Fall Colors On The Farm
Peak color weekend in Northern Michigan, and the hay wagon runs the tree line all afternoon. Otsego County turns over in the second week of October most years, and the farm sits right in the middle of it.
Buy TicketsThe Best Weekend To Come
Ride The Tree Line
The tractor-pulled hay wagon runs the loop around the farm and out along the tree line, which is where the color is. It is the easiest way to see the whole property without walking it, and it runs all afternoon.
The farm sits in the woods twenty minutes west of downtown Gaylord, surrounded by hardwood. Second weekend of October is usually when Northern Michigan turns over, so this is the Saturday to bring a camera.
Everything else is running too. The reindeer, the Tibetan yaks, the Texas Longhorns, the micro donkeys, the pedal kart track and the playgrounds, all included with the same admission.
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Included With Every Admission
The Entire Farm Is Open
Your admission covers everything the farm has to offer. Gates open at 10am and close at 5pm.
Animal Encounters
Feed and pet friendly farm animals.
Farm Rides
Hay rides and the barrel train.
Pedal Kart Track
Race the paved loop on pedal powered karts.
Play Areas
Playgrounds and the tractor tire park.
Gift Shop
Apparel, hats, gifts and local goods.
Restaurant & Bar
The Farm Haus, the Waffle Barn and the Cider Haus.
Timing Your Visit
When Fall Color Peaks In Northern Michigan
Color moves north to south across Michigan, and Otsego County sits far enough north to turn over earlier than most of the state. Here is roughly how the season runs.
The First Turn
The maples start going at the edges and the understory colors up first. Worth coming for, but the woods are still mostly green.
Peak Color
Usually the best week of the year up here, which is why Fall Colors On The Farm lands on October 10. The tree line along the wagon route is at its best.
Past Peak
The color drops fast after the middle of the month. By Halloween the woods are mostly bare, which is its own kind of pretty on the wagon ride.
Before You Come
Plan Your Visit
Hours And Admission
| Fall Colors On The Farm | Sat, Oct 10 |
| Open | 10am to 5pm |
| Fall season | Aug 29 to Oct 31 |
| Adults 14 to 59 | $15 |
| Children 3 to 13 | $10 |
| Seniors 60 and up | $10 |
| Children 2 and under | Free |
One admission covers the whole farm. There is no separate event ticket. Food and gift shop purchases are the only extras.
Getting To The Farm
6500 Nicklaus Drive
Gaylord, MI 49735
About twenty minutes west of downtown Gaylord in Otsego County, and an easy drive from Petoskey, Traverse City, Boyne City, Grayling and Alpena. Parking is on site and free. Driving directions from twelve nearby towns.
If your GPS still calls this the Wilderness Valley Golf Course, you are in the right place. The course closed years ago and the property is the farm now.
Most of the farm is outdoors and the ground is uneven in places, so wear closed shoes and dress for the weather.
Questions
Fall Color Questions
When is peak fall color near Gaylord, Michigan?
Usually the second week of October. Otsego County sits far enough north that it turns over earlier than most of Michigan, and Fall Colors On The Farm on October 10 is built around that window. Color drops off quickly after the middle of the month.
What happens on Fall Colors On The Farm?
The tractor-pulled hay wagon runs the loop out along the tree line all afternoon, which is the best view of the color on the property. Everything else on the farm is open at the same time: the reindeer, the Tibetan yaks, the Texas Longhorns, the micro donkeys, the pedal kart track and the playgrounds.
Does the hay wagon cost extra?
No. Hay wagon rides are included with general admission, along with every animal, ride and play area on the farm.
How much is admission?
Adults 14 to 59 are $15. Children 3 to 13 and seniors 60 and up are $10. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets are available online or at the gate.
Is the farm a good spot for fall photos?
It sits in the woods twenty minutes west of Gaylord with hardwood on three sides, so the tree line, the pastures and the red barn all photograph well in October. Bring a camera and take the wagon out past the pastures.
What else is happening in October?
Every October Saturday has something of its own. Flannel & Bonfires on October 17, Pumpkin Fest on October 24, and Halloween On The Farm on October 31. See all thirteen 2026 event dates.
More Of The Season
Other October Saturdays
Every Saturday in October has something of its own, and the whole farm is open for all of them. All included with the same admission, with no separate event ticket. See all thirteen 2026 event dates.
Flannel & Bonfires
Gather around the bonfire for s’mores, and wear your favorite flannel to receive a coin for a future farm visit.
Pumpkin Fest
Thousands of pumpkins, and every guest takes one home free. Pumpkin crafts and festive fall fun for the whole family.
Halloween On The Farm
Costumes, games and candy on the final Saturday of the fall season, and the last chance to visit before the farm closes for fall.
Saturday, October 10
Come See The Color
Peak color weekend, the hay wagon running the tree line, and the whole farm open from gate to gate. Buy your tickets ahead so you can head straight through.
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