10 Fall Photo Ops in Metro Detroit
Story and Photos by Liz McGuffin of @withwonderandwhimsy
October is peak Michigan fall, and you know what that means: gourds, ghouls, and spooky-cute pics for the ‘gram. To help you find the best photo ops around Metro Detroit, I’m sharing aesthetic fall spots to visit this October. Whether you’re planning a family portrait session, looking for a creative fall date idea, or on the hunt for chills and thrills, you’ll want to check out these 10 Detroit area destinations!
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Our area metroparks are prime locations to go leaf peeping or book a fall family photo session. With 13 parks to choose from across Metro Detroit and nearly 400 miles of trails between them, there’s so much to see and explore. Enjoy scenic walking and biking trails, farm centers and playgrounds, and special events like autumn wagon tours and scavenger hunts.
The Skeletons Are Alive in Downtown Northville
Each October, Downtown Northville gets some spooky scary skeleton visitors! Downtown businesses participate and display their own themed skeletons outside their doors. Residents and visitors can explore downtown, take photos with the skeletons, and order to-go cups of seasonal beer, hard cider, and fall cocktails from downtown bars to enjoy in the social district, The Twist.
Blake’s Lyon Township in South Lyon
Blake’s offers October fun for everyone and countless photo opportunities. Families with small children will enjoy the Funland play area with bounce houses, petting zoo, and haystacks to climb. They also offer hayrides, u-pick apples, and fresh apple cider and donuts for purchase to enjoy out on a picnic table.
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village in Dearborn
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village will take you back in time to Halloweens of old with costumed characters and spooky stories like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow come to life. With a variety of family-friendly and devilish delights on offer, guests can customize their visit to be as fun or as frightening as they like. You won’t want to miss the haunted Hallowe’en Express, harvest market, or hot beverages and fall-themed treats.
Donut Bar + Coffee in Southfield
For an extra spooky treat, stop into Donut Bar during October to experience their rotating fall flavors (pumpkin spice, Mexican hot chocolate, and cinnamon apple) and novelty Halloween donuts. They make the cutest Insta-worthy monster and mummy donuts, along with special limited edition flavors inspired by your favorite Halloween candies like Twix, Butterfinger, and Snickers.
The Detroit Selfie Museum at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi
Unlock your imagination at The Detroit Selfie Museum this October and strike a pose in their fresh line-up of Halloween-themed photo booths. New for Halloween 2023, they’ve got werewolves, monsters, fortune tellers, clowns, and more spine-tingling surprises. So grab your ghoulies and pack up some outfit and costume changes for a frightful photoshoot at DSM!
Zoo Boo at The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak
Zoo Boo offers spooktacular fun for all ages with family photo ops, trick-or-treating, face painting, and strolling jugglers and magicians. The entire Zoo will be open for visitors to explore. And in addition to visiting their favorite animals, kids will be able to enjoy Halloween-themed education stations and habitat chats, along with a showing of ‘SCOOB! 4-D Experience!’ starring Scooby Doo and friends.
Three Cedars Farm in Northville
Three Cedars Farm is an autumn wonderland complete with pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze, and barnyard playland. Visit the Cider & Donut Hut for hot apple cider, warm cinnamon sugar donuts, and gooey fresh-dipped caramel apples. You won’t want to miss the Country Store which gets fully decked out for Halloween with spooky animatronics and other strange surprises.
The Dark Side of History Bus Tour in Detroit
History buffs and horror enthusiasts alike will want to check out Historically Haunted Detroit: The Dark Side of History Bus Tour (21+ up only) this October. This 3.5 hour guided tour will uncover some of Detroit’s secret past with tales of mobsters and murders, ghosts and hauntings, devil’s night and mysterious disappearances. The tour departs from The Detroit History Club, a former funeral parlor, and includes stops for refreshments for those of you interested in spirits of the liquid variety.
Hush Haunted Attraction in Westland
Hush Haunted Attraction brings the chills, thrills, and themed cocktails each Halloween. Hush isn’t just one haunted house, it’s four haunts in one, with themed bars hidden within the haunt. There’s a staged photo op at the entrance to the haunt, and you’re also welcome to take photos in the bar areas.You’ll have to cross through cemeteries and crypts- and secret labs and haunted attics - to reach each respite and imbibe in some liquid courage. Don’t let the name fool you; this place is a scream!
