Six Reasons to Visit Michigan’s Thumbcoast in the fall
As the summer warmth gradually gives way to a crisp and refreshing breeze, the landscape transforms into a mesmerizing tapestry of vibrant colors. The picturesque towns that dot the coastline take on a cozy charm as they embrace the season. Whether you’re strolling along the sandy shores, indulging in local harvest festivals, or embarking on a scenic drive, the Thumbcoast in the fall promises an unforgettable getaway that captures the heart and soul of the season. Here are my top six reasons to visit; grab your pumpkin-spiced drink and head this way.
#1 The Fall Colors
Follow the red, orange & yellow trail along the scenic M29 – M25 route. There are countless charming shoreline communities worthy of a stop along the way. Use the digital map link below to help you plan and navigate the ultimate fall colors road trip!
#2 Farms & Orchards
- Corn Maze Adventure & Pumpkin Patch – Casco
- Sunflower Festival
- Weekend Pumpkin Picking, Sept. 29 – Oct. 29
- McCallum’s Orchard & Cider Mill – Jeddo
- Sunflower Patch is open starting Sept. 15th
- O’Hair Farms – Croswell
- Pankiewicz Cider Mill & Farm Market – Casco
- Autumn Acres Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch – Harbor Beach
- Open Saturday – Sunday in October
Photo by O’Hair Farms
#3 Halloween & Fall-Inspired Events
Sept. 11 – Oct. 16 | Fall Tai Chi Drop-in Classes, St. Clair
Sept. 16 | Fall Mushroom Walk, Port Austin
Sept. 16 | Harvest Festival – Chili Cook-off, Harbor Beach
Sept. 20 | Murder Mayhem Trolley Tour – Port Huron
Sept. 22 | Cemetery Tour, Port Huron
Sept. 23 | Fall Craft Fair, Fort Gratiot
Sept. 24 | Fall-in for Dogs, Jeddo
Sept. 28 | More Murder, More Mayhem Trolley Tour – Port Huron
Sept. 30 | OktoberFest, Port Huron
Sept. 30 | Lakeside Cemetery History Tour, Port Huron
Sept. 30 | Scarecrow Saturday, Fort Gratiot
Oct. 6 | Hopstober Fest, Port Huron
Oct. 6 – 7 | Harvest Moon Yoga Retreat, Lexington
Oct. 6 – 22 | Murder by Poe – Enter Stage Right Theatre, Port Huron
Oct. 7 | SCCLS Zombie Shamble, Spooky Walk – Fort Gratiot
Oct. 7 | Family Fall Festival, Jeddo
Oct. 7 – 29 | Fall Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze – Goodells
Oct. 13 | Fall Art Hop, Port Huron
Oct. 13 | Cemetery Tour, Port Huron
Oct. 13 | Adult Halloween Party, Port Sanilac
Oct. 13 | Creepy Baby Doll Contest, Port Sanilac
Oct. 14 | Haunted Village & Creepy Baby Doll Contest, Port Sanilac
Oct. 14 | Halloween Acrylic Pours, Port Huron
Oct. 14 – 15 | Murder Mayhem Trolley Tours, Port Huron
Oct. 21 | Paranormal Investigations Carnegie Center, Port Huron
Oct. 21 | Trucks & Treats, Port Huron
Oct. 21 | Halloween in the ‘Nac, Algonac
Oct. 21 | Haunted Village & Creepy Baby Doll Contest, Port Sanilac
Oct. 21 | Nightmare on Lake Street Haunted Hayride, Port Austin
Oct. 22 | SC4 Symphonic Band “The Colors of Fall,” Port Huron
Oct. 26 | Murder Mayhem Trolley Tour, Port Huron
Oct. 27 | Halloween Ball, Port Huron
Oct. 27 – 28 | Rocky Horror Show Live, Port Huron
Oct. 28 | Halloween Stroll, Port Huron
Oct. 28 | Paranormal Investigations Fort Gratiot Light, Port Huron
Oct. 28 | Psychic Medium Halloween Event, Lexington
Oct. 28 | Nightmare on Lake Street Haunted Hayride, Port Austin
Oct. 31 Murder Mayhem Trolley Tour, Port Huron
Oct. 31 | Beauty & the Beast Meet & Greet, Yale
Oct. 31 | Trunk or Treat, Port Sanilac
Nov. 3 | Owl Prowl, Port Huron
#4 The Bird Migration
The eastside of Michigan is between two bird migration flyways, the Mississippi and Atlantic. Waterfowl, water birds, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors will pass through Michigan on their way south to their wintering grounds, according to the Michigan DNR. A great source to check the migration forecast and hot zones is at Bird Cast. Locally, there are a few hot spots where I’ll often see professional birders. Lighthouse Beach and the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron are the two best locations to check out.
#5 The Real Haunts
If you dare, take a chilling tour of the 10 scariest places in the Thumbcoast on our HAUNTED TOUR. Be sure to bring a friend with you so you don’t get too scared, some will claim these are the locations of real haunts! Use #DiscoverTheBlue and share all your ghostly adventures with us!
#6 Fishing
Fishing in the fall is excellent, just ask any of the local charters. Although there are many fish varieties to be caught, walleye is the preferred fall catch for many anglers. Mark Romanack of Woods-N-Water News says “Anglers who target walleye in the fall are winners either way, and the fishing just gets better as the leaves drop and the temperatures get colder.” Some of the noted great spots are where Lake Huron meets the St. Clair River and in the St. Clair River. View the full article for more details. Get the local fishing report by calling (810) 984-FISH.
Oh My Gourd!
Discover 400 + videos of Michigan’s Thumbcoast in every season on our TikTok page! Seasonal tip, check out War Water Brewery in St. Clair and try their seasonal Oktoberfest Beer on tap or in a can.
Article by Katie Stepp, Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
