October 27, 2025 • 4 mins
Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, joins us to discuss the fun you can have in Michigan this Fall.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Well, look at those pretty leaves. They can turn into
the color green in the tourism industry all over again.
This is West Michigan's Morning News Steve Kelly bred Pikita.
That is Lauren Smith. Kelly Wolgemont is the vice president
of Pure Michigan and on the liveline with us this morning.
Thanks so much for doing this today.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Good morning, and thank you for having me here today.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Let's talk a little bit about October before we get
to you know, just driving around and taking in this stuff.
It's Michigan's Agritourism Month and Michigan Apple Month and so
much more. This is a vibrant time of year that
we should be taking advantage.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Of absolutely and you know, Michigan's the second most agriculturally
diverse state behind California. We grow more things here with
our fertile soil and the protection of the lakes. That
it's an incredible time to get out there and enjoy
the fresh the harvest, the fresh produce that we have
out there, from the wineries to the cider. Well, there's
(01:00):
nothing like a fresh Michigan apple right out of the orchard.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
Right around the corner from our house. You can get
the fresh donuts and the side or in the Come on, now,
why are we talking about this? And we can't go anywhere?
Speaker 3 (01:17):
Speaking of that, Kelly, there are some really great travel
ideas with the fall. I mean, besides being second in agriculture,
we're first in beauty, aren't we. Where are we headed?
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Absolutely, and I'll say any day that a pure Michigan
fall beats New England any day. Our fall colors are
absolutely amazing. And you know, it's a great time not
only to go out for a scenic drive throughout the state.
On the west side there's the West Michigan Pike or
on the east side the US twenty three Heritage Route,
(01:50):
but it's also an amazing time just to get outdoors,
get out in the on the trail and enjoy the
beauty of the season. It truly is incredible.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
And Kelly State Parks, right, don't forget about that because
you've got a listing there. Absolutely, I mean, Heartwack Pines.
I know that very well, being up in Hoton Lake
with a cottage and grayling, but there's one in Holly
you should check out. And then don't forget about one
of our favorites here, Silver Lake sand Dunes.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Absolutely, You're absolutely right. The state parks are incredible and
provide just a great opportunity to get outdoors, connect with yourself,
connect with your family and friends, and enjoy the beauty
that we have. You know, we have over one hundred
and three state parks across the state, with thirteen thousand
miles of state designated trails. There's an opportunity to get
(02:37):
out there and explore the beauty of pure Michigan. And
you know, I always tell people as well, get out there.
Those favorite summer destinations are incredible in the fall to
Kwamanan Falls, when we talk about state parks, is incredibly
beautiful this time of year.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
And slightly fewer people. I mean, there's a lot to
be said for not standing in line as much.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Right, absolutely, you you know can get the space. And
that's the one thing with Michigan, with our thirteen thousand
miles of trails, you do have that opportunity no matter
the season, to get out and explore and not be
on top of people and to enjoy the incredible beauty.
You know, our ski resorts are gearing up for our
next season, but they are also helping us to enjoy
(03:26):
the fall color, the Skybridge at Boyne Mountain is just
incredible musty for fall color enthusiast and a lot of
the ski resorts as well, Crystal Mountain and Shanny and
Boyne as well also have their chair lifts operational right
now for you to get some really great views of
the fall foilage and take.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
The Christmas card picture as a back.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Yeah, Kelly, I put you on the spot for just
a second here. Have you had a favorite fall trip
in Pure Michigan.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Oh my gosh, that is really hard. That is really hard,
But you know, I do love the Upper Peninsula. The
Upper Peninsula continually gets rated nationally as having the best
fall color and it is incredibly beautiful pictured Rocks National
Lake Shore. You know I just mentioned to Komnan Falls, Marquette,
(04:15):
the Key and a Peninsula. Wow, incredible, incredible place to
see the fall color.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
There is a foliage map, a fall color map that
you can follow at Michigan dot org where you should
begin your journey to take such a trip. Vice President
of Pure Michigan, Kelly Wolgeman, thank you so much for
your time this morning.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Thank you so much. Go out and enjoy that fall color.
