Thumbcoast Articles

Six Reasons to Visit Michigan’s Thumbcoast in the fall

As the summer warmth gradually gives way to a crisp and refreshing breeze, the landscape transforms into a mesmerizing tapestry of vibrant colors. The picturesque towns that dot the coastline take on a cozy charm as they embrace the season. Whether you’re strolling along the sandy shores, indulging in local harvest festivals, or embarking on a scenic drive, the Thumbcoast in the fall promises an unforgettable getaway that captures the heart and soul of the season. Here are my top six reasons to visit; grab your pumpkin-spiced drink and head this way.

#1 The Fall Colors

Follow the red, orange, and yellow trail along the scenic M29 – M25 route. There are countless charming shoreline communities worthy of a stop along the way. Use the digital map link below to help you plan and navigate the ultimate fall colors road trip!

#2 Farms & Orchards

#3 Halloween & Fall-Inspired 2024 Events

Sept. 14 | Harvest Festival – Chili Cook-off, Harbor Beach

Sept. 14-15 | Annual Season Opener at McCallum’s Orchard, Jeddo

Sept. 17 | Blue Water River Walk 10 Year Celebration Port Huron

Sept. 20 | Nite Hike, Port Huron

Sept. 21 | Pumpkin Fest, Caseville

Sept. 21 | Yoga in the Orchard, Casco

Sept. 21-22 | Harvest Festival, Port Austin

Sept. 22 | Hocus Pocus Pickins’ Heritage Vintage Market, Goodells

Sept. 27-28 | Bark Shanty Day Flannel Festival, Port Sanilac

Sept. 28 Oktoberfest, Port Huron

Sept. 28 | Scarecrow Saturday, Fort Gratiot

Sept. 28 | Lakeside Cemetery History Tour, Port Huron

Oct. 3-6 | Paranormal Cirque – Fort Gratiot

Oct. 4 | Hopstoberfest, Port Huron

Oct. 4-6 | Young Frankenstein Live Theatre, Marine City

Oct. 5 | St. Clair Halloween Event, St. Clair

Oct. 5-6 | Pumpkin Fest, Goodells

Oct. 4-20 | Legends of the Hallow Live Theatre, Port Huron

Oct. 11 | Fall Art Hop, Port Huron

Oct. 11 | Adult Halloween Party, Port Sanilac

Oct. 11-13 | Young Frankenstein Live Theatre, Marine City

Oct. 12 Sturgeon Festival & Fall Fishing Tournament, Clay Twp.

Oct. 12 | Oh, So Blue! Halloween Party, Fort Gratiot

Oct. 12 | Sanilac Museum 2024 Haunted Village, Port Sanilac

Oct. 12-13 | Pumpkin Fest, Goodells

Oct. 17 | St. Clair Halloween Trunk or Treat, St. Clair

Oct. 18-20 | Young Frankenstein Live Theatre, Marine City

Oct. 19 | Trucks & Treats: Downtown Trick or Treating, Port Huron

Oct. 19 | Detroit Rock City Paranormal Investigation, Port Huron

Oct. 19 | St. Clair Halloween Trick or Treat Trail, St. Clair

Oct. 19 | Halloween in the ‘Nac Kids Event, Craft & Vendor Show

Oct. 19 | Sanilac Museum 2024 Haunted Village, Port Sanilac

Oct. 19 | Haunted Corn Maze, Harbor Beach

Oct. 19 | Nightmare on Lake Street, Port Austin

Oct. 19-20 | Pumpkin Fest, Goodells

Oct. 23 | Halloween Party for Tots, St. Clair

Oct. 24 | Villains Cabaret, Marine City

Oct. 25 | Detroit Rock City Paranormal Investigation, Port Huron

Oct. 25 | Escape From Oz Adult Halloween Event, Port Huron

Oct. 25-26 | Rocky Horror Show Live, Port Huron

Oct. 26 | Halloween Stroll at Sanborn Park, Port Huron

Oct. 26 | The Sideshow Adult Halloween Party, St. Clair

Oct. 25-27 | Young Frankenstein Live Theatre, Marine City

Oct. 26 | Paranormal Investigations, Port Sanilac

Oct. 26 | Haunted Corn Maze, Harbor Beach

Oct. 26 | Witch Walk, Caseville

Oct. 26 | Nightmare on Lake Street, Port Austin

Oct. 27 | Murder & Mayhem Trolley Tour, Port Huron

Oct. 27 | More Murder, More Mayhem Trolley Tour, Port Huron

Oct. 27 | Even More Murder, Even More Mayhem Trolley Tour, Port Huron

Oct. 30 | Murder & Mayhem Trolley Tour, Port Huron

Oct. 30 | Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses Lecture, Port Sanilac

Oct. 31 | Villains Cabaret, Marine City

Oct. 31 | Truck or Treat, Algonac

Oct. 31 | Halloween Costume Parade, Port Austin

Nov. 1-3 | Young Frankenstein Live Theatre, Marine City

Nov. 14 | Just Doe It, Have a Bucking Good Time Event, Marine City

Nov. 15-16 | Young Frankenstein Live Theatre, Marine City

#4 The Bird Migration

The eastside of Michigan is between two bird migration flyways, the Mississippi and Atlantic. Waterfowl, water birds, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors will pass through Michigan on their way south to their wintering grounds, according to the Michigan DNR. A great source to check the migration forecast and hot zones is at Bird Cast. Locally, there are a few hot spots where I’ll often see professional birders. Lighthouse Beach and the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron are the two best locations to check out.

#5 The Real Haunts

If you dare, take a chilling tour of the 10 scariest places in the Thumbcoast on our HAUNTED TOUR. Be sure to bring a friend with you so you don’t get too scared, some will claim these are the locations of real haunts! Use #DiscoverTheBlue and share all your ghostly adventures with us!

• Sat., Oct. 19 – Detroit Rock City Paranormal Investigation at the Fort Gratiot Light
• Fri., Oct. 25 – Detroit Rock City Paranormal Investigation at the Carnegie Museum
• Sat., Oct. 26 – Paranormal Investigations at Sanilac County Museums
• Wed., Oct. 30 – Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses Lecture in Port Sanilac

#6 Fishing

Fishing in the fall is excellent, just ask any of the local charters. Although there are many fish varieties to be caught, walleye is the preferred fall catch for many anglers. Mark Romanack of Woods-N-Water News says “Anglers who target walleye in the fall are winners either way, and the fishing just gets better as the leaves drop and the temperatures get colder.” Some of the noted great spots are where Lake Huron meets the St. Clair River and in the St. Clair River. View the full article for more details. Get the local fishing report by calling (810) 984-FISH.

Oh My Gourd!

Discover 600 + videos of Michigan’s Thumbcoast in every season on our TikTok page! Seasonal tip, check out War Water Brewery in St. Clair and try their seasonal Oktoberfest Beer on tap or in a can.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube

_{^{Article by Katie Stepp, Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau}}