Bring Pets Aboard Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips

Not only will you discover Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Michigan and almost 10,000 acres of rich wildlife habitat, but you’ll also experience a Fall Color Trip with one-of-a-kind guide, Johnny Panther! He refers to the Refuge as the “Everglades of Michigan” and he’ll show you hidden gems and gorgeous fall hues.

See Frankenmuth in Fall Glory on a Carriage Ride

Located across the street from one another, climb in with Fantasy Carriage Company or Frankenmuth Carriage Company for a memorable loop through Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Enjoy the authentic Bavarian architecture and festive harvest-time decor all throughout town!

Take a Fall Color Tour by Foot or Bike

Discover the Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail — totaling almost 100 miles — and spot more than 200 species of beautiful birds along the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail. Or, hop on a trailhead and enjoy the view from miles of pathways within Chippewa Nature Center, Midland City Forest, Tobico Marsh at Bay City State Park, and Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, all favorites. Find more top hiking trails here.

Relax Aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat

Float languidly down the Cass River aboard the iconic Bavarian Belle Riverboat. Enjoy the Bavarian-themed village of Frankenmuth from the water, the fall colors on full display, and the narrated tour filled with interesting information about the area.

Feel “Hoppy” this Fall at Outdoor Beer Gardens

Belly up for custom-made Drift brand beers alongside Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and North Peak Brewing Company selections at Drift Shoreside Beer Garden, right on the Bay City waterfront. Pets can party, too, at Larkin Beer Garden, a converted shipping container turned outdoor bar that food trucks regularly frequent. Toast to fall flavors with a German brew at Schnitzelbank Bier Garten, and be sure to enjoy autumn at Drydock Beer Garden, a seasonal hangout in a pocket park at the heart of Downtown Bay City.

Find Front-Porch Decor at Pumpkin Patches

Let the wee ones feed goats, wander through a corn maze, and pick from the patch at Johnson’s Giant Pumpkins, or take a Cow Train Ride and hayride at Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch.

Get Lost & Found at Farms & Corn Mazes

Visit the working historical Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, where you can pet & feed farm animals and enjoy the Amazing Maize corn maze. Test your wits at Frankenmuth Corn Maze with two game options, the Farm Scene Investigation and Farm Treasure Hunt, plus a straw mountain, hayrides, and more!

Float Through Fall on Picturesque Paddling Trips

Dip into a Fall Color Tour with Ike’s Mobile Kayak Rentals or book a custom trip with Nor’East Outdoors, both in Midland. Set out in single or tandem kayaks (or on stand-up paddleboards) at Float Paddle Center in Bay City, discover the Saginaw Bay with Cattail Kayak Rental, and take in fall splendor with Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures. Plan your fall paddling trip with these tips on where to rent & where to launch.

Enjoy Fall Flavors & Friendly Folk at Social Districts in the City Streets

Discover Feet on the Street, or magical outdoor spaces in Bay City, to dine & drink al fresco and even dance to live street acts. Frolic in live turf areas with trees and plants at The Commons Pedestrian Plaza in Downtown Midland, and enjoy adult beverages and a bite to eat outside at The Commons Refreshment Area. Read more about our social districts here!

Join 15 Friends (or as Few as Three) for a Pedal Trolley Tour

With cold brews (or warm coffee) in-hand, pedal your way through streets lined with fall splendor! “Sit. Smile. PedAle for Awhile.” on the 16-person PedAle Trolley in Frankenmuth — and check out their four- to six-person Circle Cruiser. Or, catch a colorful ride when you book the 15-person Sunrise Pedal Trolley in Bay City.

Rent Your Ride & Cruise to Hues

Decide between singles or tandems, and hit the streets or ride the trails on rental bikes! Choose from well-known brands including Fuji, Surly, Breezer, and Detroit Bikes at Jack’s Bicycle Shop in Downtown Bay City or chart your two-wheeled adventure at Ray’s Bike Shop, with three convenient locations across the region.