Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit throughout October 2025
- Dan Cooke
- Sep 30
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 30
October means that FALL IS BACK IN DETROIT, along with your favorite autumnal traditions, seasonal treats, and the BEST opportunity to experience your favorite parks, trails, and waterways. With all of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem waiting for your arrival, here's our short list of the Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit during the best month of the year!
We’ve said it once, twice, and possibly a million times: nothing beats October in the Detroit region.
Crisp mornings, warm days, postcard-worthy foliage, less crowded trails and campgrounds, open season for hunting, premiere racing…one does not simply top the prime recreational opportunities that October entails.
With an adventure-packed month like October, the sheer scope of the wealth of outdoor experiences may come off as overwhelming at first. Trust us, you're not alone in the sentiment - every October morning starts with a catharsis of which recreational aspirations to pursue that day.
Start the morning in the tree stand for the morning hunt or with a trail run?
Paddle out into the Huron River for reflective fall colors or pump up the tires for a mountain bike ride?
Head out for a stroll along Detroit's most scenic urban trails or book a guided hike for a backcountry adventure?
Don't worry though - when it comes to October in Metro Detroit, as long as you're outside on bluebird sky and color-filled day, then you're doing it right. That being said...if you're searching for a shortlist of the best outdoor events to provide some structure to this month of months, then you've clicked on the right article.
Here are Expedition Detroit's "Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit" occurring throughout this action-packed October!
1. Attend a Michigan DNR Fall Festival
Throughout October | Several Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas
Looking for a festive autumnal getaway? Well, there’s a good chance that if you camp at one of Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas during the month of October, you will find yourself conveniently camping in the midst of a DNR-sponsored Fall Harvest Festival!
The tradition that started at Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area over 30 years ago has spread throughout the Detroit region, with most festival events only open to weekend campers. The festivities include hay rides, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests, haunted trails, nature programs, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Brace yourself...here's a list of the official Michigan Fall Festivals occurring this October:
Proud Lake Recreation Area | October 3rd - 5th | Featured Activities include a haunted walking trail, hayrides, bonfires, crafts, scavenger hunts, archery, a petting zoo, site decorating contest, trick-or-treating, a Monster Mash (dance), and popcorn bar.
Seven Lakes State Park | October 3rd - 6th | Featured Activities include decorating your site, partaking in Halloween themed games, and more to be provided prior to the Harvest Fest dates.
Outdoor Adventure Center | October 4th | Featured Activities include an investigation of the skeletal parts of some of our favorite "Halloween" wildlife, harvest-themed games, and archery on paper zombie targets.
Holly Recreation Area | October 10th - 11th & 17th - 18th | Featured Activities include a site decorating competition, costume contest, trick-or-treating, a cornhole tournament, plant-a-seed pumpkin patch, pumpkin bowling, a scavenger hunt, a haunted trail, photos with Smoky and more.
Waterloo Recreation Area | October 10th - 12th | Featured Activities include site decorating, trick-or-treating, a costume parade and more.
DISCOVER WATERLOO RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
2. Get in the Woods for Archery Season
Throughout October | Statewide in Michigan
Fall technically started on September 23rd, but the overwhelming consensus among Michigan outdoorsmen is that the season kicks off the moment that you get into your stand for whitetail deer season TOMORROW, October 1st!
Months of gear preparation, scouting, land maintenance, target practice, and stand assembly have led to this moment. The temperature may be slightly warmer than preferred, but there’s no better place to sit back, watch the changing leaves wave in the wind, and wait for that buck of a lifetime to wander your way.
This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy. More specifically, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe during October's opening weeks to alleviate overpopulation woes. While that may seem counterintuitive to the longstanding - i.e., way outdated - approach to "bucks only" hunting, the DNR's action call also notes that taking an early-season doe will most likely entail increased rut activity, decreased young buck harvests, and improvement of overall herd ratios. Most importantly, increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland.
GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
3. Cycle your Community at Le Tour de Livingston
October 5th | Mt. Brighton Ski Resort | 7:30 a.m.
Did you know that the Detroit region is one of the TOP DESTINATIONS for gravel biking in the U.S.? Beyond our ever-growing trail network, the long, winding, and gorgeously scenic roads along Metro Detroit outer rim provide optimal conditions for long rides in the saddle - especially during peak fall colors.
This October, Go Liv Go (the Horal Family Foundation) invites you to join the 17th annual Tour De Livingston community ride! Starting out from Mt. Brighton Ski Resort, this fantastic cycling event is designed to showcase both the accomplishments and non-motorized infrastructure needs of Livingston County. The event has curated several routes for the event, including 40 and 60 mile paved routes, 40 and 60 mile gravel routes, a "chill city" loop, and a special mountain biking loop to Brighton Recreation Area and back. In other words, bikers of every genre can join in on this community-wide event.
Grab your bike, enjoy a beautiful Sunday outdoors, and be a part of making non-motorized infrastructure, amenities, and recreation a priority in Livingston County by your participation in TdL!
CONQUER BRIGHTON'S FAMOUS PENOSHA TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
4. Discover the Departed at Cemetery Tales
October 11th | Willow Metropark | 7 p.m.
With the month of October dissipating like a ghost, why not take “Spooky Season” to another level by hiking in a cemetery? The fearless folks at Willow Metropark have you covered - join their annual “Cemetery Tales: Stories from the Passed” hike through Huron Township Cemetery, which is located within the metropark. Your guided trek will also include history and folklore insights regarding the dear departed that you will be hiking amongst.
