Michigan Fall Foliage is Peaking: When and Where
If you want to get your leaf peeping on, now is a great time to do it across lower Michigan. In fact, we’re just now approaching the peak time to…
(Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)
If you want to get your leaf peeping on, now is a great time to do it across lower Michigan. In fact, we're just now approaching the peak time to view autumn colors around the lower Michigan region. Read on for the scoop on leaf peeping not only in the lower Michigan area but across the state.
The vibrant colors have been making their way across Michigan for a few weeks now, starting in the Upper Peninsula and heading south. According to MyMichiganBeach.com, "The peak colors in Michigan can found throughout the state depending on the week in the fall. In late September 2022, the peak colors are in the Upper Peninsula.
In early to mid-October 2022, the peak fall colors in Michigan can be found in the northern lower peninsula in places like Leelanau County and the Traverse City area. In mid, southwest and southeast Michigan, the peak color begin in late October 2022."
That said, we're heading into late October, so those in the southwest and southeast portions of Michigan are heading into their peak color season. In mid-Michigan, I've noticed some of the bright red trees already turning a darker shade, so it appears the peak time is sending, but that's not the case the more south that you go.
"While the perfect leaf-peeping time for Michigan’s peak fall colors usually starts in early September in the Upper Peninsula, an unusually warm September and October have extended the window for peak fall color viewing in 2022," MyMichiganBeach.com states. They add that the best time to see fall color in Michigan started in mid-September in the northern and western regions of the Upper Peninsula. The best time to see fall color in the northern portions of Michigan' lower peninsula started around Sept. 25 and the lower parts of Michigan started in October. That said, now through the end of October seems to be the perfect time to see peak colors around the Detroit area going south. If you have any awesome fall foliage photos, I would love to see them. Reach out to me on social media and share.
It's a prime time to visit a cider mill in Michigan. It's crazy to think about, but we're actually getting to the end of the season for visiting your favorite cider mill, so get out there and enjoy it now, while you can. This weekend, I'm going to a cider mill right after I finished writing this post, actually. I've already been to two cider mills this year, but two is never enough, especially when it's beautiful weather out, like it is this weekend across Michigan.
So, if you're looking for cider, doughnuts, hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin picking and corn mazes, where do you go in Michigan? The crew at Pure Michigan, located at Michigan.org, has put together a list of eight awesome cider mills in Michigan to visit this season. I also added two of my favorite, which were not included on this list, to make it 10. This roster makes me want to travel across Michigan, take in the scenic fall color views and hit all of these different cider mills and farms. Find the full list here.
What's your favorite Michigan cider mill to visit in the autumn? Reach out to me on social media and let me know, or email me at anne.erickson@bbgi.com. Happy apple and pumpkin picking!
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery – Grand Rapids
"The century-old Grand Rapids Apple Haus features apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries and a hugely popular bakery. Fall attractions include a corn maze, horse-drawn hayrides, u-pick apples and, of course, cider, both hard and fresh. In addition to their Apple Haus, Robinette’s has a winery, a 5.25 biking trail, and cross-country skiing," says Michigan.org.
Blake Farms – Armada
"Voted the number one apple orchard in Michigan by AAA, Blake Farms was one of the very first "Pick Your Own" orchards in Michigan. Currently, Blake’s has three locations with 500 acres of orchard and farmland. Whether you pick your own apples, sip some award-winning apple cider, enjoy a hayride, or wander their cornfield mazes, there is plenty of fall fun to be had at Blake Farms," says Michigan.org.
Uncle John’s Cider Mill – Saint Johns
"Uncle John’s is well known for its cider mill, which serves fresh cider and doughnuts. Already-picked apples are also available for purchase. Uncle John’s has many activities for families to take part in, such as a pumpkin patch, fruit fling, wagon rides, corn maze and even a mining company where visitors are able to mine their own gemstones," says Michigan.org.
Friske Orchards – Ellsworth
"In 2011, Friske Orchards was voted the number one U-Pick farm in Northern Michigan by Traverse Magazine. While at Friske’s you can choose to pick your own fruit, shop the general store, or attend one of their many festive events such as the Apple Festival or Fall Fun Saturdays. Other activities include guided wagon rides, orchard walks, farm animal petting zoo, large kids’ playground and an old-world bakery. Dig into a house-baked pizza and make a day of your visit," says Michigan.org.
Yates Cider Mill – Rochester Hills
"Yates Cider Mill, located in Rochester Hills for over a century, has been featured on the Food Network for its apple cider. While at Yates, visitors can choose to visit the cider mill, ice cream shop, fudge shop, or all three! Family activities include pony rides, a petting zoo and river walk. Enjoy cider, donuts, caramel apples and homemade jams and jellies at Yates this fall," says Michigan.org.
Crane Orchards – Fennville
"Crane’s season begins with sweet cherries and leads soon after to peaches. But it is the nearly 20 apple varieties available for purchase or U-Pick that draws crowds each fall at this beloved Fennville orchard and cider mill. Enjoy a hayride, a corn maze or a ride on the Cow Train when you visit. But be sure to save time for Crane's Pie Pantry, Restaurant, and Winery where you can enjoy a meal, a slice of pie and a glass of cider," says Michigan.org.
http://craneorchards.com/
Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm & Cider Mill – Rogers City
"The season is short at Knaebe’s, lasting only from Labor Day through early November. But the range of activities makes this farm well worth the drive to northeastern Michigan. Indulge in a surprisingly fun Halloween Egg Hunt before scooping up bags of apples, a fresh-baked pie and cider to take home. Stay for dinner and dig into wood-fired pizza or bratwurst accompanied by Knaebe’s Twisted Roots Hard Cider," says Michigan.org.
Vander Mill Cider & Winery – Spring Lake & Grand Rapids
"Head to Vander Mill for a sampling of West Michigan’s most famous hard cider. Infused with such ingredients as local honey, raspberries, ginger or poblano peppers, Vander Mill offers a cider for every palette—including straight apple ciders. Tour their production facility in Grand Rapids to see the magic in person," says Michigan.org.
Andy T's - St. Johns
This is a great cider mill and farmers market! I went here for the first time this year and was impressed by the beautiful farm and delicious produce.
The Country Mill - Charlotte
This is a favorite mid-Michigan cider mill that I've been going to since I was a child. They have lots of great areas for apple picking and a beautiful sunflower patch.
