5 WAYS TO ENJOY AUTUMN IN MICHIGAN
Autumn means many different things to many different people depending on where you live and the culture of your regional area. It is a time of crisp air athletics for those that follow fall sports. It is a time of hunting and harvesting for those that fill their own freezers and pantries with the fruits of their own efforts. It is a time of boots and sweaters, pumpkin spice, cider, and bonfires. It is a time of raking leaves and preparing for the colder winter weather that is imminently arriving! 5 Ways to enjoy autumn in Michigan are available!
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“Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.”
Elizabeth Lawrence
Who doesn’t LOVE Autumn? All of us who live in a climate where we experience four seasons wait for the color burst of autumn as the grand finale to summer! Autumn is nature’s way of wrapping up the beauty of summer in a pinnacle of color to prepare us for the barrenness of winter in stark contrast.
The earth takes a minute to stop growing and nourishing the growing greenery to hibernate before renewing and repeating the cycle of new growth in the springtime. Autumn means many different things to many different people depending on where you live and the culture of your regional area. It is a time of crisp air athletics for those that follow fall sports. It is a time of hunting and harvesting for those that fill their own freezers and pantries with the fruits of their own efforts. It is a time of boots and sweaters, pumpkin spice, cider, and bonfires.
Here are 5 ways we enjoy Autumn in Michigan…
1. Football – Autumn in Michigan
“Football is like life. It requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.”
~Vince Lombardi
Usually, Saturday afternoons in the Fall equal Football for this family! We have enjoyed following our son’s college seasons as enthusiastic spectator’s. Our youngest son graduated from high school play last year and is currently being recruited for college play during his fifth high 22school year (while earning his Associates Degree.) As the cooler autumn weather approaches, the evenings gain speed towards darkness approaching quicker and evolve to a fairly brisk Michigan experience. We have enjoyed high school playoff games played in snow storms!
Each year we try to take in a few Michigan State University Spartan football games, as both my husband and I are alumni. We have also had the unique pleasure of enjoying three of our nieces performing in the MSU Spartan marching band! What a treat to observe this level of talent on the marching band field!
There is nothing as exciting as the momentum of a really great battle on the football field!
HOPE College football has been a fun ride for our oldest son. We are obviously very proud of his achievements on the field, but we are even more proud of the developed mature character this young man exemplifies. We have no doubt that he will be successful in his future career after leaving HOPE COLLEGE.
5 ways we enjoy Autumn in Michigan
2. Hunting – Autumn in Michigan
“In a civilized and cultivated country wild animals only continue to exist at all when preserved by sportsmen. The excellent people who protest against all hunting, and consider sportsmen as enemies of wildlife, are ignorant of the fact that in reality the genuine sportsman is by all odds the most important factor in keeping the larger and more valuable wild creatures from total extermination.”
~Teddy Roosevelt
Hunting and conservation of our great outdoors has provided a vehicle for our family to teach our children about sustainability of providing for a family and responsible gun use and safety. The tradition of hunting implements many maturity steps for properly trained young men and women to successfully learn about this sport and enjoy their life long right to provide for oneself.
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The tradition of hunting and outdoor sportsman activities in Northern Michigan is deeply ingrained in the culture of our community. Sportsman clubs and family traditions start at an early age for many to appreciate and learn about conservation of our wildlife resources. Gun safety and Rod and Gun shooting clubs are a natural way of life.
Many consider November 15 the most important day in Michigan and it is revered as an “Unofficial Holiday” as the opening day of regular firearm deer season. Why is hunting important? A Beginner’s guide to Hunting in Michigan. It keeps nature at a healthy balance of which the available habitat can support (carrying capacity). For many wildlife species, hunting also helps to maintain populations at levels compatible with human activity and land use. Wildlife is a renewable natural resource with a surplus and hunters harvest that surplus to keep a balance!
It is also important to Michigan’s economy. The hunting and fishing industry brings in $11.2 billion to Michigan’s state economy each year. Approximately 700,000 people participate in hunting in Michigan, which supports more than 135,000 jobs in the state.
5 ways we enjoy Autumn in Michigan
3. Color Tour – Autumn in Michigan
Let the falling leaves of a tree remind you of how easy it can be to let go of the dead weight. Choose to live with less and allow yourself to love more.
