An increased number of people will begin looking for fall experiences as the trees change colors and the weather becomes cooler in Michigan. Some may consider viewing by a chairlift.
Pure Michigan lists a number of scenic drives and many apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and communities are planning special family-friendly fall events.
Others may enjoy seeing the colors from the perspective of a chairlift. Several ski resorts are offering rides this fall.
Enjoy a spectacular 360 degree view of the fall colors from the blue chairlift high atop Schuss Mountain.
This roundtrip ride on the Blue chairlift (located at Schuss Village) will have you admiring the view of Antrim County’s spectacular color show from 12-4pm September 28, October 5, 12 and 19.
Tickets are $5/person and available for purchase the day-of at the Blue Chairlift at Schuss Village (Note: tickets are not available for purchase in advance). The ticket price includes include cider and donuts.
Due to the popularity of this event, it’s recommended that you arrive earlier during the event timeframe to reduce wait time. Beverages will be available for purchase near the chairlift while you wait.
Please note, rides are weather dependent. Inclement weather notices will be posted on Shanty Creek’s facebook page the day of the event.
The address to view the fall color is as follows:
Schuss Mountain/Blue Chairlift
1826 Schuss Mountain Lane
Mancelona, MI 49659
More information at shantycreek.com.
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Soak in the fall colors at Crystal Mountain, with the best view in northern Michigan! Scenic Chairlift Rides will be sold in one-hour blocks. Within that hour, guests must be checked-in and at the chairlift ready to ride to the top. Enjoy the views at the top for as long as you'd like!
Location: Buck Chairlift
Purchasing & Check-In: Scenic Chairlift Rides will use RFID ticketing for admission. You will pick up an RFID access card at a Pick Up Box (PUBs) which is preloaded with your Scenic Chairlift Ride or at the designated windows outside the Mountain Adventure Zone. PUBs are located near the Mountain Adventure Zone, The Lodge and Kinlochen. Guests must check-in at the Mountain Adventure Zone prior to riding the chairlift to receive a wristband. When it's time to load onto the chairlift, you'll swipe your access card when you are ready to ride.
Waivers are required and must be filled out prior to riding. We recommend filling out your waiver online , in advance. Guests who have not filled out their waiver in advance will need to visit the Mountain Adventure Zone prior to their ride.
COST
Ages 9 and Up: $10 per person
Ages 3 - 8: Free with a paying adult
Complimentary for Resort Houseguests and Four Season Club Members: Four Seasons Club Members will need to visit the Mountain Adventure Zone to pick up their Scenic Chairlift Ride access card. Guests lodging at Crystal Mountain will each be issued an RFID card at the Mountain Adventure Zone or Park at Water's Edge, valid for their length of stay.
Please Note: All chairlift rides are weather dependent. We encourage all riders to be at the chairlift at least 30 minutes prior to close. Each guest will need their own RFID card to pass through the gates. RFID cards are not transferable.
Requirements
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All guests must have their RFID cards with them for gate and lift access for the chairlift rides.
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A waiver is required to be completed prior to riding the chairlift. Guests who did not complete their waiver during the online check-out will need to visit the Mountain Adventure Zone prior to their chairlift ride.
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Guests must be at least three years old to ride.
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Dogs and beverages are not permitted on any chairlifts.
*Hours of operation and lifts are subject to change and are weather permitting. The chairlift can operate in light to moderate rain, please be prepared for the weather.
SCHEDULE
Located on Buck chairlift unless otherwise noted.
Friday, September 10: 3 - 7pm
Saturday. September 11: 3 - 7pm
Sunday, September 12: 11am - 3pm
Friday, September 17: 3 - 7pm
Saturday. September 18: 3 - 7pm
Sunday, September 19: 11am - 3pm
Friday, September 24: 3 - 7pm
Saturday. September 25: 3 - 7pm
Sunday, September 26: 11am - 3pm
Friday, October 1: 3 - 7pm
Saturday, October 2: 1 - 7pm
Sunday, October 3: 11am - 3pm
Friday, October 8: 3 - 7pm
Saturday, October 9: 1 - 7pm
Sunday, October 10: 11am - 3pm
Saturday, October 16: 2 - 6pm (Both Buck and Crystal Clipper Chairlifts)
Sunday, October 17: 11am - 3pm
Saturday, October 23: 2 - 6pm
Sunday, October 24: 11am - 3pm
Saturday, October 30: 2 - 6pm
More information at: crystalmountain.com
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Boyne Mountain also offers fall chairlift rides.
