What Are the Top Fall Things to Do Outdoors in Bay City, Midland, Frankenmuth, and Saginaw, MI?

What are some relaxing & affordable things to do outdoors in Michigan in the fall?

Bay City State Park See lush scenery from observation towers overlooking Tobico Marsh, and hit the Lagoon Trail for wildlife spotting along the shores of Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay.
Fall Walleye Fishing on Saginaw Bay Reel in fresh catch while enjoying one of Michigan's best walleye fisheries — and discover which trolling tactics dominate in the fall.
Bay City Area Riverwalk/RailTrail Explore 21 miles of paved, multi-use path — with beautiful boardwalks & riverside scenery — as it circles the city and stretches north to Bay City State Park.
Saginaw Bay Birding Trail Spot more than 200 species of beautiful birds along 142 scenic shoreline miles.
Bay City Boat Lines Hop aboard a Saturday-afternoon Saginaw River Guided Tour, available through mid-October, and take in spectacular autumn river scenery.
Bay City Boat Rental Pick up self-serve, single or tandem kayak rentals — available for full-day or multi-day excursions — and float through fall's colorful tapestry!
Sunrise Pedal Trolley With cold brews (or warm coffee) in-hand, pedal your way along streets lined with fall splendor when you book this 15-person trolley.

Frankenmuth FunShips Savor fall hues & flavorful wines on the water. Take in the autumn display while sampling five handcrafted chocolates paired with five Michigan wines — and a full glass of your favorite!
Bavarian Belle Riverboat Cruise along the Cass River as you relax aboard a 150-passenger paddlewheel riverboat. Enjoy fall colors on full display and your narrated historical tour.
Fantasy Carriage Company Witness Little Bavaria alive with fall florals & foliage while unwinding on a cozy, horse-drawn carriage ride.
H&H Acres and Carriage Service Climb into a horse-drawn carriage to enjoy the authentic Bavarian architecture & festive harvest-time decor throughout town!
Frankenmuth Aerial Park Combine thrill & excitement with picturesque beauty! Fly through the air, swing through fall leaves, and challenge yourself on ropes courses & ziplines.
Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures Take in fall views while floating on your single or double sit-in kayak (available for hourly rentals).
Grandpa Tiny’s Farm Visit this working heritage farm, where you can pet & feed farm animals, pick pumpkins, enjoy the corn maze, and have a hayride.
Frankenmuth Corn Maze Test your wits with three unique corn mazes in one, and enjoy hayrides to the dairy farm, courtyard games, and more.
Frankenmuth Social District Sip a seasonal brew while strolling past Bavarian architecture & autumn florals!

Dow Gardens Journey through fall foliage 40 feet in the air along a canopy walk that’s both handicap accessible and the longest in the nation — and dare to venture onto its glass-floored overlook! Explore the exquisite 110-acre gardens, including 54 acres of lush forest trails & ponds.
Chippewa Nature Center With 19 miles of trails to wander, visit the Observation Tower for serene fall views of the wetlands. Check into guided kayaking trips — and Fall Colors Golf Cart Tours.
Dahlia Hill Take in a kaleidoscope of autumn color from over 3,000 dahlias of 340 varieties, sprinkled in with sculpture across eight terraces of bursting blooms.
Nor’East Outdoors Float through fall on a picturesque paddling trip when you book your pre-set excursion on the Chippewa River.
Pere Marquette Rail Trail Begin your journey at The Tridge, Midland's iconic, three-legged pedestrian bridge, to travel along this 30-mile stretch of scenic trail.
Midland City Forest Meander through 520 acres of hardwoods & pines, with eight miles of hiking trails and 13 miles made for mountain biking over flat land & steep hills.
Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch Take a hayride and find your way through the corn maze after picking your future jack-o-lanterns at this 20-acre pumpkin farm.
The Commons Refreshment Area Enjoy adult beverages & a bite to eat outdoors while soaking up the vibrant fall florals & Downtown decor.

Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips Step aboard a shallow-draft boat to experience the "Everglades of Michigan" on a Fall Color Trip with your expert local guide.
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge Take an enchanted trip to see wildlife & fall scenery galore along the Woodland Trail and Ferguson Bayou Trail.
- Insider tip: keep your eyes peeled for special trail closures during hunting season!
Saginaw Valley Rail Trail Take in the crisp fall air under the colorful canopy on this 11-mile stretch of smooth, flat, paved trail, perfect for biking.
Leaman’s Green Applebarn Pick a peck of juicy apples, have a hayride, then devour fresh-baked donuts & delicious cider slushies — or a cider sundae!
Johnson's Pumpkin Farm Wander through a massive corn maze, pick from a patch with over 80 varieties of pumpkins, and watch for live entertainment on weekends.
Bayne's Apple Valley Snap pictures by the cider mill, chill on the patio with what's on tap at Bayne's Hard Cider House, and sink your teeth into gourmet caramel apples & cider donuts!

Things To Do

Find your favorite view as you explore these one-of-a-kind places to leaf-peep when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan!