The most crisp, clear, fresh tasting apple cider around. We have tried all the cider mills in the Metro-Detroit area and no one compares. Plus the cinnamon-sugar donuts are so tender and tasty and decent size compared to others. Great to see the big water wheel that generates all the energy to make the apples. The river out back is a great place to take a walk with your family or bring your dog too. Perfect fall afternoon!!!
My parents have been taking me to Yates since I was a kid. I have fond memories of Yates and continued the tradition and took my family there too.However, over the years Yates has relied on tradition to carry them through. The nature trail has had damaged sections that go without repair. The old rail bridge that crossed the Clinton River is gone, and you can no longer walk over to the Bloomer Park paths.The lines are very long for cider and donuts, however, they do have very good cider and donuts. But if you try to eat them at Yates you will be swarmed by wasps. Last time we went there we had to make a run for it after buying cider, the wasps were unbearable.Getting to Yates is a nightmare. All the roads in the area are two lane roads that simply cannot handle all the Yates traffic. Heaven forbid you need to make a left turn.In recent years the parking lot has been expanded and parking is no longer an issue. However, the condition of the dirt lot is terrible, with lots of massive pot-holes.There is a small petting zoo which is free. There are expensive pony rides for $5 each. The nature trail is also free and enjoyable, but it's not quite long enough. The nature trail can also get rather crowded during peak times, especially now that the Clinton River bridge is gone.The staff are are always very warm and friendly. Cups and napkins are provided for free.This year my family tried going to a different area cider mill and we had a much better experience than when we went to Yates. I hate to say it, but for my family the Yates tradition is over. Not much to do, too congested, too many bees, and a neglected trail and parking lot is just too much.I'll always have the memories of the way it used to be, and perhaps it's best to remember it that way.
Been coming here since 1975, seems like nothing changes. And that is a good thing! The donuts and cider are always awesome and don't forget the fudge around the corner at the fudge shop!
Our 1st trip to Yates, we met up with our daughters at the cider mill to spend some time, awesome place with a lot of history.Tons of stuff to do if you happen to have little ones, petting zoo, pony rides & a magic show to name a few.The line to get in was quite lengthy but well worth the wait.The cider and apple slashes were great, as the other snacks were too. But the donuts were the best we have ever had at a cider mill!!! A definite must if you are in the area.
Lots of history here and cool mill. Plenty of food and drink and a really cool path along the river that goes quite a ways! Cool goat enclosure and family friendly!
Great classic cider mill with a water-wheel powered press. Very cool to watch the cider press in action.Tons of people on weekends. Awesome hiking trail. Pet friendly.
It's busy, but well worth it! They've been there forever and you may have to wait in line (it moves quickly), but you'll be glad you did. Weekends are crazy busy--lots of families. Apples, cider, donuts, pies, fudge, pumpkins, pony rides, snap your selfies by the river…you get the idea. Oh and did I mention it's busy. BUT SO WORTH IT!
The traffic to get in and out of this place is unbelievable, and it's not worth the wait, because you only end up in a crowded parking lot with a long line of cranky people waiting to get their Kroger cider and doughnut being sold out of what might originally have been a cider mill. Nice walk by the river, but even that can be done away from the crowds, elsewhere.
Historic and fabulous. A Rochester area landmark - don't miss it! The cider and donuts are fabulous but they have icecream and other things right across from the river/park. Make an afternoon of it!
Apple pie was too sweet. Apple cider was also too sweet. I seriously think I could have made a much better Dutch apple pie.