Top 5+ fall destinations to check out across mid-Michigan

The sun shines through a thicket of trees on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton.

Fall in Michigan is about more than just pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin shakes.

There’s also corn mazes, walks outside among the changing fall colors, and apple cider and doughnuts, to name a few other things that make fall fun.

Hundreds of colorful leaves lay across a trail on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton.

And mid-Michigan is not lacking in its options for fall destinations. Below are a few fall favorites to check out across the region.

Fall colors begin to peak as temperatures lower on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton.

Applewood Estates

Applewood Estate, also called the Charles Stewart Mott House, was once home to philanthropist Charles Stewart Mott. The estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

From May through October, Applewood welcomes visitors with guided tours, seasonal programs, and strolls through its 34-acre property. Highlights include a historic orchard with 29 heritage apple varieties and 18 acres of carefully designed gardens.

Each fall, the free Fall Harvest Festival draws families with cider and doughnuts, live music, displays, and hands-on activities. This year, the celebration takes place on Oct. 4.

Dew drops rest on one of hundreds of colorful leaves that have fallen across a trail on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton.

Applewood Estate is located at 1400 E. Kearsley St. in Flint.

Bayne’s Apple Valley Farm

A beloved fall destination for more than 40 years, Bayne’s Apple Valley Farm is a must-visit for cider lovers. Located at 5395 Midland Road (M-47) in Freeland, the farm features a bakery, café, and retail shop.

Sunlight glows through yellow, orange and red leaves on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton.

Every autumn, Bayne’s serves fresh-pressed cider, warm cider doughnuts, caramel apples, cookies, muffins, and more. The apples used for cider—and sold by the bag—are grown on Michigan’s west side, ensuring freshness and variety.

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

Operated by the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Department, For-Mar is a 383-acre preserve with seven miles of trails and a rich collection of Michigan’s native plants and wildlife.

Leaf color begins to change on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton.

It’s a favorite spot to admire fall foliage, explore wildflowers, and enjoy the crisp autumn air. A full calendar of seasonal events and programs is available for visitors looking to make the most of their time outdoors.

A visitor rides their bike on a trail at For-Mar Nature Preserve, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at For Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton.

Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm

A regional favorite, Saginaw County’s Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm offers activities for all ages. Families can explore a 13-acre corn maze (taking about 30–40 minutes), along with smaller soybean and sunflower mazes.

An array of colors bursts upon the leaves of trees on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton.

The farm’s fresh doughnuts are a highlight—made daily in traditional fry-cake style with options like cinnamon sugar, sprinkles, and plain. Each Friday during the fall, a specialty flavor is featured.

Children also enjoy the free petting zoo, home to Jenny the emu, Jarritos the llama, goats, and other friendly animals. With plenty of photo spots, Johnson’s is a fall outing staple.

Shining sunlight illuminates a cascade of bright yellow leaves as temperatures cool changing leaf color on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton.

Leaman’s Green Applebarn

For more than 125 years, seven generations of the Leaman family have grown their farm from a small fruit stand to a 100-acre destination. Today, Leaman’s Green Applebarn, 7475 N. River Road in Freeland, combines tradition with family fun.

Shining sunlight illuminates a cascade of bright yellow leaves as temperatures cool changing leaf color at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton.

Guests can enjoy a store, café, playground, hayrides, and a petting barnyard. Fresh cider and doughnuts are a seasonal favorite, while goats and other animals charm visitors year-round—including six new baby goats welcomed this spring.

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