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Best Fall Colors in Michigan TOUR 2024: 13 Best Places to See Peak Colors, Scenic Overlooks and Drives, Foliage, Fall Getaway, Boardwalks | Michigan Fall Color Tour Map | Tunnel of Trees, Petoskey, Boyne Mountain, West Michigan, Northern Michigan

By Sherry Trautman

Best Fall Color in Michigan Tour: Best Places to See Peak Colors and Foliage | Last updated: Spetember 22, 2024 | Michigan Fall Color Tour Map | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan

Are you looking for the best places to see fall colors in Michigan? Do you need a Michigan color tour map?  

Keep reading, you've got you!

• Chris and I love to drive this exact route every fall to see the peak colors in Michigan.  Since we have personally traveled to all of these spots so we can recommend them to you with confidence!

This is such a perfect Michigan color tour route for 2024 as it involves several chances to get out of the car and go for short hikes to see colorful Michigan foliage and enjoy  sweeping overlooks with views of the peak fall colors in Michigan. 

Of course, I had to sneak in a little shopping and an incredible Michigan color tour along the way with curvy scenic roads .  Our tour takes you along side roads in west Michigan and northern Michigan.

Plus there are tons of Michigan fall getaway ideas below!

Are you ready?

Grab our Michigan fall color map to see the peak colors in Michigan and let's go! So many scenic overlooks and scenic drives!

Pack Up And Head Out To See These Breathtaking Fall Colors In Michigan!

Best places to see fall colors in michigan.

This Michigan Color Tour will covers Northern Michigan (lower peninsula) and West Michigan. 

This Michigan Color Tour map includes:

• High Rollaway Observation Deck (See peak fall colors in Michigan)
• Rugg Pond Dam Walking Trail (See a rushing river, dam and pond)
• Seven Bridges Natural Area (Incredible rushing river with boardwalks)
• Grass River Natural Area (Beautiful 1.5 miles of boardwalks, rivers, lake)
• Deadman's Hill Overlook (See Michigan Fall Colors from a high vantage point)
• Boyne Mountain Resort (Chairlift rides and scenic views of peak colors in Michigan!)
• Boyne City (Beautiful lakeside city with scenic views of Michigan foliage)
• Coveyou Scenic Farm Marke t (Love farmers market with pumpkins, home goods, honey and more.  Plus an incredible scenic view of Michigan fall foliage.
• Petoskey (Shopping, restaurants and lovely views of Lake Michigan)
• Harbor Spring s - (Great shopping, restaurants, biking)
• Tunnel of Trees - (One of the most scenic routes in America!)
• Good Hart - Cute shops along the  Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route
• Cross Village - Shopping and Leg's Inn along the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route

Michigan Fall Tour Ideas & Resources 

Epic Michigan Fall Tour 2024 | See Fall Colors | M-119 Tunnel of Trees

Epic Michigan Fall Tour FREAKIN' AWESOME! | Interactive Map | Leaf Peeping in Petoskey, M-119 Tunnel of Trees, Harbor Springs, Good Hart, Cross Village

2024 Michigan Fall Color, When to See Peek Colors and 38 Destinations

2024 Michigan Fall Color Predictions + Map, 38 Destinations, Overlooks, Scenic Drives, Weekend Getaways | Predictions for Peak Leaf Peeping | When to See Fall Foliage in Autumn

BEST Michigan Apple Orchards, Apple Picking, U Pick to Visit This Year

U-PICK Michigan Apple Orchards Worth Visiting This Fall in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, South Lyon, Fennville, Northville, Detroit and Across the State

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to see fall colors in Michigan?   Grab our fall color changing predictions here but it's generally the week of October 10-16ish time frame for Traverse City region.

Where can I see fall colors in Michigan? Michigan fall colors are incredible throughout the state, but resounding popular places to see fall color tends to be in northwest Michigan.  Sleeping Bear Dunes , Traverse City and all across the mid to western regions of Michigan. See our guide below! When fall colors will peak in Michigan in 2024?  Grab our  fall color changing predictions  here!

How long does it take to drive through the tunnel of trees ? It takes about 30 minutes one way if you don't stop, but I would plan about 2.5 hours if you take your time and stop in Harbor Springs , Good Hart and Cross Village.

Michigan Fall Color Tour Map

Zoom in and out to see the desired stops and click this Michigan Fall Color Tour GOOGLE Map for live directions as you drive!

If you are wondering where are the best fall colors in Michigan right now, we've listed them below!

1. High Rollaway Observation Deck-Our First Stop On Our Michigan Color Tour!

Address : Kingsley, MI 49649

Is 200 feet above the Manistee River Valley high enough for you?  The High Rollaway Observation Deck offers an absolutely stunning view of the valley and lush trees below. 

• The High Rollaway Observation Deck is an incredible place to see fall colors in Michigan!

You can see the sparkling Manistee River snaking its way through the valley far below.  It was fun to see several kayakers maneuver the tight river turns of the scenic Manistee River as they enjoyed the Michigan fall color.  

2. Rugg Pond Dam Walking Trail To See Stunning Fall Michigan Foliage

Rugg Pond Dam is located on Valley Rd NW just south of Seven Bridges Natural Area.

Rugg Pond Dam is on our Michigan fall color tour because I thought it was such a cool unexpected discovery and I want to share it with you! 

• Plus, Valley Rd NW offers incredible Michigan fall foliage.

I absolutely love watching the gushing dam spill into the absolutely beautiful Rapid River from Rugg Pond.  The forest surrounding Rugg Pond is very scenic, especially during Michigan fall, and there are several benches along the way so you can sit and enjoy the view and wildlife! 

There is also a trail into the woods that locals enjoy on a nice summer or fall day.  So take the time to stop for a few minutes and enjoy Rugg Pond Dam!

Parking is only a few feet from the Dam (it's right off Valley Rd NW) so if you are short on time you can see the dam in about 15 minutes.

3. Seven Bridges Natural Area is a Michigan Hidden Gem! 

Michigan Hidden Gem Alert!

Valley Road, Rapid City Michigan

• Seven Bridges Natural area is a quiet place with several boardwalks that meander through lovely cedar trees. It's our third stop on our Michigan color tour!

For me, the highlight of this Michigan hiking trail is the seven scenic boardwalk bridges that cross over the gurgling Rapid River.

The trail is very easy to manage.  The terrain is flat and is a combination of boardwalks, dirt paths and grassy areas. It's a great place to get an up close and personal look at peak fall colors in Michigan!

Here is a  trail map  of the Seven Bridges Natural Area. It is about .8 miles round trip and very easy, flat and fun for the whole family.  

Much of the trail follows the Rapid River, which is one of my favorite aspects! You will also pass through this lovely environment of tall grasses and beautiful trees. 

There are no restrooms/porta-johns here.

• When will the fall colors change in Michigan? See our  predictions for the best time to see the peak fall colors in Michigan !

4. Grass River Natural Area-Fabulous Michigan Hiking Trail to See Peak Colors in Michigan

Grass River Natural Area is located at 6500 Alden Highway, Bellaire, MI. 

There are several miles of walking or hiking trails at Grass River Natural Area .  I'm absolutely in love with this place!

It's one of my favorite places to visit in Michigan in the fall as the temperatures are cooler, the trees are magnificent and it's very quiet. Grass River Natural Area is a great place to see f all colors in Michigan!

I highly recommend taking the Sedge Meadow Boardwalk loop beginning at #16 and walking clockwise toward #18 and #15.  It is incredibly scenic with boardwalks, bridges and scenic views of the the Grass River.  

I also love to walk out to the dock as it feels like another world out there as you wander through the grasses.  It's absolutely lovely. 

• Grass Lake Natural Area is free but donation boxes are available. There is also a nature center.  Porta-johns are available in the parking area.

Time Allotment: Depending on how many trails you want to walk, you could spend 1.5 hours to all day.  It's an incredible place. Pack snacks and drinks. 

There are porta johns bathrooms here. 

Isn't this view just lovely! It's only one of many along the Sedge Meadow Boardwalk Loop.

5. Visit Deadman's Hill Scenic Overlook-One of the Best Places to See Fall Colors in Michigan 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan)

Deadman's Hill Scenic Overlook is a lovely overlook requiring a very short walk up a gradual hill.  It's definitely worth it! 

• Read our guide ---->  Deadman's Hill Scenic Overlook

6. Boyne Mountain Resort and Fall Ski Lift - See the Peak Fall Colors From the Sky!

You need to head to Boyne Mountain to ride their ski lift this fall or harvest season! 

