As sad as we are to see the summer season begin to wind down, fall is another of our favorite seasons here in White Lake. From the slower pace and cooler temperatures, to the changing trees and gorgeous landscapes, it’s the perfect time to escape the city and relax up north.
Here are a few of our favorite fall activities for all ages — plus some upcoming events you won’t want to miss!
Four Things to Do in White Lake This Fall
1.Head to Market
The Montague Farmers Market still blooms with produce into the autumn months. Come peruse the bounty of the season, including an array of locally-grown ingredients you can use to make your own delicious fall dishes.
Where: Southeast corner of Church St. and Water St. (one block south of the stoplight)
When: Every Saturday through the end of October, 9am – 12:30pm
For most market-goers, apples are the big draw of the season. Choose from a range of varieties, from sweet and smooth, to crisp and tangy. Grab a bag to make your own delectable Michigan Caramel Apple Pie at home, or choose a room with a kitchen at The Weathervane Inn and fashion a delicious Stovetop Apple Crisp while on vacation!
Also at the farmers market, you’ll find locally-sourced meats, freshly-baked breads and treats, delightfully-infused vinegars, and tasty cheeses from The Cheese Lady of Muskegon (https://thecheeselady.net/locations/muskegon). Stock up on your favs!
2. Get Lost in the Maize
The fall season at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo (https://www.visitlewisfarms.com/fall-festival) is all pumpkins, apples, cider, cinnamon buns, games, and fun! Perhaps the biggest attraction, though, is the annual corn maze. Wind your way through a maze of craftily-oriented corn and see if you can find the exit in time!
Also at Lewis’s this fall, you’ll find a huge pumpkin patch, wooden tractor play area, the Crawley Spider Web, and all your favorite games and activities — from Ball Town and Farm Skee-Ball, to the petting zoo and the BumpAlong Barrel Train. The kids love Lewis’s, and there’s always something new to see and do!
3. Hit the Links
Fall is the ideal time to head out on the links. The courses are quieter, temps aren’t quite so hot, and the trees and landscapes are brilliant in red, orange, and gold. Each course has its own unique charm and amenities, and there are numerous options to choose from in the area, including:
- Old Channel Trail Golf Course, Montague
- Bent Pine Golf Club, Whitehall
- White Lake Golf Club, Whitehall
- Grand View Golf Course, New Era
See the full listing of area golf courses.
Once you’re done for the day, head out for a bite to eat or drinks in downtown Whitehall or Montague!
4. Cast Your Line
Fishing in the White Lake Area doesn’t stop when summer’s over. Local charters are still available to take you out for the morning or a whole day to catch your dinner — and then some! Whether you’re a novice or an advanced fisherman, you’ll appreciate someone else tackling the tackle and bait while you sit back and reel ‘em in!
Check out our Charter Fishing page to get the lay of the land — er, water.
2021 Fall Events
25th Annual Pumpkinfest
October 9, 10am – 3pm
Head to Ferry Street in downtown Montague for the 25th annual celebration of White Lake’s Pumpkinfest! This highly-anticipated event features the famed Pumpkin Roll down Dowling Street, plus games, food, music, face painting, an apple cider mill, hay rides, a bake sale, and much more!
In addition to all-day events and activities, don’t forget to spend some time perusing the Arts & Crafts Fair at Pumpkinfest. You’ll find vendors selling a variety of handmade, local items, including wood crafts, clothing and jewelry, holiday décor, foods, photography, and more. It’s a great way to get some holiday shopping out of the way before winter starts.
Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour
October 2 – 23, 2021
Each year, the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau arrange a delightful tour of the area’s most scenic routes for fall color viewing.
This is a free mapped tour with designated stops, which visitors and residents alike are free to partake in any time they choose. However, you may want to participate in D2D Saturdays, which means free refreshments and donuts at the White Lake Train Depot (Chamber of Commerce) from 10am – 4pm.
Head to the Visit Muskegon website to learn more about this year’s Depot to Depot Color Tour.