Wiard's Cider Mill and Apple Orchard was founded in Michigan by George Wiard in 1853. The u-pick apple orchard and cider mill was originally located on Wiard Road near what is now known as Willow Run Airport. In those early years, the Wiards operated an apple orchard, cider mill, vinegar mill and vineyards. In the 1940's, during World War II, the construction of the bomber plant at Willow Run forced the orchard and cider mill to be moved to our current location in Ypsilanti Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan.
The 1950's brought about the addition of a farm market at Wiards, which in the 1960's was remodeled into our current Country Store and Bakery featuring old-fashioned goodies and delicious donuts and pies. Also at that time, our current cider mill was constructed and pumpkin fields were added to our orchard and farming operations.
In the 1980's, at the forefront of the orchard and cider mill industry, Wiard's introduced their Country Fair agri-entertainment complex, including a giant slide, pony rides, Old West hayrides, corn maze, petting farm, face painting, moonwalk, u-pick pumpkin fields, straw mountain, haunted barn, multiple children's play areas, hot food and more.
Wiard's Company Picnics & Events was launched in the early 1990's, and included the addition of a sports facility, complete with a softball diamond, basketball court and horseshoe pits.
During 2006 and 2007, we expanded our Country Fair and corporate picnic facilities with the addition of new restrooms, two large picnic pavilions, Fort Wiard miniature golf, new hayride trails, Hippity-Hop Bunny Village and over 2,500 trees to our orchards.
2007 also saw the completion of "Night Terrors," the largest haunted thrill park in Michigan. Night Terrors features the Haunted Barn, The Asylum, The Labyrinth, The Mindshaft, Hayrides of the Lost and Alien Clown Encounter.
Striving to meet the needs of our customers, many changes and improvements have been made by six generations of the Wiard Family. Today, the apple orchard and cider mill covers nearly 100 acres with many diversified operations, including the Cider Mill, Country Store, u-pick apples and pumpkins, Country Fair, corn maze, field trips, company picnics, school trips, birthday parties, evening hayrides, Night Terrors and much more!
