Make plans for autumn excitement in Michigan without the added stress of peak season crowds.
Fall in Michigan is magical, no matter how many times you’ve experienced it. The Mitten State offers something for everyone when the leaves begin to change color, from hayrides to “U-pick” apple orchard outings to countless cozy coffee shops with pumpkin spice flavors galore.
But if you’re just too impatient to wait until “real” fall arrives, never fear: Michigan has its fair share of early-fall activities to keep you occupied. As summer blends into autumn, check out some of the best fun fall activities in the Great Lakes State (minus those peak season crowds).
1. Stock up for fall at the Muskegon Farmers Market
If you like to spend the chillier months baking homemade treats and cooking for your family, early fall is the perfect time to stock up on ingredients for the autumn and winter ahead. Whether you’re gathering bread supplies or snagging fresh produce to can and store, a visit to the Muskegon Farmers Market has you covered.
You might not immediately associate Muskegon with farming, but the city’s market is one of the largest in Michigan. The best part? It’s open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from May through November, so you can make a trip before the fall crowds show up.
2. Peruse the Orchards at Red Barn
No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit the Orchards at Red Barn in Lowell. This place is dreamy during the peak fall season, but it’s just as magical in the off-season—or during the earliest whispers of fall.
Kids will love taking a stroll through the farmyard, where they can visit with animals like goats, donkeys, and cows. There’s an on-site cafe with ice cream, pizza, apple cider, and fresh baked goods, along with—you guessed it—orchards that come to life as the season progresses.
3. Take an end-of-season river tubing trip
One perk (or downside, depending on your perspective) of living in Michigan is that fall doesn’t always mean chillier weather. In fact, it’s not unheard of to keep wearing shorts and tank tops through the end of September in the Great Lakes State. Why not take advantage of this climate conundrum by booking a tubing trip down the Platte River with Riverside Canoes?
The company allows rentals through October, weather permitting, so check out current conditions before making your way to their Honor-based headquarters. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some of the earliest hints of fall foliage before they burst into their full splendor. If it’s a bit too cold to tube, rent a canoe or kayak instead.
4. Visit the Rochester Arts & Apples Festival
Fall in Michigan is synonymous with seasonal festivals and family fun, and the Rochester Arts & Apples Festival kicks off this celebratory season with a bang. This year’s event—its 60th annual gathering—will happen during the second weekend of September and feature everything from delicious food truck fare to musical performances to displays by local artists.
Situated within Rochester Municipal Park, the arts-driven festival is free to attend, but donations are encouraged. Event proceeds benefit the Paint Creek Center for the Arts.
5. Enjoy live music in the Motor City
For many Detroiters, early fall means one thing: jazz! This year is no exception, as the Detroit Jazz Festival brings its vibrancy to the city from September 4-7 in downtown Detroit. You might be surprised to learn that the festival is absolutely free, so guests of all backgrounds can enjoy performances from artists like Ron Carter, Bob James, and jazz group Artemis.
You’ll absorb enough energy from Jazz Fest to last you all autumn long.
6. Admire early fall colors on a scenic hike
No matter where you choose to take a hike in Michigan, you’re sure to experience the state’s natural beauty. But when the first days of fall arrive, hikes are accompanied by a treasured pastime: leaf-peeping.
If you enjoy tracking down the earliest traces of fall color, we recommend hitting the trails at your local nature center or making the trek to a more famous route like Lake Michigan’s Empire Bluff Trail or even the Porcupine Mountains (waaay up north!). Bring along your camera to capture those blossoming shades of orange, red, and yellow.
7. Set aside time for a campground stay
Who says camping is only for the summer months? Certainly not us, and there’s something wonderful about enjoying a camping trip during those sacred “in-between” times—after the summer crowds have dispersed, but before most fall adventurers have planned their outings.
In late August or early September, book an overnight stay at Tahquamenon Falls State Park or even Pinckney Recreation Area in Metro Detroit. Each of these spots (along with countless other campgrounds in Michigan) offer access to nature and a reprieve from everyday stressors.
8. Get (happily) lost in a corn maze at Crane Orchards
West Michiganders in particular might have an affinity for Crane Orchards, which has hosted all sorts of seasonal events throughout the decades. This year is no exception, as the orchard’s annual corn maze opens for business on Labor Day weekend. Entrance to the maze is $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-10, and free for kids 5 and under.
You can keep tabs on the farm’s annual maze design by checking out their website. It’s a quintessential fall activity with just the right amount of adventure for kids and adults alike.
9. Beat the rush at a cozy bed and breakfast
Most small towns in Michigan (and larger cities, for that matter) have at least one adorable bed and breakfast or inn to choose from. These charming spots allow visitors to explore the Great Lakes State on a more intimate level while connecting with innkeepers, enjoying local fare, and, in many cases, taking advantage of quicker access to downtown districts.
During the early fall, a bed and breakfast getaway might be just what the doctor ordered as you mourn the end of summer. Look into options like the Stone Chalet in Ann Arbor, the Harbour View Inn on Mackinac Island, or Black Star Farms in Traverse City for off-season stays that will refill your (hot apple cider) cup before autumn takes off.
