Known for its beautiful beaches, the Grand Haven Area is just as magical in autumn. With tree-lined parks and scenic trails, it’s the perfect place to soak in vibrant fall colors. Here’s our roundup of the best ways to enjoy the season! Click here to book your fall getaway today. 

Hiking 

Photo by Becky Wilde

The Grand Haven Area is home to an outstanding park system, featuring trails that meander through wooded forests, follow winding rivers, cross sweeping dunes, and showcase stunning vistas of Lake Michigan. Top hiking spots include North Ottawa Dunes, Kitchel Lindquist Dunes, Hemlock Crossing, Rosy Mound Natural Area, Grand Ravines, and PJ Hoffmaster State Park.

Biking Trails 

With more than 100 miles of biking trails, the Grand Haven Area offers a fantastic way to enjoy fall colors by bike. Favorite routes include the Lakeshore Trail from Grand Haven to Holland, the Lakeside Trail along Spring Lake, and the North Bank Trail.

Breweries

Photo by Grand Armory Brewing Company

Discover the flavors of fall at the Grand Haven Area’s local breweries. Odd Side Ales, Trail Point Brewing, Grand Armory Brewing, Coopersville Brewing Company, and Burzurk Brewing Co. each offer a wide selection of locally crafted beers, along with live music to enhance the seasonal vibe.

Coffee Shops

Photo by Janelle Darnell

Fall in Grand Haven is the perfect season to enjoy warm drinks from local favorites like Aldea Coffee, Kenzie’s Be Cafe, Odd Side Side Bar, Grand Finale Bistro & Cafe, CC’s Farm Market, and The Village Baker. Whether you’re sipping a rich latte or enjoying a fresh pastry, these cozy spots make it easy to soak in the flavors and feel of autumn. Each visit brings a little extra warmth to the crisp fall days.

Geocaching

What’s geocaching? Geocaching is an anytime, anywhere real-world adventure. All you need is a GPS or the free Geocaching app on your phone, a free account on Geocaching.com, and you’re ready to go! With over 1,200 caches waiting to be discovered, the Grand Haven Area offers endless outdoor adventure. Explore near and far to find hidden treasures in all shapes and sizes. When you locate a cache, be sure to sign the logbook and place it back where you found it. Many caches also contain small items for trading, so bringing a few of your own treasures to swap makes the experience even more exciting. You never know what surprises await on your next geocaching adventure!  

Pumpkin Picking 

Photo by Hilferty Photo

Though the Grand Haven Area is known for our beaches, we are home to many agricultural farms and u-picks. During the fall, Bethke Farms and Chittenden Farms offer pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, and more.

Farmers Markets 

Photo by Spring Lake Farmers Market

The Grand Haven and Spring Lake farmers’ markets are still in full swing during the fall. You can stop by to grab seasonal produce, including apples & pumpkins, as well as baked goods, flowers, meats, cheeses, and more.

Fall Paddling

Exploring the vibrant fall foliage by kayak on the Grand River, Spring Lake, Pigeon Creek, Pigeon Lake, or Lake Michigan is a remarkable way to connect with nature. You can use your own kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, or rent one from Lakeshore Kayak Rental. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as eagles, beavers, otters, blue herons, sandhill cranes, turtles, muskrats, fish, deer, and many other creatures.

Birding 

Photo by Sherry Idsinga

Whether you are an avid birder or just desire to experience birds beyond your backyard, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers naturalist-led birding walks and field trips throughout the fall.

Surfing & Kite Boarding 

Photo by Sherry Idsinga

Many people wonder if Lake Michigan ever has big waves, and it does! Although it doesn’t experience ocean tides, strong winds can create impressive waves along the Grand Haven shoreline. Fall and winter bring the windiest conditions, making it the ideal season for surfers and kiteboarders to enjoy the powerful wind and rolling waves. Check out MACkite Boardsports Center for information and lessons. 

Fishing 

Fall is still an active time for fishing in the Grand Haven Area. For a DIY experience, popular spots include Spring Lake, the bayous of the Grand River, and the north pier. To eliminate the guesswork, schedule a trip with a local charter captain. (Plus, they provide all the gear and hottest lures.)

GVSU Football Games

Photo by GVSU Football

Grand Valley State University is located approximately 20 miles east of downtown Grand Haven and is home to the GVSU Lakers. Cheering on the team at GVSU’s beautiful Allendale campus is always a fun fall tradition.

Nature Education Center

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation’s Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing Park offers year-round seasonal programs, guided hikes, kids' activities, a wildlife viewing area, and more. You can also find a kayak/canoe launch here!  (Once you click the link, be sure to refine your search by clicking the Kayak/Canoe Launches.)

Golfing 

Golfing at one of the many Grand Haven Area golf courses is a great way to take in the fall colors as well as get those last few rounds in before the snow starts flying. Favorite public courses include American Dunes Golf Club, Pigeon Creek Golf Course, Evergreen Golf Course, The Meadows at GVSU, Terra Verde Golf Course, and Three Fires Golf Course.

Sunsets 

Photo by Sherry Idsinga

There is no better way to end a fun fall day than with a stunning sunset over Lake Michigan. While we have beautiful sunsets in the summer months, fall sunsets tend to be the most stunning and colorful ones of the entire year.  For tips on fall sunset photography, check out this timeless guest blog post from area photographer Walter Elliott.

Plan Your Getaway Today! 

Whether you’re looking for a charming boutique stay, a waterfront escape, or a family-friendly retreat, Grand Haven has lodging to suit every style. Click here to explore your perfect fall getaway and start planning your autumn adventure today!

Be sure to share your Grand Haven Area fall photos and videos with us on Facebook and Instagram! #visitgrandhaven