It's one of my favorite fall getaways in Michigan! Where else can you get such a great birds eye view of peak fall colors in Michigan!?

So if you are wondering where to see fall colors in Michigan, this is it!

• For a small fee, you can glide to the top of the ski hill for a magnificent view of the changing trees and the lovely Boyne Mountain Michigan resort.

You don't need to buy tickets ahead of time but you may stand in line for a few minutes.  Plus, plan to stay for lunch or dinner as there is a cute restaurant right near the chair lift.  You can see why it's one of the best places to visit in Michigan in the fall!

7. Visit Lovely Boyne City Michigan!

Our next stop to see fall colors in Michigan is lovely Boyne City.   I love Boyne City Michigan as there are several fantastic restaurants right on the water. We recommend Cafe Sante for their wood fired pizzas.  Freakin' awesome! 

Take time to wander the downtown area shops, the marina and the docks.

Heck, if it's a nice day, rent a boat from Boyne Watersports! 

They have kayaks, pontoons and jet skis.

You only live once, right?

8. Coveyou Scenic Farm Market in Petoskey-Great Stop On Our Michigan Color Tour Map!

Coveyou Scenic Farm Market Location: 4160 US-131, Petoskey Michigan.

Just south of Petoskey is Coveyou Scenic Farm Market, a lovely spot to pick our pumpkins, preserves, gifts and pretty much everything you need for the fall season!

Coveyou Scenic Farm Market in East Jordan also holds events throughout the season on their gorgeous new deck with incredible views of forests and Walloon Lake.  You will love this stop along our Michigan color tour!

There are no restrooms at this stop.

9. Explore  Petoskey Michigan

We love visiting Petoskey in any season throughout the year! 

• Grab our in depth ----->  Petoskey Michigan guide  of fun things to do while you are there!  
• Want to find Petoskey Stones? Grab our ---->  Petoskey Stones: Where to Find Them guide !

Stay at the Inn at Bay Harbor

Stay at the Inn at Bay Harbor located 4 miles west of Petoskey!  

This luxury inn is located right on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers in-house dining options, e-bike rentals, pool, spa and luxurious rooms. We greatly enjoyed our stay!

It's a great place to stay while enjoying the fall colors in Michigan!

10. Harbor Springs: Gateway of the Tunnel of Trees

You will absolutely love visiting Harbor Springs! This lovely lakeside town overlooks the Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan.  Take time to wander the quaint downtown, grab some lunch and wander the marina.

Harbor Springs Chamber recommends visiting Ahrens Gallery and Studio located at 5200 West Lake Road Harbor Springs MI. This gallery is open year round with incredible artwork.

Read more: Best Things To Do in Harbor Springs!  

Walking along marinas and watching the boats is one of my favorite things to do in Michigan.  Harbor Springs has a lovely marina, so be sure to take the time to enjoy it.

• There are public restrooms at the marina.

11. Tunnel of Trees -  Voted One of the Most Scenic Drives in America!

Are you ready to see some of the best fall colors in Michigan? The famous tunnel of trees is a Michigan fall destination. 

Michigan's Tunnel of Trees was voted one of the most scenic drives in America by USA Today's readers! 

The Tunnel of Trees is a 20 mile route through beautiful trees with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.  It's not to be missed.

• Grab our in-depth ---->  Tunnel of Trees guide with lots of stops along the way and things to do!  
• The Tunnel of trees area includes Harbor Springs, Good Hart and Cross Village.

Visit the tunnel of trees this Michigan fall!

12. Visit Charming Good Hart Michigan!

Good Hart Michigan consists of three shops: Primitive Images, A Studio and the General Store; all within steps of each other. It's a great spot to stretch your legs, do a little shopping and use the porta-johns located at the back of the General Store. 

The stores have everything from Michigan gifts to snacks, home décor and tea tastings, so be sure to stop for about 45 minutes and enjoy the area.

Picnic tables are also available in Good Hart so you can enjoy your lunch along the Tunnel of Trees Heritage Route.

• Read more about Good Hart in our ----> Tunnel of Trees Guide

13. Explore Cross Village

Cross Village is a small town worth exploring and one of our favorite places to visit in Michigan in the fall. It's highlight (in our opinion) is having dinner at Legs Inn, famous for their polish cuisine and eclectic interior. 

Legs Inn was named “2nd most iconic restaurant” in the state of Michigan by Mlive.com. How cool, huh?

They don't accept reservations so we recommend getting there about an hour before you are starving to death!

TIP: Legs Inn generally closes at the end of the third week of October for the season , so be sure to check their website for hours and days they are open. 

Leg's Inn has two shops to explore and their backyard overlooks sparkling Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan. Legs Inn takes great pride in their lovely gardens, so be sure to check them out. 

• Read more about Cross Village and Legs Inn in our ---->  Tunnel of Trees Guide

Here's a Freakin' Cool Idea: Why Not See the Fall Colors in Michigan By Hot Air Balloon?  

Several companies offer hot air balloon rides year round, especially during the fall colors in Michigan.  I mean seriously, how cool would that be to drift over forests of yellow, orange and red trees?  The photographic opportunities are just mind boggling. 

Grab our Michigan Hot Air Balloon Rides Guide to book a crazy cool Michigan fall adventure!

Other Fun Articles You May Like!

• Best Michigan Apple Orchards for Apple Picking This Fall
• Best Pumpkin Patches, Farms and Corn Mazes to Visit!
• Best Michigan Corn Mazes 2023 (+ Haunted) To Visit This Fall Near You!
• When Will the Fall Colors Change in Michigan? 

Did You Know You Can See Fall Color at Sleeping Bear Dunes? + Hike Scenic Fall Trails?

So guys, if you are staying in Traverse City , you must visit Sleeping Bear Dunes! 

• Grab our Ultimate Sleeping Bear Dunes Guide and our newest Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes Trails (includes Empire Bluff Trail, Heritage Trail, the Dune Climb and more!).  

See More Places to Visit in Michigan in the Fall

• See our Michigan in Fall page that covers: Where to see upper peninsula fall colors and more peak colors in Michigan. 

When Is the Best Time to See Michigan Fall Color?

• Grab our predictions for the best time to see the peak fall colors in Michigan .

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by.

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

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We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry. In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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Wandering Michigan Wisconsin

31 Stops to Add to Your 2024 Fall Color Tour Michigan

Looking for the best stops to add to your fall color tour in michigan.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn on the best fall color tour Michigan can offer. 

Pick your favorite cluster of fall foliage destinations from this curated list, or string several together into an epic Michigan road trip.

Venture into the upper peninsula to tour the islands and rocky coasts of Lake Superior. Drive through a tunnel of resplendent trees in Copper Harbor, explore a ghost town in Fayette, and discover the delights of Mackinac Island.

Michigan’s lower peninsula is not to be outdone, offering crisp hikes along scenic dunes, stunning national lakeshores, and elk-viewing carriage rides.

Take a fall color tour from an airplane, ride a horse through a scenic fall trail, or get a burst of adrenaline on a zipline course or ATV adventure.

Wandering Michigan Wisconsin contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust. Read our disclaimer for more information.

Fall Color Tour Michigan Stops

In the fall, Michigan’s forests burst into fiery reds, oranges, and yellows mirrored by lakes and rivers. The air is crisp and clean, and the scent of cinnamon and apple wafts from bakeries.

Find your favorite touring destinations on this list of 31 spectacular spots for fall foliage in Michigan.

Upper Peninsula: Ironwood to Copper Harbor

If you love hiking, mountain biking, and admiring breathtaking vistas, the mountainous terrain, rocky coastlines, and scenic roads of northwestern Michigan are ideal for a fall color tour.

1. Ironwood Michigan

Arts, culture, food, and amazing autumn colors await in Ironwood, Michigan. This Upper Peninsula city is the perfect addition to any fall color tour.

For an awe-inspiring sight, you won’t want to miss the Copper Peak Adventure Ride . This experience involves taking a chairlift, an elevator, and then walking a further 8 stories (optional) to the top of the Copper Peak Ski Jump.

From this high vantage, you can see millions of fall-painted trees spreading for over two thousand miles in every direction. It’s breathtaking!

Ironwood is also one of the top places in the Continental United States to see the northern lights. Enjoy an evening at the Ironwood Theatre, then visit a dark skies area for stargazing and a chance to see the aurora borealis.

2. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon

Head East toward Ontonagon to enjoy the glories of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. This gorgeous 60,000-acre park features roaring waterfalls, old-growth forests, and over 90 miles of hiking trails.

