The fall season is a gorgeous time in Michigan. From the changing leaves and crisp, cool weather to the cider mills and apple orchards, there’s nothing quite like fall in Michigan. It’s the perfect time to plan a vacation to scope out the beautiful views this state has to offer – and Trinity can take your group there! We’ve compiled a list of some great cities to visit (and a few things to do in each) to get you started.
Photo by Jake Colvin from Pexels
Upper Peninsula:
- Sault Ste. Marie – Sault Ste. Marie has plenty of things to do from exploring ships to visiting the breathtaking Tahquamenon Falls to touring museums and historic sites. On top of the usual sites, Sault Ste. Marie also has a Fall Colors Tour, where you can discover the bright colors of fall in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
- Munising – This gorgeous city has several must-see locations: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising Falls, Wagner Falls, Miners Falls, and Miners Castle Rock – all worth making the time to visit!
- Mackinac Island – At Mackinac Island, you’ll never be without something to do! Visit Arch Rock, Mackinac Island State Park, the Haunted Theatre, Fort Mackinac, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, and the Mackinac Bridge Museum. You also have the option to go biking, golfing, shopping, and enjoy some classic Mackinac Island fudge!
- Marquette – Named one of the Top 25 Best Places to Travel by Gear Patrol Adventure List, Marquette is a picturesque city known for Presque Isle Point Park, Marquette Harbor lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the Marquette black rocks.
- Ontonagon – Experience the untouched forests of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park; one of the best scenic places in Michigan, Lake of the Clouds; and the beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails at Bond Falls.
Northern Lower Peninsula:
- Traverse City – View the stunning scenery of Sleeping Bear Dunes (bike or hike your way there to see even more), take a wine or beer tour, or go for a walk through the woods at Pyramid Point. Traverse City has beautiful beaches, plenty of shops downtown, and energetic nightlife.
- Cheboygan – If you’re looking to be close to the water, Cheboygan is the place for you. Consisting of three rivers and three lakes, you’ll be able to participate in water activities on 40 miles of open water. If water isn’t your thing, take to the many trails and recreation areas, and the Cheboygan State Park, for some drier outdoor activities with a scenic view.
- Petoskey – Known for its exquisiteness, Michigan’s state stone, and its wonderfully fresh air, Petoskey has beaches, biking, breweries, wineries, and fun events and attractions.
- Harbor Springs – This delightful town offers lots of events and activities for all ages, including outdoor activities, festivals, art exhibitions, and theatre performances. Take a drive down M-119 in the Tunnel of Trees, a magnificent sight in the fall.
- Midland – Midland is home to Dow Gardens, a 110-acre botanical paradise, and several places that allow you to let your creativity fly. You can also catch a Great Lakes Loons end-of-season minor league baseball game or go hiking at the Chippewa Nature Center.
- Bay City – Get ready for tall ships, unique antique shops, lake activities, and historic scenery in Bay City. This city has everything you need for a perfect fall vacation, including a walk along the riverwalk, tours of historic buildings, and different film and music festivals.
Southern Lower Peninsula:
- Ann Arbor – With an abundance of events going on (including the Downtown Ann Arbor Oktoberfest), Ann Arbor is the place to be if you’re looking for a city with gorgeous fall colors and plenty to do. A visit to the University of Michigan campus is a must– their historic buildings, museums, art, and forestry are things you don’t want to miss.
- Frankenmuth – “Michigan’s Little Bavaria”, home of world-famous dinners, traditional festivals, and numerous one-of-a-kind shops. You’ll feel the magic of Christmas all year round in Frankenmuth.
- Holland – Holland is home to the “Dutch Experience” and unique activities such as their historic walking tours and the Holland Bowl Mill. Take time for outdoor activities to see the beauty of fall in Michigan, and visit the Holland State Park and Big Red Lighthouse.
- Muskegon – Travel to Muskegon for scenic trails, waterfront restaurants, and arts and entertainment. If you’d like to experience more than the usual sights, check out the different events Muskegon has in the fall: Halloween Harvest Weekend, Oktoberfest, City of the Dead, and Pumpkin Fest!
- Grand Rapids – This bustling city has a perfect mix of beer (check out their many breweries), food, music, and art to satisfy any traveler’s needs. The farmer’s markets, apple orchards, and cider mills will be waiting for you this fall.
- Kalamazoo – Make time for the Fort Custer State Park, biking different trails, and various types of tours to get the full experience of Kalamazoo. This city has plenty to offer from outdoor activities to fall-themed festivals and events to breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
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- Port Huron – Port Huron is a small city with big city features, offering coffee houses, waterfront restaurants, shops, golf, and beaches. Take a walk on the boardwalk or go swimming and view the magnificent Blue Water Bridge.
- Caseville – Caseville is known for its beaches, amusement center, one-of-a-kind shops and festivities, and abundant outdoor activities. Take the time to witness the beauty of a Huron sunset from Sand Point.
- Lexington – Visit this charming village for a relaxing vacation filled with bountiful history of the lumber era, shops, eateries, and free concerts in the park.
- Port Austin – Take a walk down the Port Austin pier, enjoy the shops and restaurants downtown, and kayak in Lake Huron to Turnip Rock, then stop by Pak’s Backyard Café and Beer Garden to finish off your night.
Photo by Harrison Haines from Pexels
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