9 Things to Do During Fall in Michigan
If you’ve never been to Michigan during the start of fall, then it’s definitely something you will want to cross off your bucket list. Not only are the views gorgeous, but there is an abundance of fun fall activities taking place in so many small towns across the state.
Some of the fun things you will find in Michigan are pumpkin patches, corn mazes, fall photo opportunities, beautiful hiking views, and so much more that are inclusive for people of all ages.
Fall is such an exciting time as the end of the year approaches, big holidays, and family gatherings near, and the weather starts to dramatically change to much colder days. Now’s the time to throw on a comfy sweater, round up the family, and do some fun (but safe) fall activities.
Whether you are planning a trip to Michigan to enjoy the season, or if you just need a little inspiration to do some fun fall activities in your hometown, here are some opportunities that you won’t want to pass up.
Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch
One of the easiest ways to get into the fall spirit is to go visit a local pumpkin patch. Whether you are visiting the Lower Peninsula or Upper Peninsula of Michigan, these are found in towns everywhere. Visiting a pumpkin patch is such a great way to get out of the house and into the fall mood. Some things you could do here are: have a fall photoshoot with your family, pick out pumpkins for carving, or just enjoy the scenery.
A great way to celebrate fall is to carve pumpkins with your loved ones. A fun-filled day with the family could include picking out pumpkins and carving them all together while reminiscing on past fall memories. It’s always good to squeeze in some quality time with people that mean the most to you while also getting the most out of the fall season.
Go Driving or Hiking and Enjoy the Colors
It’s no doubt that the trees and leaves change into the most gorgeous colors during fall in Michigan. The bright oranges, reds, and yellows popping through on all the trees is a sight to see all by itself. Hiking with a friend, by yourself, or with a group is a fun and active way to enjoy fall in Michigan. No matter where you go, you are bound to see pretty colors and trees on whatever trail you decide to hike.
If you are not so much into hiking, you can also enjoy the colors by driving almost anywhere in Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula. Wherever you look, you will most likely see trees that have changed into beautiful colors during fall months.
There’s even a Tunnel of Trees Excursion Tour that takes you on a four hour round trip of beautiful views. This is located in the Lower Peninsula at the Boyne Highlands Resorts in Harbor Springs and brings you on a tour around M-119, Mackinaw City, and back to Harbor Springs.
Enjoy Your Favorite Fall Drink
One of the simplest ways to jump into fall is to order your favorite seasonal drink. Pumpkin spice lattes, hot apple cider, or hot chocolate are all favorites when it comes to seasonal fall drinks.
Sometimes there’s nothing better than a hot drink on a cold fall morning or day. Why not treat yourself and be a little festive at the same time? You can get these drinks at most local coffee shops and each are extremely easy to make at home as well.
A great way to do this firsthand and get a great experience is to visit a cider mill or apple orchard, which are plentiful in Michigan towns during the fall season. Go here with a group of friends or family to pick apples, sample ciders, and enjoy the fall views. This is where you will get the freshest cider you can find!
Fall Photoshoot Opportunities
One of the best times to plan a family photoshoot is during the fall season in Michigan. The colors are unbeatable and make for extremely attractive and professional-looking photos.
With the breathtaking colors of leaves and trees, there is no need for a backdrop in this photoshoot. The surrounding nature will do all the work for you!
If you’re wondering where to go for your photoshoot, there are so many places in both the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula that would make for perfect photo scenery. Here are a few ideas of gorgeous places in Michigan:
Lake Superior shoreline – Upper Peninsula
Munising Falls – Upper Peninsula
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Lower Peninsula
Wilderness State Park – Lower Peninsula
Presque Isle Park – Upper Peninsula
Fun Family Photoshoot idea: Thrift, borrow, or dig around in your closet and put together matching outfits that coordinate with the typical fall colors (orange, red, green, brown). Invite the whole family to make it a large photoshoot! Bring props like pumpkins, scarecrows, or haystacks to make it more laid back.
Go Hiking in the Woods of Michigan
One of the many things that Michigan is known for is the abundant breathtaking hiking trails. What better way to celebrate the changing of the leaves than to experience it up close and personal? Despite the cool crisp air, hiking in Michigan during the fall is an experience that you wouldn’t want to pass up.
