Pumpkin Patches, Cider Mills, & Other ‘Sweater Weather’ Activities in West Michigan

Whether you love the spooky season or are more into fright-free fun, there’s so much to do this autumn in West Michigan. 

Here’s a curated list of activities, including everything from corn mazes and pumpkin patches to the not-so-typical apple cider float with a doughnut on top—so pick a few near you and get ready for your most fun fall yet. (BTW, keep an eye out for our haunted houses roundup—it’s coming soon!)

The Pumpkin Train, Coopersville

Weekends in October

For 90 minutes, “The Famous Pumpkin” entertains the kids, everyone is served cider and donuts, and fall’s best colors are showcased out the windows of this historic passenger train ride. Tickets start at $30.

Crane Orchards, Fennville 

Photo courtesy of Crane Orchards via Instagram

Crane Orchards has been run by the same family since the 1880s, and it seems to get better every year. In the fall, you not only can pick delicious varieties of apples, you can also get lost in the corn maze, hop aboard a hay ride or cow train, and pick your own pumpkins. 

Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo, New Era

Photo courtesy of Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo via Instagram

Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo hosts western Michigan’s favorite fall festival. Every year, you can come and experience funky, themed photo ops, fresh-made doughnuts, over-the-top sundaes, a corn maze, friendly farm animals, apple cannons, kid rides, and much more. 

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, Grand Rapids 

Photo courtesy of Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery via Instagram

Although Robinette’s is open year-round, fall is the 120-year-old farm’s specialty. Unlike many of the other places on this list, entry is completely free—you only pay for the activities and foods you choose while you’re there. You can stroll the orchards and corn maze, take a hayride, pet the farm animals, enjoy fresh baked goods at the historic Apple Haus, and sip on a glass of housemade wine at the winery. 

Country Mill Orchard & Cider Mill, Charlotte

Photo courtesy of The Country Mill via Instagram

This orchard and cider mill should be a bucket-list item for your family this fall. For one thing, you can pick your own pumpkins, apples, and sunflowers on the 213-acre farm, but according to the website, you can also “Relax on a wagon ride before enjoying fresh doughnuts, caramel apples, and pies in our bakery,” or “Take a stroll in our farm market to discover unique gifts, hard cider, wine and fresh apple cider.” The house-made apple butter is to die for. 

VerHage’s Fruit Farms & Bakery at the Mill, Kalamazoo 

Photo courtesy of VerHage’s Fruit Farms & Bakery at the Mill via Instagram

VerHage’s has one of the best farm markets around. In addition to local goods and tons of tasty fall treats (including caramel apples, unpasteurized cider, and fudge), the Kalamazoo farm also hosts pony rides, apple picking, zip-line rides, and tours. 

Wells Orchards, Grand Rapids 

At Wells Orchard, the fall harvest is a time of celebration, as “All the hard work put in during the spring and summer is rewarded with the apple harvest!” Throughout the season, you can come join in the fun by picking your own pumpkin and sipping on delectable apple cider. 

New Salem Corn Maze, Dorr

There are two different paths you can take through Witches Woods at the New Salem Corn Maze: the “Witch Path” or the “Twisted Path.” If you’re up for an added thrill, you can also travel through the haunted corn maze, which will make you laugh and scream in equal measure. If you prefer PG fun, head there in the daytime for a fright-free corn maze. 

Cotant’s Farm Market Fall Fest, Hastings 

Photo courtesy of Cotant’s Farm Market Fall Fest via Facebook

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Cotant’s Farm Market is the place to be this autumn. It offers elephant ears, kettle corn, caramel apples, hot cider, and more. Plus, you can pick your own pumpkins, venture through the corn maze, and enjoy tons of indoor activities. 

Harvest Moon Acres Corn Maze & Fun Park, Gobles

Harvest Moon Acres Corn Maze & Fun Park via Instagram

With the word “fun” literally in its name, you just know Harvest Moon Acres Corn Maze & Fun Park is going to be a good time. You can play in the fun zone, go through the corn maze, make friends with the farm animals, pick the perfect pumpkin, munch on fall treats, and more. 

Anderson & Girls Orchards, Stanton 

Photo courtesy of Anderson & Girls Orchards via Facebook

Head to this family-owned farm in Stanton for tons of fun this fall, from the free petting zoo and camel rides to the famous doughnuts and ice cream shop. You have to try the apple cider floats, which are topped with a fresh apple cider doughnut.

Rasch Cherry & Apple Market’s Sunflower & Corn Mazes, Conklin

Pick your own apples and hand-made pies are just the start at this fall fun destination northeast of Grand Rapids. This year’s sunflower maze didn’t take very well, so the ever-enterprising Rasch’s has added some goofy fun (and perfect photo spots) to make it worth the journey. The corn maze is flourishing, and the haunted maze opens soon. 

Paulson’s Pumpkin Patch, Belding 

Paulson’s Pumpkin Patch is a beautiful place to pick your own pumpkins and pick up local produce this fall. One Facebook reviewer wrote: “We’ve been coming out to Paulson’s for as long as I can remember. Really excited to be bringing my own son out here, to create some new memories and traditions.” 

Bethke Farms, Grand Haven

Photo courtesy of Bethke Farms via Facebook

This fall at Bethke Farms, you can take a hayride, choose from thousands of pumpkins, and get lost in the corn maze. It’s everything you want out of a day outdoors with the family. Plus, admission and parking is free. 

Art Prize, Grand Rapids

Sept. 14-Oct. 1, 2023

Get your cameras ready for the world’s most attended public art event. Stroll through downtown GR, where more than 600 artists have awesome pieces of art on display—sometimes as part of the city itself (see here, here, and here). There are also cool events like live music, fireworks, and scavenger hunts. By the way—it’s entirely free.

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