The web advertisement for this event states, in all caps, “THIS IS NOT A HAUNTED ATTRACTION,” but come on… if that doesn’t make you superstitious, it must make you at least a littlestitious…
5. Hike under Peak Fall Colors with Expedition Detroit!
Throughout October | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas
Peak fall colors are JUST AROUND THE CORNER, and there's no better way to experience them than on the trails of the Michigan State Parks! Not sure where to explore? No problem - we've curated dozens of guided trips intended to showcase the best of the best of the Detroit region's outdoors.
EXPERIENCE PEAK FALL COLORS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
The Expedition Detroit team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hikes, night hiking safaris, and other guided outdoor trips across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience.
We will be gradually adding new guided trips over the coming weeks, as well as special trips like our "Trails & Ales" featured hike and snowshoe treks. So, stay tuned friends. We can't wait to host you on one of our guided trips this October!
EXPLORE PROUD LAKE WITH EXTRA PERKS THIS OCTOBER!
6. Run in the Detroit Free Press Marathon - the Best Marathon in America
October 19th | Detroit, MI | 7 a.m.
We are certainly not alone in declaring that the Detroit Free Press Marathon is the crown jewel of the Detroit region’s fall outdoor season. The internationally-celebrated course - named this year as the "Best Marathon in the United States"by USA Today - guides runners not only along the crowd-favorite Windsor Riverfront, but also through several featured neighborhoods and destinations. The recently-updated course includes routes within the District Detroit, Midtown, New Center, Eastern Market, and the world-famous Dequindre Cut Greenway!
On a personal note, my all-time favorite racing moment is watching the sunrise while running across the Ambassador Bridge. I don’t know how the race planners perfectly time that year after year, but it’s the icing on the cake for an already bucket list-worthy outdoor event. We hope that you'll join us at the starting line this year!
7. Experience the Enchantment of Glenlore Trails
Throughout October | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan | 7 p.m.
Have you experienced the Detroit region's newest Halloween outdoor tradition..? For the fifth year in a row, Glenlore Trails will once again be delighting guests with their immersive and illuminated Enchanted Forest!
From Thursday to Sunday evenings, guests will be captivated and enchanted as they venture into a spellbound forest where "the line between mortals and magic recedes." This magical Halloween experience was transformed by wistful wraiths, frolicking fairies, and the weird wayward witch of the woods. Guests of all ages are immersed in this one-mile outdoor hike complete with sensory installations designed to amaze and entertain. During the walk, which begins at dusk, guests are encouraged take part in a variety of interactive games and installations that can be found throughout the trail.
But wait, there's more! Glenlore Trails are also sponsoring a special 21+ night event on October 10th featuring live music. So if you're hunting for a unique date night this month, the ghouls and gobblins lurking around Glenlore have you covered.
8. Earn Ultimate Bragging Rights at the Bunyan Battle 5K
October 25th | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 11 a.m.
Every year, Michigan's "Cold War" flares up into a full-blown "Civil War." One that since 1898 has turned brother against brother, sister against sister, and tears our state into die-hard green and blue factions.
Then, of course, we settle down again.
But for one week out of every October, it's WAR in the Mitten State!
This year, embrace the Michigan State vs. Michigan competitive spirit by running in the inaugural "Bunyan Battle 5K" at Island Lake! The race requires you to align with one university over the other right at registration, which in turn will ensure that your racing efforts are rewarded with a Spartan or Wolverine finisher's medal. Whether you bleed maize and blue or green and white, this race is your chance to show your colors and show off for your team before the big game!
The scenic course at Island Lake State Recreation Area on the Island Lake Trail showcases fall colors at their peak on a completely paved 5K course. It's the perfect setting for runners, walkers, and football fans alike. This race is for all fitness levels, and don't forget to wear your favorite fan gear to race in!
One more thing... Go Green!
DISCOVER ISLAND LAKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT THIS FALL!
9. Attend the Detroit Harvest Fest AND Grand Opening of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park
October 25th - 26th | Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, Detroit, MI | 11:00 a.m.
The City of Detroit is no stranger to massive, ground-breaking events. We made that abundantly clear to the rest of the world during the record-setting 2024 NFL Draft.
Well, guess what, Detroit: we're running up the score when it comes to the Riverwalk. This October, the long-awaited Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park is FINALLY opening to the public! The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy invites you to experience the historic opening of the park during a two-day FREE "Grand Opening" celebration. The festivities will include live entertainment, fall activities, food trucks, and endless fun for all ages throughout the brand-new park.
Visit the Detroit Harvest Fest website for continuing updates on the grand opening celebration.
10. Run a Halloween-Themed Race
Throughout October | Various Locations
We’re admittedly suckers for hometown 5Ks and 10Ks, and themed races that are enjoyable for runners and spectators alike absolutely top our lists. Running in one of the MANY “Halloween races” occurring across Metro Detroit will undoubtedly get you in the holiday spirit, especially if you forgo your typical race attire for the most sweat-resistant costume in your basement.
Here's a shortlist of our recommended Halloween races:
Run Scream Run | October 11th | Wiard's Orchard, Ypsilanti, MI
Spooky Sprint | October 11th | Kensington Metropark, Milford, MI
13 Ghosts Half Marathon | October 12th | Kensington Metropark, Rochester, MI
Michigan Monster Dash | October 25th | Kensington Metropark, Milford, MI
Halloween Hustle | October 26th | Lake St Clair Metropark, Harrison Township, MI
Wicked Halloween Run | October 26th | Maybury State Park, Northville, MI
Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.comto discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.
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