Cider Mills, Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches

Last Updated: August 31, 2026

From beloved local orchards to family-friendly farm attractions and classic roadside pumpkin stands, here’s your guide to some of the best places to experience fall in the Brighton Howell area.

Nothing says autumn in Michigan quite like crisp cider, warm cinnamon donuts, and finding the perfect pumpkin. Whether your family wants a peaceful, historic step back in time or an action-packed afternoon with corn mazes and kids' play areas, the Brighton Howell Area has it all!

Spicer Orchards & Farm Market

📍Fenton, MI

Hours: Farm Market: Daily, 9 AM-7 PM; Winery: Daily, 11 AM-8 PM

Season: Farm Market: June- December; Winery: year-round

U-pick: Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, plums, apples, sunflowers & pumpkins

For a full day of fall fun, Spicer Orchards Farm Market & Winery is a seasonal favorite. Take a wagon ride to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch, pick your own produce, visit the petting zoo, explore the play areas, or tackle the annual trivia-themed corn maze. Some attractions require admission.

After the fun, stop by the Farm Market for fresh-baked donuts, fudge, pies, and other treats. Be sure to grab a famous cherry chip donut, then head to the on-site winery for hard cider and wine tastings. Spicer’s also offers U-pick berries and cherries during the summer months.

Blake’s Orchard

📍 South Lyon, MI

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 AM-6 PM; Friday-Sunday, 8 AM-6 PM

Season: Late April-late October

U-pick: Apples, raspberries, zucchini, squash, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, pickling cucumbers & tomatoes (seasonal)

For a full day of fall fun, Blake’s Orchards combines a classic Michigan orchard experience with plenty of activities for the whole family. During fall weekends, Funland features more than 25 attractions, including play structures, jumping pillows, barnyard animals, a John Deere track, tricycle races, and a seasonal corn maze.

Families can also take a wagon ride into the orchard, pick their own apples, choose a pumpkin, and enjoy Blake’s famous hot cider donuts. Stop by the farm market for fresh cider and fall treats, or sample Blake’s signature hard ciders on the weekends.

Fawcett Farms

📍 Howell, MI

Hours: Daily, 10 AM-8 PM

Season: Fall

U-pick: Pumpkins

For classic pumpkin-patch fun, Fawcett Farms offers a welcoming, down-to-earth fall experience. Choose from a large selection of carving pumpkins, then add some seasonal color with mums, straw bales, Indian corn, and gourds.

Keep an eye on the farm’s event calendar for seasonal activities, including Pumpkin Yoga, a Car & Tractor Show, and the annual community Trunk or Treat.

Chambers Family Farms

📍 Pinckney, MI

Hours: Daily, 10 AM-8 PM

Season: September-October

U-pick: Pumpkins

Spend a fall day at Chambers Family Farms, where visitors can pick pumpkins on the farm’s 20 acres and enjoy classic fall activities for the whole family. Meet the farm animals, walk through the mini corn maze and let the kids bounce on round hay bales.

On weekends, take a tractor wagon ride and save room for delicious baked goods for the perfect taste of fall.

Munsell Farms

📍 Fowlerville, MI

Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-6 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 10 AM-6 PM

Season: Fall

Planning a fall porch makeover? Munsell Farms has everything you need, from large carving pumpkins and specialty gourds to cornstalks and straw bales.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect jack-o’-lantern or creating a full autumn display, this traditional family-run farm is a great seasonal stop. Visit in late August and you may even catch the sunflower fields in bloom.

Parshallville Cider Mill

📍Fenton, MI

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed Monday & Tuesday)

Season: Labor Day to mid-November

For a peaceful, nostalgic fall experience, Parshallville Cider Mill is hard to beat. Located along North Ore Creek in a 145-year-old, water-powered grist mill, this designated Michigan Historic Site offers a charming step back in time.

Watch the traditional cider press at work, then enjoy unpasteurized apple cider, warm spiced donuts, homemade pies, cakes and caramel apples from the Apple Core bakery. Before you leave, grab a bottle of their signature apple cider grilling sauce for a taste of fall at home.

Markille Orchards

📍 Howell, MI

Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 10 AM-4 PM (Closed weekdays)

Season: September-late October

For a quieter taste of fall, Markillie Orchards offers a relaxed, picture-perfect setting for enjoying the season. Families can take in the beautiful orchard grounds, enjoy the small playground, and soak up the old-fashioned atmosphere without the crowds of a larger fall festival.

The real stars here are the treats. Markillie is known for its creative cider donuts, including Apple Spice, Blueberry, Cherry, and later-season Pumpkin Spice. You can also try an apple cider slushie, donut sundae, or their indulgent Apple Cider Explosion topped with a homemade cider donut.

2026 note: Due to weather-related crop issues, Markillie will not have bagged apples available for purchase this year, but visitors can still enjoy the scenery, seasonal treats, and laid-back fall atmosphere.

Pro-Tips for Your Fall Farm Visit

Go Early to Beat the Crowds: Arrive within the first hour of opening, especially at heavy hitters like Spicer's and Blake's, to secure a parking spot and avoid long donut lines.

Bring Both Cash and Card: While larger farms accept plastic, smaller setups like Fawcett Farms or local farm stands often move faster if you have exact cash for pumpkins.

Dress for the Field: U-pick pumpkin patches are muddy, dusty, and full of prickly vines. Skip the cute open-toed shoes and opt for sturdy boots.

Bring a Trunk Liner or Tarp: Freshly picked pumpkins and muddy wagons will make a mess of your car. Keep an old blanket or plastic tarp in the trunk.

Check the Weather and Social Pages First: Many farms modify hours based on crop availability/weather conditions. Always do a quick check of their social media pages before driving out.

Know the Pet Rules: Most orchards allow service animals, but family pets are typically restricted from u-pick orchards and food production areas due to health codes. Leave furry friends at home unless the farm explicitly states otherwise.

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