Last month, we wrote about three fall itineraries for the Upper Peninsula and northern portion of the state (Read Part 1). Fall is an enchanting time to visit this lovely state, so take advantage of all the sights and flavors that can be found here as the leaves make their seasonal transformation.

Southwest Michigan: Fruit Belt

Distance: 76.5 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes

This area of the state is known as the Fruit Belt, and for good reason. You’ll find apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries, and peaches around practically every corner. Fall is a wonderful time to visit the u-pick farms for fresh fruit as well as take in the vibrant colors of the season.

Stop #1: Virtue Cider, Fennville  

Fall wouldn’t be complete without some fresh cider. Virtue Cider has an award-winning lineup using traditional European methods. Visit the tasting room for a glass or a flight. The grounds are worth exploring as well as the summer colors fade and harvest season arrives – complete with a greenhouse, herb and flower gardens, and an orchard. Open Thursday-Monday 12-7 pm with live music every Friday and Saturday night. Visit https://virtuecider.com for more information.

Stop #2: Black River Preserve, South Haven

Drive 27 minutes, about 21 miles, to the Black River Preserve. This 120-acre park features a diverse landscape, such as deep ravines, streams, rolling hills, and beech-maple forests, which all look stunning in fall foliage. The 3.8-mile dirt hiking trail features a mile along the Black River, an overlook, and Quiet Spot Bridge. Visit https://swmlc.org/project/black-river-preserve/ for more information.

Stop #3: Silver Beach Carousel, St. Joseph

Head south again for St. Joseph. In half an hour, you’ll reach Silver Beach Carousel. This historic and beautiful carousel brings out wonder in anybody, young and old. It’s open for rides on weekends only in the fall. If you happen to arrive on a weekday when it’s not open, then take a stroll down Silver Beach toward the south pier. Across the channel, you can see the St. Joseph lighthouse. If you want to walk the pier, you’ll need to drive around to the north pier via Tiscornia Beach. There is a daily parking fee at Silver Lake County Park; however, RVs and large vehicles are not recommended.

Stop #4: Stover’s Farm Market & U Pic, Berrien Springs

After your carousel ride or beach walk, drive 11 miles to Stover’s Farm Market and U Pic to truly celebrate the harvest. This generational farm has been producing apples since 1878. The bank barn is 165 years old. According to the website, “It may be hard to believe that a visit to our farm could fill an entire day. More often than not though, we find that people tend to linger and let the hours slip past unnoticed. Most of the time, these visitors are from the city and discover that they just love being on the farm and spending some time surrounded by nature.” Upic hours are 9 am -4:30 pm Monday-Saturday. There is also jarred fruits, applesauce, picked vegetables, dressings, honey, dried fruit, salsas, pickles, jam, and more to be found at the Big Red Barn. Visit https://stoversfarms.com/ for additional information.

Stop #5: Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer

Get back on the road for a 16-mile drive to our final destination. Along the way, you’ll drive part of the historic Red Arrow Highway. Warren Dunes State Park (Recreation Passport needed) is 2000 acres of freshwater dunes and three miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline. The cooler fall weather makes this the perfect time of year to traverse the sandy hills and autumn-colored tree-lined trails. It’s also the ideal location to take in a fall sunset and reflect on the day.

 

 

South-Central Michigan: Centrally Beautiful

Distance: 60.7 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 26 minutes

The middle of the state doesn’t get as much attention as the coastlines; however, there is beauty and history to be found in abundance. Some of the state’s earliest established towns and collegiate institutions are located within this area. In the fall, there are plenty of trails, gardens, and towns to explore.

Stop #1: Penosha Trail, Howell

Get a morning start on a crisp fall day and head to the Penosha Trail within the Brighton Recreation Area. This trail is a five-mile loop and features an eclectic combination of landscapes and scenery. According to the Michigan DNR, the trail includes “an oak prairie, kettle ponds, glacial erratics (glacially deposited rocks differing from the type of rocks native to the area), and up-and-down terrain. Some call it a ‘forested wonderland.’” Park at the Bishop Lake day-use area to get started. Trailhead parking is located at the Bishop Lake day-use area. The Penosha Trail has some challenging areas; however, the trailhead also leads to other trails so you can adjust your hike for length and terrain should you desire.

