Essential Fall Activities in Oakland County
Story by Brandon Alger
Southeast Michigan is known for its beautiful four-season climate. While each season has something to love, autumn is certainly my favorite. High temperatures reliably in the 60s, lows in the high-40s, and that peculiarly pleasant “crispness” to the air make it the perfect season to be outside in your favorite sweater. I love the smells, the sounds, and the changing leaves create a colorful backdrop for anything from family photos to a new social media profile picture. These are some of my favorite ways to enjoy that perfect Oakland County fall day (or evening):
This is a Michigan must-do. While the state may be known for automobiles and industry, Michigan agriculture is second in diversity only to California. Michigan also ranks third in the nation for apple production. A cider mill visit normally involves purchasing some pure apple cider, a container to enjoy a cup of it there, a dozen fresh-made sugar donuts, and some time to slow down and enjoy all of it. Some cider mills, like Yates
in Rochester, have a network of nearby trails to explore. Others, like Blakes in Armada, have a petting zoo and playground. Wherever you decide to go, this one is a fall must.
Get spooked at a Haunted House
Haunted Houses make for exciting October entertainment and Oakland County has multiple options. So whether you’re on a date, laughing with family and friends, or braving it alone you here are some options:
Erebus Haunted Attraction, 18 South Perry, Pontiac - This is a four-story warehouse located in Downtown Pontiac and it’s filled with both humor and terror. From start to finish, this is a half-mile, indoor haunted house.
Azra Chamber of Horrors, 31401 John R, Madison Heights - Purchase ahead online or at the venue. Azra is indoors and the line is both heated and covered.
Glenlore Trails, 3860 Newton Rd, Commerce Township - This haunted trail takes a carnival theme, or as they call it a “CarnEvil” theme. Good luck on your journey through this eerily illuminated forest.
Canterbury Haunted Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct, Orion Township - A little less traditional than your standard indoor haunted house, this village can still give you quite the fright!
Full Moon Manor, 1215 White Lake Rd, Highland, - Located in a rural part of the county, the setting here creates a frightening backdrop to some very well-designed sets.
Spend an Afternoon in one of Oakland County’s downtowns
Oakland County has many unique suburban downtowns. There’s a major contrast between the excitement of Royal Oak, or the charm of downtowns in Auburn Hills or Farmington. Be sure to check their local calendars as many have special events throughout the fall, such as:
Small Business Saturday - Nov 25, 2023 - Downtowns throughout the metro area all take part in this incentive to shop local and encourage small business.
Royal Oak Spooktacular - Downtown Trick or Treating for the kids
Milford Fall Ladies Night Out - Check out discounts, freebies, and giveaways on this special evening shopping night.
BOO!kley Nights - Downtown Berkley has been invaded by hundreds of skeletons and needs your help! Also enjoy holiday shopping and dining deals.
Visit TreeRunner Adventure Park at 6200 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield
TreeRunner is mostly an aerial adventure park with canopies, ziplines, nets, and it is fun any time of year, but during the fall not only do the trees look their best and TreeRunner puts on various festivities such as hayrides, glow nights, and encouragement for people to wear their costumes to the park.
Enjoy a Hayride at Upland Hills Farm - 481 Lake George Rd, Oxford
Upland Hills Farm is a working farm with public access to the nature hike, petting area, pony rides, and a harvest fest. The harvest fest involves access to the pumpkin patch and some fall-themed shows. Also if you happen to be there on a Saturday night in October, that’s when you can enjoy the harvest moon hayrides!
Get lost in a corn maze
These have intrigued me since I was a child and learned they existed. A maze? But I get to be the subject?! Here are a few local ones you can visit:
Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill, 1479 Ranch Road, Holly - This corn maze is free in 2023 and can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes to complete.
Long Family Orchard, 1540 E. Commerce Road, Commerce Township - The admission price gets you access to the maze, a giant slide, petting zoo, hayride, and much more.
Maybury Farm, 50165 Eight Mile, Northville - Here you’ll find a large 9-acre maze which takes about an hour, and a mini-maze that takes about a third of the time to complete.
Visit a U-Pick Farm in the Detroit area
During the fall, all U-Pick farms will feature apples, but pumpkins, squash, and other fall harvest may be available at some too. Blake’s has always been a popular choice due to its proximity to the metro area, but if you’re not opposed to a bit of a drive, Wasem Fruit Farm in Milan, south of Ypsilanti, has always been my personal favorite.
