As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Southwest Michigan comes alive with fall’s vibrant colors and flavors. This region, known for its scenic landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, offers diverse activities, making it the premier destination for autumn adventures. Whether you’re looking to savor the season’s bounty, immerse yourself in the beauty of fall foliage or enjoy family-friendly events, Southwest Michigan has something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the must-do fall activities in this picturesque corner of the state.
Pick Your Favorite Apples
Apple picking is a quintessential fall activity and Southwest Michigan is home to some of the state’s best orchards. With various apple types ripe for the picking, there’s nothing quite like spending a day at a local orchard, taking a hayride, and enjoying the crisp fall air while gathering a basket of fresh, juicy apples.
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Fruit Acres Farm Market and U-Pick in Coloma offer U-pick apples and free hayrides in September and October. Their dwarf trees make picking easy and the market delivers a true “country experience.”
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J.W. Morlock & Girls in Watervliet provides over 25 varieties of freshly picked apples, other homegrown produce, and Mo’s yummy 9-inch and mini-fruit pies.
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Lehman’s Orchard in Niles sells pick-your-own apples, pears, plums, raspberries, and pumpkins in the fall. Their small nursery offers heirloom and dwarf apple trees to plant at home and a range of house-made products like wine, cider, and donuts. Place your order online for easy pickup.
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Lemon Creek Winery in Berrien Springs offers U-pick apples and a historic winery experience. Its farm market is open daily during fruit season.
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Stover’s Farm Market & U-Pic in Berrien Springs has been a family favorite for generations, offering 23 apple varieties and a range of pre-picked fruits and vegetables including pumpkins and gourds. Call ahead to check availability.
For a comprehensive list of the best apple orchards in the region and apple pick tips, click here.
Select The Perfect Pumpkin
Pumpkin picking is another favorite fall activity, especially for families. In Southwest Michigan, you’ll find numerous pumpkin patches and farm markets where you can enjoy seasonal treats and fun fall activities.
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Dinges Fall Harvest in Three Oaks is the spot to find a variety of exotic and giant pumpkins. This patch offers an impressive selection of pumpkins, plus it features a corn maze, games and Halloween-themed monsters and ghouls. For a unique twist, join the dinosaur hunt — rumor has it, one is lurking around the farm!
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Jollay Orchards has been a beloved fall tradition for generations. Here, you can find pumpkins for carving or baking, navigate a corn maze, and take a hayride. Jollay also offers u-pick apples and grapes, a not-too-spooky haunted house, outdoor games, and a well-stocked market. Don’t miss out on their cider and donuts — some of the best in Southwest Michigan.
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Piggott’s Farm Market & Bakery offers a variety of fresh produce, including a large selection of pumpkins, apples, raspberries, squash, onions, and gorgeous mums. Be sure to pick up one of their homemade pies.
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Sommerfeldt’s Fruit Farm is an easy drive into the country. Stop by to pick out a pumpkin and gourd and bring home soup vegetables, fall fruits, jams, jellies, and more.
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St. Joe Farmers Market is the spot to find all your fall favorites, including homegrown pumpkins, seasonal fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, jams, cider, fall decorations, and more. After shopping, stroll through St. Joseph’s charming downtown or enjoy the views of the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan.
Explore more pumpkin patches, farmers markets, farm stands, and you-picks as you tour our countryside. It’s a tradition you will look forward to every fall.
Explore Breathtaking Leaf-Peeping Parks
Southwest Michigan’s landscape transforms into a tapestry of vivid reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves change color in the fall. Whether you drive through the countryside, hike in a state park, or simply stroll through a small town, the region’s fall foliage is something you won’t want to miss from September to late October
Some of the best places to see this beauty up close are in our parks. Add these destinations to your bucket list:
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Galien River County Park is a prime spot for fall hiking, featuring the 60-foot-high Marsh Overlook Tower and the 600-foot-long Marsh Boardwalk. These structures offer stunning views of autumn foliage across wetlands, forests, and river vistas, making it an ideal fall foliage destination.
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Grand Mere State Park has trails that take you to breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, serene dunes, and secluded woodlands bathed in autumn’s finest colors. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking a peaceful, scenic escape.
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Kal-Haven Trail is a popular destination for both hikers and bikers, stretching from South Haven to Kalamazoo. The trail’s canopy of trees creates a tunnel of color that is particularly breathtaking in mid-to-late October.
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Love Creek County Park is a hidden gem for fall enthusiasts, offering hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through rich woodlands ablaze with autumn colors. The park’s diverse habitats, including meadows, wetlands, and forests, create a picturesque setting for spotting wildlife and migrating birds. This is one of the best parks for enjoying the tranquility of nature in its autumn splendor.
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Sarett Nature Center is a prime spot for fall color, with its woodlands and wetlands transforming into a kaleidoscope of scarlets, oranges, russet browns, and sunny yellows. The center’s extensive trail system allows hikers to explore diverse ecosystems, from forests to marshes, while enjoying scenic overlooks and abundant birds and wildlife.
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Warren Dunes State Park greets you with a canopy of colorful trees as you drive into the park. But that’s a prelude to the stunning view of fall colors set against a backdrop of Lake Michigan’s azure waters. The park’s towering dunes, beaches, and trails give many vantage points to take in the autumn scenery. Have a dog? This park has a designated beach to romp in and out of the water.