Don’t miss a hike or drive to the Lake of the Clouds . This high mountain lake looks as though it is touching the sky and is cupped on all sides by rolling tree-clad slopes. Autumn turns it into even more of a visual masterpiece!

Now that you’ve seen the Lake of the Clouds, it’s time to hit some waterfalls! Agate Falls, Bond Falls, and Presque Isle River waterfalls are all accessible by car.

Consider going on these best Michigan fall color drives near the Porcupine Mountains.

This collection of small mountains is a perfect place to go hiking, camping, bird-watching, mountain biking, and more.

2. Isle Royale National Park – Greenstone Ridge Trail

Resting among the turquoise and blue waters of Lake Superior is another wonderful one of the best fall color tour Michigan stops: Isle Royale National Park . 

This scenic island is only accessible by plane or boat. It is open from April 16 to October 31st each year. As a fall destination, it is unmatched!

Although there are many wonderful outdoor activities to enjoy on Isle Royale, the Greenstone Ridge Trail is one of the best. 

This 41-mile point-to-point hiking trail leads you along a ridge through the center of the park, with views of Mount Ojibway, Mount Franklin, and beautiful bays on either side. Best of all, the trees and vegetation will be lit like red and gold flames, making the views even more picturesque. Along the way, you might even spot a moose or a wolf.

You can catch the ferry to Isle Royale from Houghton or Copper Harbor (further up the Keweenaw Peninsula).

3. Keweenaw National Historical Park in Calumet

Enjoy autumn colors and a fascinating foray into the history of copper mining at Keweenaw National Historical Park in Calumet.

Thanks to the abundance of deciduous trees and a unique microclimate created by Lake Superior, Keweenaw is an excellent spot to visit on a fall color tour.

Wander between maples, aspens, birches, oaks, and tamaracks. Enjoy the views from the top of Brockway Mountain, and visit the Eagle Mountain Lighthouse .

If you enjoy museums, be sure to stop by the visitor’s center. Stop by Sute’s Saloon (pronounced Shoo–teez), Michigan’s oldest bar for a drink.

This area is also a prime spot for mountain bikers and hikers.

When you get hungry, go in for some delicious Michigan pasties.

4. Copper Harbor Tree Tunnel

Few experiences compare to driving down a tunnel of brilliant fall trees. Fortunately, there is a “ tree tunnel ” northeast of Keweenaw National Historical Park. Head toward Copper Harbor on US-41 and you’re in for a stunning sight!

This 18-mile stretch of highway on the Keweenaw Peninsula is lined with trees that create a canopy of color when their leaves change in autumn.

The drive gets more and more beautiful as you approach Copper Harbor. Drink in the sight, stop for pictures, and revel in the glories of nature.

Don’t miss a visit to the tiny village of Copper Harbor “where the road ends”, one of the best small towns in Michigan . Stay in a rustic cabin or mountain lodge then meander downtown to enjoy the mom-and-pop galleries, restaurants, shops, and wellness providers.

Upper Peninsula: Morgan Falls to Pictured Rocks

Marquette and Munising Michigan make up our second cluster of fall color tour destinations. These two towns are in the Western Upper Peninsula, on the southern shores of Lake Superior.

Morgan Falls and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are two great reasons to visit this region.

You can make these two spots your main destinations, head west to tack on the Ironwood Cluster (listed above), head southeast to add on the Manistique cluster of autumn color stops, or head east towards Tahquamenon, Soo Locks, and Mackinac Island.

5. Morgan Falls, Marquette

Morgan Falls is a lovely waterfall on the confluence of Morgan Creek and the Carp River ten minutes outside of Marquette. Here, water cascades over a large granite outcropping surrounded by the changing leaves of autumn. 

To access Morgan Falls, it is best to park at the Noquemanon South Trailhead, then follow the Morgan Creek trail toward the falls.

Another attraction to enjoy in Marquette is the Wetmore Landing Shoreline Trail . This 4.7-mile out-and-back trail leads along Lake Superior. Along the way, you’ll pass through pine forests, and past beaches, cool rock formations, and scenic viewpoints.

Sugarloaf Mountain and Hogback Mountain also afford expansive views of the beautiful fall scenery.

6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising

When it comes to spectacular scenery, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a natural wonderland you won’t want to miss!

In the fall, the hardwood forests turn vibrant shades of crimson and gold, all against a backdrop of whimsical rock formations, sandstone cliffs, and sweeping lakeshores.

Pictured Rocks is named after the colorful mineral-stained sandstone cliffs that give it its unique character. In the fall, the trees mimic the colors of the cliffs, making for even more spectacular vistas.

Consider a boat tour to check out these amazing formations and witness their kaleidoscope of colors firsthand.

Hiking trails also provide access to some of the more remote areas of the park where you can find secluded waterfalls and cascades. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an adventurous trek, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is sure to please. 

Check out these 21 best things to do in Pictured Rocks for more activities.

Continue your fall color tour by driving to Palm’s Brook State Park in Manistique or heading east toward Tahquamenon Falls.

Upper Peninsula: Manistique to Fayette

Head to the northern shores of Lake Michigan for another Upper Peninsula autumn road trip. Manistique and Fayette offer visitors countless opportunities to enjoy the splendor of fall foliage plus beautiful springs, lakeshore, and ghost towns.

These two destinations are easy to add to the Morgan Falls to Pictured Rocks grouping above, or the Tahquamenon cluster listed next. 

7. Kitch-iti-kipi, Palms Brook State Park in Manistique

One of the top places to see near Manistique is located in Palms Brook State Park. Here, you’ll discover a 200-foot-wide and 40-foot-deep spring known as Kitch-Iti-Kipi , or “Big Spring”.

As you might guess from the name, Kitch-Iti-Kipi is the largest freshwater spring in the state. Ten thousand gallons of crystalline water gush from fissures in the limestone every minute. It’s impressive, to say the least.

Take a raft out onto the spring for 360º views of stunning fall foliage and crystalline water.

You can also enjoy several hikes in the area around Manistique, including the Indian Lake Pathway .

In Manistique, stop by the East Breakwater Light and then hit up a winery for a tasting.

8. Fayette Ghost Town

If you’re interested in visiting the most eerily beautiful town in Michigan, travel southwest to visit the Fayette Historic Townsite .

This once-booming town declined rapidly in the 1890s. Now, it is a wonderful place to learn some Michigan history, explore abandoned buildings, and enjoy the unique fall scenery.

Weathered buildings dot the space around Snail Shell Harbor , providing an intriguing foreground to the colorful autumn forest.

Take a self-guided or guided tour, hike along the bluff trail, and check out the model-sized replica of the town.

Upper Peninsula: Tahquamenon to Mackinac Island

When it comes to Upper Peninsula autumn beauty, Tahquamenon Falls and Mackinac Island really shine. Add a trip to Soo Locks State Park, and you have a recipe for the best fall color tour Michigan can offer.

9. Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Waterfall, hiking trails, fishing, camping, geocaching, and water spots await at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. With nearly 50,000 acres of beautiful woodland, autumn in Tahquamenon is not to be missed.

Check out the Upper and Lower Falls, hike the challenging River Trail, enjoy fishing on the river, or wander the woods with your camera in hand. There are plenty of hiking trails at Tahquamenon Falls to explore.

If you visit Tahquamenon in September, check out the Harvest Festival fun and the Wilderness Canoe Race.

Discover more amazing things to do at Tahquamenon Falls .

10. Soo Junction Fall Colors Train & Riverboat Tour

Another way to enjoy Tahquamenon Falls is to take the Train and Riverboat Tour to Tahquamenon from Soo Junction. This is a great way to enjoy one of the best fall color tours in Michigan by train.

This incredible tour includes a narrow gauge train ride through fabulous fall scenery, then a 2-hour narrated riverboat cruise. 

What better way to enjoy fall foliage than from the water?

After reaching Tahquamenon, you’ll get to hike to Upper Falls (lovingly nicknamed “Rootbeer Falls” because of the tannin-tinted water”). Take pictures and enjoy the falls before returning the way you came.

This train and riverboat tour is available through October 7th.

11. Sault Ste. Marie – Soo Locks Boat Tour 

Another fun destination to add to your fall color tour is Sault Ste. Marie. One of the top things to see is the Soo Locks, which connect Lake Superior to Lake Huron.

Head to the small scenic Soo Locks Park for riverside views, fall foliage, and the chance to see a freighter passing through.

Alternatively, book a Lighthouse Boat Cruise . This unique cruise (available through October 6) will take you through the Soo Locks, then up into Canadian waters for panoramic views of the Gros Cap Reef Lighthouse.

