Fall in Michigan means crisp air, colorful leaves, and apple picking adventures! But why leave your four-legged friend at home?
My Golden Retriever Max and I discovered there are plenty of orchards where pups are welcome to join the autumn fun. These family-owned farms not only offer delicious apples and cider but also welcome your canine companions to be part of the memories.
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
Robinette’s welcomes wagging tails on their sprawling 125-acre property. Your furry friend can trot alongside you through the orchard paths while you fill your basket with Honeycrisp and Gala apples.
The walking trails surrounding the orchard provide perfect opportunities for doggy bathroom breaks.
Just remember to keep your pup leashed and bring waste bags.
After picking, you can enjoy cider on their pet-friendly patio while your four-legged companion relaxes at your feet.
Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm
Family traditions run deep at Dunneback Farm, where five generations have cultivated the land.
Dogs are enthusiastically welcomed throughout the orchard areas, making it a perfect weekend destination for the whole family, four-legged members included!
The farm features wide, grassy lanes between apple rows, giving dogs plenty of space to explore without disturbing other visitors. What makes this place extra special is their annual ‘Pups in the Patch’ event, typically held in October, where proceeds benefit local animal shelters.
Corey Lake Orchards
The orchard’s proximity to Corey Lake provides cooling breezes that seem to delight visiting pups on warm autumn days.
Beyond apples, their dog-friendly policy extends to their U-pick berry patches and pumpkin fields. My neighbor’s Labrador absolutely lost his mind with joy running (on leash) between the apple trees here last season.
The owners keep communal water dishes near the farm store, showing their genuine appreciation for four-legged visitors.
Their apple cider slushies are the perfect refreshment after a day of picking with your pooch!
Lehman’s Orchard
The Lehman family’s love for animals shines through in their pet-friendly policies across their 200+ acres of farmland.
Your pup can join you not only for apple picking but also during wine tastings on their outdoor patio. The orchard features several walking paths specifically designed with dog walkers in mind, complete with waste stations and water bowls.
Their U-pick blueberries in summer and apples in fall create year-round opportunities for adventures with your dog.
The orchard’s smaller size creates an intimate atmosphere where staff often remember returning dogs by name!
Uncle John’s Cider Mill
While dogs can’t enter indoor facilities, the outdoor cider-sipping area welcomes them with open arms.
Many visitors bring portable water bowls to keep their pups hydrated during their orchard adventures.
The staff here goes above and beyond, often offering dog biscuits to furry visitors.
Their apple picking season typically runs from September through October, with different varieties ripening throughout the fall. It gives you multiple reasons to return with your canine companion.
Almar Orchards & Cidery
Dogs particularly enjoy this orchard’s natural setting, with grassy paths and plenty of interesting scents. The highlight of our visit was watching my dog’s excitement as we rode the tractor-pulled wagon to the picking fields.
They even have special secure spots for dogs on the wagons!
Their rustic outdoor tasting area welcomes dogs, making it possible to sample their award-winning hard ciders while your furry friend relaxes nearby. Just bring a leash and cleanup bags to be a responsible visitor.
Wasem Fruit Farm
Generations of families and their dogs have created autumn memories at this southeastern Michigan institution. Wasem’s dog-friendly policy makes it a standout destination for Ann Arbor and Detroit residents looking for countryside adventures with their canines.
The orchard features nearly 40 apple varieties across their well-maintained grounds. Water stations for dogs dot the property, showing their thoughtful approach to four-legged guests.
Their famous apple cider donuts can be enjoyed at outdoor picnic tables where dogs are welcome to lounge beside you.
Just remember that weekends get crowded, so consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience with your pup.
Yates Cider Mill
Dogs regularly outnumber children here on weekday afternoons!
While your four-legged friend can’t enter the cider mill building itself, they’re welcome throughout the orchard and riverside areas. The Clinton River running alongside the property provides a refreshing soundtrack to your apple-picking adventure.
Their outdoor food stands serve up fall treats you can enjoy at picnic tables with your dog relaxing nearby. Pro tip: Visit during October weekdays to avoid the largest crowds while still experiencing peak apple season.
Paint Creek Cider Mill
This orchard offers a unique experience where hikers, cyclists, and dog walkers converge.
Leashed dogs receive enthusiastic greetings from the staff, who often keep treats behind the counter. The mill’s outdoor deck overlooks the bubbling creek, creating a serene setting to enjoy cider and donuts with your furry friend at your side.
What makes this place special is how it blends outdoor recreation with orchard traditions. Your dog will appreciate the natural setting and the chance to meet other four-legged visitors.
Pond Hill Farm
This working farm combines apple picking with a winery, brewery, and cafe: all with outdoor seating where dogs can join you.
The property’s hiking trails through the surrounding woods create perfect opportunities for exercising energetic dogs between picking sessions. Their “Squash Rocket” activity (launching vegetables at targets) has become a spectator sport for many visiting dogs!
The staff provides water bowls throughout the property and genuinely appreciates well-behaved canine visitors.
Friske Farm Market
Friske’s offers a northern Michigan apple experience where dogs receive a genuinely enthusiastic welcome. Their spacious orchard layout provides plenty of room for leashed dogs to accompany their humans without crowding other visitors.
After picking, their outdoor cafe area allows dogs to join you while sampling their famous apple pie à la mode or fresh cider.
Their Northern Spy apples are particularly worth seeking out during October visits. They’re a Michigan specialty that stores well for winter baking projects!