Known for its beautiful beaches, the Grand Haven Area is just as magical in autumn. With tree-lined parks and scenic trails, it’s the perfect place to soak in vibrant fall colors. Here’s our roundup of the best ways to enjoy the season! Click here to book your fall getaway today.
Hiking
Photo by Becky Wilde
The Grand Haven Area is home to an outstanding park system, featuring trails that meander through wooded forests, follow winding rivers, cross sweeping dunes, and showcase stunning vistas of Lake Michigan. Top hiking spots include North Ottawa Dunes, Kitchel Lindquist Dunes, Hemlock Crossing, Rosy Mound Natural Area, Grand Ravines, and PJ Hoffmaster State Park.
Biking Trails
With more than 100 miles of biking trails, the Grand Haven Area offers a fantastic way to enjoy fall colors by bike. Favorite routes include the Lakeshore Trail from Grand Haven to Holland, the Lakeside Trail along Spring Lake, and the North Bank Trail.
Breweries
Photo by Grand Armory Brewing Company
Discover the flavors of fall at the Grand Haven Area’s local breweries. Odd Side Ales, Trail Point Brewing, Grand Armory Brewing, Coopersville Brewing Company, and Burzurk Brewing Co. each offer a wide selection of locally crafted beers, along with live music to enhance the seasonal vibe.
Coffee Shops
Photo by Janelle Darnell
Fall in Grand Haven is the perfect season to enjoy warm drinks from local favorites like Aldea Coffee, Kenzie’s Be Cafe, Odd Side Side Bar, Grand Finale Bistro & Cafe, CC’s Farm Market, and The Village Baker. Whether you’re sipping a rich latte or enjoying a fresh pastry, these cozy spots make it easy to soak in the flavors and feel of autumn. Each visit brings a little extra warmth to the crisp fall days.
Geocaching
What’s geocaching? Geocaching is an anytime, anywhere real-world adventure. All you need is a GPS or the free Geocaching app on your phone, a free account on Geocaching.com, and you’re ready to go! With over 1,200 caches waiting to be discovered, the Grand Haven area offers endless outdoor adventure. Explore near and far to find hidden treasures in all shapes and sizes. When you locate a cache, be sure to sign the logbook and place it back where you found it. Many caches also contain small items for trading, so bringing a few of your own treasures to swap makes the experience even more exciting. You never know what surprises await on your next geocaching adventure!
Pumpkin Picking
Photo by Hilferty Photo
Though the Grand Haven Area is known for our beaches, we are home to many agricultural farms and u-picks. During the fall, Bethke Farms and Chittenden Farms offer pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, and more.
Farmers Markets
Photo by Spring Lake Farmers Market
The Grand Haven and Spring Lake farmers’ markets are still in full swing during the fall. You can stop by to grab seasonal produce, including apples & pumpkins, as well as baked goods, flowers, meats, cheeses, and more.
Fall Paddling
Exploring the vibrant fall foliage by kayak on the Grand River, Spring Lake, Pigeon Creek, Pigeon Lake, or Lake Michigan is a remarkable way to connect with nature. You can use your own kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, or rent one from Lakeshore Kayak Rental. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as eagles, beavers, otters, blue herons, sandhill cranes, turtles, muskrats, fish, deer, and many other creatures.
Birding
Photo by Sherry Idsinga
Whether you are an avid birder or just desire to experience birds beyond your backyard, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers naturalist-led birding walks and field trips throughout the fall.
Surfing & Kite Boarding
Photo by Sherry Idsinga
Many people wonder if Lake Michigan ever has big waves, and it does! Although it doesn’t experience ocean tides, strong winds can create impressive waves along the Grand Haven shoreline. Fall and winter bring the windiest conditions, making it the ideal season for surfers and kiteboarders to enjoy the powerful wind and rolling waves. Check out MACkite Boardsports Center for information and lessons.
Fishing
Fall is still an active time for fishing in the Grand Haven Area. For a DIY experience, popular spots include Spring Lake, the bayous of the Grand River, and the north pier. To eliminate the guesswork, schedule a trip with a local charter captain. (Plus, they provide all the gear and hottest lures.)
GVSU Football Games
Photo by GVSU Football
Grand Valley State University is located approximately 20 miles east of downtown Grand Haven and is home to the GVSU Lakers. Cheering on the team at GVSU’s beautiful Allendale campus is always a fun fall tradition.
Nature Education Center
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation’s Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing Park offers year-round seasonal programs, guided hikes, kids’ activities, a wildlife viewing area, and more. You can also find a kayak/canoe launch here! (Once you click the link, be sure to refine your search by clicking the Kayak/Canoe Launches.)
Golfing
Golfing at one of the many Grand Haven Area golf courses is a great way to take in the fall colors as well as get those last few rounds in before the snow starts flying. Favorite public courses include American Dunes Golf Club, Pigeon Creek Golf Course, Evergreen Golf Course, The Meadows at GVSU, Terra Verde Golf Course, and Three Fires Golf Course.
Sunsets
Photo by Sherry Idsinga
There is no better way to end a fun fall day than with a stunning sunset over Lake Michigan. While we have beautiful sunsets in the summer months, fall sunsets tend to be the most stunning and colorful ones of the entire year. For tips on fall sunset photography, check out this timeless guest blog post from area photographer Walter Elliott.
Plan Your Getaway Today!
Whether you’re looking for a charming boutique stay, a waterfront escape, or a family-friendly retreat, Grand Haven has lodging to suit every style. Click here to explore your perfect fall getaway and start planning your autumn adventure today!
