Step into a World of Magic and Wonder with Glenlore Trails

Hikers in Michigan have long loved the winding forested trails the state is known for, many of which offer spectacular views of cascading waterfalls or sweeping vistas of sparkling lakes.

But, no trails are quite like the mystical and magical Glenlore Trails — a wooded, immersive entertainment experience that takes visitors out of the suburbs of Michigan and into the wilds of their imaginations.

Glenlore Trails is an attraction in Commerce Township that was the result of pandemic ingenuity. It was developed as an alternative to traditional live events and as a way to give families, friends, and couples an opportunity to spend time together in an outdoor environment.

To the surprise of many, it quickly became a beloved mainstay in the community and is now a seasonal attraction that brings in visitors from around the Midwest.

Traverse Along the Glenlore Trails in the Fall

Experience Glenlore Trails: The Witching Hour from September 25 – November 2, 2025.

In late September each year, the wooded Glenlore Trails comes to life in a frightfully fun way.

Every year, the trail takes on a brand-new theme, keeping the magic fresh while still offering that cozy tradition families return for again and again.

For 2025, the forest awakens with The Witching Hour, a glowing, interactive walk where enchantment meets just the right touch of spooky. It’s immersive, whimsical, and crafted to surprise and delight guests of every age.

This spellbound mile-long trail lights up the night each weekend, with showings Thursday through Sunday, inviting you to step into a bewitching world beneath the autumn stars.

Glenlore Trails: The Witching Hour

My family had a blast at Glenlore Trails: The Witching Hour! With kids ages 8 and 11, it’s so nice to find an experience that we parents enjoy just as much as the kids.

Glenlore Trails truly is an immersive experience. The creative lights and decorations, the atmospheric music, and the crisp autumn night air, all came together to create just the right amount of spooky fun.

The mile-long trail is divided into themed sections with 27(!) points of interest along the way. It look us about an hour and a half to finish but we took our time and stopped for a snack at the mid-way concessions.

Our favorite spots were the interactive games – pressing buttons to make skeletons dance, mixing ingredients to transform a witch into different creatures, and even tossing balls at a screen to beat the final boss.

One tip: spring for the extra $20 wand. It unlocks even more interactive features and made the whole adventure that much more magical.

– Awesome Mitten writer Leah Tennant

Indulge in a Whimsical Winter Fantasy in the Winter

After the ghastly winds of autumn have calmed, Glenlore Trails settles into the quiet of winter. The trails are transformed from a ghoulish experience to a fantastical wonderland that is perfect for wishers and dreamers.

Aurora is the name of the wintertime experience at Glenlore, and it typically begins shortly after the fall display has been taken down. It is a favorite among guests who want to enjoy the lights during the holiday season, but the display is usually available until late February or early March.

During this wondrous season filled with quiet snowflakes and still breezes, guests at Glenlore Trails can meander through the forested area as they soak up the hues of aqua, pale blue, green, and deep purple.

Glenlore Trails: Aurora Winter Wonderland

For the winter season, the team behind Glenlore Trails dreams up fresh magic. Each winter they add new displays, giving families plenty of reasons to bundle up and come back again and again.

This season, the glowing faces on the trees lean playful instead of spooky – smiling, silly, and ready to greet you along the path. Holiday lights twinkle on the evergreens, illuminated walkways guide your steps, and giant glowing blocks invite you to crack their colorful patterns.

When cabin fever starts to creep in, Glenlore Trails offers a spark of wonder – an outdoor escape that feels unlike any other winter attraction in Southeast Michigan..

Know Before You Go: Visiting Glenlore Trails

These are a few important things to know before you buy your tickets to visit Glenlore Trails:

• Glenlore Trails is open after sunset, so it is recommended for visitors who are comfortable exploring the illuminated trails in the dark.
• It’s a family-friendly attraction, and visitors of all ages are welcome. Generally, families with young children purchase earlier time slots, while adults who are visiting without children tend to arrive later in the evening.
• This outdoor event is held in all weather conditions and is typically only closed during severe weather. You should dress for the elements.
• The trail spans about 1 mile, and most visitors can complete it within an hour.
• The trail is not paved, but it is maintained so that wheelchair users and visitors with strollers can easily navigate the path.
• Pets are not allowed, except for service dogs.
• Concessions are available, and there are port-a-potties located along the trails.
• Photography is allowed and encouraged!

