Harvest fun in full swing at Robinette's Apple Orchard

Robinette’s Apple Orchard has been owned by the Robinette family since 1913. Originally a farm meant to provide produce, Bill Robinette was struck with inspiration and added a cider mill in 1971. Following popular demand, Bill opened the Apple Haus two years later, serving up cider, pastries, boxed lunches, and of course, apples. Later additions have included the Robinette’s Gift Barn, along with a wine tasting facility and sales room, where guests can enjoy samples of hard cider or several varieties of wine. In recent years, Robinette’s has begun to focus on the fall harvest, and the festive gatherings that mark the occasion.

Robinette’s offers numerous fall activities, many of which can be enjoyed by the entire family. Hayrides are a fun way to tour the farm while cuddled up with a cup of hot cider, and are available every weekend through October—weather permitting. Along with rides around the property, guests of all ages can enjoy the popular petting zoo, where they can meet up with horses Tina, Howard, Ursula, Stanley, Chip, and Rick.

Another trickier option is Robinette’s massive corn maze, which spans over six and half acres. Guests delight in deciphering the maze’s unique yearly pattern, which has featured subjects such as a giant spider and web, Snoopy from Peanuts, and Curious George. This year’s maze stars an Albanese Gummi Bear and has several observation decks so that guests can both marvel at the design, and attempt to figure out the best way to the exit. Open through November 3, 2018 this year’s maze is sure to provide a challenge for even a veteran of larger than life puzzles.

For the more adventurous thrill seeker, Robinette’s also features a nearly five mile course meant for mountain biking and trail running enthusiasts alike. This challenging route through the hills and valleys of the apple orchard and surrounding grounds is replete with obstacles and is sure to provide a workout for even the most dedicated outdoor sports fanatic. Robinette’s trails can be accessed for an annual fee of only thirty dollars, and are open year round.

Another can’t miss is the giant Jumping Pillow, a thirty foot by sixty foot inflatable set permanently into the ground and powered by a whisper quiet motor and fan, where guests three and up can enjoy bouncing and laughing to their heart’s content. Open through the end of fall—weather permitting—the pillow is a great way to burn off some of that excess energy—and maybe a donut or two.

With all of these exciting options, it might seem easy to forget what put Robinette’s on the map in the first place, their incredible array of apples. This year, Robinette’s grew eighteen varieties of apples, twelve of which are harvested between September and November. These include popular offering such as Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, and even Harrow Sweet pears. Fresh fruit is available for purchase from the Apple Haus ready to eat or in bulk year round, but never with greater variety than in the midst of the fall harvest.

While the kids while away fall afternoons on the pillow or checking out the famous big apple, adults will enjoy a trip to Robinette’s Winery and Tasting Room. Here, over twenty varieties of Michigan made hard ciders and wine can be sampled or purchased by the bottle or case. These seasonal offerings can vary greatly, allowing even a frequent guest to enjoy an old favorite or to pick from a new and exciting selection.

Robinette’s Apple Orchard, Apple Haus, and Winery offer a great deal of entertainment options year round, but in no greater measure than harvest time. Take some time this fall to enjoy one of the most unique destinations in West Michigan, at a farm that not only continues on the path set by its founders, but has expanded its offerings to provide an outdoor entertainment experience that is sure to delight the whole family.