Along the way, you’ll learn about multiple lighthouses as well as the history and importance of the locks.

Seeing the lighthouses and fall foliage from the water will be a truly spectacular sight!

12. Mackinac Island

Head south from Sault Ste. Marie to St. Ignace for the next stop on your Michigan fall color tour!

Mackinac Island , known as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes” is a picturesque island only accessible by boat.

This popular tourist destination is an excellent place to visit in the Fall! Not only is the island less crowded and the prices cheaper, but the island also pulls out all the stops to make the season extra festive.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through quiet tree-lined passages or bike around the island in search of the best fall colors. You can also go hiking, check out Arch Rock, eat lots of fudge, and even go kayaking.

Find more amazing fall activities, read my post about visiting Mackinac Island in October .

Lower Peninsula: Indian River to Boyne Falls

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula offers its own style of wild beauty to visitors on a quest to see fall colors.

This delightful area between Mackinac Island and Boyne Falls starts with a scenic drive through a tunnel of autumn trees, the chance to ATV at Indian River, and ends with a fun zipline adventure in Boyne Falls.

You can easily combine this collection of fall color tour destinations with the Mackinac Island cluster listed above, or the Northport cluster which we’ll talk about next.

13. Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route

If you’re heading to Boyne Falls from Mackinac Island, consider going on the M-119 scenic heritage route. This beautiful road stretches from Cross Village to Harbor Springs, then continues down to Traverse City.

Read more about Traverse City in #15 of my Road Trip Around Lake Michigan post.

The route is named for the hardwoods and evergreens that knit together to form a ceiling over motorists and bicyclists, creating a picturesque tunnel of trees interspersed with stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Quaint shops, restaurants, beaches, and other attractions offer fun places to stop along the way.

With its winding roads lined with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, it’s no wonder so many people flock to this area each year for a fall color tour of Michigan.

14. ATV at Big Bear Adventures Indian River

It’s time to add some adrenaline to your fall color trip! Hop aboard an ATV at Big Bear Adventures in Indian River to enjoy autumn in a whole new way.

This guided tour will have you bombing through colorful hardwood forests, zipping under fragrant pines, and roaring over rolling hills and past pristine lakes.

You can enjoy ATVing at Big Bear Adventures from early April until the middle of November.

15. Boyne Falls 

Continue your journey from the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Highway or Indian River until you reach Boyne Falls.

If there’s one thing you’ll want to see in Boyne Falls, it’s the suspension bridge ! 

The fall views from the 1,200-foot-long and 118-foot-high SkyBridge are otherworldly. Plus, the experience of walking across is incredible even without the scenery.

Find ticketing information and facts on the “ World’s Longest Timber-Towered Suspension Bridge .” (It is open until mid-September, weather permitting.)

Continue the fun by going on a zipline tour (available until early September). This will give you the chance to fly through beautiful trees at 20-25 miles per hour. Gorgeous scenery and hooting-hollering fun combined!

Lower Peninsula: Northport to Empire

Long stretches of shoreline, sweeping dunes, and lighthouses make the Leelanau Peninsula another lovely area to explore during the fall in Michigan.

Leelanau State Park and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are two top-notch destinations to add to your touring list.

Combine this cluster of spots to visit on a fall color tour with the Indian River section above or the Thompsonville cluster which we’ll take a look at next.

16. Leelanau State Park in Northport

Leelanau State Park, located right on the tippy top of the Leelanau Peninsula is one of the top places to see fall colors in Michigan.

Even on a brisk day, this park is worthy of a stop. Waves gently crash against the pebbly shore, trees line the curving shoreline, and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse adds extra visual interest. 

Tip : If you arrive before November, consider taking a lighthouse tour.

Enjoy the waterfront beauty of Northport at the end of the day. This picturesque village features many unique shops, a small-town historic feel, and beautiful fall foliage.

17. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has been called “the most beautiful place in America.” And for good reason! The vistas here are breathtaking.

One of the top ways to enjoy the views is by going on the Pierce Stocking Drive. This scenic 7.4-mile drive offers stunning panoramas of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake. You’ll see brightly-colored beech-maple forests and sand dunes.

Don’t miss the Lake Michigan Overlook at the end of the drive. Take a lawn chair and set yourself up near the rim for spreading vistas, or get a closer look at the natural splendor from a hiking trail.

Tip: Download the National Park Service application to enjoy a self-guided tour of the drive. That way you’ll learn some history of the area, along with insight into the cultural and natural features of the landscape.

18. Empire Bluff Trail Boardwalk, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Another incredible stop you won’t want to miss on a fall color tour is the Empire Bluff Trail Boardwalk in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

This 1.5-mile roundtrip trail climbs through a beautiful beech-maple forest to a coastal bluff lined with a scenic boardwalk. From the top, you’ll see a postcard-worthy view of sweeping drops and a curving turquoise bay.

It’s a perfect vantage to enjoy gorgeous autumn colors.

Lower Peninsula: Thompsonville to New Era

Continue your autumn excursion by visiting more top fall spots along the shores of Lake Michigan in the Lower Peninsula.

This cluster of destinations includes a panoramic chairlift above fall foliage, a fall color airplane tour, the sweeping beauty of Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and a horseback ride between colored trees.

Visit these spots as a stand-alone trip, or combine them with the Northport destinations listed above.

19. Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville offers a myriad of ways to enjoy autumn. One of the top things to do is go on a chairlift ride .

Take a seat and enjoy the ride up above the scarlet, tangerine, and sunshine-colored trees. This tranquil activity will give you ample opportunity to feast your eyes on fall splendor.

If you’re looking for other fall activities on Crystal Mountain, consider trying your hand at archery, archery tag, and mountain biking. Alternatively, head to the Legacy Art Park for fall colors interspersed with unique sculptures.

For walking enthusiasts, check out the Betsie Valley Trail .

20. Airplane Tour, Orchard Beach Aviation, Manistee

From Thompsonville, drive 40 minutes southeast to Manistee. Be sure to take Route M-22 which was voted “Best Scenic Autumn Drive” by USA Today readers.

One of the most incredible things to do in Manistee is go on a fall color airplane tour. These magical tours are run by Orchard Beach Aviation and at only $40 per person, are totally accessible.

The flights are usually over one of two routes. One of them flies over Downtown Manistee and the Lake Michigan Shoreline, or over Portage Lake and M-22.

21. Ludington

Ludington, Michigan is another great destination to take in the beauty of fall colors.

Two of the top spots to visit are Ludington State Park and the Ludington School Forest .

The Ludington School Forest offers a rolling landscape of mixed deciduous and conifer trees. Stroll down the hiking trails, or enjoy some entry-level mountain biking.

Ludington State Park on the Lake Michigan shoreline is one of the most popular parks in the state of Michigan. It has a little bit of everything including pristine sand dunes, forested trails, and the striking Big Sable Point Lighthouse .  

With 21 miles of marked trails, there are many wonderful opportunities to take in the stunning colors of fall.

Just north of Ludington, you’ll find Hamlin Lake, a large man-made lake that is spectacular in the autumn.

22. Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Add some variety to your fall color tour by visiting Silver Lake State Park . The dunes offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests, which are especially beautiful during peak foliage season.

Take an off-road vehicle out for a spin (the area is famous for off-roading), or simply sit back and drink in the natural beauty.

With rolling terrain, stark dunes, turquoise water, and masses of fiery trees, Silver Lake is a perfect destination for outdoor and fall color enthusiasts.

Check out the Little Sable Point Lighthouse while you’re at it.

23. Stony Lake Stables, New Era

Enjoy a gorgeous horseback ride through the wineries, fields, rolling hills, and deep ravines of New Era, Michigan. Saddle up, breathe deep in the crisp autumn air, and enjoy the clop of hooves as you ride through the vibrant forests of fall.

New Era is located in the heart of West Michigan. This area is known for its fine wines, lovely forests, and nearby Stony Lake.

Enjoy a horseback ride at Stony Lake Stables on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October.

Lower Peninsula: Gaylord to Lake Mitchell

With state parks, treetop resorts, Lake Mitchell, and the Cadillac route, there is plenty to attract when it comes to the Gaylord to Lake Mitchell cluster for a fall color tour.

You can easily connect to this cluster from Indian River, Hillman, Alpena, or Manistee.

24. Gaylord, Otsego County, Sturgeon River, Treetops Resort

Ready for something truly unique? Don’t limit yourself to driving around to enjoy the fall colors.

Instead, play golf on an award-winning golf course surrounded by scarlet and pumpkin-colored trees. Book a stay (and/or tee time) at the Treetops Resort in Gaylord .

This resort offers amazing views of rolling hills, wooded trails, and picturesque riverbanks. You can enjoy the heated pools and spa at the resort, or head outdoors for biking trips, delicious food, or a day at the shore. 

25. Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling

Old-growth forest, serenity, and a logging museum await at Hartwick Pines State Park . Although there are many lovely pine trees here, hundreds of deciduous trees dot the woods, turning brilliant colors in the fall.

This is one of the largest parks in the lower peninsula. Majestic white pines create a stunning backdrop for autumn-colored poplars and maples.

Explore the old logging camp, the logging museum, and the chapel.

26. The Cadillac Route in Cadillac, MI

Another wonderful destination to visit when the fall colors peak is Cadillac, Michigan. 

This fall color mecca features amazing loop trails, fall river floats down the Big Manistee River, fall fishing on the river (surrounded by beautiful trees), fat tire biking, and museums.

The In-Town Cadillac Route is a perfect ride to enjoy the fall colors. This 7-mile foot and bike path leads you through beautiful forests and past food and beverage stops, boutique stores, and more.

27. Lake Mitchell

Lake Mitchell, located right next door to Cadillac, is a perfect fall color stop. Why? Because of the Manistee National Forest!

This forest features nearly half a million acres of hardwood and conifer trees, beaches, and rivers. Maple, oak, and birch trees turn brilliant colors, contrasting with the splashes of green of the conifers. Enjoy the views from around Lake Mitchell , or travel further afield to enjoy some hiking trails.

The Silver Creek Pathway , Manistee River Trail , and Highrollway are all top fall color destinations in the area.

Lower Peninsula: Ocqueoc Falls to Tawas

Explore the beauty of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula by enjoying this fall color tour loop from Ocqueoc Falls to Tawas.

You can combine this cluster of autumn road trip destinations with the Indian River and Mackinac Island clusters mentioned earlier in this post.

28. Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway in Ocqueoc Township

Enjoy the beauty of Michigan’s fall colors by visiting the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula. If you have limited mobility, you’ll be happy to learn that this waterfall is universally accessible!

If you enjoy hiking or biking, don’t miss a stroll (or pedal) between gorgeous fall trees on the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway . This trail system offers three different loops with a total of six miles of trails.

Enjoy the spectacular foliage while keeping an eye out for wildlife.

29. Alpena Michigan

Alpena Michigan is another excellent place to stop and enjoy the fall foliage on Michigan’s “Sunrise Side”. 

Bask in autumn hues that tend to linger until mid-October, and explore hiking trails, the Little Red Lighthouse, and Shipwreck Tours. Don’t miss the views of Lake Huron from Thunder Bay!

For hiking, The Alpena Bi-Path and the Norway Ridge Pathway are two favorites in the autumn. Knaebe’s Apple Orchard and Ciderwork s is a fun stop for everything from cider and donuts to wagon rides and wood-fired pizza.

30. Hillman, Michigan 

Hillman Michigan offers a unique opportunity to enjoy brilliant orange, red, and yellow trees during a horse-drawn carriage ride !

This amazing ride will take you through woods and over rivers on a carriage pulled by Percheron and draft horses. As you go, you’ll get to see magnificent elk in their natural habitat.

Finish off with a delicious 5-course meal in a cozy log cabin warmed by a crackling fire.

Hillman is worth putting on your list just for this!

31. Tawas, Michigan

Sunsets, lighthouses, and diverse topography await in Tawas, Michigan. Catch the sunset over Lake Huron at Tawas Point after admiring the Tawas Point Lighthouse. 

Explore a beautiful autumn landscape by hiking the Tawas Bay Multi-Use Trails and the Corsair Trails, or biking along the Alabaster Bike Path.

Lumberman’s Monument will make another excellent stop, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery and learn lumberjack history while you’re at it.

Where to Stay to see Fall Colors in Michigan

Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan is a popular destination for those looking to see fall colors in the state. The resort overlooks spectacular lakes and forests full of changing foliage, offering stunning views of the changing season.

Other popular options for fall color-seeking visitors include Pine Cottage on Mackinac Island, as well as the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor and the Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey. Each of these resorts offers unparalleled views of Michigan’s fall colors!

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to see Michigan’s fall foliage is typically in late September through early October. This is when the leaves begin to change color and create stunning vistas throughout the state. Michigan’s fall colors vary by region, with some areas seeing peak colors later than others. Check out this Michigan Fall Color Interactive Map , or sign up for fall color updates for the most up-to-date information.

The best fall colors in Michigan can be found all across the state. Some of the most popular destinations for viewing vibrant fall foliage are Copper Peak, Marquette Morgan Falls, and the Greenstone Ridge Trail on Isle Royale.

Fall colors are typically shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown. Michigan’s fall foliage is particularly vibrant, with many areas boasting a mix of all four of these colors.

Conclusion: Fall Color Tour Michigan

Autumn in Michigan means vibrant fall foliage, delicious cider, scenic horseback rides through colorful trees, crisp clean air, and stunning vistas.

Hiking, biking, ziplining, ATVing, carriage rides, and chair lifts offer extra ways to enjoy the beauty of fire-orange and crimson leaves.

Enjoy the best fall color tour Michigan has to offer by choosing from the featured destinations on this list. Whether you choose one town or national lakeshore, hit up a cluster of top autumn spots, or string them all together into a road trip of a lifetime, you’re sure to have a blast!

More of Wandering Michigan Wisconsin

Road Trip Around Lake Michigan: The Ultimate Itinerary 23 BEST Things To Do In Fond du Lac Wisconsin 2024 21 Best Things To Do In Pictured Rocks (2024) Visiting Mackinac Island In October: Everything You Need To Know 15 Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns to Visit in 2024 17 Tahquamenon Falls Things To Do: The Ultimate Guide 2024 15 Hiawatha National Forest Best Hikes

Mary Rowland is a Detroit native who found a new home in Central Wisconsin. With a rich background in the hospitality industry and a well-scratched itch to travel, ranging from waterfall hunting in Upper Peninsula Michigan to feasting at supper clubs in Wisconsin, she has gathered a treasure trove of expertise to share on these two charming and unique states.

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Travel info, the u.s.a.’s best fall colors are here.

Marvel at our seven million acres of autumn brilliance.

See the Upper Peninsula’s stunning fall colors

Ask fall color seekers about their favorite destinations in the United States and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is on their lists. (Our fall foliage repeatedly makes USA Today’s 10Best.) Seven million acres of tree coverage, the pristine shores of three Great Lakes, picturesque historic lighthouses, mirror-calm inland lakes, tree-lined rivers and streams and roaring waterfalls make the U.P. a fall getaway no other U.S. destination can match.

When to see the best fall color

The leaf show begins when our daylight hours get shorter and the night air grows crisp in mid-September. First, there’s a splatter painting of scarlet reds and sunny yellows amid acres of green. Then, almost overnight, the hardwood forests explode in reds, oranges, yellows, purples, browns and greens. The colors intensify and peak by mid-October. But this breathtaking show continues for a couple more weeks, especially along tree-canopied roads near the shorelines of Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior.

Check our weekly color reports

To help plan your trip, check our weekly color reports here for our eastern, central and western regions.

Drive these top 10 fall color tours

Below are 10 of our favorite fall color routes across the U.P. (nearly 1,500 gorgeous, leafy miles). Hop in your vehicle, and prepare to stop repeatedly to take photos. The views get more spectacular with every turn.

Tour 1 | Tour 2 | Tour 3 | Tour 4 | Tour 5 | Tour 6 | Tour 7 | Tour 8 | Tour 9 | Tour 10

Tour 1: Keweenaw Peninsula

Western U.P. | 100 Miles | Fill a full day with stops

The Keweenaw Peninsula is an incredible destination all four seasons but it is positively WOW! during the fall. The foliage will take your breath away. 

Start your tour in Houghton/Hancock. Home to Michigan Tech University, these two towns have a college vibe with a choice of eating and drinking establishments, outdoor recreation and lodgings. Crossing the Portage Lake lift bridge marks the beginning of your Copper Country adventure.

Follow US-41 north to historic Calumet, once the center of the booming copper mining industry. Take in the Victorian-era architecture, and stop by the Calumet Theater , a National Historic Landmark. While downtown, go to the Keweenaw National Historical Park visitor center to learn the location of over 20 heritage sites that tell the stories of the men and women who came to mine copper in this northernmost Michigan peninsula.