~UNKNOWN
Tourism is a big part of the economy of Northwest Lower Peninsula Michigan. Fall foliage draws many to enjoy the vibrancy of this beautiful area! The beauty of a color tour annually brings so much joy. The views are beautiful and easily able to be enjoyed by all that seek this enjoyment.
Foliage begins the slow turn to beautiful shades of orange, crimson, and gold in the autumn as temperatures cool. The picturesque landscape will continue this process until peak colors are achieved then simply drop to the ground to create a natural carpet of wondrous colors.
Northern Michigan remains densely populated with beautiful wooded areas that provide the most perfect show of colors in the Autumn. We are very blessed with many freshwater lakes surrounded by dense stands of woods for our enjoyment. We are spoiled with the perfect environment to enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by beauty to raise up growing families in a very peaceful surrounding.
Many overlooks can be viewed from the tops of rolling hills in this beautiful area. Michigan provides several opportunities through parks and waterways to truly enjoy the out of doors exceptionally! Each season brings new wonders!
5 ways we enjoy Autumn in Michigan
4. Nature Walks/Harvest Moon/Pumpkin carving – Autumn in Michigan
“October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came-
The Ashes, Oaks, and Maples,
and leaves of every name.
The sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand;
Miss Weather led the dancing;
Professor Wind, the band…”
~George Cooper
Once the leaves fall from the trees, the woods appear empty of lush greenery awaiting the blanket of snow that will bluster down to carpet the grounds of winter. The lakes increasingly roar with winds and follow with bitter temperatures to eventually freeze the waters of Lake Michigan and the many surrounding smaller inland lakes.
Harvest moons can be observed as the moon rises in it’s cycle of waxing and waning this time of year. Sometimes the moon looks monstrous in the sky for all to contemplate it’s mysteries.
Have you ever noticed the big harvest moon in the Autumn? How about the big billowy clouds? For me that has always signaled the shift in seasons to welcome in Fall.
My son Josh loves the fall and the fall colors and chose this setting at Lavender Hill Farms for a few of his 2021 senior pictures. (Photo credit Kim Culver Photography)
Planting mums in the yard or placing dried corn stalks strategically with pumpkins signals fall’s arrival. We enjoy going for nature walks in the woods to explore, or bike on the nature paths along Lake Michigan. While this can be cold. It is a very refreshing outing!
5 ways we enjoy Autumn in Michigan
5. Crackling Bonfires with Cider and Donuts – Autumn in Michigan
Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.
~UNKNOWN
Cooler evenings tend to find families in their backyards surrounding a bonfire and making s’mores well into the autumn. We tend to procrastinate into the fall as much as possible to NOT move indoors until it is absolutely necessary. WINTER IS LONG…so we tend to push the limits on the backyard activities even when most would not attempt it any longer due to the temperatures. THAT is where a bonfire comes in! We build up a great fire to huddle around and stay outside for one more night, as long as it remains possible!
Local farm market orchards sell their apples and make homemade donuts and cider. It is easy to stop at one of these to purchase this seasonal treat!
Our family tradition is to buy bushels of apples or pick them (depending on the harvest of our own apple trees) to crush in a cider press. This is how homemade apple cider is created.
Apples are loaded into a press and hand cranked through a squeezing mechanism to press the juice out. The juice is collected and strained and consumed. Donuts are the natural treat to coincide with this fall treat!
When you stop to consider God’s handiwork with nature. It’s as though His broad strokes of paint on His canvas of life have been placed for us to sit in awe of his creation in contemplation. Consider your own INNER STILLNESS QUEST in reflection.
Many activities are available in the autumn for your entertainment pleasure. I’ve listed our top 5 for you to consider. What are your favorite Autumn activities? Leave me a reply below with how you enjoy autumn. What are your favorite activities when the temperature cools and the fall colors begin to turn? When you think of Autumn what comes to mind? REPLY BELOW!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
About Me
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
75 Comments
Linda Egeler
Love autumn in Michigan! The fall colors are starting to pop right now: bring on the cider and donuts!
Christina Siwik
We live in northern Michigan and it is beautiful right now.
Alyssa
A great list of activities for fall in Michigan! I love number 5 look any dessert will peak my interest! I am originally from NJ so I know fall weather and it sure is beautiful, I live in south Florida now so our winters are really more of fall!
