10 Highlights You’ll Love From Our Fall Family Weekend in Mt. Pleasant

When planning family adventures, we often look for places that combine the small-town feel we love with a touch of city amenities, like a wider variety of restaurants and a few museums. On our recent trip to Central Michigan, we didn’t have to go far to find exactly that. Mt. Pleasant delivers with its small-town charm, a walkable historic downtown, and plenty of food and fun for the whole family.

A big thank you to Meet Mt. Pleasant for partnering with Awesome Mitten to make this fall trip possible. We loved experiencing all that Mt. Pleasant has to offer and can’t wait to return.

Where to Stay in Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant has plenty of great places to stay – from modern hotels and cozy bed and breakfasts to campgrounds and RV parks. 

Dinner and Epic Breadsticks at The Cabin

Like any good adventure, our Mt. Pleasant weekend began with food, because happy kids (and parents) always start with full stomachs. The Cabin was saved on our list and we were excited to try out the renowned Cabin Stix as an appetizer to hold us over until our main entrees arrived. I don’t think one crumb was left behind. 

This lively restaurant and bar was packed for family and friends weekend at Central Michigan University, and I can see why after being voted best pizza in Mt. Pleasant. There is a fun historic side to this restaurant too, as it was one of the first places to hold a liquor license in the area after the repeal of prohibition. 

Don’t forget your Sharpie, as the walls are decorated with signatures of past visitors. The kids loved being able to add their own.

Morning Refuel at Creation Coffee

The next morning, we enjoyed the hotel breakfast and coffee, but I needed just a little something extra. That’s when Creation Coffee saved the day.

Their seasonal drinks were seriously tempting, but in the end, I went with my trusty favorite, a caramel latte with an extra shot of espresso. Next time though, I will have to branch out and try something new.

Keep an eye out for Creation Coffee in your travels, as they have several locations nearby. Each has its own bright style but all serve the same great coffee.

Fall Fun at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch and Zonta Applefest

With coffee in hand, we drove a few minutes to Papa’s Pumpkin Patch. Luckily, our visit also lined up with the 36th Annual Zonta Applefest. The Zonta Club of Mount Pleasant organizes Applefest to raise funds for women and girls through scholarships, advocacy programs, and community partnerships. 

Applefest at Papa’s was a hit for the whole family, with kid-friendly games and rows of craft vendors where we found a few treasures to take home. The hayride out to the pumpkin patch was another highlight, and everyone at the farm could not have been kinder. 

With pumpkins, cider, and prizes in hand, we were off to our next adventure.

Game Day at Central Michigan University

On our last visit to Mt. Pleasant, we caught our first CMU basketball game. This time, we knew we had to experience college football, and we are so glad we did. 

The general admission tickets gave us the chance to pick a bleacher spot to cheer on the team, and the kids were thrilled to enjoy their favorite food group, stadium food. This MAC opener was packed with energy, and it was still a comfortable atmosphere for a family outing. 

Central took home the win and we left with a new memory. 

One of my favorite things about visiting college towns is being able to enjoy the experience without needing any personal ties to the school itself. My husband and I went to different Michigan colleges, but it was still fun to watch two rival teams play their hearts out while we cheered alongside our kids.

Scenic Hiking at Deerfield Nature Park

After the game, it was time to stretch our legs. The covered bridge at Deerfield Nature Park has been on my Michigan bucket list, so we set out for this county park, which requires either a daily pass or an annual permit for entry. 

Deerfield Nature Park is a great spot for families, offering disc golf, hiking trails, a kayak launch, rustic camping, and more.

We parked near the suspension bridge, which is a crowd favorite for our crew, and followed the Wildwood Path to connect with part of the River Loop, which led us to the covered bridge. It’s a beautiful trail that at times hugs the Chippewa River. 

I’ve already made a note to return during peak fall colors because I can only imagine how incredible Deerfield will look then. 

Dinner at a Hidden Gem: Barn Door Bar and Restaurant

Not far from Deerfield is the Barn Door Bar and Restaurant. Filled with homecoming students and locals, we were still greeted and helped quickly by the friendly staff. I enjoyed a poutine entrée and couldn’t believe the deals on kids’ meals. 

If you want hearty food with a full selection of beers and plenty of Michigan favorites on the menu, this is the place. We left full and happy, which is all you can ask for when dining out.

Hearty Breakfast at Omelettes and More

Our night ended at the hotel with more swimming and relaxing. On our final morning in Mt. Pleasant, we set out to try a breakfast spot, which led us to Omelettes and More. With all the classics, from skillets and omelettes to Mickey Mouse pancakes for the kids, it was the perfect way to fuel our last day.

Imaginative Play at the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum

After breakfast, we headed to the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum. This fall visit felt different from our last trip during spring break, a bit quieter, but every bit as exciting. 

The kids spent most of their time at the water table, building rockets, and testing out the new Mid-Michigan Mechanic exhibit. They also loved the imaginative play areas where they could be bees, ants, or campers. The museum is such an incredible asset to the Mt. Pleasant area, and it’s easy to spend hours here exploring and learning together. 

The Perfect Kid Combo: Mini Golf and Ice Cream

After some indoor fun, it was time to enjoy the outdoors before heading home. We stopped at Coyote Creek Adventure Golf at The Golf Center in Mt. Pleasant.  In addition to mini golf, the center offers a pro shop, lessons, a driving range, and more. 

Note: Call ahead to check the availability of the mini golf course.

For our family, mini golf and ice cream go hand in hand, making this the perfect stop. Just inside The Golf Center, you’ll find Zeke’s Marvelous Ice Cream, with more than enough options for every ice cream lover. While we sampled a few flavors, the kids landed on their tried-and-true vanilla.

It was the sweetest way to end a round of golf.

Tasty Lunch Buffet at Pisanello’s Pizza

Although the kids had just had ice cream (hey, it’s vacation, sometimes dessert comes first), we wanted one last Mt. Pleasant meal before heading home. When we found out Pisanello’s Pizza was offering a pizza buffet and salad bar on Sundays, lunch there was an easy choice. 

With separate kid and adult prices and plenty of options, from my favorite pickle pizza to the kids’ go-to cheese, it worked perfectly for everyone. My five-year-old even discovered a new favorite: the chicken, bacon, and ranch pizza.

We love buffets for giving our kids the chance to try new foods, and this one gave us a new winner for our youngest.

The Perfect Fall Family Weekend in Mt. Pleasant

Our weekend in Mt. Pleasant struck the perfect balance, slowing down while still discovering new things together as a family. 

With so many family-friendly adventures just minutes apart, our days were full without ever feeling rushed. From Papa’s Pumpkin Patch and CMU football to Deerfield Nature Park, every stop allowed us to savor the fall season.

Our weekend in Mt. Pleasant gave us the perfect chance to slow down, try new things, and reconnect during a season that always seems to grow busier as the kids get older