride themselves on their blueberries, apples, and ice cream. In the fall, they make their own fresh apple cider with the fruit from their farm.Â
Location:Â 1472 Nelson Rd, Traverse City Michigan 49686
Hours: Call for hours
Phone: (231) 223-4846Â
U-Pick Option: Yes
Has Cider Mill: Yes
Other Fruits Available:
- Blueberries
7. Gallagher’s Farm Market
Gallagher’s Farm Market features a market with a variety of fruits and vegetables based on the season. The market includes local jams, syrups, and granola as well. They also offer a bakery with donuts, pies, pastries, and breads.
Many of the baked goods are based on the fruits that are currently in season, so it changes over time. Call or check their website for information on which fruits are in season.Â
Location:Â 7237 E. Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684Â
Phone: (231) 947-1689Â
Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Closed TuesdaysÂ
U-Pick Option: No
Has Cider Mill: No
Other Fruits Available:
- Peaches
- Blueberries
- Apricots
8. Nomad Cidery
Nomad Cidery is a roadside farm market with U-Pick strawberries and apples. They also feature a cider tasting room that has several varieties of their own Nomad ciders and wines.
Location:Â 6620 M-72 E, Williamsburg, MI 49690
Hours: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Phone: (231) 267-9087Â
Types of Apples:
- Ida RedÂ
U-Pick Option: Yes
Has Cider Mill: Yes
Other Fruits Available:
- Strawberries
- Pumpkins
9. Interwater Farms
Interwater Farms is a family-owned orchard that specializes in high quality tree fruit such as cherries, peaches, and apples. They also offer strawberries while they’re in season.
Location:Â 10877 US 31 South, Williamsburg, MI 49690Â
Hours:
- Wednesday 8:00 am to 12:00 pmÂ
- Friday 8:30 am to 12:30 pmÂ
- Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pmÂ
Phone: (231) 264-8291Â
Types of Apples:
- SweeTango
- Honeycrisp
U-Pick Option: No
Has Cider Mill: No
Other Fruits Available:
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Strawberries
10. King Orchards
King Orchards has two locations, the main orchard in Northern Michigan and a market-only location at 986 US 31 S, Kewadin, Michigan, 49648. The main orchard features U-Pick fruits, a market, and a bakery. King Orchards also ships frozen fruit across the country/Â
Location:Â 4620 N M-88, Central Lake, MI 49622Â
Hours:
- 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday – Saturday Â
- 9:00 am to 4:00 pm SundayÂ
Phone: (231) 544-6479Â
Types of Apples:
- Heritage
- Northern Spy
- Cortland
- McIntosh
- Honeycrisp
- Ginger Gold
- Gala
- Jonagold
- Mutsu
- Paula Red
- Empire
- Golden Delicious
- Ida Red
U-Pick Option: Yes
Has Cider Mill: Yes
Other Fruits Available:
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Sweet Cherries
- Tart Cherries
- Apricots
- Nectarines
- Apples
Conclusion
Traverse City, Michigan’s fruit orchards have much to offer. If you’re a fan of fresh fruit, jams, and baked goods made with all that fresh fruit, you’re in the right place.
If you’re looking for a fun, family day of fruit picking with outdoor activities like hayrides and mazes or a more adult-themed trip to a vineyard or hard cidery, there’s something to offer almost anyone.Â