Stop #2: Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor

Known as “The Arb” on the University of Michigan campus, you’ll find a natural oasis in the midst of the historic, yet congested, college town of Ann Arbor. From specialty gardens to nature areas to ecosystem restoration, it’s impossible not to feel tranquil and at ease as you explore the 3.5 miles of trails, some of which are along the Huron River. The trails are connected via all three entrances, so there are options for parking. Though a common retreat for any visitor during the stunning spring and summer seasons, the fall brings just as much magic. Make sure to bring your camera, but don’t let technology get between you and the natural beauty surrounding you too much. If you get a chance, walk around central campus and the Law Quad at U of M.

Stop #3: Leslie Science and Nature Center, Ann Arbor

This science and nature center is located within a public park, and all outdoor areas, including their raptor enclosure and nature playscape. The Critter House (open a few hours on Sundays and by donation only). Take the one-mile, dirt loop trail through Black Pond Woods that is exciting to visit any season of the year – each with its own unique diversions. If you have kids, invite them to use their senses to locate animal homes, plants, and creatures during the walk.

Stop #4: Historic Walking Tour, Chelsea

From Ann Arbor, drive about 15 minutes west to beautiful Chelsea. This lovely little town is a piece of Americana. To see the fall colors in all their glory, go on a self-guided historic walking tour that is less than a mile long around the downtown area. Maps are available at the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and the Chelsea Historical Museum. Sites include the Jiffy-Mix plant, the historic clock tour, the train depot, the opera house, the library, and the Welfare Building. You can choose to go walking around the neighborhood streets as well, many of which feature historic Victorian homes.

Stop #5: Scenic County Road Drive

From Chelsea, drive 18 minutes west on 94. Mentioned by MLive as one of the best county roads for fall color tours in Jackson County, you’ll take exit 147 (Race Road) and then turn left from Race Road to drive the five-mile roadway between Seymour Road and Trist Road, located within the Waterloo State Recreation Area. Though a short route, you can simply enjoy the scenic beauty around you as you drive.

 

Southeast Michigan: Classics & Colors

Distance: 51.1 miles

Driving time: 1 hour, 27 minutes

The city of Detroit and the communities surrounding it have a rich history. The tapestry of autumn colors can be found within and around the city streets as well as in dedicated natural areas, where every leaf peeper can find refuge and solace.

Stop #1: Highland Recreation Area, White Lake

Feel like walking to your heart’s content or paddling an inland lake or taking in one last fish of the year? Highland Recreation Area, located north of Detroit, has 10 inland lakes and 44 miles of trails that will delight anybody who loves the outdoors. What’s special is that ruins of the private retreat of Edsel Ford still stand and can be explored by curiosity seekers.

Stop #2: Cranbrook House & Gardens, Bloomfield Hills

Although the nearby Cranbrook Institute of Science and Cranbook Art Museum are worth visiting, autumn colors are best viewed outdoors. The beautifully designed gardens at Cranbrook feature statues, a reflection pool, fountains, and a sunken garden with fieldstone walls. The mix of deciduous and conifer trees add intrigue and color. The garden is open to the public, and you can tour the house as well for $20 via a scheduled 90-minute tour.

Stop #3: Breweries, Detroit

After all this walking and exploring, it’s time for some refreshment. Find a parking spot and take a walk around the main part of the city. Favorite spots include Atwater Brewery, Detroit Beer Company, and Motor City Brewing Works. You’ll be able to see some of the historic locations around the city as well if you decide to hop between breweries. Stroh’s, an iconic brew, is also available throughout the city (owned by Pabst now, but it was made in Detroit for more than 150 years).

Stop #4: American Coney Island, Detroit

You can find a lot of places in the Motor City for an authentic coney dog, but the original dog can be found at American Coney Island on West Lafayette. The combination of the family secret chili sauce, fine mustard, and sweet chopped onions atop a natural skin casing hot dog will really hit the spot – and give you a taste of authentic Detroit.

Stop #5: Belle Isle, Detroit

Just a short drive away is Belle Isle. Don’t feel like you need to rush into any of the buildings, such as the iconic aquarium and the well-designed maritime museum. You can, of course, but you can easily take a drive around the small island and find a bench. Watch the last transportation ships of the year make their way up and down the river. Take in the beauty of the natural landscape as well as the towering skyline of Detroit.