Fall Things To Do in Traverse City

There may still be a hint of summer in the air, but winter will be here soon enough. Don’t miss your window to fall in love with fall. The whole area is also covered in vibrant colors! Pack some snacks and head out to the country roads and scenic overlooks. 

Explore nearly 50 wineries along the Traverse Wine Coast, where patios, sweeping vineyards, and tented pavilions allow patrons to sip safely. And if wine isn't your thing (or maybe you just want a beer) you'll find that fall color and beer naturally go together in northern Michigan. Ambers, golden IPA’s and stouts they’re all on the menu during Traverse City Beer Week. 

By foot, by bike or by car, there are endless open spaces to explore the outdoors in northern Michigan. Walk along the pier at Clinch Park Marina, bike along the TART or Betsie Valley Trails and don't forget to watch a fiery sunset over the lake. 

Traverse City is surrounded by colorful country roads leading to scenic small towns and villages. Pack your bags and head out to Benzie county for a few days. There are miles of freshwater coastline, scenic attractions, local flavors at breweries and distilleries, and plenty of options to be outdoors. 

Stunning lake views. Long stretches of vibrant fairway. The quiet embrace of fall color surrounding the course. Stepping up to the tee box in Traverse City and the surrounding regions takes you miles away from ordinary, with courses made to suit all levels of play.

Feel the leaves crunch beneath your feet while hiking along a trail, run down the Dune Climb at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, find a corn maze to explore, and treat yourself to a hot cider or caramel apple. Find more ideas on our Kids' Activities page. 

Yeah, yeah, it’s cliché, but how can you go through autumn without running through a pumpkin patch? The kids will love it and the memories of finding just the right one will last forever. 

You’ve heard about Traverse City’s wine and beer, but do you know about cider? On tap, in a growler, and even in a six-pack of cans, cider is now available at many of the local cideries. And if you’re not into the hard stuff, there’s always sweet cider (and donuts!). 

There are many activities to enjoy in Traverse City this fall, but that's not all—these special lodging deals and packages make the fun even better. Fall specials run from September to mid-December and include deals on restaurants, shopping, and wineries in addition to savings on hotels.

Explore Traverse City's current lodging deals and packages.