Pure Michigan Invites Travelers to Immerse in Harvest Season with All Senses

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Oct 14, 2025, 13:03 ET

Community traditions and seasonal flavors on display while local collaborations highlight Michigan's agricultural roots and artisan culture

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Michigan's landscape transforms into its iconic tapestry of reds, golds, and oranges, award-winning travel destination Pure Michigan is inviting travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the splendor of the changing seasons. Coinciding with the celebration of Michigan Agritourism Month and Michigan Apple Month, October is an ideal time to savor the state's agricultural bounty, take in the breathtaking colors of 19 million acres of forest, and participate in timeless traditions available during the spectacular harvest season.

The Pure Michigan Maple Glazed Apple Pie in collaboration with Grand Traverse Pie Company honors Michigan’s fall bounty of apples.

The Short's Brewing Pure Michigan Fall IPA, brewed with all Michigan-grown ingredients, shown here in front of the Mackinac Bridge.

Created in partnership with The Aroma Labs, the HARVEST fragrance will transport you to a crisp Pure Michigan fall day.

Slices of Pumpkin Spice Delight, a cozy fall exclusive from the Ryba’s Fudge Shop Pure Michigan Mackinac Island Fudge Collection, showcased here at Ryba’s flagship store.

"Fall in Michigan is a favorite time for visitors and Michiganders alike, and it's easy to understand why our state is recognized as one of America's top fall travel destinations," said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "But the beauty of autumn in Michigan extends beyond the brilliant foliage as the season ushers in a sense of gratitude, providing an opportunity to connect with one another and the natural world around us."

Michigan's fall is best experienced through a full sensory immersion across its two peninsulas. Sight is satisfied with the transformation from lush greens to vibrant fall colors. The sounds of the season offer crunchy leaves underfoot and lively cheers at college football games. Taste comes alive with trips to "U-Pick" farms and orchards or the rich flavors of harvest-themed menus. Touch is best experienced through the chill of fresh air against your skin or a cozy bonfire gathering. And you can breathe in the scents of a crisp Pure Michigan fall day at a local orchard, on an autumn stroll, or in the pages of Midwest Living and Travel + Leisure magazines featuring a custom Pure Michigan scratch-and-sniff fragrance card.

To enhance the fall travel experience, Pure Michigan is teaming up with Michigan-made brands that showcase local flavors and the state's artisan spirit with seasonal offerings, including:

Grand Traverse Pie Company: Back by popular demand, the Pure Michigan Maple Glazed Apple Pie honors Michigan's fall bounty of apples. Handcrafted with Michigan-grown apples, this pie features hints of cinnamon and maple wrapped in a flakey crust and topped with a sweet maple glaze. The pie is available now through December. More information available here.
Ryba's Mackinac Island Fudge: A cozy fall exclusive from Ryba's Fudge Shops' Pure Michigan Mackinac Island Fudge Collection, Pumpkin Spice Delight Fudge is made with real pumpkin puree and a seasonal blend of spices, all topped with a drizzle of silky white chocolate caramel. The sweet treat is available for purchase at Ryba's stores and online.
Short's Brewing Company: Another returning seasonal favorite, Short's Brewing's Pure Michigan Fall IPA, is brewed with all Michigan-grown ingredients, offering a quintessential taste of the season. Find where this IPA is pouring near you here.
The Aroma Labs: Following the excitement of summer's FRESH fragrance, Michigan-based perfumery The Aroma Labs bottles up the scents of a crisp Pure Michigan fall day set against the season's radiant colors with HARVEST. The new fragrance will be available in stores and online at thearomalabs.com November 1, 2025.

"The harvest season offers a wealth of flavors and delights for the senses," added Wolgamott. "We're proud to highlight Michigan's farmers, culinary artisans, and agricultural traditions through collaborations with iconic Michigan brands that inspire visitors and Michiganders alike to explore our two peninsulas during the fall season."

For fall trip ideas, check out the 2025 Pure Michigan Fall/Winter Travel Guide conveniently available in a digital, universally accessible format at michigan.org. Pure Michigan's interactive Fall Color Map and weekly fall colors newsletter are great resources for tracking real-time colors across the state. For more trip inspiration, follow @puremichigan across social channels and visit michigan.org.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Follow along or join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.