Add a Dining Experience to Your Glenlore Trails Adventure

Whether you want to grab some food before you embark on your journey through the mischievous forest, or you prefer to digest your experience afterward with a sumptuous meal, you will find that these local restaurants near Glenlore Trails are just the right addition to your night of exploration and fun:

CJ’s Brewing Company

All of the locals in Commerce know that CJ’s Brewing Company is where it’s at. This low-key brewery is known for its excellent craft beer selection and chef specialty items.

If you are visiting Glenlore Trails in the fall, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to dine on the patio. During the winter, however, you can cozy up with your favorite frothy brew and a burger before or after your wondrous Aurora experience.

Whether you want to grab a slice of the best pizza in town, or you are ready to order the famous Captain Crunch chicken, you will find exactly what you are looking for at CJ’s.

The welcoming atmosphere combined with the extensive menu makes this a place that the whole family will love, and it can easily be tied into your day trip to Glenlore Trails.

The Village Grill

Families who are looking for someplace where everyone can eat before or after exploring Glenlore Trails will love The Village Grill. Known as the top family restaurant in Commerce, this casual diner is known for its varied menu that includes meals crafted from fresh, local ingredients.

The Village Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but you are most likely to enjoy dinner there before you head to Glenlore Trails. Some favorite dinner options include avocado tuna salad, chicken gyro supreme, and spinach pie.

This restaurant brings a taste of the Mediterranean to the heart of Southeast Michigan, and it has become famous for its homemade Greek specialties.

The Lakes Bar & Grille

Glenlore Trails is quickly becoming the go-to spot for date night in Commerce Township, and if you are looking to extend the romantic ambiance, grab a table at The Lakes Bar & Grille.

With an atmosphere that can be described as both comfortable and sophisticated, The Lakes Bar & Grille sets itself apart from other restaurants near Glenlore Trails.

There is a small outdoor patio area for those who prefer to enjoy their meals al fresco, but the dining room takes center stage at this restaurant.

Anchored by a wall of wine bottles and enveloped in warm and inviting tones, this is a space where diners can enjoy a quiet and intimate meal.

Popular menu items at The Lakes Bar & Grille include firecracker chicken pasta and The Lakes filet mignon, but this restaurant is most well known for its fresh seafood selections. From its Atlantic salmon to its pan-fried perch, you are sure to find a fresh catch that satisfies your cravings.

More to Do Near Glenlore Trails

Glenlore Trails may be tucked away in the quiet wooded areas of Commerce Township, but that doesn’t mean that it’s isolated. Several other attractions are nearby if you are hoping to extend your stay and explore more in the area.

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum

Oddities and nostalgia reign supreme at this unique museum in Farmington Hills, which is just 20 minutes from Glenlore.

Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum contains collections of neon signs, coin-operated machines, and model airplanes. In addition, there are pinball games and video arcades for kids to enjoy, and as an added bonus, admission is free.

Putting Edge

Putt-putt might seem like an exclusive summertime activity in Michigan, but Putting Edge allows avid mini-golf fans to enjoy their favorite sport year-round.

Located in Novi, this indoor putt-putt course is just 15 minutes from Glenlore Trails. It’s the perfect extension to your lighted evening because this mini-golf course consists entirely of glow-in-the-dark holes.

Immerse Yourself in Light, Beauty, & Mystery at Glenlore Trails

Created with the most advanced lighting technology and adapted to provide a new experience with each passing year, Glenlore Trails is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Michigan.

Add it to your fall bucket list if you are looking for a haunted excursion. Or, try it out in the winter when you need something to lighten up the dark and dreary days that are dominated by shades of gray.