Honey Hill Orchard — Attraction in Clinton Township

Will be picking a different apple farm next year. We had been bere once before so we came back this year since we had a good experience last time. However, one of the men driving the tractor was extremely rude to me, my husband, 3 year old and 70 year old in-laws! We were walking down a row of apples that did not have any rope, roping it off and another family had just come from down it. As we were walking, a tractor pulling about 20 people stopped, the man driving it, got off, walked all the way up to us (practically in my husbands face) and said "what are you doing over here. You can't be here. Its roped off, didnt anyone explain how this works. Theres no signs and its roped off"(where we were walking was NOT roped off). He was extremely Rude in his expression and tone - had he said, "hey guys, this area isn't for picking, could you please not walk this way, I'll show you where to go", it would have been no big deal. But he was borderline yelling at us and his whole tractor full of people was staring at us as he walked us (basically escorted) out of the row. When we got our bag for you pick, no one explained anything to us, just paid and handed us the bag. Then when we went to get on a tractor there wasn't one, so we said we would walk and the nice lady said okay - that way is the crimson crisp. Nothing about ropes or signs or anything. The way that employee spoke to us just really just made the rest of our trip uncomfortable. My daughter did enjoy the farm animals and apple...

We make the trip out to this orchard for the past 2 years. The first year, there were several varieties to choose from and the quality of the apples were fresh and crispy. This year, however, I will say there were less varieties and it seems half of the trees had some sort of powder mildew problem. We didn’t mind that because we would have to scout trees that weren’t infected. The apples we did pick came home and were very tasty. We only had one bad apple that was mealy.

Other perks of the orchard is they have cider donuts which are AMAZING. They also have a small shop where you can buy jams, cider, pies, etc. For the kids, there is a small petting farm of animals like goats, horses, and donkeys.

They have other things to harvest like raspberries and pumpkins as well.

Downsides, as mentioned, is the tree health and if this will be a continuing trend into the next year.

Other downside is there are no running toilets/sinks. There are porta potties with hand sanitizer, so plan accordingly if you get the ick from that. I suggest bringing wet wipes etc. Unsure if they have changing stations for little ones but doubtful.

Their small shop has a $5 credit card minimum and their apple picking stall is cash only.

Lastly, they close at 5:30 but their last tractor that takes you out to the orchard stops service at 4pm. However, walking to the orchard is only a 4-5 min walk and still permissible after 4. They advise everyone must leave the orchard by 5pm and the shops are...

Honey Hill Orchard has, and always will be my favorite Orchard. I have been to many- both in the Midwest and North East US. Honey Hill is a down to earth real family run Orchard rather than a commercialized theme park style experience. The cider donuts and caramel apples are made right there- not shipped in. They are the Best I’ve ever tasted. Their cider is also pressed on site and is absolutely delicious! I buy their own local honey every year as well. They have a walk up window for buying single donuts, cider, cider slushes, pieces of pie or donut sundaes. In the barn, they have apples, jams, Amish canned goods, and lots of fun snacks and treats from all over the US. They carry many beautiful craft items made by local artists and carry 1808 candles- made right in Waterman! They have tractors to take you out to the orchard on weekends ( weather-permitting) and food trucks on weekends as well. Pies, donuts, cider and locally grown beef are also for sale. There are several bathrooms located on site as well as portapotties. There is a small petting zoo , a hay bale maze and some other fun activities for children that are free - no admission fee unless you are picking apples in the orchard. That is refreshing since so many places charge a hefty admission fee just to walk in nowadays. I have been going here for decades- brought my children and now my...