By Zoey Zupin, 2024 Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassador
Fall in Michigan is a magical time, and there’s no better way to experience it than by visiting one of the state’s many charming farms and orchards. Imagine crisp autumn air, the sweet scent of apple cider, and the crunch of leaves underfoot. From picking your own pumpkins to enjoying hayrides and bonfires, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So bundle up, grab your favorite sweater, and get ready for a delightful fall adventure on a Michigan farm!
1. Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Robinette’s has been a staple in West Michigan for over a 100 years! The orchard was established in 1911 and opened the Apple Haus in 1973. Fun activities available include apple picking, corn maze, jumping pillow, petting zoo and horse drawn wagon rides. While visiting, you can enjoy tasty cider and baked goods and sip house-made wines. For more information and hours, go to the Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery website.
2. Uncle John’s Cider Mill- St. Johns, Michigan
Originally started as a wholesale fruit and vegetable farm, Uncle John’s has become a popular spot for autumn enthusiasts. Right off US-127, the farm hosts an array of fall activities for all ages to enjoy. Before you leave the farm, you will want to check out the bakery and taproom for delicious goodies to eat and sip. Food trucks are also available if you are hungry for a meal. For more information and hours, go to the Uncle John’s Cider Mill website.
3. Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill – Armada, Michigan
Since 1946, Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill has been supplying fun fall activities and delicious hard ciders for decades! The farm has grown so much that they have four different locations to choose from to enjoy the activities. At one of the locations, haunted attractions are available including a haunted hayride, zombie paintball, and a haunted barn. For more information about locations and hours, go to the Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill website.
4. The Orchards at Red Barn Market – Lowell, Michigan
Located east of Grand Rapids, the Orchards at Red Barn Market is a fifth-generation family farm and apple orchard. From picking apples to petting barnyard animals to hard cider flights, there is tons of fun for everyone. While visiting, make sure to visit the bakery for delicious donuts or eat one of the signature meals for lunch and dinner with a sip of hard cider. For more information and hours, go to the Orchards at Red Barn Market webiste.
5. Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo – New Era, Michigan
Not too far from the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Lake Michigan, you will be sure to check everything off your fall bucket list at the Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo. This 700-acre farm has a zoo of exotic animals, tasty treats to savor, and 46+ activities for everyone of all ages to enjoy. You’ll have to stop and get a picture at the Pumpkin House too. For more information and hours, go to the Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo website.
6. The Wild Pumpkin – Beaverton, Michigan
If you are looking for the best pumpkin in the patch this season, you’ll want to visit the Wild Pumpkin this fall! While you’re there, check out “The Mighty Maize” corn maze and visit the petting zoo among other fall activities. For more information and hours, go to the The Wild Pumpkin website.
7. Gull Meadow Farms – Richland, Michigan
Just north of Kalamazoo, you will find a fun-filled farm that has more than 30 activities for kids, teenagers, and adults to enjoy! Activities include a corn crib, jumping pillow, and pig races among others. While visiting, there are plenty of tasty seasonal treats and different food trucks each week to enjoy. For more information and hours, go to the Gull Meadow Farms website.
8. Leaman’s Green Applebarn – Freeland, Michigan
For the seven generations, the Leaman family has tended to the family farm and has expanded the business for others to enjoy. Make sure to check out the corn maze, putt-putt golf, and the hayride among other fall activities. You’ll want to grab some donuts and a cider slushie too! For more information and hours, go to the Leaman’s Green Applebarn website.
9. Schomaker Farms – Saginaw, Michigan
Located in the heart of Thomas Township, is the lovely Schomaker Farms. This family farm has an array of fresh, local produce for you to enjoy. During the fall, they host U-pick pumpkins at their pumpkin patch that includes a hayride! For more information and hours, go to the Schomaker Farms Facebook.
Find more fun activities and places to visit in the Find Michigan Ag section of our website!
Zoey Zupin is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources Education. She is currently student teaching at Chesaning Union Public Schools in her Agri-Science Education internship. Zoey is returning as a 2024 Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassador after serving as one during 2022 and 2023. Zoey is from Kentwood, Michigan.