Beth Shields
Thanks for your post. I am originally from the midwest, and actually Michigan. I miss and love the change in seasons and my favorite is the fall. When I read your post, each of these items brought back such memories of when we would do these things….the leaves, the walks, the football, the hunting (I remember my dad and family coming home with their game) and of course the bonfires. A good heartwarming stroll for me.
Barbara Robinson
So glad that this triggered warm thoughts!
Tiffany
I love all of them except football 🤣. My husband want to try hunting so hopefully he can go with .y relatives soon 😊
Lisa Manderino
These are great fall traditions. I love doing these kind of fun activities!
Magan
Beautiful! I love the autumn season myself, and I’m always looking for road trips where I can really enjoy the changing of the trees.
Suz
Autumn is my favorite season. Love layering sweaters, scarves, etc. And, of course, here in New Mexico, it’s hot air ballooning season!
I do miss the colors of the leaves changing. Here, it’s mainly yellow.
Megan
Oh I bet the colors in Michigan are just stunning this time of year!
Yvette
This is lovely. I love MI in the fall and so much of this can still be done in the midst of all that is going on now. Thank you for sharing!!!!
Ashley Pacheco
I was excited to read this post, I love fall! Can’t wait for football to come back full swing!
Debbie
Perfectly Fall! My favorite season 🙂
Sydney Delong
Michigan falls are my favorite for every single reason you listed! Though my team is Michigan, go blue!!
Barbara Robinson
I’ll forgive the favorite team comment, but think of me fondly when Sparty spanks the Wolverines! 🙂
Sara
I love fall in Michigan! There is so much to do and enjoy. Great list!
Kristin
My favorite things about fall are seeing leaves, and going on intentional long outings to see them, and evening bonfires. Fall is the best, except for the reality that winter is approaching!
Barbara Robinson
Agreed! Winter is my least favorite too!
Ali Huseman
Wow! These are all fabulous ideas, looks like you’re going to have a wonderful Fall!
Adrienne
I absolutely love this time of year. I’m a neighbor in Wisconsin and we are so lucky with all the changing colors. I couldn’t live without it!
Elaina
What a great list, bonfires are our go-to. We even try to sneak a few in during the winter if we can.
Sandra Whitmore
We did the Michigan tour last year including 2 days on Mackinac Island. Loved it and wrote a post on it.
Bonnie
The leaves there must be pretty in the fall just like in Ontario, Canada.
Alexis Farmer
Yes to all of these! I love fall.
Karie
I love fall it’s my favorite time of the year. Hunting is def one of my boys favorite times of making good memories and launching the fall season off. In Arizona though we don’t get the changes of seasons where we are at it’s so sad but thank goodness a few hours north of us does. Fall holds so many good memories.
Leeandra
Fall is my favorite time! all great ideas!
Kendra
I’ve always wanted to visit Michigan! So much fun to be had! I’m definitely down for the bonfires, nature walks, and football!
Lisa
So many great ideas! Growing up in Michigan, we did all of these things in the fall. My favorite was bonfires with friends on Friday nights.
Chelsea
I’d love to see fall in Michigan. I love the autumn colors!
Erika
I love all of this! Never been but want to go!
Sandi Barrett
Sounds like fun. We just had a socially distanced fire – wine instead of cider!
Sandi Barrett
Nature walks are so perfect with crunchy leaves beneath your feet.
April Key
It’s nice that theres a lot of things to do during this season. The changing color of leaves is the best!
Alice
Fall is my favorite season. Living in northern Wisconsin we enjoy all of your 5 ways to enjoy autumn. My favorite is the color of the leaves changing. God really paints a beautiful picture every fall. Second is football! I love football and since I lived in East Lansing for nine months I loved seeing the Spartans play.
Barbara Robinson
GO GREEN!!
Laura
Go White! – had to finish it. Loved all of the suggestions especially football.
Emily
We just had our first bonfire of the season. We love cooking s’mores and sitting by the fire!
melissa
I love fall nature walks and foliage… although cider donuts rank right up there, as well!
Amanda
Ohhhh! This all sounds so delightful! I live in a climate where we barely see any fall color. One day I want to plan an autumn trips just to see those golden leaves I’ve heard so much about!
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
Being from New England, I do love a good foliage display, and boy, do we have one this year!
Barbara Robinson
Each Autumn I am reminded again of how beautiful changing seasons are and I can’t decide which of the four is my MOST favorite…probably the beginning of each one as change happens and the anticipation of the next one when I’m ready for change!
