Unwrap the Secrets to Autumn Fun in Southwest Michigan
Saint Joseph Fall Fest
Dates: September 20, 2025, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Lake Bluff Park
Seasonal produce, critter barns, interactive booths, hot-air balloon rides, storytelling, the perfect family day alongside the river.
Four Flags Apple Festival
Dates: September 25-28, 2025, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: 1740 Lake St, Niles, MIParades, carnival rides, apple pies, crafts, four days celebrating everything apple.
Under the Harvest Moon
Dates: October 11, 2025, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Downtown Dowagiac, MITractor shows, artisan markets, live music, and pumpkin decorating mark this charming community event.
South Haven Oktoberfest
Dates: September/October TBD Location: South Haven, MIA harvest-themed 5.5K run/walk, pasta dinners, pancake breakfasts, craft brews, and a lively family atmosphere.
Apple Orchards, Corn Mazes & Outdoor Trails
Explore more outdoor opportunities while you visit Michigan:
Jollay Orchards
Location: Niles, MILate-season u-pick apples, corn mazes, hayrides, cider donuts, and pumpkins—a true Midwest fall staple. This family-friendly destination offers all the charm of a classic autumn outing, complete with a country store and weekend festivities. Whether you're here for the crisp apples or the cozy fall vibes, it’s a must-visit during harvest season.
Fruit Acres Farm Market & U-Pick
Location: Coloma, MIU‑pick apples, pumpkins, market goodies, and hayrides—perfect for photo ops and quality family time. Stroll through scenic orchards, sip fresh-pressed cider, and browse local treats at the farm market. With vibrant fall colors and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a picture-perfect spot to soak up the season.
Stover's Farm Market
Location: Berrien Springs, MIA family favorite for generations, offering 23 apple varieties and a range of pre-picked fruits and vegetables, including pumpkins and gourds.
Grand Mere State Park
Location: Stevensville, MIMagnificent sandy trails, deep blowouts, and half a mile of shoreline, accessible by the park's two trails. This hidden gem offers a peaceful escape into nature, where towering dunes meet quiet woods and sweeping views of Lake Michigan. It's a favorite for hiking, birdwatching, and catching unforgettable sunsets over the water.
Warren Dunes State Park
Location: Saywer, MILake Michigan shoreline trails and dunes with fall foliage views, ideal for peaceful hikes. Towering sand dunes rise nearly 260 feet, offering stunning panoramic views—especially vibrant in autumn. Whether you're climbing the dunes, strolling the beach, or picnicking beneath the colorful canopy, it’s a perfect spot to soak up Southwest Michigan’s natural beauty.
Warren Woods State Park
Location: Sawyer, MIOld-growth beech-maple forests glow in autumn’s best colors—fewer crowds, more wonder. This serene, 300-acre preserve offers quiet walking trails, a winding creek, and a true sense of seclusion. It’s a perfect place to immerse yourself in the peaceful stillness of fall and admire the untouched beauty of Michigan’s woodland landscape.
Sip, Savor & Soak in Live Music
Bask in the wonder of fall with wine and live music! Discover local wineries and events to soothe the soul.
Tabor Hill Music Series
This fall, the falling leaves come with a soundtrack from the Tabor Hill Music Series. Every Sunday afternoon through October, Vineyard Lounge hosts talented regional musicians lazy acoustic tunes, golden oak views, and award-winning Tabor Hill wines make it feel like a friends-and-family afternoon in a vineyard.
Maker's Trail
Beyond Tabor Hill, the Maker's Trail offers fall sips at places like Round Barn, Ghost Isle Brewery, and Journeyman Distillery, each with cozy vibes, seasonal flavors, and live music sprinkled around. There is no better way to celebrate the season than on the trail with some vino!
Why Fall Feels Like Home Here
- Fewer tourists, more coziness: crisp festivals and quiet trails feel like a local secret.
- Seasonal flavors: apple cider, orchard donuts, pumpkin ales, a sip-and-savor dream.
- Leaf-peeping roads: countryside routes unfold in spectacular color every drive feels epic.
Curl into Coziness with Juniper Stays
After a day of crunchy leaves, vineyard melodies, and apple-scented air, there’s nothing better than settling into a Juniper Holiday + Home retreat. Imagine porches overlooking autumn woods, fireplaces alight, full kitchens for cider donuts or wine tastings, and living rooms made for board games or sunset chats.
We have homes nestled near vineyards, orchards, and lakes making it easy to pop by Tabor Hill Music Series, hit the Makers Trail, or stroll into town for festivals.
Ready for a soulful fall escape in Southwest Michigan? Let Juniper help you find the perfect spot where color, charm, and local rhythm all feel like home.
