Here is something everyone should do, which I have done at least 10 different scenic train excursions. Go on a Fall Color Train Ride. See peak fall colors from vintage train cars on routes like the little
VACATION AND TRAVEL
goods, gifts, and fall decor. Top spots to shop include Yates Cider Mill, Three Cedars Farm, Franklin Cider Mill, and Erwin Orchards Country Store.
Another great way to experience fall is attend an Oktoberfest. Michigan puts its own spin on the German beer festival tradition. Frankenmuth Oktoberfest has German food, polka bands, and entertainment. Also popular are Boyne City’s Stiggs Oktoberfest and Grand Rapids’ Oktoberfest Weekends at John Ball Park.
Here is another popular thing happening in Michigan during fall. Pick grapes at a vineyard. Some Michigan wineries allow visitors to pick grapes at harvest time, usually late September or October. A fun family-friendly activity! Call ahead to farms near Grand Rapids, Leelanau Peninsula on M-22, Traverse City, and other wine regions.
Another nice fall thing to do which allows you to be outdoors is a zoo. Zoos across Michigan celebrate Halloween with Zoo Boo events. Dress in costume for the Detroit Zoo. October event, which includes extreme pumpkin carving, funny spooks in the Holden Reptile Conservation Center and a 13-station trick-or-treat trail. Battle Creek’s Binder Park’s Zoo Boo includes seasonal decorations, a community pumpkin carving activity, a haunted hayride and trick-or-treating. At John Ball
River Railroad Fall Color Tour, Coopersville & Marne Railway’s Fall Colors & Harvest Time Train, and Bluewater Michigan Fall Foliage Train Tours departing from Owosso.
Now, here is something that is also popular in the fall, and that is shop at a farm stand for pumpkins, gourds, apples, squash, cider, baked goods, and seasonal produce. Enjoy rural scenery along the way. Top options include Crane’s Pie Pantry, MSU’s W.K. Kellogg Farm Market, Green Meadow Farm, Heidi’s Farm Stand, and Mud Lake Farm Market.