Pam
We love hiking in the fall and definitely bonfires!
Stacey Billingsley
Fall is my favorite season! I even got married in the fall. I love all these activities, and someday, I’ll have to give them a try in Michigan. Somehow, I’ve missed Michigan in all my roadtrips. It’s on my list for sure!
Melissa Jones
What great travel ideas!
kmf
I’m all about summer, but do love quite a few things about fall – especially football, apple cider and apple cider donuts and hiking through fall colors.
Jennifer
I’d like to see the colors of fall and the harvest moon
Roselyn Franke
Enjoyed your article and pictures as I love autumn as well; we don’t get much of it here in Gilbert, but further north the leaves actually change colors. My husband is from Detroit, but we’ve not been to Michigan in the fall yet.
Donna Garrison
A good fall foliage display and walk is always a delight. Here after Halloween everyone brings their jack’o’lanterns to a path along the lake, and every night for a week some volunteers light candles in them. Makes for a pretty stroll at night, which comes very early up here.
Kristine
I really appreciate the quotes in each section and the variety of photos. Also, now I want an apple from Michigan. Or a bushel!!
Michele
What a great list for fall. I am sure Michigan is beautiful this time of year!
Hera
We’ve been to Grand Rapids in the Fall and it was beautiful. Fantastic colorful Fall leaves everywhere. The Color Tour would be a photographer’s dream
Cynthia Mailhot
Leaf-peeping, bonfires, and moonlit nights are my fall faves.
Missy
A good campfire after a nice day of hiking to see the tree colors is a good day.
Cindy Moore
Autumn in Michigan looks amazing! I’d love to hike and enjoy the fall colors.
Maggie | leavemetodream.com
Beautiful photos of a beautiful state. I love the simple but inspiring things to do 🙂
Jane
I’ve always wanted to visit Michigan during autum as it’s spectacular. The variety of colours are just beautiful and festive.
Cynthia Mackintosh
We have some friends in Michigan and we have yet to visit, but I am all about nature walks & bonfires. The photos are beautiful!
Jenny
I’m also from Michigan! Currently traveling full-time and about to make my way back to try and catch the end of fall! Really looking forward to some cider and donuts!
Cathy
Great Post! Beautiful photos! It’s funny, I grew up in WIsconsin but we never went to Michigan. Maybe I’ll have to plan a trip there. Thanks for the great Fall ideas!
Sabrina DeWalt
Football has always been one of my favorite fall activities. I miss watching my boys play. So many fond memories!
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog
Wow! Michigan looks fabulous in the fall!! Lisa has been to Upper Peninsula in the winter and thought that was a gorgeous time. Looks like we will put fall in Michigan on our list for next year! Thank you for sharing.
Barbara Robinson
That’s great! You will love it!
Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com
Lovely! Although, we may not want to watch a football game together (Ohio State fan here)! 😉
There are no sugar maples here in New Mexico, but we get lots of yellow – aspens, cottonwoods – and lots of folks have found trees that turn red in the autumn. And then, there are the red chile ristras.
Autumn, and particularly October, is a beautiful time of year most anywhere. Thank you for your autumn thoughts.
Barbara Robinson
Our best friends are OSU fans! We especially love when U of M plays OSU so we can cheer for OSU together…U of M boooo! 🙂
Marianne
Fall is my absolute favourite time of year. And Michigan is very similar to Ontario, so going for a drive, hiking, natur walks, visiting the covered bridges… would all be extra nice at this time of year!
Tiffany Gunther
These are all great ideas! I love sports, so definitely love the football idea.
Melissa Jones
Beautiful pictures! It looks like a great place to visit!
Terra Booth
Fall really is an amazing time of the year! We have definitely been out enjoying it with lots of hikes and a visit to an apple orchard! And we can’t wait to do pumpkins this year!!!
Barbara Robinson
Excellent! Enjoy!
Cindy
I think I need to go to Lake Michigan! Fall seems like a great time to be there.
Barbara Robinson
It is so picturesque and beautiful!
Maya
Nature walks are my favorite thing to do in Fall, especially with all those colors !
Cecile Leger
I never visited Michigan. Looks like a lot of activities to do durin fall season.
Larissa Li
This is so fun! I love hunting!
Barbara Robinson
My boys are great hunters! My oldest has been inspired to focus on conservation!