As Halloween approaches, the falling leaves mark the beginning of the fall festivities. From haunted houses to pumpkin patches and cider mills, whether you’re looking for jump scares or a cozy destination, there’s something for everyone.
Popular destinations every year include Three Cedars Farm, Ghostly Grove, and Eloise asylum. But one of the most beloved places for families and students alike is Wiard’s Orchards, a cheerful orchard by day, and a haunted attraction by night. Known for their hayrides, haunted attractions, and classic apple cider donuts, Wiard’s has become a staple of Ann Arbor’s fall season.
I got a special interview with Wiard’s Orchards, where I learned more about their history and what goes on behind the scenes.
“Wiard’s Cider Mill and Apple Orchards were founded in Michigan by George Wiard in 1837,” Renee Way, part of management at the orchard, said. “We have been serving our community for 188 years. We want everyone to experience the joy of the fall season, whether it’s the cider and donuts that make them happy or an enjoyable day at the Country Fair.”
For thrill seekers, Wiard’s offers Night Terrors, which has been “the Granddaddy of Gore since 1984.” The haunted attractions include The Ultimate Haunted Barn, The Mindshaft, and The Asylum, three terrifying experiences that keep brave visitors coming back year after year.
“The team we have here love to put terror in your face,” Way said, which they very much succeeded at. As, “It was so fun even though my eyes were basically closed the whole entire time,” sophomore Katie Hu said, “Next time I go I’m gonna try to keep them open.”
Preparing for the Halloween season takes months of dedication.
“There is a small team of us that work all year round,” Way said. “We start planning in the winter, updating the farm and haunts to make sure everyone who visits has an amazing experience.”
The team laughed about “the goats getting out of their pen and running around playing.” “Luckily, this happened when we were closed.” Way said, “No animals or humans were harmed.”
Beyond the scares and laughter, Wiard’s remains dedicated to creating lasting memories for visitors of all ages. “We love watching families make memories here and seeing kids’ eyes light up with curiosity and joy,” the team said. “Some children who visit on school trips have never seen a goat or an apple tree before. To see their excitement is the best part of it all.”
Whether you’re heading there for cider and donuts, a hayride through the orchard, or a night of fright in the haunted attractions, Wiard’s offers something for everyone. As the staff put it best, if they could describe Wiard’s Orchards in three words, they’d choose: Fall. Family. Amazing.
