The Best U.S. Theme Park for Halloween is Close to Michigan

When you think about fall, you probably don't think about going to a theme park. But, fall can be a great time to check out your local theme park, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. If you're in Michigan, then you're in luck, because the best U.S. theme parks for Halloween is close to Michigan.

A new ranking has published a list of the best amusement parks to visit over Halloween this year. As for methodology, "The ranking, created by JeffBet, assigned each theme park a score out of 10 based on their amenities, attractions, availability of their Halloween event, crowding, price, seasonal popularity, spooky theming, and value for money."

Before we get to the best, let's look at the worst. Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay was ranked the worst park to visit during Halloween because of the few restaurants and not having much of a spooky theme, according to the study. Going up to the best, No. 2 is Knott's Berry Farm in California. I'm so excited to say that I went there as a little kid, when my family was visiting my aunt in California. They have 19 Halloween-specific attractions, according to the study, including the "Knott's Scary Farm," with ten immersive mazes, five scare zones, and four live shows. No. 3 is Disneyland Park in California.

Guess who topped the list? Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Of Cedar Point, the study says, "Cedar Point provides the best value for money and also performs particularly well for theming - surprisingly beating both Universal and Disney." They added that the park offers the best value for money. Finally, "The park also performed particularly well for theming, as there are a staggering 19 Halloween-specific 'nighttime frights' planned over their 'Halloweekend' events, including mazes, outdoor scare zones, and 'sinister' live shows."

The cool breeze is creeping in, and Fall is sneaking up on us here in Michigan. We're more than halfway through August, and it’s time to gear up for some autumn fun. Among these activities are haunted attractions that'll make you jump and pumpkin patches begging for your best jack-o'-lantern face. But before we jump into spooky season, we are excited about apple orchards and, of course, cider mills.

There's a thrill that comes with the mention of apple orchards. You have the aroma of cider mills in full swing, and the irresistible allure of freshly made, warm sugary donuts. These elements combine to create an experience that captures the essence of fall. Michigan is home to numerous cider mills, with some particularly favored ones scattered throughout the Metro Detroit area.

It's worth noting that the state has emerged as a significant contributor to the apple market; there are a substantial number of apple orchards in Michigan. According to information from the Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan holds the rank of the nation's third-largest apple producer. The state has over 14.9 million apple trees that span 34,500 acres and are distributed among 775 family-operated farms.

Michigan is one of the best states for homemade donuts and apple cider. For those who appreciate the charm of cider mills, it's no secret that each one has its own distinct personality. With an assortment of activities, specialties, a variety of donuts, and a specific blend of apples, no two cider mills are quite the same. And quite a few cideries have jumped on the trend of offering hard cider as well.

Whether you're planning a full day out with the family, keeping up a cherished tradition, or simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, these cider mills should definitely be on your radar. With offerings ranging from hayrides and u-pick experiences to petting zoos and corn mazes, check out these cider mills in Metro Detroit.

Now open at 1540 East Commerce Rd in Commerce, you've got the Long Family Orchard ready to welcome you. They have a cider mill, a corn maze, and a play area for visitors. Alongside their cider and donuts, you can also pick up apples, pumpkins, and other fresh produce from their offerings.

Experience fall to the fullest at Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill. Treat yourself to a cinnamon donut and fresh cider, and don't miss the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch or the hay bale maze. Located at 10685 Warren Rd. in Plymouth, they're opening up for Labor Day weekend.

Right at 1990 E. Avon in Rochester Hills, this place is open for business. They have cider, pastries, and fudge. They also have a petting farm with sheep, horses, and Lucy the Llama. And if you're up for a walk, there are riverside trails to explore. They're open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find more information about Yates Cider Mill here.

This family-operated cider mill and restaurant serves up scratch-made meals year-round. You can enjoy lunch and dinner here, and when fall rolls around, they have cider and donuts too. They also offer a variety of baked goods and ice cream, including a fun treat called the Apple Cider Milk Shake. Located at 4480 Orion Rd. in Rochester.

Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill is open and waiting for you at 17985 Armada Center Rd. in Armada. They've got not one, but two spots to explore: Blake’s Orchard Funland and Blake’s Big Apple Funland. They have a petting farm, water duck races, an animated scarecrow band, and wagon rides at each spot. Plus, they've got tasty treats sourced locally. Blake's has got more to offer with an open-air apple press, a tasting room, and even a restaurant.

This 104-acre apple orchard and mill used to be called Erwin Orchards and Cider Mill. It opened a few weeks ago and has everything from doughnuts, cider, and U-pick apples to a petting zoo. And they offer Blake's Hard Cider, wine, yummy cider mill treats, and baked goods. This is located at 51475 Silver Lake Rd. in South Lyon.

They've got an open-air market, the Apple Shack, and the Franklin Tent where you can grab homemade jams, maple syrup, honey, salsas, meats, and cheeses. And they're bringing back Cider Dogs, which are hot dogs soaked in cider. You can even watch them making the cider inside the mill. Head to 7450 Franklin Rd. in Franklin when they open up on Saturday, September 2nd.

Starting September 1st, head over to 7897 Six Mile Rd. in Northville. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by a colorful entrance packed with fall flowers, mums, corn stalks, and, of course, the chance to pick your own pumpkins. Don't miss the big red barn and cider mill – that's where the hayrides start every 10 minutes. And if you're up for a challenge, there's a 7-acre corn maze for both kids and adults. Plus, Three Cedars offers 10 private bonfire sites for rent all season long.

Opening its doors on August 26, you can find this place at 714 Baseline in Northville. They have all the good stuff like cider, doughnuts, cider slush, and more tasty treats. And if you're into fresh hard cider and beer, check out Parmenter's Northville Winery and Brewing Co. This year marks their 150th anniversary.

Spicer Orchards is open all year round and has been growing fruit for six generations. They got their Hartland farm in 1967 and set up another market there in 1980. They do apples and cider, and they also have a winery, a doughnut shop, and a bakery. You can check them out at 10411 Clyde Rd. in Fenton.

Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill is open daily from mid-August to Halloween, 9 am to 6 pm. They serve apple cider, homemade donuts, apple butter, honey, jams, pies, candy, and more fall favorites. A visit to Diehl’s feels like a trip "up North" rather than a typical Metro Detroit cider mill.

Eat fresh apple cider straight from their mill and enjoy hot, homemade donuts at the Donut House, all while your kids play on straw bales in the picnic area. No need for an admission fee at their farm. You can pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries (red, yellow & black) or buy pre-picked ones. They also offer apples, homemade pies, caramel apples, pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, and more. You can even check out antique tractors on display for fun photo ops.

Right now, you can head over to Wiard's at 5565 Merritt Road in Ypsilanti. With a history of almost 170 years, they have a petting farm, corn maze, wagon rides, mini golf, fire engine rides, paintball, karaoke, and a super big inflatable slide. You can also pick your own apples and pumpkins. And if you're up for a scare, check out Wiard's Haunted Thrill Park on weekends in September and October. They've got a Haunted Barn, MindShaft, and Asylum waiting for you. Wiard's is open Wednesday through Sunday, and there are even more cool things happening on weekends.

For an fall family outing, check out Westview Orchards in Washington Township. They offer u-pick apples, a farm market, and bakery, along with activities like The Black Hole, Giant Slide, Corn Maze, and more. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October from 10 am to 5 pm.

Located at 38035 S. Huron Rd. in New Boston, Apple Charlie’s is set to open next month. The star of the show at Apple Charlie’s is their wide array of apples and fresh-pressed cider. For the little ones, there are pony rides and a farm with animals to enjoy. You'll also find food truck vendors on-site.

Located at 4900 32 Mile Rd. in Washington Township, they're gearing up to open in mid-September. It's a fully operational farm with much more than apples and pumpkins. Alongside their cider, Millers has a Country Store stocked with pies, bread, jams, jellies, donuts, and more. They've also got a greenhouse filled with various plants. Throughout the seasons, you can enjoy U-Pick strawberries, cherries, pumpkins, raspberries, and three types of apples. Plus, they have their own ice cream parlor and craft their own mackinaw fudge.