How to have the best Michigan fall

By Layla McMurtrie on Fri, Sep 22, 2023 at 2:39 pm

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill.

Get out your sweaters, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and start redecorating — today is the first day of autumn! Or fall — whichever you call it. Not all states are as lucky as Michigan to get the beautiful changing leaves and perfect weather. Fortunately for us, with the new season comes a whole new list of activities for Michiganders to enjoy. Here are some ways to experience the best Michigan fall this year.

Tags:

Scroll down to view images

Facebook, Tunnel of Trees, M119

See colorful leaves on scenic drives

When fall hits, Michigan transforms into a colorful wonderland. Take a drive on Michigan Highway 22 along the Leelanau Peninsula shoreline for stunning views of the changing leaves and the glimmering lake. Or, take a drive on M-119 for a magical journey through a tunnel of trees, showcasing the essence of fall.

1 of 16

Shutterstock

Have a bonfire

Fall is cool enough to host a cozy bonfire without melting your face off. Gather your friends or family for marshmallow toasting and s’mores in your backyard.

2 of 16

Facebook, Blake’s Lyon Township

A visit to Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

Michigan’s got its fair share of cider mills, but Blake’s stands out. It’s more than just apple picking – they’ve got haunted attractions, food, drinks, and a boatload of family-friendly stuff. You can find Blake’s in Armada and South Lyon.

3 of 16

Joe Maroon

Gear up for football season

College football and NFL season is here, and you can either kick back at home with family to watch the game or get a ticket to catch the real deal at a University of Michigan, Michigan State, or Detroit Lions game.

4 of 16

Shutterstock

Head to Eastern Market for fresh fall veggies

Autumn is harvest time. Visit Detroit's farmer’s market for fresh, seasonal veggies like squash and pumpkins to spice up your meals or carve into jack-o’-lanterns.

5 of 16

Facebook, Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally

Detroit Harvest Fest

If you’re not busy on Oct. 7-8, head over to Dequindre Cut Greenway for the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally. It will feature 50-plus food trucks, live music, and family activities – and it’ll only set you back $5, with kids under 3 getting in free.

6 of 16

Facebook, Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters

Sample fall drinks

Whether your beverage of choice is coffee, tea, or beer, with fall comes new drinks to indulge in. Go be basic with a warm pumpkin spice latte or grab some hard apple cider to feel the fall spirit. If wine’s more your thing, explore the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Trails, Bay View Wine Trail, or Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.

7 of 16

Facebook, Beacon Park Detroit

Cider in the City at Beacon Park

If you can’t make it to Blake’s, all of the farm’s best treats will be coming to downtown Detroit. For two weekends in October, hot cider, pumpkins, caramel apples, and more will be available at Beacon Park for “Cider in the City,” courtesy of Blake’s Farms. Food trucks will be at the event and fall cocktails will be available by Lumen Detroit from 1-5 p.m. on Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22.

8 of 16

Shutterstock

Great Michigan hikes

With the weather being not too hot, but also not too cold yet, fall is the perfect time to enjoy a great Michigan hike. Dequindre Cut and other greenways are great for long walks around metro Detroit. If you're up for a road trip, consider Sleeping Bear Dunes or Porcupine Mountain for some stunning fall scenery.

9 of 16

Shutterstock

Dress up for Halloween

Some people’s favorite part about fall is Halloween, and choosing the right costume can be fun or stressful. Whether you’re hitting a party or guiding kids through neighborhood trick-or-treating, sorting out your costume is a must-do fall tradition. Maybe even think of something Detroit-inspired to rep the 313.

10 of 16

Facebook, Erebus Haunted Attraction

Get spooked at a local haunted house

Michigan is home to a couple of popular big haunted houses like Erebus and Eloise. If giving yourself nightmares is your thing, grab your friends and enjoy a group scare together.

11 of 16

Kassandra Maraz

Switch your wardrobe to fall fashion

It’s sweater weather! Embrace the season with cozy sweaters, boots, and scarves.

12 of 16

Shutterstock

Cook up some fall recipes

If you’re into cooking, autumn is squash season, so make some butternut squash soup or add some to your favorite pasta. If you’re more of a baker, pumpkin muffins are a great option.

13 of 16

Facebook, Boyne Mountain Resort

Walk the Boyne Mountain Sky Bridge

To be surrounded by views of the reds, oranges, and yellows of Michigan forestry, visit the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. Ride a lift to the top of Boyne Mountain and walk along the 1,200-foot long and 118-foot high bridge. For some, this may be scarier than a haunted house.

14 of 16

Facebook, Cedar Point

Go to Halloweekends at Cedar Point

Ohio, long lines, and way too many people could be some people’s idea of torture. But, while it’s not in Michigan, many Michiganders love traveling to our neighboring state to ride the rollercoasters and visit the haunted attractions at Cedar Point for the last chance of the year during October’s Halloweekends.

15 of 16