15 Reasons Why You Should Definitely Not Visit Michigan This Fall
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Everyone says Michigan is one of the best places in the country to experience autumn.
But take it from us — don’t even think about coming here. The cider is too fresh, the views are too pretty, and the small towns are far too charming.
Save yourself the trouble and let us locals deal with it.
1. Our cider mills are too good
Think you can just pop in for a quick jug of cider? Not in Michigan.
You’ll end up standing in line for fresh-pressed cider, eating cinnamon sugar donuts straight out of the fryer, and maybe even sneaking an apple or two from the bins.
By the time you leave, your trunk will be loaded down with caramel apples, gallons of cider, and a hayride memory or two you didn’t plan on.
Proof it’s a problem: My 7 Favorite Michigan Cider Mills You Need to Visit This Fall
2. Fall colors drag on forever
In most states, blink and you miss peak foliage. In Michigan, thanks to the Great Lakes and our wild temperature swings, color season can stretch nearly a month.
First, the Upper Peninsula bursts into flame, then the reds and golds trickle down through Northern Michigan, and finally, the Lower Peninsula glows in October.
If you were hoping to check “fall colors” off your list in a weekend, you’ll be sorely disappointed — you’ll need to come back again and again.
Don’t believe me? Check the ULTIMATE Michigan Fall Color Map + Peak Prediction Guide
3. The drives never end
The Tunnel of Trees near Harbor Springs? Gorgeous. M-22 along Lake Michigan? Jaw-dropping. The rolling hills of the Irish Hills? Straight-up cinematic.
But they’re all too scenic. You’ll be pulling over every few miles for photos, slowing down for overlooks, and realizing that a “quick drive” has turned into an all-day adventure.
Need more examples? Scenic Fall Drives in Michigan For Stunning Color and Views
4. Orchards everywhere
It’s not just one cute orchard in a random town. It’s dozens.
Pumpkins spilling out of wagons, corn mazes carved into farm fields, u-pick apple orchards that practically beg you to bring the kids.
Even adults without children somehow end up at cider mills every weekend. Frankly, the abundance is just showing off.
See what I mean: Where are the Best U-Pick Apple Orchards in Michigan?
5. Hikes that don’t hurt
Forget death-march treks up steep mountain faces. Michigan trails are too nice.
From the easy paved path to Miners Castle in Pictured Rocks to the short jaunt to Deadman’s Hill Overlook in Gaylord, there are trails for every level — and all of them reward you with fall color views.
It’s almost unfair to other hiking states.
If you must: 25+ Michigan Hiking Trails for Fall Colors
6. Perfect sweater weather
Michigan weather in the fall has this obnoxious way of being just right.
Cool mornings where you sip coffee in flannel, crisp afternoons perfect for long walks, and evenings made for bonfires.
You won’t be sweating through your sweater or freezing under your scarf — you’ll just be…comfortable. And honestly, isn’t that kind of boring?
Exhibit A: 5 Reasons Fall Is the Most Magical Season in Michigan
7. Leaves that overdo it
Michigan’s maples, oaks, and birches just can’t tone it down.
We’re talking shockingly bright reds, eye-popping oranges, and yellows so bold they look photoshopped.
If you’re expecting sad, crunchy brown leaves, prepare to be disappointed.
8. Tailgating chaos
Every Saturday, parking lots from Ann Arbor to East Lansing transform into giant block parties.
Grills fire up, music blasts, and fans in maize, blue, green, and white celebrate like it’s a holiday.
Even people who couldn’t care less about football somehow end up at a tailgate just for the food. It’s loud, it’s fun, and — ugh — it’s contagious.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you: Spartans vs Wolverines: Ultimate Michigan Football Rivalry
9. Too much pie
Apple pie with crumb topping. Pumpkin pie that tastes like Thanksgiving came early. Pecan pie that makes you forget you ever liked cake.
Michigan farm markets and diners overload you with so many fall desserts that you’ll need to schedule an extra trip to the gym — after you stop for “just one more slice.”
Pies included: ULTIMATE Michigan Fall Bucket List
10. Bonfires galore
In Michigan, bonfires aren’t just for summer. Come fall, every cottage, cabin, and backyard fire pit gets put to work.
You’ll find yourself wrapped in a blanket, listening to wood crackle, and roasting marshmallows under a sky full of stars.
The worst part? You’ll carry that smoky, nostalgic smell in your sweater for weeks.
Case in point: Pumpkins, Hayrides, & Bonfires Galore
11. Breweries and cideries overdo it
Michigan doesn’t stop at donuts and cider.
Breweries crank out Oktoberfest lagers, pumpkin ales, and spiced stouts while cideries keep the taps flowing with small-batch hard ciders that taste like pure autumn.
And just when you think you’ve tried them all, another festival pops up down the road. Honestly, the options are exhausting.
Sip at your own risk: 23 Best Michigan Fall Beers
12. Haunted fun is everywhere
We don’t mess around with Halloween.
Old asylums open for ghost tours, barns transform into haunted houses, and even historic towns like Marshall and Mackinac Island get in on the ghost walk action.
If you’d rather not hear footsteps in empty hallways or see shadows dart across the room, best to avoid Michigan in October.
Enter if you dare: 25 Most Haunted Places in Michigan
13. You’ll fall for small towns
From Frankenmuth’s Bavarian charm to Petoskey’s lakeside beauty, Michigan’s small towns go all-out in fall.
Festivals, farmer’s markets, cozy coffee shops with pumpkin spice everything — it’s almost too wholesome.
You might find yourself daydreaming about buying a cottage here, and that’s a dangerous spiral.
Don’t say I didn’t tell you: 7 Unique Fall Things to Do in Northern Michigan
14. Waterfalls get louder
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula already has more waterfalls than you can count, but in the fall, they’re framed by fiery leaves and fueled by autumn rains.
Tahquamenon roars, Bond Falls sparkles, and even little roadside cascades feel magical. It’s like Mother Nature is putting on a finale just before winter sets in.
See for yourself: Discover the Best Waterfalls in Michigan
15. Once you visit, you’ll be back
That’s the biggest problem of all. Michigan fall sneaks up on you — it worms its way into your memory with apple cider, golden forests, and crisp mornings by the lake.
You’ll leave swearing it was just a one-time trip, but by next September, you’ll be booking another one.
It’s an endless cycle, and we warned you.
Don’t fall into it: Enjoy Uniquely Michigan Fall Fun With These 13 Autumn Activities