About Dexter Cider Mill
Dexter Cider Mill sits on the bank of the Huron River at the edge of downtown Dexter and dates to 1886, which the family-run mill says makes it Michigan's oldest continuously operating cider mill. The 2026 season was its 140th. Cider is still pressed on an oak rack press in the old way, and it is sold fresh and unpasteurized.
Cider season runs from late August into November, and the mill is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On weekends pressing usually goes on from morning into mid-afternoon. Cinnamon donuts are made on the premises every day, and the shop also sells caramel apples, apple nut bread, honey, jams and fruit butters. Some menu items are offered only on certain days.
The mill also makes small-batch hard ciders sold only here, including a traditional cider, a dry-hopped cider and one aged in bourbon barrels, and a weekend tasting room pours flights. Behind the shop there is outdoor seating along the river; bees love it as much as people do in early fall. Service dogs may come inside, and other dogs are welcome on the patio. Payment is cash or check only, with an ATM on site.
Hamlett Lavender Farm near Pinckney is about 6 miles north. Its you-pick lavender is a summer stop, and cider season here begins in late August, so the two bookend the season.
What to do
- Buy a jug of fresh, unpasteurized cider pressed on an oak rack press
- Get a bag of cinnamon donuts made on the premises
- Sit on the riverside patio behind the mill
- Try a flight of house hard ciders in the weekend tasting room
- Pick up caramel apples or apple nut bread
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Cider season from late August into November
- Hours
- Cider season: Wednesday–Sunday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (their website, 2026)
Good to know
- Dogs
- Service dogs inside; other dogs on the outdoor patio
- Payment
- Cash or check only; ATM on site
Tips for your visit
- Bring cash or a checkbook; cards are not accepted
- Don't park on the bridge over the Huron River; use on-site lots or parking around town
- Expect bees on the patio on warm fall days
- Weekend mornings are the best time to see the press running
Pair it with a lavender farm
Hamlett Lavender Farm · about 15 minutes away
Hamlett Lavender Farm near Pinckney is about 6 miles north; visit it for lavender in summer and come here for cider and donuts from late August.
Getting there
Questions
Is the cider pasteurized?
No. The cider is fresh and unpasteurized, pressed on site.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio; only service dogs may go inside.
Do they take credit cards?
No. Payment is cash or check only, with an ATM on site.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Ann Arbor & Milan, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
