Top 12 West Michigan Fall Things to Do
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If you plan on being in West Michigan this fall, you have a treat ahead of you. West Michigan has everything you need for a great fall in Michigan, from local farms to community events, art shows, historical features, color drives, and more.
While some of these events are just for adults, many are perfect for families. Here is a list of our top fall things to do in West Michigan this year… we’ve included fall things to do in Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Allegan, Muskegon, and more!
1. Visit a West Michigan Apple Orchard
Michigan is home to many apple orchards, and apple season kicks off from late summer to early fall depending on the apple variety. By the time September and October roll around, the season is in full swing.Â
You’ll find everything at Michigan apple orchards, from pick-your-own apples and pumpkins to special activities, baked goods, corn mazes, haunted houses, and plenty of other family fun.Â
2. Climb The Giant Pumpkins At Frederik Meijer Gardens
Frederik Meijer Gardens is a hot spot in Michigan throughout the whole year. But fall is a particularly exciting time.
During this time of the year, you’ll find giant pumpkins available. It becomes a veritable child free-for-all, with children given free rein to climb to their heart’s content. There are also public sculptures and seasonal attractions.Â
3. Go To The Allegan County Fair
The Allegan County Fair takes place every fall, drawing thousands of visitors. Here, you’ll find every kind of attraction from live music to locally-made goods for sale. It is still celebrated among some of the original buildings from the fair’s start in 1852!
In addition to these attractions, you’ll find great food and plenty of family activities. Make friends with local farm animals, go on a ride, and check out a comedy show!
4. Participate in the Alger Heights Halloween Kids’ Fun Run
The annual Alger Heights Halloween Kids’ Fun Run is a fun event that attracts visitors coming back year after year. It is far from a conventional 5K, since it doubles as a Halloween event.
Everyone is invited to wear their costumes as they take part in a low-stakes 5k or 10k. The racers aren’t timed, but the winners will get prizes before everyone enjoys Halloween activities together.
The race is open to kids ages three and up, so if you have an adventurous preschooler, grader schooler, or older, you can’t miss the chance to dress up and race against other ghouls and goblins.
Parents can also run with their kids, and of course, they are welcome to wear a costume as well. This is definitely one of the most fun and unique fall activities you can find in West Michigan.
5. See Some Animals At Lewis Adventure Farm And Zoo
Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo is a fifth-generation family farm in New Era, Michigan. Here, you can see, pet, and even feed both native and exotic animals.
Though the farm is open throughout the year, autumn is a special time there. During this season, visitors get the chance to pick their own apples and enjoy special fall treats like apple cider and freshly baked goods. There aren’t many apple orchards where you can eat a cider doughnut and pet a kangaroo all in one day!
6. Take A Train Ride On The Vintage Coopersville And Marne Railway
The Coopersville and Marne Railway was the main way to get around West Michigan when it was first built in 1858. These days, it’s still in operation as a tourist attraction. The best time of year to take the tour? Right in the middle of autumn, when the Michigan foliage is at its peak.
The track goes over seven miles, connecting Coopersville and Marne. An 1850s train tour takes about 90 minutes. During the hour and a half, you’ll be entertained by musicians and actors providing educational content about the history of the railway.
7. Visit ArtPrize in Grand Rapids
ArtPrize is the annual festival in Grand Rapids celebrating art and local artists. Each year, downtown Grand Rapids is transformed into a haven of art throughout September and into early October.
More than 1,000 artists from all over the world use this opportunity to showcase their newest pieces. There is the chance to talk to the artists themselves and participate in auctions. Or if you prefer, you can simply walk around and enjoy the fruits of artistic talent from near and far.
In addition to art displays, the event includes festivals and family fun, including food from local vendors and attractions for kids.
8. Take A Fall Nature Walk At Blandford Nature Center
West Michigan is home to some of the most amazing hiking trails and nature centers. The most amazing and popular time to visit is in the autumn when the temperature is cool and the autumn leaves are at their brightest.
To make things even better, Blandford Nature Center offers a virtual map so that you can explore freely while still learning about all the sights around you. Though it is a popular destination in the fall, you’ll never have to fight crowds while you’re exploring nature.
9. Attend The Holland Fall Fest
The Holland Fall Fest takes place every autumn with tons of family-friendly activities. You’ll find everything here from local treats to street performers, pumpkin carving, and much more.
The fest also includes a farmers’ market, which is a great opportunity to get your hands on some of the best local produce that West Michigan has on offer. The attractions change annually, which means the fest is guaranteed to draw you back year after year. The festival is truly one of the top attractions in the fall in Holland Michigan.
10. View Some Amazing Art At Art Hop
Art Hop is one of the top attractions during the fall in Kalamazoo. This event offers the chance to see local artists on display and discuss the topics with other art lovers. If you prefer, you can simply observe while patronizing local artists and their craft.
This event runs throughout the fall in Kalamazoo, so there are plenty of chances to take part. If you are an artist, you might just have the chance to put your own work on display!
11. Get A Craft Beer Pass
Grand Rapids is famously known as Beer City USA and the city offers a special Craft Beverage pass every September and October, giving you the chance to earn discounts and prizes for drinking at local breweries.
This is the perfect chance to enjoy locally-made hard ciders, wines, and beers while supporting local businesses — and of course, qualifying for a special prize. It’s some of the best adult fun you can have this fall in Grand Rapids!
12. Get A Scare At The New Salem Corn Maze
If you love all things Halloween-related, they run throughout much of the fall at the New Salem Corn Maze. This combination of fall festivity and haunted house changes every year, with new attractions designed to scare visitors silly.
During the day, visitors can have fun in the corn maze and paintball gallery. There are also plenty of family activities, including pick-your-own pumpkins, a playground, a train, and plenty of delicious things to eat. But once the sun sets, it’s time to have some spooky fun on the Witch’s Trail, Zombie Attack, or Haunted Corn Maze.
Finding The Best Events In West Michigan This Autumn
West Michigan is hopping with activity throughout the fall months, with plenty of fall festivals, family events, and seasonal activities. With food and drink from local farms, restaurants, and craft breweries, there is plenty to eat.
Meanwhile, the cultural and entertainment offerings are like nothing else you can find elsewhere. No matter what you are looking for, you can find everything you need to have a great West Michigan fall.
And if you’re looking for more fall things to do, don’t miss our Unique Fall Things to Do in Michigan article!
Taste of Muskegon is in June.
Thanks for the update – it had been held in September this year, which is what prompted its inclusion on this list. We’ll check into it. Thanks!