What’s your favorite part of fall? Donuts and cider? Talking a walk in the woods under the autumn colors? Apple picking? Whether you love going to the apple orchard, taking a hayride, or participating in Halloween events, this guide has you covered.
Hiking and Canoeing
Fall in Michigan is spectacular, especially if you love the outdoors—it's such a great time to be active. There are many activities to enjoy—you can do all the summer activities you love through the fall. Pull on your hiking boots, grab a paddle or hop on your bike.
Hiking can happen anytime of the year—and it is often free. If you are feeling adventurous, consider a glow hike, a foraging hike or even trek to a guided sunset paddle. Some parks offer other planned fall activities for a modest fee. 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 Recreation
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 the Motor City Mountain Biking Association to develop single track loops trails. In addition, Hawthorne Ridge Park features a bike path which includes a paved pump track and adjoining mountain biking skills park.
If you are feeling adventurous and want to try some trails across southern Michigan, look here:
Camping
Many of the great spots that fill up during summer are available in the fall and 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 of the unique Michigan State Park sites and make a reservation today.
Apple Picking
Apple picking is a great family outdoor activity. Whether your preference is Red Delicious or Fuji, discovering Michigan apple varieties is full of fall fun. You can find places to pick apples in Metro Parent’s complete list of Apple Picking in the Ann Arbor-Detroit Area.
Many would argue that apple picking is best when accompanied by cider and donuts. We are lucky to have so many great orchards and cider mills in the area, including nearby locally-owned Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill. From cider pressing to donut-making, wagon rides to live entertainment, there is no better place to experience a traditional autumn in Michigan.
Local Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
If you don’t want to drive too far, you'll want to visit Denny’s U-Pick Pumpkins. This is a no-frills patch, great for finding gourds and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes.
Looking for something extra to add your pumpkin picking experience? Check out the My Michigan Beach website for their list of the best Michigan pumpkin patches and corn mazes in 2023 for additional locations in southeastern Michigan and elsewhere around the state.
Festivals and Festivities
The beautiful fall season in Michigan is enough reason to celebrate. Many cities feature harvest festivals with family-friendly activities and lots of great food, including the Garden City Chili Cook Off, Brighton’s Growler Brew Fest and Detroit’s Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally. Check out all the fall festivities with this handy guide.
Looking for something a little different? Be sure to not miss Novi’s Pumpkinfest 2023, a great venue that offers pumpkin bowling and a pumpkin trebuchet. Heading west, Ann Arbor’s family-oriented Domino Farms Petting Farm Fall Fest offers pony rides, food trucks and square dancing.
Also, while you are in the neighborhood, don't forget that Ann Arbor’s A2 Artoberfest takes place during the last weekend in October. This celebration of the arts will feature 100 jury selected artists, live entertainment, food vendors, art activities and adult beverages.
If you can’t get enough of fall food and fun, check out these events throughout Michigan.
Halloween Happenings
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 Henry Ford’s Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village or get your scare on at Wiard’s Orchards Haunted Thrill Park.
Right in our backyard is Canton’s Heritage Park Story Trail Trick or Treating and Canton Public Library’s very own Halloween Parade, Goth Tea Party and Halloween Kid Craft event.
Need more spooktacular scares? Here are more Halloween happenings not to miss.
Add a comment to: Fall Into Autumn: Local Destinations and Happenings