Where: The Dexter Cider Mill
Address: 3685 Central St. Dexter, MI 48130
Along the banks of the Huron River in the town of Dexter, Michigan, sits one of Michigan’s
most excellent “hidden gems”: The Dexter Cider Mill. Producing hundreds of thousands of apple-flavored items through the fall, it’s long been a favorite stop of not only Dexter locals but also thousands of Michiganders.
The Mill is part of the heart of Dexter and has made the growing town famous for a few short
months each year. Families flock to this favorite fall destination to enjoy cider, donuts, and the
unbeatable views provided by the Huron River. In fact, you’ll find some of the best Michigan-made cider and donuts here.
The best news? The Dexter Cider Mill opens on August 26, 2022 (this year), and stays open until the end of November several days throughout the week.
Read on for everything you need to know about the famous Dexter Cider Mill.
History of the Dexter Cider Mill
The Dexter Cider mill has 133 years of history in the town of Dexter and has been operating
since 1886 when the VanNatter family first purchased the property. It’s the longest continuously
operating Cider Mill in Michigan and has only had three owners.
The VanNatter’s owned the mill from 1886 to 1900 when the Otto Wagner Family purchased it,
and it was in their family till 1986 when the current owner, Nancy and Marty Steinhuar family,
bought the mill.
Where IS the Dexter Cider Mill located?
The Dexter Cider Mill is located in southeast michigan, about 15 minutes northwest of Ann Arbor, MI.
Cider, Donuts and Other Apple Treats at the Dexter Cider Mill
The cider from the Dexter Cider Mill is still made the same as it was 130 years ago. The mill
operators use a natural oak rack press to make delicious, natural unpasteurized cider.
The Dexter Mill also has a large array of different apple-flavored products for customers to
choose from. They have donuts, caramel apples, and apple nut bread, and on weekends they have
homemade apple pie, apple strudel, apple turnovers, and hand-rolled ginger snaps. They also
have cider slushies, jellies, barbeque sauces, jams, apple butter, maple syrup, mustard, and t-
shirts.
The mill offers an apple cookbook with recipes for several products and new hard cider coming
this season!
Cider Mill Fun for Everyone!
As a Dexter native going to the mill is a tradition within my family, and there is always a bottle
of Dexter Mill cider sitting in the fridge at home throughout the fall.
I highly recommend visiting the mill along with the beautiful town of Dexter to experience Fall
to its fullest extent. The Dexter Mill is a great way to spend time with family while enjoying
outstanding food and drinks.
About Cider Mills in Michigan
Visiting Michigan ciders mills and apple orchards is a fall rite of passage. You’ll find apple orchards scattered throughout the state, and you can smell with sweet cinnamon donuts and crisp apple cider wafting on the air. It’s a special thing in Michigan, and you’ll want to put a visit to a Michigan Cider Mill on your fall bucket list!
More Fall Fun in Michigan
About The Author ~
Emily Lance is a Content Creator for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the small town of
Dexter, Michigan, just outside Ann Arbor, and is currently attending Michigan State University.
She majors in Journalism with a focus in Sports journalism and Media Relations and a minor in
Media Photography. Emily loves writing and taking photographs/videos of her surroundings and
travels. Emily likes to explore new places, kayak, ski, and go boating in her free time.