Top Things To See & Do This Fall in the Grand Haven Area

Grand Haven Blog

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 fall flavors at the Grand Haven Area’s local breweries. Odd Side Ales, Trail Point Brewing, Grand Armory Brewing, Off The Chain Brewstillery, 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. For those looking for a little seasonal sweetness, make a stop at Farmhaus Cider Co. 

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 Cafe, Odd Side Side Bar, Grand Finale, OTR Coffee Lab, Whipped Cafe 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. Make a stop at Lakeshore Littles Play Cafe where you can enjoy your latte while the little ones play.

 

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 Spring Lake Farmer’s Market is still in full swing during October. You can stop by to grab seasonal produce, including apples & pumpkins, as well as baked goods, flowers, meats, cheeses, and more. Or spend your day at the Evermore Estate Fall Fest for a welcoming fall market with local products and thoughtful gifts.

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, look 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 & E-Foiling

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, kiteboarders and e-foilers 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!  

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, The Meadows at GVSU, Terra Verde Golf Course, and Three Fires Golf Course.

When the weather no longer permits you to be out on the course, stop by The Back Nine for a premium indoor golf experience.

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! #VisitGrandHavenArea

NB: Originally posted August 18, 2025. Updated October 8, 2026.

14 Reasons to Visit South Haven This Summer

South Haven Blog

South Haven is a small community situated comfortably within walking distance of the Lake Michigan shoreline. With a diverse array of lodging & dining options, as well as a legendary history of summer festivals and hospitality to match, South Haven is the perfect place for friends and families to visit and begin new traditions. Here are 14 Reasons folks visit (and revisit) South Haven the most:

1. Sugar Sand & Rocky Beaches
The number one reason why people visit South Haven in the summer is to spend time on the city’s beautiful beaches. Along the Great Lakes you will find different terrains on the shores, from rocks to dunes to soft and silky sand. South Haven’s public beaches (there are seven!) are full of groomed, sugary sand that is perfect for relaxing, building sand castles and enjoying the sunshine.

Photo Credit: @jenninthesun

Photo Credit: @jenninthesun

2. Walkability
You can park anywhere in town and walk from the downtown shopping area to the beach with relative ease. Getting to and from locations is simple in South Haven, and there are several hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals within walking distance to all the excitement of the downtown and nearby beaches. This makes it easy to rent a scooter, a bicycle or a golf cart and have fun around town! It’s easy here!

photo credit: @timlargentsr

Photo Credit: @timlargentsr

3. Variety Of Accommodations
There is a huge variety of places to stay in the city and township. Two locally-owned hotels are located directly downtown, while four chain hotels lie just a mile down from the main strip on Phoenix Street. You’ll also find several bed and breakfasts, an abundant amount of vacation rental homes, unique inns and camping cabins.

The Caboose Inn

Photo Credit: Mark McCulfor

4. Exciting Adventures
Kids will love splashing around at the Friends Good Will Splash Pad, located near South Beach. The Splash Pad is an enchanting and safe place to allow small children to frolic Also, located just 4 miles from downtown, Arvesta Sport Complex contains two wibbit play areas, a cable park for skiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding (no experience required), waterslides, a drink bar and more!

5. On-Water Experiences
There are so many different options to suit your taste for adventure, relaxation and fun:
• SoHa Surf Shop sets up camp at North and South Beaches with kayak and paddle board rentals.
• The Michigan Maritime Museum hosts a fleet of historic and replica boats, including tall ship Friends Good Will, an experience you can’t miss out on!
• The Sunsetter is docked at the South Marina and is a relaxing cruise that offers views of the lakeshore.
• Elsie J, a renovated 1945 Tugboat, takes day trips and sunset cruises.
Try one, or try all!

6. Pure Michigan Trail Town
In 2019, South Haven was one of the first four communities to be designated as a Pure Michigan Trail Town. Rent a bicycle from Rock n’ Road Cycle and hop on the Kal-Haven and Van Buren Trails for a scenic ride, or a casual stroll. Rent a kayak at Black River Park and paddle up river on the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail. Visit one of the township’s four nature preserves and hike along dunes, wooded paths and even search for beach glass. There are so many ways to enjoy South Haven’s trails, and each trail has its own unique aspects.

7. Waterfront Bars
If you’re looking for a fun atmosphere to grab a bite or have a drink, look no further than Captain Lou’s, Admiral Jack’s and the Idler Riverboat. All three are situated around South Haven’s harbor and you can very easily walk to and from each bar. Live music is a frequent occurrence on the weekends in the summertime.

Photo Credit: Radiant Landscapes Photography

8. Handcrafted Haven
Three breweries, one craft beer tasting room, three wine tasting rooms, a winery and a cidery all exist within the South Haven zip code. You can find even more if you venture further afield in all directions. There are so many flavors to try!

9. Michigan’s Fruit Belt
Fresh produce is a staple at South Haven’s downtown farm market, which runs every Saturday from mid-May to mid-October and every Wednesday from June-August. There are several surrounding farms offering u-pick strawberries, raspberries, peaches and (of course) blueberries. Summer fruit is a must have, and in South Haven there is PLENTY to go around!

South Haven, aka The Blueberry Capital of the World!

10. Locally-Owned And Quaint Downtown
South Haven’s downtown is full of locally-owned shops and restaurants. You’ll find a variety of stores, from t-shirt shops to jewelry, women’s clothing, home decor, candy, toys, books and so much more. Make it an adventure with in-store experiences like 42N Naturals‘ fragrance and terrarium bar, and Kalamazoo Candle Company‘s candlemaking workshop!

11. Eating Across Downtown
Whether it’s a burger and beer or a martini and chef’s plate, you’ll be able to satisfy your craving at one of the many South Haven restaurants. There are classic American diners, upscale destinations, pizza joints and ethnic options. On the water, the beach, in town, or in the country, there’s a place to eat in nearly every corner of South Haven. With vineyards and craft breweries to tour as well, you can try something new every day. Eat your way through South Haven’s restaurants and maybe you’ll even find your new favorite food spot!

The Reuben Sandwich at The Lodge

12. Sherman Dairy Bar’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
Sherman’s has been a local favorite for 63 years and for good reason! Their old-fashioned ice cream is made one batch at a time with rich flavors. You’ll find classic flavors along with fun and unique choices, and of course the midwestern favorite, blue moon!

13. Historic Movie Theatre With Throwback Prices
Rain or shine, a movie at the historic downtown Michigan Theatre is a fun way to spend your time. The prices have not changed since the 90’s so you can see a matinee for only $4, and an evening show for $5.50. You can’t beat that!

14. Sunsets Over Lake Michigan
Cozy up in the sand, gather in front of the lighthouse, or find a spot among the bluffs. Sunsets are a magical sight and they are a great way to wind down from the day. If there is anything we highly recommend, it’s witnessing a stunning, colorful sunset. That’s a South Haven specialty! Click here for our 2023 Sunset Schedule.

photo credit: @timlargentsr

Photo Credit: @timlargentsr