A fall trip to Southwest Michigan’s lakeshore communities—including St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Stevensville and surrounding communities—isn’t complete without venturing beyond the shoreline for a taste of harvest season. Just a short drive from the lake, the countryside comes alive with apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides and farm markets filled with cider, donuts and locally grown finds.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a festive date or another stop on your fall getaway, these farms make it easy to enjoy a classic autumn day.,
Pick, Play and Explore at Jollay Orchards
For generations, Jollay Orchards in Coloma has welcomed families to celebrate the harvest. During its fall festival season, visitors can pick apples and grapes, search for the perfect pumpkin and take a scenic hayride through the orchard.
The farm also offers a family-friendly corn maze, playground, dinosaur displays, Western Town and an old brick schoolhouse transformed into a Haunted House. Before heading back toward the lakeshore, stop at the market for fresh cider, signature cider donuts, seasonal produce, jams and fall decorations.
Make a Day of It at Amazing Acres
With more than 100 attractions spread across over 90 acres, Amazing Acres in Edwardsburg turns a farm visit into a full day of fall fun.
Its sprawling corn mazes feature a new design each year, while the pumpkin patch, hayrides and barnyard animals offer plenty of traditional farm experiences. Visitors can also race down giant slides, pedal around the trike track, launch apples from a cannon, tackle an obstacle course or ride a zip line.
When it’s time for a break, refuel with cider, donuts, caramel apples and other seasonal treats.
Step Into a Jurassic Adventure at Dinges Fall Harvest
At Dinges Fall Harvest in Three Oaks, pumpkins are only the beginning. The farm’s U-pick patch features pumpkins and gourds in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, while the Jurassic-themed corn maze adds a prehistoric twist to the season.
Families can also take a hayride, visit the farm animals and enjoy games and seasonal attractions around the farmyard. Depending on when you visit, you may encounter face painting, a haunted trailer and a few not-too-scary monsters and ghouls along the way.
Find Even More Fall Farm Experiences
These are just a few of the orchards, farm markets and harvest attractions waiting in Southwest Michigan. You can also pick from more than 20 apple varieties at Twin Maple Orchard, shop for produce and baked goods at longtime farm markets or follow roadside signs to smaller stands stocked with honey, jams, apple butter and other local flavors.
Explore more places to pick apples and pumpkins, wander through corn mazes and savor cider and donuts in Visit Southwest Michigan’s complete guide to the best fall farm experiences.
Before You Visit
Hours, admission, crop availability and activities can change throughout harvest season, so check with each farm before leaving. Wear closed-toe shoes that can handle dirt or mud, dress in layers and give yourself plenty of time if a corn maze is part of your plans.
Then, return to the lakeshore for a colorful sunset—the perfect ending to a fall day in Southwest Michigan.