Well, look at those pretty leaves. They can turn into
the color green in the tourism industry all over again.
This is West Michigan's Morning News Steve Kelly bred Pikita.
That is Lauren Smith. Kelly Wolgemont is the vice president
of Pure Michigan and on the liveline with us this morning.
Thanks so much for doing this today.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Good morning, and thank you for having me here today.
Speaker 1 (00:23):
Let's talk a little bit about October before we get
to you know, just driving around and taking in this stuff.
It's Michigan's Agritourism Month and Michigan Apple Month and so
much more. This is a vibrant time of year that
we should be taking advantage.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Of absolutely and you know, Michigan's the second most agriculturally
diverse state behind California. We grow more things here with
our fertile soil and the protection of the lakes. That
it's an incredible time to get out there and enjoy
the fresh the harvest, the fresh produce that we have
out there, from the wineries to the cider. Well, there's
(01:00):
nothing like a fresh Michigan apple right out of the orchard.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
Right around the corner from our house. You can get
the fresh donuts and the side or in the Come on, now,
why are we talking about this? And we can't go anywhere?
Speaker 3 (01:17):
Speaking of that, Kelly, there are some really great travel
ideas with the fall. I mean, besides being second in agriculture,
we're first in beauty, aren't we. Where are we headed?
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Absolutely, and I'll say any day that a pure Michigan
fall beats New England any day. Our fall colors are
absolutely amazing. And you know, it's a great time not
only to go out for a scenic drive throughout the state.
On the west side there's the West Michigan Pike or
on the east side the US twenty three Heritage Route,
(01:50):
but it's also an amazing time just to get outdoors,
get out in the on the trail and enjoy the
beauty of the season. It truly is incredible.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
And Kelly State Parks, right, don't forget about that because
you've got a listing there. Absolutely, I mean, Heartwack Pines.
I know that very well, being up in Hoton Lake
with a cottage and grayling, but there's one in Holly
you should check out. And then don't forget about one
of our favorites here, Silver Lake sand Dunes.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Absolutely, You're absolutely right. The state parks are incredible and
provide just a great opportunity to get outdoors, connect with yourself,
connect with your family and friends, and enjoy the beauty
that we have. You know, we have over one hundred
and three state parks across the state, with thirteen thousand
miles of state designated trails. There's an opportunity to get
(02:37):
out there and explore the beauty of pure Michigan. And
you know, I always tell people as well, get out there.
Those favorite summer destinations are incredible in the fall to
Kwamanan Falls, when we talk about state parks, is incredibly
beautiful this time of year.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
And slightly fewer people. I mean, there's a lot to
be said for not standing in line as much.
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Right, absolutely, you you know can get the space. And
that's the one thing with Michigan, with our thirteen thousand
miles of trails, you do have that opportunity no matter
the season, to get out and explore and not be
on top of people and to enjoy the incredible beauty.
You know, our ski resorts are gearing up for our
next season, but they are also helping us to enjoy
(03:26):
the fall color, the Skybridge at Boyne Mountain is just
incredible musty for fall color enthusiast and a lot of
the ski resorts as well, Crystal Mountain and Shanny and
Boyne as well also have their chair lifts operational right
now for you to get some really great views of
the fall foilage and take.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
The Christmas card picture as a back.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Yeah, Kelly, I put you on the spot for just
a second here. Have you had a favorite fall trip
in Pure Michigan.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Oh my gosh, that is really hard. That is really hard,
But you know, I do love the Upper Peninsula. The
Upper Peninsula continually gets rated nationally as having the best
fall color and it is incredibly beautiful pictured Rocks National
Lake Shore. You know I just mentioned to Komnan Falls, Marquette,
(04:15):
the Key and a Peninsula. Wow, incredible, incredible place to
see the fall color.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
There is a foliage map, a fall color map that
you can follow at Michigan dot org where you should
begin your journey to take such a trip. Vice President
of Pure Michigan, Kelly Wolgeman, thank you so much for
your time this morning.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Thank you so much. Go out and enjoy that fall color.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.