ERIE, Michigan — A southeast Michigan orchard and cider mill is on the market for nearly $3 million after 47 years under current ownership and nearly 100 years as a farm, as the current owner seeks a transition into retirement.
According to a Zillow listing, Erie Orchards and Cider Mills was put up for sale on July 18, with a list price of $2.9 million. The 62.24-acre orchard includes over 1,000 apple trees, as well as peach trees and blueberry plants.
The orchard and property, located on Erie Road in Monroe County, has been the site of a u-pick orchard, as well as various fall activities and events, for years.
A transition into retirement
The listing states the orchard's current owner, Steve Elzinga, is looking for someone to purchase part of the business ahead of his own anticipated retirement.
"This is a rare opportunity to own interest in one of Erie’s well known business assets," the listing states. "The current owner is looking for a transitioning partner to purchase some or all of the shares of the business as he is planning a potential future retirement."
According to the Erie Orchards website, Elzinga purchased the property in 1977. Photos from the listing include a sign stating Erie Orchards was founded in 1930.
The listing describes the orchard's u-pick feature, in which guests can pick their own apples and other fruit. Annual fall festivities at the orchard have included a corn maze, petting zoo, hayrides and more.
The property also includes an on-site store, which sells donuts, fritters, coffee, cider and more.
Controversy
Erie Orchards was the subject of controversy in August 2023 when Elzinga was recorded on video making racist remarks against a customer, whom he accused of theft.
Joe Mahmoud told WTOL 11 he had been told the peaches could be picked for free at the farm, and paid $70 for other fruits. Elzinga said a false rumor had circulated that customers were allowed to pick fruit for free at his farm. As the family was leaving in their car, Elzinga stopped them.
In video uploaded to Facebook by Mahmoud, Elzinga can be heard calling himself a racist and claiming that every Muslim person who visits the farm is a thief. He then searched the family's bags and claimed he had called local law enforcement.
Mahmoud, a father of three, added a description of the incident to his Facebook post. It reads, in part: "Our peaceful family outing took a turn as we were leaving. A man, later identified as the owner, confronted us accusingly. He opened my vehicle door, began to rifle through our bags on the floor, and without any provocation, he stated, 'You people are always stealing.'"
Elzinga offered an apology for his remarks after the incident.
"We had three different people doing that and I became really frustrated and I said a few things and I'm really sorry. It's not me, it's not who I am and I don't want to be that way," Elzinga told WTOL 11 in 2023.
Mahmoud told WTOL 11 he was considering legal action after the incident. According to court records, a suit was filed in August 2023, and settled in January 2024.
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