Fall in Love with The Grand Haven Area

Activities

Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit the Grand Haven area. The cooler temperatures, stunning colors, and festive activities make us a fall destination worth visiting. Read on to see all the things to see and do in Grand Haven and the surrounding areas of Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, West Olive, Coopersville, and Allendale.

Fall Color Tour

Peak Color Prediction – For the most vibrant fall foliage, mid-late October is the best time to visit. Colors along the Lake Michigan shoreline are typically one week behind in-land areas.
Historic Driving Tour – For the ultimate color tour, take a drive on the Historic River Road, which travels the contours of the Grand River Greenway. Stretch your legs along the way and take a walk among the trees at Crockery Creek Natural Area or Eastmanville Farm County Park.

Fall Flavors

If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, you’ll love the fall-inspired flavors you can find in the Grand Haven area. Enjoy seasonal brews like the Apple Pie Brown from Oddside Ales or Brad’s Pumpkin Lager from Old Boy’s Brewhouse. For cider lovers, try a flight of award-winning hard-ciders at Farmhaus Cider Co. If you’re craving a sweet treat, head to Grand Finale for a pumpkin walnut muffin or Great Harvest Bread Co. for fresh baked Apple Pie Bread. To get your caffeine fix, try a pumpkin brûlée late or Pumpkin Pie Cold Brew Shake from Oddside Side Bar.

Down on the Farm: Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards & More

Bethke Farms Pumpkin Patch – This family-friendly destination is the perfect spot for an afternoon of fall fun! Find the perfect pumpkin and pick it right off the vine, get lost in the 3-1/2 acre corn maze, and enjoy a hayride around the farm.
Gavin Orchards – Located in Coopersville, this third-generation, family-owned business is a great place to to get both apples & pumpkins. You can also enjoy a cup of homemade apple cider from their retail store.

Mellema Farm Market – Here you can find a variety of fresh fall crops including squash, cabbage, and other fall veggies, as well as pumpkins, gourds,  and corn stalks to use as fall decorations.
Green Acres Farm Market – This is a “must stop and see” farmers market. Throughout the fall season, you will find mums of every color, pumpkins, gourds, and so much more. Be sure to try one (or two) of their homemade donuts and caramel apples. Yum!
Reender’s Blueberry Farms – Stop by Reender’s in West Olive to stock up on your outdoor fall decor! Along with their popular blueberry treats, they also offer pumpkin spice and apple cider and donuts during the fall season.
Rasch Cherries & Apples – This is a go-to spot for apples, pumpkins, sunflowers, and a variety of other delicious fruits and veggies. Enjoy freshly made goodies such as donuts, jams, apple turnovers, and more! Fall attractions include a sunflower maze, hayrides, kids play area, and a haunted sunflower maze in October!
Winkel Chestnut Farm – Located near Nunica, MI, this farm offers a unique experience: U-Pick chestnuts! U-Pick is available through October 16 or while supplies last. Pre-picked chestnuts are also available at the farm.

Outdoor Activities

Hiking Trails – Get outdoors and breathe in the crisp fall air! With miles and miles of hiking trails in the area, you’re sure to find a spot that will become your new favorite. Get your fill of sand & sun at Ottawa Sands County Park in Ferrysburg. Wander through the dune trails that connect to Coast Guard Park and North Ottawa Dunes. In West Olive, you can enjoy great trails with spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Explore Kirk Park or Olive Shores Park to catch a glimpse of the brilliant blue waters and autumn trees. Check out the inland areas and hike around Grand Ravines in Allendale or Eastmanville Farm County Park in Coopersville.

Biking Paths – The cooler weather makes it a great time to hop on your bike and explore a new trail. Plus, it’s a great way to see the fall colors! For some of the best trails, check out the North Bank Trail, or the Lakeside Trail.
Sunsets – It’s a scientific fact that autumn sunsets are even better than summer. Don’t believe us? Come see for yourself!

Surfing & Kite Boarding – Grand Haven is a popular spot for for surfers & kiteboarders to catch some waves. Due to the higher winds in the fall season, you’re likely to see lots of action out on the water. If water sports aren’t your thing, take a trip to the beach and enjoy watching the “pros” ride the waves.

Fall Festivals & Events

OktoBurZfest at Burzurk’s Brewing Co.– Saturday, October 1, 2pm – 11pm
Village Baker Oktoberfest– Friday, September 30 – Saturday, October 1
Coopersville Pumpkin Train Ride – Saturdays & Sundays in October | 1:30pm
Pumpkin Walk – Thursday, October 28 – Saturday, October 30 | 6-9pm

Halloween Activities

Haunted Halloween at Tri-Cities Historical Museum – Saturday, October 15 | 1-4pm

Visit our Events Page for an up-to-date list of events happening this fall!

Happy Fall Y’all! 🙂