Connect with Your Heritage
Discovering the traditions of Michigan’s farmers, both past and present, is a fascinating way to learn about local agriculture.
Visit a Cider Mill
Step into one of Michigan’s cherished traditions. Once powered by water, historic mills turned tart apples into hard cider, laying the foundation for a rich agricultural legacy. Today, Michigan’s orchards produce a wide variety of crisp, flavorful apples used in everything from fresh cider to artisanal goods. Visit a local cider mill to experience the harvest season firsthand and sip a refreshing glass of cold sweet cider or a mug of hot spiced sweet cider – and don’t forget the doughnuts. For a more grown-up experience, explore Michigan’s expanding cideries, where traditional methods are being revived to craft exceptional hard cider.
The Fruitful Orchard & Cider Mill
Waterloo Farm Museum
Discover Agricultural Traditions
Step back in time and explore Michigan’s agricultural roots. From the early 1800’s until the Industrial Revolution, agriculture was the primary source of a family’s livelihood as self-sufficient farmsteads dotted the landscape. Today, educational farms bring these traditions to life. Discover historic equipment in farm museums, learn traditional skills like canning and beekeeping, and enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, just as farmers once traveled to harvest and deliver their crops to markets.
Take an Educational Tour
Go beyond the farm stand and step into the story behind the harvest. Michigan farmers are passionate about what they do and love sharing the history of their land. A guided farm tour offers a unique opportunity to meet the people behind your food, learn how it’s grown and experience farm life firsthand. Whether you join a scheduled group tour or simply ask for a visit, you’ll likely be welcomed with genuine hospitality.
Schultz Fruitridge Farm
Goldberry Woods – A Modern Farm Resort
Spend a Night on a Farm
Wake up to the quiet beauty of the countryside and experience life on a working farm. From gathering eggs to feeding animals and helping with the harvest, farm stays offer a hands-on connection to rural living. Enjoy the charm of a farm bed and breakfast, where you can unwind and start your day with a fresh, locally prepared meal. For a more private getaway, some farms also offer cozy cottages that are perfect for a peaceful escape.