Continue north on US-41, taking time to stop at Eagle River Falls and Eagle Harbor Light Station and Museum Complex . The next stretch east on M-26 to Copper Harbor is one of the most scenic in Michigan. Winding up Brockway Mountain Drive brings you to some of the most photographed fall vistas in the U.P. If you can spend the night, this area offers some of the best stargazing, including the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park . 

From there, make your way south on US-41, stopping for a Delaware Copper Mine Tour . Then, enjoy lots of fall colors as you wind your way to the pristine beach at Bete Grise you will arrive in 11 minutes). Take Lac La Belle Road east then make a slight right on Bete De Gris Road. After time at the beach, make your way south along the Keweenaw Bay coast following Bete De Grise Road. Take a sharp left and follow Gay-Lac La Belle Road to Gay. From there, follow Traprock Valley Road west, turn right onto Bootjack Road, then left on Calumet St. Hop on M-26 at Lake Linden and enjoy the scenery as you return to Hancock/Houghton for a restful overnight stay.

Tour 2: Porcupine Mountains

Western U.P. | 225 miles | 4.5 hours minimum

Houghton is your launch point for this popular fall tour. Head southeast on US-41 to Baraga County . If you treasure fall color, a side trip east of Baraga will take you to Point Abbaye. Follow US-41 east to L’Anse then north on Skanee Road to Townline Road. Locals will tell you that this drive up the Abbaye Peninsula rivals any “leaf peeping” drive in the nation. 

Return to Baraga and make your way west on M-38 to Ontonagon County . It is home to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — the Midwest’s “last great wilderness.” It’s 60,000 acres of gorgeous vistas of Lake Superior’s stunning shores, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, 35,000 acres of untamed old-growth forests and 90 miles of hiking/backpacking trails. If you can’t stay for more than a day, visit at least one of these three lookouts — Lake of the Clouds, Copper Peak and Summit Peak.   

From the Porcupine Mountains, go south along CR-519. See Manabezho , Manido and Nawadaha Falls on the far west of the Porcupine Mountains near Wakefield Township. Go east from Wakefield on M-28 to Bergland on the northern tip of Lake Gogebic , the largest natural inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. If you can arrive at Bruce Crossings at nightfall, you can decide if the ghostly Paulding Mystery Ligh t is real or legend. If you prefer to complete this tour in daylight, take M-45 to see Rockland’s Victoria Hydroelectric Dam , the Old Victoria Restoration or  Minesota Mine . From there, go north on M-26, jogging west on M-38 to Greenland to visit Adventure Mining Company , where you can take an easy walking tour, rappel down a shaft or sign up for a drilling and blasting workshop. Return to M-26, enjoying the foliage in the Baraga State Forest and arriving in time for dinner and resting for tomorrow’s adventures in Houghton. 

Tour 3: Iron Country

Western U.P. | 221 Miles | 4 hours minimum

Start at Ironwood, at the far west of the Upper Peninsula. If the weather is coolish, stop by the Stormy Kromer factory for a free tour and pick up a cap and other Stormy, stay-warm U.P. gear. Then head east on US-2 to Bessemer. If you have time, extend your tour by going north on the National Black River Scenic Byway Waterfall Tour . This will be a highlight of your Western U.P. travels. Along the approximately 14-mile Black River Road, you can see five impressive waterfalls: the Great Conglomerate Falls , Gorge Falls , the barrier-free Potawatomi Falls , Sandstone Falls ’ rock formations and Rainbow Falls . This byway will also take you to Copper Peak for an incredible, 360-degree leaf-viewing experience.

If a waterfall trip doesn’t work into your schedule, continue east on US-2 to Watersmeet. Four miles west of Watersmeet, explore the Ottawa National Forest’s Sylvania Wilderness on CR-535. The old-growth forests and 34 named, pristine lakes are home to a wide variety of animal and plant life. Return to US-2, and go east to Watersmeet jogging north on M-45 to see Bond Falls then backtracking to Watersmeet. 

When you reach US-2, continue east to Iron River. Hikers and ORVers both claim the best way to see fall color is on Iron County ’s hundreds of miles of trails. Nearby Caspian is home to the Iron County Historical Museum . This is the U.P.’s largest local museum with over 100 iron mining and logging exhibits, 26 buildings, two art galleries and a gift shop. Return to US-2, taking it to Crystal Falls where you will head north on US-141 to Covington, then west on M-28 to Bruce Crossings, then Bergland at the northern tip of scenic Lake Gogebic . Take M-28 southwest to Wakefield then follow US-2 west. You will be back in Ironwood in less than a half hour. 

Tour 4: Marquette

Central U.P. | 177 miles | 3.5 hours minimum

A good basecamp for this tour is Marquette with its vibrant downtown, dining, entertainment and recreational choices and a variety of lodgings. Start your adventure following Deutsch St. northwest for a half hour along the Lake Superior coastline to Big Bay. Nearby, the 9 miles of Big Bay Pathway trails and Big Pup Creek Falls give you close-up views of autumn’s magnificence.

Return to the junction of US-41 and go southwest to Negaunee and Ishpeming, where you can catch lunch or a craft beer. Mountain bikers can see fall colors from an exciting singletrack RAMBA trail between the two cities. For a less strenuous leaf-viewing experience, visit Black River Falls when you’re in Ishpeming. 

From Ishpeming, go east on BUS M-28, taking several small jogs until you reach County Road 480 then south on M-533 to Gwinn. From there, go east on M-94 through Chatham and within minutes, you will enter the Hiawatha National Forest for your fall color feast. Turn right to follow M-28E/M-94E to Shingleton. Once in Shingleton, turn around and take M-28W/M-94W. Take M-28W into Munising, your gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. 

Some of Munising’s fall color highlights include Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises until mid-October, Miner’s Castle and seeing the 16 waterfalls in Alger County . For an unforgettable wilderness adventure, take the ferry to Grand Island (it runs until Oct. 10) and go hiking, mountain biking and kayaking surrounded by jaw-dropping beauty.

On your return trip from Munising to Marquette, prepare to see some of the most stunning Lake Superior scenery going west along the coast on M-28. 

Tour 5: Wild River & Lake Michigan Bays

Central U.P. | 127 miles | 2.5 hours minimum

Start this fall adventure in Iron Mountain by making your way to Pine Mountain Ski Jump , where you can take in some of the best fall vistas in the U.P. At the base of the ski jump is the free Upper Peninsula Veterans Memorial . If you have the stamina, walk up the 500 Pine Mountain Steps . This half-mile vertical climb is the largest outdoor staircase in the U.S. It brings you to the ski jump — the largest artificially made ski slide in our country, too. 

From Iron Mountain, take US-2 east to Norway, then go south on M-8 to Piers Gorge Road and park. There is a 1.5-mile trail that offers spectacular views of the Menominee River , its churning rapids, ledges and waterfalls. 

Return to US-2 and go east to Hermansville where you can get out of your vehicle and immerse in the colorful woods. The Hermansville to Escanaba multi-purpose rail trail traverses 25 miles. Choose how far you want to go hiking, mountain biking, horseback or ATV riding. Highlights along the trail are three bridges with photo-worthy overlooks. 

Go back to US-2 and take it east to Spalding. Turn south on US-41 and go to Menominee, a historic town on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay at the Michigan/Wisconsin border. Catch lunch, then go north on M-35 along Lake Michigan to Escanaba. On the way, you will pass through Escanaba River State Forest where you can enjoy plenty of leaf viewing. Once in Escanaba, stay a day or two and enjoy these local fall color tours . 

Tour 6: Lake Michigan

Central & Eastern U.P. | 144 miles | 2.5 hours minimum

Some fantastic pull-offs along this Lake Michigan coastal tour will bring you back again and again. In Escanaba, pick up some Swedish Pantry Bakery cardamon bread and to-go coffee or tea, a bag of Sayklly’s chocolates or Dobber’s pasties for the road. Then take US-41 north to Rapid River on US-2. Visit Rapid River Knifework s, and learn about the craftsmanship of their sports and kitchen knives. 

Continue east on US-2. At Garden Corners, take M-183S to Fayette to explore an iron-smelting boom town turned ghost town, Fayette Historic State Park & Townsite . You can easily spend a half-day here walking the 3.5 miles of scenic trails through hardwood forests, along the bluff and the townsite. Kayakers will enjoy Snail Shell Harbor and its scenic limestone bluffs. 

