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 and activities, as well as payment methods, will vary, so you should check to ensure you are not wasting a trip. Also, note that several venues use Facebook as their online presence, and an account login may be required to view their pages.
Near Canton, check out Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill, where you can pick pumpkins in the field, hear live music, visit the petting zoo and enjoy fresh cider, doughnuts 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, with options for both pick-your-own and harvested pumpkins for selection, as well as a corn maze. Cash and check only.
Donahee Farms in Plymouth offers a straw maze and pumpkin picking. They also sell a variety of farm-fresh products, including flowers, fruits and vegetables (even pickled!). You can find them at the Northville and Ann Arbor Farmers Markets.
In Northville, you might check out Obstbaum Orchards, with its 40-year-old apple orchard and cider mill featuring pies, u-pick apples, hayrides and donuts.
For more cider, donuts and lots of fun, continue on to Three Cedars Farm. With a corn maze, hayrides, a play area and cider mill treats, it's a great place for the whole family to visit.
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 Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch has “acres and acres of family fun and activities,” including wagon rides to the pumpkin patches, a tire play area with games and sensory experiences, as well as a super slide. Debuck’s also hosts flower festivals in their fields of lavender, sunflowers and tulips.
Wiard’s in Ypsilanti has pumpkin and apple picking, a nature center and petting zoo, as well as a winery, cidery and brewery. There are fall fun activities, including a corn maze, Halloween events and haunted attractions. They even host birthday parties, college groups and field trips.
Head further into Washtenaw County and you’ll find The Blast Corn Maze at the over 100-year-old Nixon Farms in Dexter, and three different corn mazes at Coleman’s Farm and Corn Maze in Saline.
The Alber Orchard and Cider Mill 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 provide volunteering experience or a paid membership that will help sustain the farm all year long.
Head south to try Bird’s Big Pumpkins (a.k.a. “Bird’s Big Punk’ns”) in Romulus, with pumpkins in a variety of sizes (up to over 100 lbs) and colors, as well as pick-your-own red raspberries. Keep in mind that the farm is cash only.
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. Check out their events and celebrations.
Wander around the rest of southeast Michigan, and there are a number of other places to visit.
Spicer Orchards in Fenton has adult fun with wine tasting and hard cider sampling, plus a biannual 5k, corn maze, games and a cider mill for all-ages enjoyment.
Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill in Holly welcomes dogs and offers a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, and hosts its own Ciderfest.
Cook’s Farm Dairy in Ortonville has been around since 1933 and produces delicious dairy products from their cows. They also feature other farm products like eggs, butter, sausage and honey.
Finally, Farmer J’s World Record Corn Maze in Dundee provides a family-friendly corn maze experience, and Kackleberry Farm in Monroe is home to three corn mazes spread over 12 acres. They also have pig races and live animal attractions featuring lambs, goats and chickens. Experience an old-timey tractor ride and don’t forget to visit the pumpkin patch where you can fire off the Chick-A-Bunga pumpkin cannon!
The above is just a sampling of the fall attractions that Michigan has to offer. Check out the State of Michigan's website for their list of the best Michigan pumpkin patches for additional locations in southeastern Michigan and elsewhere around the state.
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