So each year, during the offseason, we keep our Hemlock lift running - providing stunning panoramic views of the valley. Whether you capture the lush green of spring or the brilliant foliage of fall, you'll certainly appreciate the lift.
- $10 per ride for non-resort lodging guests | Buy Now
- Tickets available at the Adventure Center desk
- All rides (both complimentary and paid), must have a ticket
- Children five and under ride free
Fall Schedule
Daily | 11am - 8pm
*weather dependent
More information: boynemountain.com
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Boyne Highlands is another option for fall chairlift rides.
When summer and fall roll around at Boyne Highlands, we treat our guests to a uniquely beautiful perspective with a ride on the Heather Express chairlift. Breathtaking panoramic views of crystal blue waters, lush green grounds, and the brilliant fall foliage colors lend a stunning backdrop to your summer or fall visit to Boyne Highlands. Look around — youʼll be able to see Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and as far as the Mackinac Bridge on a clear day. Claim a chair and experience the beauty — and the fun!
All guests booked or interested in booking Adventure Center activities need to check in at the Skier Services / Lift Ticket Window area located at the Day Lodge.
Guests are asked to do the following:
- Sanitize hands at top and bottom of the lift
- Bikers are asked to wear gloves if they have them
- Please ride the lift with only people in your party
- Please maintain 6 feet spacing while in line waiting for lift
- Reservations are not required.
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- September 21 - October 10
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Friday - Sunday
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- Friday
12-5pm
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$6 | Lodging Guests No Charge
- Friday
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- Saturday
11am-5pm
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$6 | Lodging Guests No Charge
- Saturday
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- Sunday
11am-5pm
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$6 | Lodging Guests No Charge
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- Sunday
More information at: boynehighlands.com
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Pond Hill Farm , Harbor Springs
PUMPKIN WEEKENDS ON THE FARM
Every Saturday & Sunday from September 25th through October 24th, 11am-5;30pm. Enjoy Pumpkin Bowling, Hayrides, Pumpkin Smashing, Animals, Cafe, Wine, Beer & Cider, Donuts & Cider, Pumpkin Patch and more!
PUMPKIN WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Tickets are $1 each.
Pumpkin Bowling - 1 ticket per roll - Roll the pumpkin & try to get it in a barrel to win a prize!
Pumpkin Smashing - 1-3 tickets depending on what you choose to smash into pieces!
Hayrides - 4 tickets per person - Hayrides leave about every half hour. Makes a stop at the trout pond to feed the fish. bring quarters.
Apple Baseball- 1 ticket - smack an apple as hard and far as you can!
Pumpkins - You may use your tickets to purchase pumpkins in our pumpkin patch. Tickets worth $1. Pumpkins are priced as marked on the bottoms.
NON TICKET ACTIVITIES
Gnome House Hunt & Hiking Trails - Grab a map from the market & go on an adventure! hike is a little over a mile. Tell the secret code in the market for a prize! FREE
Playground - Relax with a drink & enjoy yourself while the kiddos play! Enjoy lawn games like cornhole & volleyball too. It’s a great place to wait for your lunch to be done.
Feed the Goats & Pigs - Purchase alfalfa from quarter machines to feed the critters.
Feed the Fish - Visit the Trout Pond to feed the fish. Bring quarters. see map on back.
Market - Be sure to drop by our market to discover snacks, Treats, drinks, merchandise, canned goods, bottles of wine, beer and hard cider, donuts and cider...
Lunch - We have two places to get food. Check out our menus & locations on the back page.
Wine, Beer & Hard Cider - Enjoy glasses, or wine by the bottle or grab a growler to bring home. Check out our map on where to purchase.
Cider & Donuts - Cider & Donuts are available in the market, cafe and in the Mill Booth.
More information: pondhill.com
More information about fall events in our state: michigan.org
12/19/24 - WCSG's Travelin' Together - Battle Creek International Festival of Lights
12/12/24 - Winter Days at the Air Zoo
12/05/24 - WCSG's Travelin' Together - Christmas at Everett's Gardens
8/8/24 - Travelin' Together Series: Pasty Fest - Calumet, MI
