This post was updated on August 26, 2021, to reflect the most current information.

Fall in Michigan is one of our favorite things—thanks in large part to you-pick apples, corn mazes, Michigan football, freshly pressed cider, pumpkin donuts, and all the reds and golds of our tree-lined neighborhoods. To help you make the most of the season here in Ann Arbor, we rounded up some of the region’s best autumn activities (donuts included!).
For more seasonal fun, check out The 11 Best Places to See Michigan’s Fall Colors Near Ann Arbor, The Best Local Beers to Drink This Fall in the Ann Arbor Area, 12 Outdoor Fall Adventures Near Ann Arbor, Michigan, 15 Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards and Cider Mills You Can Visit Near Ann Arbor.

Please note: Due to COVID-19 and the Delta Variant, some of these local businesses have made changes to their day-to-day operations. We recommend contacting them to see what their current hours and policies are before visiting as information may change. 

Visit Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair

Photo courtesy of Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair

Wiard’s was founded in Michigan by George Wiard in 1837 and has become one of the region’s most beloved fall destinations. Covering nearly 100 acres and located just minutes from Ann Arbor, attractions include the seasonal Wiard’s Country Fair, an agri-entertainment park that offers orchards, a cider mill, you-pick apples, a corn maze, a you-pick pumpkin patch, an apple cannon, giant inflatables, pony rides, hayrides, a petting farm, miniature golf, a haunted barn, children’s play areas and even more. You can also step inside the Country Store and Bakery to taste fresh cider, seasonal donuts, freshly baked pies, jams, jellies, honey and apple salsas. Click here to purchase yours and to see their full 2021 calendar.
 

Peep Autumn Leaves at a Local Park

Michigan is famous for its fall foliage. You can encounter a kaleidoscope of color found in our state’s open spaces, along the shores of our lakes and rivers, across rolling hillsides, and even in our tree-filled cities. Right in Ann Arbor, you can meander the sidewalks and parks of the Old West Side, Huron Parkway or the University of Michigan campus. But if you have a little extra time and a stronger craving for brilliant reds, oranges and golds, we recommend hitting up regional parks and recreation areas! Click here for a full list of our favorite spots to peep autumn leaves all across town.
 

Catch live music at Northville Winery & Brewing Co

Photo courtesy of Northville Winery & Brewing Co.

This hometown spot makes all their wine, hard cider and beer on-site and is open year-round with frequent live music events and a delectable calendar of local food trucks. To see what’s on tap and what events are coming up, check out the website here.
For more Michigan made cider, check out Where to Get the Best Hard Cider in Michigan.
 

Get cider and donuts at Dexter Cider Mill

Open seasonally, Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest continuously operating cider mill in the entire state. Today, the team makes cider the same way it was made 120 years ago: using locally grown, handpicked apples on an oak rack press. Even their equipment is over 100 years old! In addition to natural cider, fresh apples, doughnuts, apple nut bread, made-from-scratch apple pies, apple strudel, apple turnovers and hand-rolled gingersnaps, you can also purchase homemade hard ciders made on-site.
 

Run The Original A2 Turkey Trot

Photo Courtesy of Epic Races

Every year, Epic Races celebrates Thanksgiving with a race through Hudson Mills Metropark! This running and walking event features four different distances: a 5K loop around scenic Hudson Mills, a 10K course comprised of two 5K loops, a quick mile fun run, and the Iron Turkey which is the 10K and 5K all at once. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event is hybrid, offering both in-person and virtual racing options! Click here to learn more and to register.
 

Pick your own fruit at Wasem Fruit Farm

During the fall season, Wasem Fruit Farm offers more than a dozen varieties of apples you can pick yourself, you-pick raspberries available in September and early October, you-pick pumpkins in October, and pears! At the farm, you’ll also get the chance to taste plain, apple, blueberry and pumpkin donuts paired with some of the best, fresh cider in the region! Because of this year’s late-spring frost, they may have to push their opening date to a little later this year. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for the most current information!
 

Grab a beer at Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Photo courtesy of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Founded by Ron Jeffries in 2004, Jolly Pumpkin began in Dexter and now operates pubs and tap houses in Dexter, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Traverse City, Royal Oak, Grand Rapids and Chicago. Each location—whether full-service pub or casual taproom—offers its own character, menu and lineup of sour, artisanally aged Jolly Pumpkin beers. And it’s not only the name that has pumpkin in it. In 2017, they finally released a sour pumpkin ale made with pumpkin, a pumpkin spice blend and cacao nibs. To see what’s pouring right now nearest you, you can see all their locations here.
To learn more about the area’s craft breweries, check out Your Ultimate Guide to 20 Craft Breweries in the Ann Arbor Area [Interactive Map].
 

Explore Nichols Arboretum

The University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum began in 1907 and has developed into miles of trails and land home to collections of both native and exotic trees and shrubs. These plants transform during the fall to showcase some of the best colors in Southeast Michigan, including golds, reds and even inky purples.
To find more fall foliage, check out The 11 Best Places to See Michigan’s Fall Colors Near Ann Arbor.
 

Enjoy your fall!

For more seasonal fun, check out The 11 Best Places to See Michigan’s Fall Colors Near Ann Arbor and 15 Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards and Cider Mills You Can Visit Near Ann Arbor.