Another don’t-miss side trip is visiting the “Big Spring,” Kitch-iti-kipi in Palms Book State Park north of Manistique. Nicknamed the “Mirror of Heaven'' by the Ojibwe, Michigan’s largest natural spring reflects its surroundings on crystal-clear waters. It takes approximately 16 minutes to go west on County Highway 442, north on County Road 455 and then north on M-149.

Return to US-2, and continue east to Epoufette and the Cut River Bridge/Roadside Park . The scarlet red, amber and brilliant orange leaves are only rivaled by the Lake Michigan waterfront. 

Just when you think you can’t be awed anymore, US-2 will take you to St. Ignace, the second-oldest, continuously inhabited city in Michigan. Steeped in Native American and European history, this is a good stopover destination. But what will amaze you is the Mackinac Bridge that spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. You must stay to see the sunset and the bridge gleaming with lights at night. 

Tour 7: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore/Seney National Wildlife Refuge

Central U.P. | 160 miles | 3 hours minimum

Fall Color Tour 4 gives you a taste of how spectacular the scenery is along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore , but take this tour for the full-blown experience. Motorcyclists rank County Road H-58, from Munising to Grand Marais, one of the top rides in the country. In the fall, it is off-the-charts beautiful whatever vehicle you are driving. 

From Munising, take County Road H-58 to E. Munising Ave. Continue on Adams Trail to County Road H-58E/Au Sable Trail. Go north to Sullivan’s Landing on the shores of Lake Superior. For the next few miles, take time to visit the picturesque Au Sable Light Station , the Log Slide Overlook and the Grand Sable Lake Scenic Overlook . 

Once you arrive at the quaint village of Grand Marais, enjoy the shops, hunt for agates on the beaches and walk the Sunset Boardwalk. A unique attraction is the Pickle Barrel House Museum , a 16-foot-tall barrel that was once a summer home for a well-known illustrator, William Donahey, creator of the famous Teenie Weenie characters. In the fall, it is open on weekends in September or by appointment. 

From Grand Marais, go south on M-77 to Seney. If you are up to more wilderness sightseeing, continue south on M-77 to Germfask’s Seney National Wildlife Refuge . You will find many places to hike and paddle, but the Strangmoor Bog National Landmark is part of the Superior Birding Trail. This time of year, you are likely to see American Bitterns, Northern Saw-whet Owls and Blackburnian Warblers among many other migratory birds as you meander through. 

Complete the tour by returning to Seney, taking M-28 west to M-94 and north to Munising. If you want to end your day stargazing or seeing the Northern Lights, the mile-long Miners Beach on Lake Superior, off County Road H-28 near Shingleton, is one of the top picks. 

Tour 8: Tahquamenon Falls/Whitefish Point

Central and Eastern U.P. | 172 miles | 3.5 hours minimum

This is a tour where the scenery gets better with every turn. Plan to add extra time for frequent photography stops! 

Start the adventure in Grand Marais and take M-77 south to Seney. If you haven’t seen the Seney National Wildlife Refuge , continue south to Germfask to hike, paddle and watch for wildlife . From Seney, take M-28 east, then north on County Road 405 to Newberry. 

From Newberry, continue the fall color tour, driving northeast on M-123 through Newberry State Forest and the Tahquamenon Falls State Forest to Paradise. There you can visit the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to see the Upper and Lower Falls. For another only-in-the-UP experience, stop by for a craft brew and a snack or meal at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub at Camp 33 , the only brewery housed on Michigan state land.

From Paradise, continue north on Whitefish Point Road to Whitefish Point . This is one of the premier places to see hundreds of varieties of migrating birds following their ancient flight paths south in the fall. It’s also the site of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum with its emotionally powerful exhibits, light station, lightkeeper’s quarters and rock-strewn beach. Open until Oct. 31, you will leave with a deeper respect for Lake Superior and those who have sailed it. 

Make your way back to Paradise, then south on M-123 to County Road 407 and north to Deer Park. Then take Deer Park Road west until it becomes County Road H-58. Pull over often to catch the Lake Superior views. 

Tour 9: Whitefish Bay

Eastern U.P. | 81 miles | 1.5 hours minimum

This is one of our shortest fall color tours, but there are lots of staggeringly beautiful trees in the Hiawatha National Forest and along the Lake Superior shoreline to enjoy. Begin in Paradise and go south on M-123, then left on M-28 and left on M-221. Stop in Brimley or Bay Mills Point to take in the ever-changing landscape of Lake Superior. Brimley State Park has an observation platform to watch the passing freighters going and returning from the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. You also can see Canada from there. 

After a jaunt up to Bay Mills Point, turn right onto West Lakeshore, travel 19 miles along Whitefish Bay then another 9.4 miles on Lake Superior Shoreline Road to the M-123 junction, and drive north to Paradise.

Tour 10: Lake Huron to Sault Ste. Marie 

Eastern U.P. |168 miles | 3.5 hours minimum

When people cross the Mackinac Bridge from Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula, they feel a sense of freedom and carefree adventure. This tour brings out the explorer in you! Start in St. Ignace at the base of the 5-mile-long suspension bridge, and continue north on I-75 to historic Sault Ste. Marie , the oldest city in Michigan and one of the oldest in the United States. Be sure to visit the Soo Locks , the ultimate international and Great Lakes freighter-watching destination. This is also a good place to catch a meal or ice cream snack, visit shops and historic museums, and get outside and play on recreational trails. 

Continue the tour, leaving Sault Ste. Marie by going south on M-129, then left on M-48E to DeTour Village on the St. Marys River. While in the village, stop by the DeTour Passage Historical Museum and Maritime Park . Learn about the area’s rich maritime history, and get front-row-seat views of giant freighters.  

If you can extend your visit, catch a ferry across to Drummond Island , the second-largest island in the Great Lakes. This island is an adventure waiting for you to join in on the fun. It is renowned for its ORV trails, kayaking, hiking, golfing and peaceful relaxation amid the changing trees. 

As you continue your fall color tour, take M-134 west from DeTour Village to I-75 along the northern shores of Lake Superior. Stop frequently at the beaches, and catch a meal in Cedarville or Hessel. Paddling around the Les Cheneaux Islands , an archipelago of 36 small islands, is a fall treat — especially at sunset. Both Hessel and Cedarville are replete with shops and art galleries featuring a variety of locally made crafts and gifts! 

When you reach I-75, go south to St. Ignace. Stay over. There are lots of things to do in this historic town tomorrow. 

Where to stay to take in the U.P.’s brilliant forests

Throughout the U.P., you can find lodgings, resorts and campgrounds with the rates and amenities that fit your fall color tour plans. September to mid-October are popular times to visit, so to get the dates you want, book your stay ahead. We can’t wait to share this beautiful peninsula with you soon!

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The ULTIMATE Michigan Fall Color Map + Peak Prediction Guide

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If you are on the hunt for the best fall colors in Michigan , then you will want to reference this guide — which includes an interactive Michigan fall color map as well as the most recent information about the 2024 fall colors in Michigan.

For the vast majority of Michigan residents, the highlight of the autumn season is when the leaves begin to change. Leaf peeping is a favorite thing to do in Michigan in the fall , motivating local residents to seek out the peak colors throughout the state and encouraging out-of-state visitors to experience this magical, natural transformation that occurs each year.

However, as any seasoned Michigander knows, the fall colors can be difficult to predict. A variety of factors will influence when the leaves change each year, the moment they will hit their peak, and the vibrancy of their colors.

What You Need to Know About the 2024 Fall Colors in Michigan

The 2024 fall color season in Michigan is predicted to be beautiful, as usual.

The Upper Peninsula is predicted to see peak colors in early-to-mid October, while the southernmost corners of the state are not likely to see colors peak until mid-to-late October.

One thing to keep in mind as you are planning your 2024 fall color tour in Michigan — the leaves begin to change color in the northern regions first, and then move south. In addition, the most color is going to be seen inland and then move to the shorelines. The coasts of Michigan will often peak later than their inland counterparts nearby.

Leaf Peeping in the Western Upper Peninsula

Tucked away in the farthest, northernmost region of the state, the Western Upper Peninsula may have the state’s harshest, longest winters — but it also boasts the most vibrant display of fall colors each year. A voyage to this area is well worth the effort, particularly for those who are looking to enjoy those spectacular colors as soon as possible.

In a typical year, the fall colors in the Western Upper Peninsula will peak between the last week of September and the first two weeks of October. This year, the fall colors in the western Upper Peninsula are predicted to peak the first weekend of October.

