September means the start of everyone’s favorite season Fall – in Metro Detroit. As temperatures begin to slowly creep downwards and you’re eager to get out your jeans and flannels, it’s not too early to plan for fall activities and give yourself something to look forward to this season.
Summer in Michigan is unforgettable but fall in Michigan has characteristics all its own. Trees will be beaming with bold colors, the smells of warm cider and donuts will flow through the crisp air and cozy sweaters will be calling your name. To help you get ready for the season, here are five fall activities to participate in around the Metro Detroit area.
ENJOY FALL FOLIAGE ALONG BEAUTIFUL TRAILS IN METRO DETROIT
Give yourself a color tour this fall in Metro Detroit. Stay local and take advantage of the numerous trails southeast Michigan has to offer. Hike, bike or jog along these trails and enjoy the serenity of fall in Michigan. Check them out on TrailLink!
- Paint Creek – an 8.9 mile trail alongside the Paint Creek River, which ranges from Lake Orion to Rochester.
- Clinton River – a rail-trail that extends across 16 miles of Oakland County and portions of Detroit’s northern suburbs.
- Stoney Creek Metro Park – the perfect spot to capture the “up north” feeling without making the trip. The park extends across Oakland and Macomb counties, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation year round.
- Kensington Metro Park – one of the most popular parks in Michigan! Kensington boasts nearly 4,500 acres of wooded alongside Kent Lake, offering recreational activities throughout the year. Hike, bike, fish, or picnic while you enjoy one of Michigan’s natural treasures.
GET COMFORTABLE AT A DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATER
PHOTO FORD WYOMING DRIVE IN
Mask up and drive in. The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn is an ideal fall activity to get you out of the house. Instead of staying at home and watching another movie on Netflix on your couch, go catch a movie on the big screen. Grab some comfortable blankets, pop some popcorn and cuddle up with your significant other or family members and enjoy a socially distant night away from home. The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In is located at 10400 Ford Road and open seven days a week starting at 7:30 p.m. each night. Each night offers a double feature, projecting the first film at 8:35 p.m.
PHOTO DEBUN’S CORN MAZE
LOSE YOURSELF IN A CORN MAZE
Add visiting a Michigan Corn Maze to the list of your fall activities and challenge yourself to finding your way through a twisted path of carved out corn. Look to Debucks Corn Maze in Belleville for an unforgettable family adventure. The Corn Maze will open for the 2020 season on Saturday, September 26. Tickets can be purchased online now – limited tickets will be available to comply with social distancing standards.
TAKE A TRIP TO A LOCAL CIDER MILL
PHOTO YATE’S CIDER MILL
Cider mills in Metro Detroit are gearing up for the season. Get your cider, get your donuts, take in the smell of autumn and enjoy being outside. In Southeast Michigan, a few to add to your list are Yates Cider Mill, Long Family Orchard Farm & Cider Mill, and Dexter Cider Mill. If you’re not feeling cider and donuts at the cider mill, you can still shop local and support Detroit Popcorn Company at select local cider mills. Detroit Popcorn Company products can be found at Blake’s Farms, Franklin Cider Mill, Erwin Orchards & Cider Mill, and Wiard’s Orchards.
Be sure to check websites for official opening days, hours of operation, product availability and ensure venues are following social distancing protocol.
PHOTO PRISCILLA DU PREEZ
VISIT A PUMPKIN PATCH AND CARVE A PUMPKIN
Pumpkin patches are a Michigan favorite. Throughout the Metro Detroit area, there are more than a handful to visit and nothing says fall like venturing out to pick fresh pumpkins. As a bonus, many patches have additional family-friendly activities (always check ahead of time due to COVID-19 operations changes). Add Kackleberry Farm, located in Monroe to your list. The farm is a seasonal adventure that offers old-fashioned, family entertainment, a pumpkin patch and attractions that are fun for all ages. The website discusses how they are approaching this season and COVID-19 procedures.
