Ultimate Michigan Fall Bucket List!

• Take a Tour through the Tunnel of Trees

Some of the best areas to take a fall color tour are along Lake Michigan coastline. The Historic M-119 Tunnel of Trees is a famous scenic drive that winds from Harbor Springs, north of Petoskey to Cross Village. During this beautiful 20-mile drive you will experience lush tree canopies, a spectacular bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, sharp twists at Devil’s Elbow and some great local shops and cuisine.

• Go to a Festive Pumpkin Patch

With dozens of pumpkin patches to choose from, there is bound to be at least one to fit your fancy! A couple fun pumpkin patch recommendations are DeBuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Belleville and Zeeland’s Pumpkinfest, which has a 5K run, pumpkin pie eating contest, pumpkin scavenger hunt, and many more activities to celebrate our favorite fall vegetable.

• Experience Halloween on Mackinaw Island

This world-renowned island is know as a summer travel staple for many Michiganders. However, the island has a fascinating history that really comes alive during Halloween season. The Grand Hotel hosts a Murder Mystery Weekend where you can actually dress the part and be fully immersed in this interactive experience with meals, receptions, and live entertainment. Also, in the area you’ll find costume contests, trick-or-treating, and entertainment at downtown bars. Mackinaw Manor, which is actually on the mainland in Mackinaw City, is a haunted house with lots of special effects to get you spooked for the season.

• Visit a Local Cider Mill or Apple Orchard

With over 775 family-owned orchards in the state and the third highest producer of apples in the nation, Michigan takes the cake for apple picking! One great apple-themed destination is Charlevoix, which has an annual Apple Fest to celebrate the harvest season. Here you’ll find everything from arts and crafts to a petting zoo, face painting, and live waterfront music. Other notable apple orchards include – Spicers Orchards in Fenton, Porters Orchard in Goodrich, Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills and King Orchards in Central Lake.

• Get Spooked at a Haunted House

Get your yearly dose of chills and thrills at some of Michigan’s best haunted houses. Erebus, located in Downtown Pontiac, is one of the worlds largest haunted attractions that features a four story tower of terror with over a half mile of indoor walking areas that are sure to give you a scare! Shawhaven Haunted Farm in Mason stretches over 140-acres and features over 5 different haunted attractions. Other fantastic fights include, Slaugtherhouse Adventure in Fowlerville, Dyside Acres in Jonesville, The Edson Incident in Bay City and Hush Haunted Mansion in Westland.

• Hike the North Country Trail

Northern Michigan boasts plenty of great hiking trails, but topping the list is the North Country Trail.  This 4,600-mile trail traverses eight states, including both upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. Breathtaking views inclyde the Mackinac Bridge, Manistee National Forest, and a wide variety of state and county parks, state forests, state game areas, small towns and urban areas. There’s nothing like getting out to stretch your legs and enjoying the colorful foliage and crisp fall air, and there’s no place better to do it than the North Country!