Alber Orchard & Cider Mill

Grows 100 varieties of apples, some heirloom; see apples being pressed for cider. Pumpkin patch for you-pick pumpkins, doughnuts, pretzels, honey, syrup, and jams for sale seasonally. Horse-drawn hayrides and a 7-acre corn maze. School tours. Labor Day-Thanksgiving, daily except Mon.; call or check website for hours. info@alberorchard.com, www.alberorchard.com

Fusilier Family Farm & Greenhouse

Petting farm and tours. Hayrides, 12-acre corn maze, and pumpkins in Oct. Fresh produce, annuals, perennials, and custom-made plant pots. Open Apr.-Oct. info@fusilierfarms.com, www.fusilierfarms.com

Hidden Lake Gardens

Hidden Lake Gardens, off M-50 near Tipton, west of Tecumseh. Scenic 775 acres of woodlands, lake and pond, and open fields accessible via hiking trails and paved roads. Tropical conservatory displaying a wide variety of plants; dwarf conifer collection, hillside of hostas, perennial garden. Visitor center includes educational displays, classrooms, auditorium, and gift shop. Guided and self-guided tours; classes and events for all ages. Managed by Michigan State University; open Apr.-Oct. daily 8 a.m.-dusk, Nov.-Mar. daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $3 (free on first Mon. of the month; children under 2 free daily). www.hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

Irish Hills

This area southwest of Manchester is renowned for its lakes, fishing, antique shops, and history, and miniature golf. One place to play is Stagecoach Stop USA (517-467-2300, www.stagecoachstop.com), an 1800s village and Wild West family fun park on US-12 near scenic 654-acre Walter J. Hayes State Park. Nearby, Mystery Hill (517-467-2517, www.mystery-hill.com) offers 20-minute tours through exhibits that seem to defy the laws of nature, plus minigolf and remote-control race cars. May & Sept.: open weekends; June-Aug.: Tues.-Sun.; Oct.: Fri. & Sat. Halloween events. Walker Tavern Farmers' Market, at the Walker Tavern historic complex at US-12 and M-50, has locally grown produce, baked goods, and crafts Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. from late May-Sept.

Michigan International Speedway

Along US-12 near M-50 in the Irish Hills is the state’s largest sporting facility. On over 1,400 acres, this 132,000-seat racing mecca normally hosts NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekends in June and Aug. plus the MHSAA Cross Country State Championships in Nov. www.mispeedway.com

SASHA Farm (Sanctuary and Safe Haven for Animals)

Tour the farm and meet animals at this non-profit sanctuary, weekends by appointment. Suggested donation for adults $10, children under 18 free. Also hosts monthly volunteer work days and vegan potlucks. info@sashafarm.org, www.sashafarm.org

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