Be sure to share your Grand Haven Area fall photos and videos with us on Facebook and Instagram! #visitgrandhaven
to snack shacks, and to restaurants to choose from, and breweries to make any guest happy. No matter what you or your family may like, there are plenty of options to choose from.
your new favorite book at The Bookman or The Book Cellar. Along with those are other local niche stores that may fit your liking. Subjects like 
beers and live music at 
exhibitions. 
near downtown Grand Haven. 
school was originally built then, and has since been restored for viewing purposes. 
you to the past, with well preserved exhibits and equipment from early settlement in Coopersville. 
the rural/farming lifestyle and attend events. Their exhibits of farming equipment, art, and jam sessions attract thousands of visitors to Coopersville every year!
delicious hot dogs and curly fries, or try pizza nights on Fridays. It’s also a perfect place to host a birthday party. Not only would this be a good way to spend a few hours on a rainy day, but also a sunny day since you can escape the heat and enjoy some air conditioning for a while. If you find yourself in the Grand Haven Area on a rainy day, challenge yourself or your family and friends to a world of Fun.
will pump and most importantly, fun with the family will be had. You’ll need to find, and use clues to solve puzzles, all while working against the ticking clock. Come inside for an hour and have a blast while uncovering the mystery within these rooms! 
good way to combat inclement weather. We already have a blog highlighting the many unique breweries in the area, as well as some wineries if that’s more your style. Check out that blog 
colorful, and flavorful ice cream. All around the Grand Haven Area lies ice cream spots, from the boardwalk all the way to Allendale. It doesn’t matter where you find yourself, ice cream is always something someone should try while on a vacation! Click 
time of your vacation this could be the perfect solution to weather conflictions. The 
Beacon Candle Co.
ers push the boundary of flavor combinations and end up being distributed far beyond just Michigan. On top of that, the bar is welcoming and viewing their tap list from online or inside is a piece of cake. As well as being located in the first block of Washington Street by the
even wine! Not only are the drinks splendid, but its proximity to Grand Haven favorites like the 
their honorable handcrafted beer, you’ll feel at home and more than likely make a new friend in the wonderful community. Being in 
farmland, combining the two communities together. They pride themselves in keeping the Coopersville down-to-earth, roll-up-your-sleeves values, but also aim high for locals and visitors alike. With a passion for serving their community, you can be sure that you’ll receive a great-tasting beer and excellent service to boot. If you find yourself in Coopersville for one of their many events this summer, their brewery definitely deserves a visit before or after!
Dedicated to the Caribbean & Reggae styled taproom, their brewery has served as a place for locals and visitors to enjoy a night out or just to chill. It also doesn’t matter what kind of beer drinker you are as they use their 12 taps to cover all kinds of beer. They stretch from sour ciders, to stouts and porters, to a range of IPA’s. They also host plenty of event nights that you surely won’t find at any other brewery. If you’re visiting and looking for a spirited brewery, Burzurk Brewing Company may be the perfect one!
a Belgium inspired aesthetic to their restaurant that locals and visitors enjoy. Alongside their filling food are their fantastic draft beers, which are surely worth any beer lover’s taste! Slide on over to the East side of Grand Haven during your trip, you won’t be disappointed with what you find!
can’t find anywhere else! On your trip to Grand Haven, it’s a great idea for a date, or for fun with a group of friends. If you’re just getting into trying wine, their helpful staff is able to satisfy your taste buds with a best suited wine for you also! One of the best things about 12 Corners Vineyards is that everything is grown locally, so you’ll know that you’re trying quality wine. If it blows your socks off, they have a wine club you can join that offers all kinds of amenities. If you live in West Michigan and enjoy wine tasting, it’s a great deal!
all the same. As the name suggests, they’re known for their wine, fine dining, and Italian roots that were woven into the restaurant’s creation. Fear not, beer drinkers, as they have 12 taps with a mix of classic options along with 6 seasonal drafts to choose from. This definitely still deserves a stop during your trip, because it will feel like a step into the world of Little Italy. This is a place where both wine and beer lovers can come together and take in all this place has to offer!
over quantity. Stop by on a Friday or Saturday to try their unique wines & ciders at their bar, patio, or lounge! Better yet, plan a visit with a group like your family and friends, as you’ll receive excellent service. Their mission is to make people happy, so whether it’s your first time trying wine or the 100th time, you can be sure you’ll have a great time!
fabulous choice of wines is fridges full of hand-crafted Michigan Beers! Just inserted to their lineup this summer is their new beloved brew, the “Beach Town” IPA! It’s characterized as a great juicy beer with lots of citrus, and has a little bite at 6.7% ABV. Just blocks away from downtown Grand Haven and right next to J&W Food & Spirits, its location is convenient and the products are enticing. And even if you’re not a beer or wine lover yourself, they offer gift baskets which can be a special present to someone close to you. On a stroll through Grand Haven, you’re not going to want to miss trying the beach town IPA!
brewery will be a spot to drop in during a bike ride for one, or an entire group of bikers! Park your bicycle and enjoy a sip of their in-house beer while taking a break. The compact indoors give a relaxing vibe while the outdoor patio delivers fun with games and live music. Perhaps during a busy time of vacationing, consider stopping on your ride to take the edge off. For visitors who like biking, this is a good spot to try a new beer, or if you’re a local, consider their
also be hosting all kinds of events all year long, from cocktail classes to live music. Also, they plan on having specials you won’t want to miss everyday except for Friday. For visitors in the Grand Haven Area, you can’t pass up trying out one of the few New Holland breweries in the world. We can’t wait for it to make its grand entrance into Downtown Grand Haven. 
