Top 10 Autumn Adventures in South Haven

Autumn in South Haven

South Haven has everything you need to add color to your fall escape! With outstanding lodging options, a thriving downtown retail and food scene, and more outdoor recreation opportunities than many towns twice its size, South Haven is the perfect place to experience the harvest season in Southwest Michigan. Find inspiration for your fall itinerary with the list below, and sign up for our weekly newsletter for updates on the latest happenings and things to do!

1. Explore West Michigan Wine County

Take a tour of area wineries in style with Happy Trails Wine Tours & Limo Service, or chart your own fall excursions into West Michigan wine country with our handy maps of The West Michigan Pike and Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Whether you’re exploring Michigan’s oldest winery in Paw Paw or taking in the fall colors on the patio at Cogdal Vineyards, the area is ripe with opportunities to broaden one’s palate.

Related Blog: Cruisin’ The West Michigan Pike: South Haven To Fennville

 

2. Wake Up to a Crisp Autumn Morning in the Great Outdoors

Whether you’re seeking cozy cabins nestled in a forest of fiery foliage or an unforgettable glamping weekend complete with spa day, South Haven has the perfect option for your next outdoor retreat. Refresh, unplug, and unwind in nature, explore camping options here!

3. Catch the latest thriller at The Michigan Theatre

Take in the latest flick at The Michigan Theatre in downtown South Haven! Enjoy first-run films with affordable tickets & concession prices at The Michigan Theatre.

Local Tip: Every Monday, all showings are just $4!

4. Explore the Bounty at South Haven Farm Market

Discover autumn’s abundance at the South Haven Farm Market! Located downtown at the Huron Street Pavilion, the freshest produce from local farms is available Saturdays through October 12. Other farm stands include Barden’s Farm Market and Phoenix Farm Market.

5. Go Dutch On Your Next Orchard Outing!

Discover where the world-renowned Red Haven Peach and all other Haven varieties of peaches were born and choose from a wide variety of mouth-watering apples at Dutch Farm Market and Orchard. The bakery and farm market are open 9am – 6pm daily, 7 days a week through October 31.

Local Tip: Apple season in Michigan is from mid-September through mid-October.

6. Have a Pumpkin Martini at Clementine’s

A community staple for over 40 years, Clementine’s is housed in a former bank and filled with nostalgic decor. Make your way to the hand-carved bar where you’ll find folks who stop in each fall for a taste of Clementine’s legendary pumpkin martini! A must try for lovers of all things pumpkin, and available for a limited time.

Local tip: Clementine’s is part of the South Haven Social District. Enjoy your pumpkin martini on a scenic downtown stroll or during events like the South Haven Jazz Fest and New Year’s Eve Celebration!

7. Conquer the Corn Maze at Bumbleberry Acres

Bumbleberry Acres is the perfect place to bring the family for fun on the farm. Not only do they have fresh fruits and vegetables, wagon rides, and a petting zoo, but the corn field transforms into an experience for all to enjoy in the fall. Test your navigation skills while twisting and turning your way out of the cornfield just a few short miles away from the shores of Lake Michigan.

8. Take on the South Haven Pure Michigan Trail Town Challenge

The South Haven Pure Michigan Trail Town Challenge invites adventurers to explore the scenic trails of South Haven, earning points by completing various outdoor activities along the way. Participants can enjoy hiking, biking, and paddling through picturesque landscapes while competing for prizes and the satisfaction of conquering the challenge!

Sign up today, you only have until October 31 to complete the challenge and claim your prize!

9. Trivia at Three Blondes Brewing

Thursday Night Trivia is back at Three Blondes Brewery, offering you the perfect chance to flex your brainpower for bragging rights and prizes! We recommend arriving early—it fills up quickly. Visit anytime for a great sit-down dining experience, or just to pick up a growler of your favorite brew to-go!

10. Take a fall cruise aboard The Lindy Lou

While Friends Good Will shines all summer long as its masts whip in the wind as it sets out for Lake Michigan from the docks of The Michigan Maritime Museum, the Lindy Lou snags the spotlight throughout October with fall color cruises along the Black River.

Bonus: Watch the Fall Sunset Simmer on Lake Michigan!

The day’s activities often take a backseat to the grand finale: sunset. Whether you’re perched along the bluffs or strolling the local beaches, this is the moment when the sky transforms into a stunning canvas of dark reds, bright purples, and everything in between. With over 10 public beaches to choose from, there’s no shortage of spots to witness this nightly spectacle. Make sure you carve out time to catch one of these mesmerizing light shows—it’s a South Haven experience you won’t want to miss.

Related
Choose Your Perfect Beach Day: A Quick Guide to South Haven’s 10 Public Beaches