The arrival of fall comes with a variety of fun and exciting activities to explore. From cider and donuts, to Halloween events, autumn in Michigan has so much to offer. 

1. Cider Mills 

Fall is not fall without cider and donuts, which is why it is a good thing that Michigan has so many cider mills to choose from. Some of the more prominent names include Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill and Yates Cider Mill, but there are others as well, like Paint Creek Cider Mill and Rochester Cider Mill. These mills host an abundance of activities, including haunted houses, petting farms, and haystacks to climb on. The highlight of any cider mill, of course, is the cider. Each location has their own unique spin on the seasonal beverage, as well as donuts to go with it. (Personally, I believe Blake’s has the best cider and donuts, but that’s just my own humble opinion). 

2. Go Apple Picking 

Many of the cider mills found in Michigan have apple orchards too. Visitors often embark on hayrides which lead them to rows upon rows of apple trees for guests to pick from. Typically, there are different varieties of apples available, including Gala, McIntosh, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious. Once picked, the apples can be used for pretty much any recipe imaginable! They can be used for applesauce, pie, cake, muffins, scones, jam, preserves, and much, much more. Apple is certainly one of the key flavors of fall, and apple picking is not only an enjoyable social gathering, but a good way to get in the fall spirit. 

3. Dakota High School Haunted Hallway 

There is a great Halloween activity that will be put on right here at Dakota. The Haunted Hallway, ran by DHS’s Project Kind club, is a fun way to spend a Friday evening and celebrate spooky season. The school will be decorated like a haunted house, and there will be plenty of games, crafts, and candy for all to enjoy. It will take place on October 21st from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Tickets will cost $5, and everyone of all ages are welcome to come. 

For more information: https://thedakotaplanet.com/17668/clubs-activities/haunted-hallway-%f0%9f%8e%83/ 

4. Explore a Corn Maze 

For anyone who enjoys wandering aimlessly in an endless field of corn, this one’s for you! Numerous corn mazes are scattered all throughout the state and are a traditional fall-themed activity.  Each year, people gather to try to find their way out of the corn stalks. Corn Fun Corn Maze Adventure is about a half hour away from Dakota and has corn mazes that have six “checkpoints” to add to the challenge of the maze. The designs of the mazes, according to their website, make it “puzzling to finish”. For those who are looking for a scarier and more intense corn experience, they can consider visiting Bonadeo Farms, which, in the past, had a haunted corn maze called “The Field of Screams”. 

Corn Fun Corn Maze Adventure website: https://www.cornfun.com/ 

Bonadeo Farms website: https://bonadeofarms.com/ 

5. Meadow Brook “Hall-oween” 

Meadow Brook Hall is a historic manor located near Oakland University. It hosts many events throughout the year, including their “Hall-oween” event. Those attending will be able to tour the building, and “trick or treating” will be available for children, as well as pumpkin painting. And, to top it all off, cider and donuts will be provided. No matter the time of year, it is always worth walking around the estate, and taking in the beautiful architecture that it has to offer, but the fall scenery is sure to add to the experience and make for a fun family or friend outing. 

Meadow Brook Hall website: https://meadowbrookhall.org/halloween/ 

6. Fraser High School Fall Craft and Vendor Show 

This event will take place at Fraser High School on October 15th, 2022 from 10am-4pm. Craft shows are a wonderful opportunity for both customers and vendors. Each show has a variety of wares, with a majority of them being handmade. With this show taking place in autumn, one can imagine that many of the vendors will be selling fall-themed items, whether it be candles, blankets, food, or other decorations. Admission for this event is $3.00 for anyone over the age of five. 

Fraser Craft show website: https://festivalnet.com/29345/Fraser-Michigan/Craft-Shows/Fraser-High-School-Fall-Craft-Vendor-Show 

7. “Wag-O-Ween” 

People are not the only ones who want to participate in fall activities. Our furry friends would love to join in on the fun as well, and one of these opportunities is the “Wag-O-Ween” event hosted at Patridge Creek Mall. Taking place on Saturday, October 22nd from 12:00pm-3:00pm, “Wag-O-Ween” is a dog costume contest. According to the event details on the mall’s website, there will be three weight categories with one winner per category. There is a limit of forty dogs per category, so be sure to get there early enough to register in time! 

Patridge Creek website: https://www.shoppartridgecreek.com/event/Wag-O-Ween/2145564325/ 

8. Fall Activities at the Clinton Macomb Public Library 

For those looking for a more relaxed activity to do out in the community, the local library is always a good place to check out! The Clinton Macomb Public Library (CMPL) has an abundance of events held at their North Branch, South Branch, and Main library locations. There is something for all ages to enjoy, from children to adults. Some of the upcoming fall-themed teen programs are the “Fall Chocolate Making”, “Creepy Crafts”, and “Franken-Toys”. Dates and times for all the programs vary, and more information about them can be found on the Clinton Macomb Public Library website under the “library event calendar” page. 

Clinton Macomb Public Library website: https://cmpl.libnet.info/events 

9. Take a Walk in a Park 

With fall, comes the beautiful changing leaves of red, gold, and orange. Michigan is one of the states known for its beautiful fall colors. One idea for a fall-themed activity is taking a walk in a park. Parks are filled with trees of all kinds, so they are a prime spot for fall-color-viewing. Stoney Creek Metropark is just one of many parks located in the Mitten State, and it is full of trees. The park offers trails, beaches, fields, and more nature scenery that makes it a perfect setting for a stroll in the fall. 

10. Pumpkin Picking 

Apples are not the only fall food available to pick locally. Pumpkins are a fall staple as well, and, thankfully, the local area provides lots of chances for visitors to purchase them. While buying them from a store to use later for carving is convenient, going to an actual pumpkin patch provides a unique experience for you and your friends/family. Similar to apple picking, some pumpkin patches take guests on hayrides out to the patch where they are free to roam through the fields and choose any pumpkin they like. They would then hop back on the hayride with their pumpkins, to the entrance.  Once picked, pumpkins have many uses, including making pumpkin seeds, pumpkin-flavored foods, and carving. Besides Blake’s, Puma’s Pumpkin Patch is another local establishment open for pumpkin-picking. 

No matter what activity you decide on, enjoy your autumn!