Talk about the FULL package! Wiard’s Orchard in Ypsilanti has over 5,000 apple trees, a cider mill, a donut shop, a bakery, and a country store. It also has a TON of activities AND it is the location of Night Terrors, a top-rated haunted attraction. Still family run after 185 years, this is a cider mill and a whole lot more.
The History of Wiard’s Orchard
Wiard’s Cider Mill and Apple Orchard was established in 1837 by George Wiard. The family first opened their establishment on Wiard Road (near the current Willow Run Airport). Wiard’s Orchard ran an apple orchard, cider mill, vinegar mill, and vineyards. In the 1940s, during World War II, Willow Run bomber plant construction forced the orchard and cider mill to be moved to Ypsilanti.
In the 1980s, Wiard’s Orchard introduced their Country Fair agritainment complex. They added a giant slide, Old West hayrides, corn maze, petting farm, moonwalk, u-pick pumpkin fields, Straw Stack, Haunted Barn, multiple children’s play areas, hot food, and more. This complex was a launch pad for Wiard’s Company Picnics. With it came the addition of a sports facility, complete with a softball diamond, basketball court, and horseshoe pits.
The 2000s saw the expansion of Country Fair and corporate picnic facilities. Two large picnic pavilions, Wiard Miniature Golf, new hayride trails, and the expansion of the orchards to over 5000 apple trees came about. They also completed “Night Terrors,” the largest haunted thrill park in Michigan. Night Terrors features the Haunted Barn, The Asylum, The Mindshaft, Hayride of the Lost and Alien Caged Clowns. Who doesn’t want to see Alien Caged Clowns?
Wiard’s Orchard even has an apple cannon, a paintball arena, and its own fire engines that you can ride.
Find out more about Wiard’s Orchard when you CLICK HERE.
You can get your votes in for the WCSX Cider Mill Madness bracket when you CLICK HERE. Help your favorite cider mill win a $10,000 marketing package and you could win an autographed Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitar AND a $100 Visa gift card!
