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Fall is a great time to travel.
The crowd levels are much lower than during the summer months, accommodation prices tend to be more affordable, and though the heat of the summer has passed this is replaced with a fresh crispness that makes sightseeing and exploring much easier.
While many destinations see a huge decline in travelers in fall, some places continue to soar in popularity. And often, it’s easy to see why.
One destination that is soaring in popularity right now is Michigan.
Tourism spending in the state has surpassed pre-pandemic levels significantly, growing by $3.3 billion to $27.3 billion in 2022, with the same impressive growth rate expected to be achieved this year too.
And Michigan is a state that is perfect for exploring during the fall. Here are 5 reasons why:
Beautiful Fall Foliage
Whether you’re a dedicated leaf peeper or you’re just happy to stumble across some autumnal color as you travel, the beautiful foliage means that Michigan is a great place to be in fall.
Michigan may be known as the Great Lakes State, but much of the land that isn’t covered in water is forested. In fact, more than half of the state is covered in forest.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the heart of the state may be best known for its beautiful waterfalls, but it has also ranked no. 2 on USA Today’s list of the best places to see fall foliage this year.
The color of the foliage reflects on the lakes and falls. The park boasts 35 miles of hiking trails to explore. And if you’re really lucky, you could also spot wild black bears, deer, and foxes during your visit too.
Perfect For Star Gazing
The darker night skies during fall are ideal for sky gazing, and Michigan is one of the best places in the U.S. to enjoy this popular pastime.
The Headlands in Michigan is a particularly great spot. This 600-acre park has been dedicated as a Dark Sky Park, which means that there are no artificial lights used at night. This makes the sky appear darker and sky gazing much easier.
The Headlands boasts a Lake Michigan backdrop and is a great place to witness meteor showers and even the phenomenon of the aurora borealis.
New schemes are in place to increase the number of Dark Sky areas in Michigan.
Sample The Cider
Some states boast world-class vineyards, but Michigan is famous for a simpler fall beverage—apple cider.
Michigan is home to a whole host of highly regarded cider mills, and during the fall they become tourist attractions in their own right.
Visitors can sample the cider, take hayrides, get lost in corn mazes, and generally enjoy a fun day filled with traditional, old-fashioned fall activities.
Blake Farms in Armada was voted the no. 1 apple orchard in Michigan by AAA. It is home to over 500 acres of orchards and a whole host of activities.
One of the oldest continually running businesses in Michigan is Yates Cider Mill. And Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery is over a century old. The cider mill also has a winery, a 5.25 biking trail, and even cross-country skiing making it an all-round destination with something for everyone.
Join The Oktoberfest Celebrations
Oktoberfest may be a celebration that you associate with fall in Germany but the amazing Oktoberfest celebration in Iron Mountain, Michigan is considered to be one of the best fall festivals in the state.
The event features everything you would expect from a traditional Oktoberfest. That includes lederhosen, German beer (though it is all brewed in Michigan), and traditional German cuisine and polka music.
People travel from all over the country to enjoy the party. Michigan is a state that loves Oktoberfest! Other Oktoberfest events take place in Frankenmuth, Saline, and Rochester Mills.
Head To Grand Rapids
Detroit may be the biggest city in Michigan, but the state’s considerably smaller second city is an up-and-coming spot for travelers in the know.
Grand Rapids has an abundance of farm-to-table restaurants meaning it is a great place for foodies. And given Michigan is second only to California in terms of agricultural diversity the food that’s being brought to the table is good!
Sticking to the theme of overindulgence, Grand Rapids is also home to several award-winning breweries so be sure to wash down your meal with a local IPA.
Finally, fall is a great time to visit the city’s Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park which really comes alive with the color of the local fall foliage and is a great place to walk off all that food and drink too!
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This article originally appeared on outoftownblogs.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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