The Wolverine State offers a variety of ways to explore every season. It doesn’t matter if it’s warm and sunny outside or snow and cold—you’ll find something new and exciting around every corner regardless of the season. However, a visit to Michigan in the fall is tough to beat. Bright fall foliage, warm apple cider, and college football are just a few of the best things to experience during your visit! See more great attractions, activities, and restaurants around our great state in our free Michigan Vacation Guide!
See the Best of Michigan
Discover the Best Ways to Experience Fall in Michigan
Upper Peninsula
1. Raise Your Glass at UPtoberfest
No fall season is complete without attending an Oktoberfest celebration. This famous fall festival is the largest beer and wine event on the UP. In addition to featuring tons of the best local beer and wine, you can enjoy live music, brewing demos, free food, and plenty of games! Now, that’s a great way to celebrate fall in Michigan.
2. Hike Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Few places represent the beauty of Michigan in the fall better than Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. A walk along the rocky coast of Lake Superior is breathtaking any time of the year, but the vibrant fall colors add another eye-catching element that is truly unbelievable. The hiking here is fantastic, and the views are nothing short of brilliant. It’s safe to say that this is a must-do if you’re in the UP during autumn.
3. View the Brilliant Falls Colors of the UP
The UP is full of incredible drives to enjoy during the fall in Michigan. Just hop in the car and travel down one of the dozen or so routes with over 1000 total miles of scenic beauty. Check out some of our favorite stretches of fall colors and get ready to hit the road!
Northern Michigan
4. Revel in a Crowd-Free Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a great year-round destination, but the best time to go is in the fall. The thin crowds allow you to fully explore the shops on Main Street, popular restaurants, biking trails, and the Grand Hotel with ease.
5. Take in the Stunning Fall Foliage on M-22
The M-22 runs along Lake Michigan’s shore, passing Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and several lighthouses on the way. This is the best way to experience Michigan’s fall foliage while stopping to explore small towns and sights for a fun day trip! You can also venture between Cadillac and Traverse City on the historic Old Indian Trail for more beautiful fall colors in Northern Michigan.
Eastern Michigan
6. Cast Your Line in the Au Sable River
Eastern Michigan is a region of woods, small towns, and the famous Au Sable River. This is a year-round (except winter) mecca for fishing enthusiasts looking to catch some monster trout. Consider our Eastern Michigan cabin rentals during your next trip!
West Michigan
7. Go Apple-Picking (and Indulge in Some Fresh Cider)
Nothing says fall like apple picking. West Michigan has plenty of places to pick apples during fall in Michigan, and places like Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery outside of Grand Rapids adds delicious fresh cider and warm donuts to the menu. There are tons of fantastic local apple orchards and cideries across the state!
8. Attend a College Football Game
It might not be in Michigan, but the University of Notre Dame is a 15-minute drive from the border and has some of the best college football in the country. You can cheer on the Fighting Irish in their beautiful stadium every fall on Saturdays.
You can also take in a game at Western Michigan University. The Broncos are members the MAC at the Division-1 FBS level. It may not be the same level as Notre Dame, but it’s still a fun way to spend a Saturday.
Stay With Freshwater Vacation Rentals
Your Freshwater Vacation Rentals home is calling your name! Whether you want to stay in the UP or West Michigan, we have the perfect property for you! Each one is close to tons of sights and activities that happen year-round!
Start planning your Michigan fall getaway by booking your property today! We look forward to welcoming you to the Wolverine State!