How to Get Corny in Southeast Michigan: The Fall Fun Activity Guide

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

This part of the state knows how to party—so we’ve got a ciderfest and a sunflower fest on the calendar. The list of activities also includes everything from the typical hayrides and pumpkin patches to the not-so-typical zombie paintball, 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!)

Corn Fun Family Farm, Casco 

Photo courtesy of CornFun Corn Maze Adventure And Pumpkin Patch via Facebook

During the fall months, Corn Fun Family Farm offers three different fantastic events: the Corn Maze Adventure (which is dinosaur-themed), the Pumpkin Patch, and the Sunflower Festival. With your ticket to the Sunflower Festival, you’ll also get unlimited hayrides and a flower of your own to take home. 

Michigan Renaissance Festival, Holly

This family-friendly event—nay, village—opens every weekend through October 1. Last year, ‘Gander writer Aaron Voogt went to the Michigan Renaissance Festival, and brought back one of our readers’ favorite stories of the season. 

Montrose Orchards, Montrose

Montrose calls itself “Your family’s favorite orchard,” and it probably isn’t wrong. If this place isn’t already your family’s fall go-to, it will be after just one visit. There are hayrides, cider and doughnuts, and exciting seasonal events like the Fall Kick-Off and Friday Food Truck Frenzies. 

Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor

Take a hike on the dog-friendly trails, check out the botanical gardens, or even catch a performance of Shakespeare in the Arb.

Spicer Orchards, Fenton 

Photo courtesy of Spicer Orchards Farm Market via Facebook

For just $10, you can make your way through Spicer Orchards’ corn maze and get a cup of cider and doughnut once you finish. Then, you can head to the winery for a celebratory cheers or go pick some apples in the orchard. 

Argo Park & Nature Area, Ann Arbor

Hike, canoe, kayak, fish, or check out the nine small rapids (called the Argo Cascades) while immersed in fall color popping up along the Huron River. 

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Armada

There’s so much to do this fall at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill. For those who enjoy the spooky side of the season, there are haunted hayrides, zombie paintball, a haunted barn, and Spookyland. There are also U-pick apples, a tasting room with a range of cider options, and more. Cidermosa, anyone?

Ooky Spooky Light Show, Flint

Want a silly fright for kids ages 6 and up? Check out the Ooky Spooky Light Show and Haunted Hallway at the Longway Planetarium in Flint.  

Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Holly 

Photo courtesy of Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill via Facebook

Mark your calendars for Ciderfest 2023, the annual fall extravaganza at Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill. Now in its 43rd year, the event has a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, pony rides, barbeque, and cider, of course. If you can’t make the event, which is scheduled for Sept. 23-24, you can still visit the orchard through Nov. 19. 

Miller Family Orchard, Vassar 

Photo courtesy of Miller Family Orchard via Instagram

Miller Family Orchard truly shines in the fall. It has multiple varieties of apples that are ripe for the picking as well as farm attractions like hayrides, pumpkins, a corn maze, a petting zoo, crafts, and more. 

Yates Cider Mill, Rochester Hills

The oldest cider mill in Michigan invites you to hike one of their riverside trails, check out their cider mill, and sample their infamous donuts. Pets are even welcome during the week!

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