Fall in Michigan is spectacular, especially if you love the outdoors. Donuts and cider, taking a walk in the woods under the autumn colors, apple picking and spooky adventures.
We’ve curated some suggestions of fun things you can do this fall, whether you love the apple orchard, hayrides or participating in Halloween events.
Hiking and Canoeing
Hiking can happen anytime of the year, and it’s often free. Some parks offer other planned fall activities for free or a modest fee. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a glow hike or a foraging hike. Other places to check out this fall season include:
- Huron-Clinton Metroparks
- Independence Oaks County Park
- Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor
- Lower River Rouge Recreation Trail
- Red Oaks Nature Center
- Wayne County Parks and Rec
Mountain Biking
Did you know that Hines Park has 14 miles of mountain biking trails for use year-round? Wayne County Parks has partnered with Motor City Mountain Biking Association to develop single-track loop trails. In addition, Hawthorne Ridge Park features a Bike Path with a paved pump track and an adjoining mountain biking skills park.
If you are really adventurous and want to try other trails across southern Michigan, look here:
Camping
Many great spots that fill up during summer are available in the fall and are just as lovely to visit. Plan your next adventure, whether you enjoy horseback riding, disc golf, or simply pitching a tent and roasting s’mores. Check out all the unique Michigan State Park sites and reserve today.
Apples, Donuts and Cider
What better way to experience a traditional autumn in Michigan than with apple picking, cider pressing, donut-making, wagon rides and live entertainment?
You can find local places to pick apples in Metro Parent’s list of Apple Picking in the Ann Arbor – Detroit Area. For orchards and cider mills, check out the Ann Arbor with Kids list of apple orchards and cider mills and Pure Michigan’s website of Farms & Cider Mills.
We are lucky to have so many great places in the area, including nearby, locally-owned Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill.
Local Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
If you don’t want to drive too far, DeBuck’s Family Farm is in nearby Belleville. They have all sorts of fun, seasonal festivals, including a Fall Festival that features 20 acres of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes.
Looking for a little extra in your pumpkin experience? The Pumpkin Patches and More website and our guide Cider Mills, Pumpkins and Thrills has a comprehensive list of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides and other fall fun by county.
Festivals and Festivities
Beautiful Michigan falls are reason enough to celebrate. Many cities feature harvest festivals with family-friendly activities and great food, including the Belleville Harvest Festival, MI Brewers Guild Detroit Fall Beer Festival and Detroit’s Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally.
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.
Día de los Muertos and Halloween Happenings
Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on the first two days of November. On this day, lost loved ones are remembered by setting up colorful ofrendas (altars) with a variety of items including food, drinks and candles. Families can celebrate this holiday at a variety of community events and in a wide variety of ways. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has a celebration planned on Saturday, November 1.
For some, fall means Halloween and spooky shenanigans. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the Halloween season. Visit the Detroit Zoo for Zoo Boo, immerse yourself in the special Henry Ford’s Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village or get your scare on at Wiard’s Orchards Haunted Thrill Park.
For the thrill-seekers, spooky season wouldn’t be complete without visiting some haunted houses. Michigan Haunted Houses provides a comprehensive list by city, but you can also search by event type, award winners and event calendar. For a smaller list, My Michigan Beach put together a list of the 20 Best Haunted Houses (including a map).
In our own backyard is Canton’s Heritage Park Story Trail Trick or Treating, the Village Arts Factory Kids’ Halloween Stroll and Canton Public Library’s very own Monster Mash Masquerade, Pumpkin Centerpiece crafting event, and Ghost Stories with the Canton Historical Society.
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