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Warren Woods State Park offers a serene fall hiking experience, with trails winding through a beech-maple forest that transforms into a stunning display of autumn colors. Its old-growth trees, peaceful stream, and diverse wildlife create a tranquil setting. This is one of Southwest Michigan’s top no-tech, silent vacation getaways.
Stay updated on the best times to view fall colors by following the Southwest Michigan Fall Color Report.
Celebrate The Season
Southwest Michigan is home to various fall festivals that celebrate our bountiful harvest with food, music, and family-friendly activities. These events are a great way to experience our local culture and autumn’s festive spirit.
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Fall Fest in Saint Joseph is a fun-filled celebration for all ages. Find the freshest local produce at the St. Joe Farmers Market, play at interactive booths, and pet the friendly animals from the Critter Barn. Then, walk into a hot-air balloon, listen to stories, and enter the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Pumpkin Raffle. It’s a lively fall day along Lake Bluff Park.
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The Four Flags Area Apple Festival in Niles is a must-visit event packed with fun for the whole family. Enjoy carnival rides, games, food, and everything apple — pastries, pies, cider, and more! Highlights include a Grande Parade, nightly entertainment, and arts and crafts booths.
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The Under the Harvest Moon Festival in Dowagiac is a tribute to autumn, featuring vintage farm tractors, an open-air marketplace, and live entertainment. Enjoy delicious local food, pumpkin decorating, and family-friendly activities, too.
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The South Haven Oktoberfest is a fun-filled celebration of Southwest Michigan’s harvest season. It blends outdoor fun with delicious food and craft beverages. Highlights include the 5.5K Run/Walk along a fall-color route, with medals, t-shirts, and post-race brews. Enjoy a spaghetti dinner and pancake breakfast, with all proceeds supporting local charities.
As you plan for your fall getaway, check our full calendar of fall events.
Experience The Makers Trail: Sip, Savor, Celebrate
Fall is an ideal time to explore Southwest Michigan’s thriving craft beverage scene. Celebrate the fall harvest with award-winning wines, seasonal craft beers, hard ciders, spirits, and fall-inspired cocktails. These experiences come alive with stunning vineyard views, bright fall colors, and lively seasonal events, making the Makers Trail the ultimate autumn adventure.
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Dablon Winery invites you to savor fall with their European-inspired wines, enjoying them amidst the beautiful fall colors of their estate vineyard. It’s a peaceful and picturesque spot to relax during this spirit-lifting season.
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Ghost Isle Brewery creates a cozy fall getaway with its craft beers and views of the Galien River. It’s an ideal spot to unwind with friends during the cooler months. This is the only Makers Trail stop with a ghost story … ask to hear it.
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Journeyman Distillery blends craft spirits with historic charm and flavor-filled meals. Enjoy their unique cocktails in a warm and inviting setting.
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River Saint Joe is the perfect fall destination, offering craft beers in a scenic, sustainable farm setting. Enjoy the changing leaves and organic brews, ciders, wines, and harvest foods while challenging your traveling companions to a game of bocce.
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Round Barn Winery Estate with its vineyard views, family-friendly events, and seasonal wines is your go-to spot to sip and savor the flavors of autumn.
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Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant offers views of stunning foliage paired with its award-winning wines and delectable fall menu. Enjoy a leisurely hike with your beverage of choice on the Mt. Tabor Trails connecting Tabor Hill and Round Barn.
Several local companies offer guided tours that include transportation, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the experience. For more information on tours, visit the Makers Trail website.
Get Spooked With Halloween Thrills For All Ages
Halloween in Southwest Michigan is a time for spooky fun, with events that cater to both the brave and the faint of heart. From haunted houses to ghostly train rides, find your thrills here.
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Benton Harbor & St Joseph Trick or Treating: Bring your little ghosts and goblins to the Benton Harbor Arts District and/or downtown St. Joseph for a happy and safe trick-or-treating experience. Visit local merchants, collect candy, and enjoy their festive decorations.
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Eden Springs Park offers a family-friendly haunted train ride. Ride the miniature train through this historic park, past abandoned buildings, flying ghosts, and characters with ghoulish grins. Eat your refreshment-stand snacks and drinks by a crackling campfire.
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The Haunted Carousel at Silver Beach Carousel is a spooktacularly fun place to visit in October. The Carousel House comes alive with spooky music, eerie decor, and the appearance of the headless horseman. Wear your costumes to fully embrace the Halloween spirit.
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Niles Scream Park is one of the top haunted attractions in the country! With over 44 acres of terrifying experiences, you will do just what its name says: “SCREAM.” A portion of admission fees supports local charities, making it a spooky and worthwhile visit.
Whether you’re looking for a spine-tingling adventure or a more light-hearted celebration, Southwest Michigan has Halloween events for everyone. For more details on these and other Halloween happenings, visit the events calendar or read our Fall Activities for Kids blog.
Plan Your Fall Trip
Southwest Michigan is a prime destination for fall activities, offering a blend of natural beauty, agricultural abundance, and festive events that celebrate the season. To fully enjoy the season, plan to stay over for one or more nights. Book a hotel now to get the dates, location, and amenities you want. This will give you more time to explore the local restaurants now serving seasonal favorites and create a bucket list of memories that will last a lifetime.
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. 
