The Ultimate Midwest Fall Bucket List 🍂

Fall in the Midwest is pure magic. Crisp air, vibrant foliage, cozy bonfires, and endless seasonal traditions make it the perfect time to explore. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic getaway, or a solo road trip, the Midwest has something special waiting for you.

Here’s the ultimate Midwest fall bucket list to inspire your adventures this season.

1. Go Apple Picking at the Best Orchards 🍎

Apple picking is a timeless fall tradition. Stroll through the orchards, pick your own apples, and enjoy cider, donuts, and hayrides that make the season complete.

Top Apple Orchards to Visit:

• Minnesota: Aamodt’s Apple Farm (Stillwater), Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest (Jordan)

• Wisconsin: Apple Holler (Sturtevant)

• Michigan: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (Armada)

2. Sip Fresh Apple Cider or Visit a Cider Mill 🍏

Warm apple cider hits differently on a cool fall day. Many cider mills also offer tastings of hard cider for adults. Pair it with cider donuts, caramel apples, or fresh-baked pie for the perfect fall treat.

3. Visit the Best Pumpkin Patches 🎃

Pumpkin patches are more than just about pumpkins—they’re full of hayrides, corn pits, petting zoos, and festive photo ops.

Must-Visit Pumpkin Patches:

• Minnesota: Waldoch Farm Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (Lino Lakes)

• Wisconsin: Treinen Farm Pumpkin Patch (Lodi)

• Michigan: Johnson’s Giant Pumpkin Farm (Saginaw)

  
  

4. Explore Corn Mazes 🌽

Nothing says fall fun like wandering through a corn maze. For an extra thrill, many farms transform their mazes into haunted adventures after dark.

5. Take a Scenic Fall Foliage Drive 🚗🍁

The Midwest has some of the most colorful fall drives in the country. Pack a thermos of cider, roll the windows down, and soak in the autumn beauty.

Best Fall Drives:

• Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior

• Wisconsin: Door County Coastal Byway

• Michigan: Upper Peninsula near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

  
  

6. Celebrate at Fall Festivals 🎡

From apple harvests to Oktoberfest celebrations, fall festivals bring together food, music, and small-town charm.

Top Fall Festivals:

• Minnesota: Stillwater Harvest Fest

• Wisconsin: Bayfield Apple Festival

• Michigan: Franklin Cider Mill Fall Festival

7. Go Hiking on Fall Trails 🍂

Fall hiking means crisp air, colorful forests, and scenic overlooks. These trails are especially stunning this time of year.

Best Fall Hiking Spots:

• Minnesota: Oberg Mountain Loop (North Shore)

• Wisconsin: Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo)

• Michigan: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Upper Peninsula)

8. Try a Haunted Fall Experience 👻

Autumn in the Midwest also brings spooky fun! From haunted hayrides to ghost tours, there’s something for every thrill-seeker.

Haunted Adventures:

• Minnesota: ValleySCARE (Shakopee)

• Wisconsin: Wisconsin Dells Ghost Boat Tour

• Michigan: Erebus Haunted Attraction (Pontiac)

9. Indulge in Seasonal Foods & Treats 🥧

Fall flavors are everywhere—don’t miss these classics:

• Pumpkin spice lattes

• Hot apple cider

• Warm chili

• Apple pie with ice cream

• Cider donuts

10. Cozy Up by a Bonfire 🔥

A cool fall night is the perfect excuse for a bonfire. Grab a blanket, roast marshmallows, sip hot cider, and enjoy the warmth under the stars.

11. Explore Charming Small Towns 🏘️

Small towns across the Upper Midwest are at their most beautiful in fall. Boutique shops, historic streets, and colorful foliage make them ideal for a weekend getaway.

Best Fall Towns to Visit:

• Minnesota: Lanesboro

• Wisconsin: Bayfield

• Michigan: Holland

Lanesboro, MN

Bayfield, WI

Holland, MI

12. Ride a Scenic Fall Train 🚂

Take in the season’s colors the cozy way—on a train ride through the woods and along the water.

Best Scenic Fall Trains:

• Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Railroad (Duluth to Two Harbors)

• Wisconsin: Great Northern Railroad

• Michigan: Little River Railroad (Coldwater)

Fall in the Midwest is a season filled with tradition, beauty, and adventure. Whether you’re picking apples, driving through vibrant landscapes, or sipping cider at a festival, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories.

Use this Midwest fall bucket list to plan your perfect autumn—and don’t forget to pack your flannel and a thermos of cider. 🍁✨