Fall Trees

Discover Hillsdale in the Fall

Written by Klara Holscher

It’s hard to stay inside as leaves whirl before the warm October wind. It’s like the blue skies are raining gold. The beautiful weather this autumn has made it the perfect opportunity to explore Hillsdale and the surrounding countryside. Brilliant foliage, community gatherings, and outdoor adventures—what’s not to love about this town in the fall?

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  1. Walk to Oak Grove Cemetery and enjoy the scenic rolling hills covered in beautiful, old trees.
  2. Lake Baw Beese, only a five-minute drive from campus, is surrounded by playgrounds, boat launches, and winding paths. This is the perfect place to go with friends for a picnic while the days are still warm, or to take a pair of binoculars to watch for birds; the nearby marshlands and woods provide them a perfect habitat.
  3. If you’re looking for adventure, keep following the Baw Beese Trail, but don’t expect to find where it ends in an afternoon. This trail turns into the North Country Scenic Trail, which spans the nation from New York to North Dakota. Pack a lunch (or several), and wander for a while.
  4. If you want to go still further afield, stop at a local horse farm and saddle up!
  5. Once you are ready to return to civilization, make sure to check out “The Most Popular Fair on Earth.” Boasting tractor pulls, country music, and local flavors, this weeklong event draws people from all parts of the community. The Hillsdale County Fair typically takes place the last week in September.
  6. A weekly event that also draws neighbors together is the Hillsdale farmers market. It’s open on Saturday mornings through October.
  7. Last but not least, don’t miss Awesome Autumn. This new, family-friendly event in downtown Hillsdale is like a cross between trick-or-treating and a potluck dinner. Stop in at participating businesses for free food, and make sure to grab a complimentary pumpkin.

Hillsdale is full of small-town charm and wide-open spaces. Don’t wait and miss the beauty. Grab a friend and find your adventure!


Klara HolscherKlara Holscher, ‘17, is an English Major from Hobart, New York. She possesses a quirky sense of humor, an orange car, and a terrible sense of direction. It remains to be seen whether or not these elements will lead to a career in writing, but regardless, they should afford some amusement along the way.