Nothing beats the crunching of leaves beneath your feet along a rocky trail in the wooded areas of Michigan. Luckily, you can find this exact scene almost anywhere you turn in the nature-abundant state.
Here’s a list of just a few places you can go hiking, walking, or biking in Michigan:
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, Michigan.
Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, Michigan.
Visit a Local Corn Maze
Similar to going to a pumpkin patch, visiting a corn maze is such a unique and fun way to get into the spirit. Usually, you are bound to find a pumpkin patch if you go to visit a corn maze in Michigan.
Going to a corn maze is a good activity that will get you out of the house and moving around during the chillier months of the year. Typically, there are incentives and fun activities when the maze has been completed. In most cases, to successfully complete the maze you must follow step by step directions and guide yourself in the right path.
People of all ages enjoy visiting Michigan’s local corn mazes and look forward to going every fall season. A great one located in the Upper Peninsula is The Hayes Corn Maze. This corn maze is located in Rock, Michigan, and is open for a limited period of time during each fall season.
A favorite that’s located in the Lower Peninsula is Jacob’s Farm Corn Maze, in Traverse City, MI. Available from August through late October, Jacob’s Farm utilizes ten acres of farmland to create this experience!
Visit a Farmer’s Market
A great thing about Michigan is that there are farmer’s markets in tons of small towns. At a farmer’s market, you’ll find the freshest fruit and vegetables from local farmers and vendors from other small businesses such as crafts, jewelry, and more.
Most of the time, farmer’s markets that sell produce are open daily for a few months out of the year. Here you will find fresh corn, lettuce, apples, bananas, oranges, and so much more locally grown produce. In some towns, there are weekly farmer’s markets that welcome other vendors as well that sell handmade or locally made items like necklaces and other jewelry, clothing items, and household items.
This is a great opportunity to shop locally and support small businesses in the area. It’s also a great way to purchase your produce since its usually super fresh, delicious, and locally grown.
Cozy Up and Read a Book
Fall can be an extremely stressful time for many people. It’s the start of school and college classes, there’s more running around to do, the weather becomes colder, and things seem to get more hectic. Making sure to take time to relax and practice self-care is super important. One way to take some time for yourself is to put on your favorite pajamas, light a candle, paint your nails, and read a book.
Reading is a great way to take your mind off things that may be worrying you or filling up your busy schedule. Even taking just fifteen or twenty minutes to yourself can be super helpful and relaxing if you’re dealing with an extremely busy day, week, or month.
To make it more exciting (or spooky), read a scary book and get into the Halloween spirit ahead of time this year. There’s nothing wrong with getting excited about the upcoming spooky season!
Learn Something New About Michigan
There’s never a bad time to learn something new, especially about Michigan! There are many ways to do this such as visiting museums, walking at local parks, and visiting monuments.
Everywhere you look, there is some history to be learned about Michigan’s Lower Peninsula or Upper Peninsula. The state is full of interesting history such as the iron ore industry and mining, The Great Lakes, and so much more.
Fun Fact: Something interesting and unusual found in Michigan is the Soo Locks in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. This is located in the Upper Peninsula and is the transportation system for many large ships and boats that are traveling through.
How it Works: The Soo Locks move the level of the water using gravity. There are two different water surface levels, one being much lower than the other, which is where the boat needs to be. When a boat comes into the locks, the gates on either side of the boat close in and lock. From here, a valve is opened that allows the water to flow, lowering the boat to the lower surface level of the new water that it will be in.
There’s an open park where you can view how the Soo Locks operate and there’s also a chance to ride on a Soo Locks Boat Tour during the summer and fall seasons in Sault Sainte Marie.
Fall in Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsula
No matter the circumstance, if you happen to find yourself anywhere in Michigan during the fall seasons, there are some amazing opportunities you won’t want to pass up.
Search to find a local pumpkin patch, corn maze, or hiking trail for a day outing with the family or close friend group. If you’re feeling like doing something solo for the day, cozy up with a good book and a candle, read up on Michigan’s history, or indulge in your favorite seasonal warm beverage.
No matter what you decide to do with your fall season, make sure to take time to de-stress, enjoy time with family, and get out and do all the things you have on your bucket list for autumn!
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