The leaves have just begun to change color, and there’s a light chill in the morning air. That can only mean one thing: Fall is right around the corner! It’s time for apple picking, hayrides, and some spooky attractions — and don’t forget the Michigan wine.
Make the most of autumn at these Michigan wineries that offer a range of fall activities to keep you busy until the first snowfall.
Spicer Orchards, Fenton
At Spicer Orchards in Fenton, fall just might be the most exciting time of the year. From the twisty corn maze to the pumpkin patch open mid-September through Oct. 31 and the hayrides, there’s always something festive to do. Visitors can follow up their caramel apples and freshly baked donuts with a wine flight from the winery.
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Armada
For the freshest fall produce and spookiest haunted attractions, look no further than Blake’s. This ever-popular fall destination offers an array of U-pick options, including Honeycrisp, Mollie’s Delicious, and Gala apples; pie pumpkins; and yellow squash. The Armada location is also home to several haunted attractions, including zombie paintball, haunted hayrides, and “Spookyland,” where visitors can enjoy a cornstalk maze, fun house, and more. The tasting room even serves up seasonal wines such as Autumn Cranberry, Farmhouse Red, and Homestead Honey Peach.
Lemon Creek Winery, Berrien Springs
The Lemon family owns more than 170 acres of wine grapes and fruits. The winery offers U-pick apples — such as Gala and Mollie’s Delicious — and Marquis grapes. Once you’ve picked your fill of fruits, head to the tasting room for a hard cider flight or wine slushie.
Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay
Celebrating 25 years of winemaking, Black Star Farms is offering special family-friendly wagon rides this fall. Tour the 160-acre winery estate in Suttons Bay while you nosh on fresh donuts and sip mulled wine or nonalcoholic hot cider. The 30-minute excursion will lead you through rolling orchard hills and a terraced vineyard surrounded by stunning fall colors. During the autumn months, visitors are also invited to hike the estate, observe the harvest season, and enjoy the Arcturos Fall Harvest dinner.
Westview Orchards, Washington
Explore acres of fall-themed fun during Westview Orchards’ Fall Festival. Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 23 through Oct. 28, visitors can enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze and a straw bale maze, and more. The festival is geared toward families and includes farm animals, a playground, and a straw mountain for climbing. Westview also offers U-pick produce and recommends getting apples, mums, squash, pumpkins, and raspberries in September and October. At the end of a day of fall fun, visitors can enjoy a seasonal wine in the winery tasting room.
Royal Farms, Ellsworth
Bring out your competitive side at Royal Farms’ 5-acre scavenger hunt corn maze. Visitors who find all six stations hidden throughout the maze in 30 minutes or less will receive a prize at the end. The winery also offers hayrides throughout the orchard and vineyard, complete with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Before entering the maze, make sure to pick up a glass of wine from the tasting room for your travels.
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, Grand Rapids
Home to 35 varieties of apples, Robinette’s is the perfect spot to spend a fall day. The U-pick option opened earlier this month and is available only on weekends. Spanning more than 125 acres, the apple orchard boasts McIntosh, Dandee Red, Fuji, and plenty of other varieties. Stop by the Apple Haus bakery and sample one of the special pumpkin spice donuts before enjoying a seasonal fruit wine at the winery tasting room.
Cherry Creek Cellars, Brooklyn
Summer may be ending, but Cherry Creek’s new music series is just getting started. The winery’s Fall Music Series showcases different acts every Saturday and Sunday, including local performers such as Noah Martis, Bret Maynard, Cat Canyon, and Billy Joe Hunt. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and wine, beer, hard cider, and options from the café menu will be ready to order.
Obstbaum Orchards, Northville
Obstbaum Orchards serves up a wholesome autumn experience for all ages. The orchard offers U-pick apples, hayrides throughout the grounds, fresh-pressed cider, and homemade donuts and pies. This family-run cider mill also sells pumpkins and caramel apples, making it the ideal spot to visit for your pre-Halloween festivities.
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