Michigan is fortunate to be home to some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in the country. To make the most of the season, visit the official Michigan fall color resource for up-to-date information to help plan your leaf-peeping adventures. And what pairs better with vibrant autumn colors than crisp cider, pumpkin patches and seasonal fun?
Please bear in mind that hours, activities, cost and payment methods may vary, so call ahead to avoid a wasted trip. Also, note that several venues use Facebook as their online presence, and you may need to login in to view their pages.
Cider and Pumpkins and Mazes, Oh My!
Near Canton, check out Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill, where you can pick pumpkins in the field, listen to live music, visit the petting zoo and enjoy fresh cider, donuts and pies. Open since 1977, this is a Michigan staple for fun fall excursions.
Also located within a short drive is Denny’s U-Pick Pumpkin Patch (cash and check only), offering both pick-your-own and harvested pumpkins for selection, as well as a corn maze.
Donahee Farms in Plymouth offers a corn maze, pumpkin picking and other activities. They also sell a variety of farm-fresh products, including flowers, fruits and vegetables. You can find them at the Northville and Ann Arbor Farmers Markets during the spring and summer months.
In neighboring Belleville, The Pumpkin Factory offers—you guessed it—pumpkins, both ready for picking and already gathered from the field, as well as a corn maze, petting farm and hayrides, with additional activities during the Halloween season. Around since 1976, they have added fun at Nightmare Fields and the Witch’s Kitchen Bakery among the pumpkins.
DeBuck’s Family Farm has “acres and acres of family fun and activities,” including a 15-acre corn maze, wagon rides to the 20-acre pumpkin patch, a tire play area with games and sensory experiences, and a super slide. Debuck’s also offers several dining options for folks who need a snack while visiting.
Wiard’s in Ypsilanti offers pumpkin and apple picking, a variety of playgrounds, a petting zoo, a cider mill and a bakery. There are fun activities, including a corn maze, Halloween events and haunted attractions. They even host birthday parties, field trips, college groups and corporate events.
Head further into Washtenaw County, and you’ll find The Blast Corn Maze and pumpkin patch at the over 100-year-old Nixon Farms in Dexter.
In Saline, you can pick pumpkins and gourds, feed goats and enjoy a short corn trail at Coleman’s Farm and Corn Maze.
The Alber Orchard and Freedom Winery in Manchester features over 100 varieties of apples made into non-pasteurized cider, including both traditional and heirloom varieties. They also have a winery and host events, as well as u-pick for specific trees.
At Slow Farm in Ann Arbor, you can pick a variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers. This farm offers a community experience focused on educating and growing an ecologically minded community. If you are looking to get involved, they have volunteer opportunities or a paid membership to help sustain the farm year-round.
In Northville, you might check out Obstbaum Orchards, with its 40-year-old apple orchard and cider mill featuring pies and donuts, u-pick apples, hayrides and seasonal crafts. For the adults, they also have cherry concentrate, hard cider and some award-winning wines.
For more cider, donuts and lots of fun, continue to Three Cedars Farm. With a corn maze, hay and train rides, a play area and merry-go-round, cider mill and u-pick pumpkin patch, it's a great place for the whole family to visit.
Head south to try Bird’s Big Pumpkins (a.k.a. “Bird’s Big Punk’ns”, cash only) in Romulus, with pumpkins in a variety of sizes—some over 100 lbs—and colors, as well as u-pick red raspberries.
Visit Apple Charlies in New Boston to pick apples, take a tractor-pulled hayride, see farm animals and taste fresh apple cider with some fresh pie.
Finally, Farmer J’s World Record Corn Maze in Dundee provides a family-friendly corn maze experience, and Kackleberry Farms in Monroe has farm fun activities for all ages, including pig races, stationary paintball and steer roping. Don’t forget to visit the pumpkin patch and enjoy some apple cider donuts!
The above is just a sampling of the fall attractions that Michigan has to offer. Check out Pure Michigan’s website for their list of the best Michigan pumpkin patches for additional locations in southeastern Michigan and elsewhere around the state.
Fall Into Festivals and Festivities
Beautiful Michigan falls are reason enough to celebrate. Many cities feature harvest festivals with family-friendly activities and great food.
Close to home, don’t miss the Plymouth Fall Festival with its famous food, including a pancake breakfast, spaghetti dinner and Rotary BBQ, plus rides, booths, crafts and entertainment. Other notable festivals in the area include the Belleville Harvest Festival, MI Brewers Guild Detroit Fall Beer Festival and Detroit Harvest Fest.
Michigan State Parks also join in on the fun with Harvests and Haunts festivals. What better way to enjoy fall colors than while camping in nature?
Looking for something a little different? Check out A2 Artoberfest, a street festival in downtown Ann Arbor featuring art, live entertainment, food, activities and more. Also in Ann Arbor is Domino Farms Petting Farm Fall Fest, which offers pony rides, a fiber market, food trucks and more.
And if you’re willing to drive a little farther out, there’s the M1 Concourse American Speed Festival in Pontiac. Featuring a drive and dine tour, speed ring, vintage cars and more, car enthusiasts will surely enjoy themselves.
If you can’t get enough fall food and fun, check out this Michigan Festival Guide for events throughout Michigan.
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