While a shoreline drive along Lake Superior is sure to thrill the eyes, many people believe that the Porcupine Mountains in the western Upper Peninsula are the best place to experience the fall colors in this portion of the state.

The Lake of the Clouds Overlook is a favorite among shutterbugs who want to get that quintessential fall photo that showcases the natural beauty of Michigan.

Fall Color Prediction in the Eastern Upper Peninsula

On the eastern side of the Upper Peninsula, the beautiful colors of fall also arrive earlier than they do throughout the rest of the state.

Generally speaking, the western Upper Peninsula will peak first, with the eastern region following shortly after. Peak colors can occur anytime between the last week of September and the second week of October, and in 2024, most experts agree that peak color will take place in early-to-mid October.

The eastern Upper Peninsula has long been considered one of the best places to enjoy spectacular vistas with an array of fall colors. It is known for its vibrant crimson leaves, its bright orange hues, and spectacular pops of gold.

To see some of these vibrant fall colors set against the backdrop of one of the state’s most incredible natural wonders, head straight to Tahquamenon Falls . Whether you visit the Upper Falls or the Lower Falls during the fall color peak, you are sure to be impressed with the views that showcase the rushing blue waters against a cacophony of fall colors.

The Best Time to See the Fall Colors in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is considered by many to be one of the best places in the state to see the fall colors and experience the grandeur of this fleeting season. The fall colors are only just beginning to pop, with very few leaves having turned their autumnal shades of sienna, gold, or burgundy.

The peak colors are predicted to arrive in the middle of October for most of Northern Michigan.

The Tunnel of Trees is easily the most iconic place during the fall in Northern Michigan. This is one of the only places in the state where you can surround yourself with colored leaves. The Tunnel of Trees is a 22-mile drive along M-119, and most of it is covered by a canopy of trees that turn a variety of colors in the fall. As you wind down this country road in Northern Michigan , you also will be treated to incredible views of Lake Michigan.

In addition to planning a fall color tour in Northern Michigan, you can tie in visits to local wineries and other attractions in towns like Charlevoix , Petoskey , and Traverse City .

Peak Times for Fall Colors in West Michigan

The fall colors typically arrive a little bit later around the shorelines of West Michigan , but if you are up for a late-season adventure, it’s one of the most beautiful places to witness this annual transition.

The reason that the fall colors are delayed in this part of the state is that the leaves begin to change inland first and then stretch out to the lakeshores.

In 2024, the fall colors in West Michigan are expected to peak during the middle of October.

A favorite place for fall colors in West Michigan is Holland , the Dutch-inspired community located near Lake Michigan. Not only will you enjoy this charming historical town during the slower fall season, but you also can go to Holland State Park to see the fall colors for yourself.

While you are there, consider taking the climb to the summit of Mt. Pisgah to see 360-degree views of the fall colors as well as the blue waters of Lake Macatawa below.

Southwest Michigan Fall Color Viewing Locations

Fall is one of those seasons that everyone looks forward to, but that always passes by way too quickly. Fortunately, for those who feel that they missed the peak colors in Northern Michigan and along the state’s shores, there is always one last opportunity to embark on a fall color excursion in Southwest Michigan.

Nestled in the southernmost and westernmost corner of the state, this region of the state receives its fall colors last. In 2024, the colors on the trees will peak in late October.

This allows you plenty of time to head to the most popular towns in Southwest Michigan, such as New Buffalo and South Haven , where you can enjoy not only the fall colors but also their pristine lakefront views.

Many of the small towns in Southwest Michigan offer a relaxing atmosphere with charming accommodations, quaint downtown areas, and plenty of spectacular vistas.

When to See Fall Colors in Mid-Michigan

Many people want to see the fall colors of Michigan juxtaposed with the crashing waves of the Great Lakes. While those waterfront views framed by a cacophony of colored leaves are nothing short of breathtaking, some of the most spectacular fall color displays can be found in the heart of the state.

In Mid-Michigan, the vibrant colors arrive first, before they travel out to the shorelines. This year, October is sure to be one of the best times to drive north along US-127 and see the trees for yourself.

One of the best communities to visit in Mid-Michigan to experience the fall colors is Frankenmuth . Located between Flint and Saginaw , this Bavarian town features plenty of fall color displays as well as a plethora of harvest activities.

Naturally, this town celebrates Oktoberfest in a big way, and you can also begin your Christmas shopping a bit early at Bronner’s — the World’s Largest Christmas Store.

Watch the Leaves Change in Southcentral Michigan

Fall arrives in earnest in Southcentral Michigan by the middle of October, when the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves start to change. In 2024, the peak fall colors in Southcentral Michigan are expected to be in late October , allowing you to glimpse nature in all its glory before the winter arrives soon after.

As the colors begin to arrive in Southcentral Michigan, the weather is often perfect for outdoor adventures. Jackson is one of the best places to go in this area if you are looking to explore and experience this state while also soaking up its incredible fall views.

For a unique excursion, consider renting a kayak or a canoe and paddling down the Grand River. On the calm waters of this river, you will smoothly glide past some of the most magnificent displays of fall color in the state.

Best Time for Fall Colors in Southeast Michigan

Like its counterpart on the western side of the state, Southeast Michigan is one of the last places where the fall colors peak. While colors will begin to start showing up in the late weeks of August and early September, most of the leaves are slow to showcase their full potential.

In 2024, the peak fall colors in Southeast Michigan are expected in late October .

While Southeast Michigan is known for its urban skylines and suburban amenities, there are still fun places where you can go to see the fall colors light up the landscape. The cider mills and pumpkin patches in Southeast Michigan are some of the most popular fall attractions, and they all offer incredible views of the colored leaves.

You might consider stopping by Plymouth Orchards in Plymouth for a cup of cider and a warm donut sprinkled with cinnamon, or maybe you want to go to the infamous Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills. No matter which cider mill you choose, you won’t be disappointed with the flavors, the activities, or the views.

FAQs About Fall Colors in Michigan

When do the fall colors peak in michigan.

The exact time of the fall color peak will vary from year to year in Michigan, depending on a variety of factors, such as the amount of rainfall that occurred throughout the spring and summer and the temperatures during the early weeks of fall. In addition, fall colors peak in different areas of Michigan at different times. Generally speaking, fall colors will peak first in the Upper Peninsula, and later in the season the further south you go in the state.

How long is the peak season for fall colors in Michigan?

The first signs of fall colors typically arrive in the Upper Peninsula in the middle of September, with colors sometimes peaking there by early or mid-October. In the lower regions of the state, the fall colors sometimes peak in late October or early November, so you can enjoy fall color tours in Michigan throughout September, October, and even into November.

Where are the fall colors peaking in Michigan right now?

Given the fact that the peak of the fall colors is highly dependent on the weather, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact place where fall colors are peaking in Michigan. However, the interactive map from SmokyMountains.com can provide you with a glimpse of where the fall colors are beginning to arrive and peak in Michigan.

Interactive 2024 Michigan Fall Color Map

Use the interactive fall color map for 2024 to find when and where peak color season is happening across the Great Lakes State!

A lover of all things Michigan. Will never get tired of exploring the unique places across the state and meeting all the awesome inspiring people that are here. Always ready for a new Michigan adventure! Owner, Director, and Chief Explorer!

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Keweenaw Peninsula Fall Color Tour

There is one place in all of Michigan where the colors are so vibrant and the views so majestic it will take your breath away. The Keweenaw Peninsula is that place in the heart of the Copper Country. Thousands of people each year feel the pull to this destination to behold the beauty of what awaits the traveler. How many shades of orange and reds can there possibly be in God’s country?

Fall Colors in Houghton and Hancock

The Keweenaw color tour is a loop around the Peninsula showcasing some of the best views in all of Michigan. Starting in Houghton the visitor can view the colors that sweep across the two cities. There is no bad view from either side of the valley. The Portage lift bridge anchors your eye as colors engulf Michigan Tech University and frame in Mount Ripley.  

Falls Colors at Hungarian Falls

From here head a short distance to Hubbell to see the colors in a magnificent waterfall backdrop. The Hungarian Falls is a short hike with three falls.  The lower falls give a breathtaking view of the falls but also looks out to Torch Lake and the colors of the valley below.  The middle falls are a remarkable photo gallery of fall colors with the powerful drop of the falls which you can get up close to.  The upper falls are no less beautiful and a little bit more a hike through woods where the smell of fall is thick upon the air.

Falls Colors in Gay MI

The next destination is Gay, MI for a stop at the Gay Bar and Restaurant for lunch.  The drive will take you through some historic mining history just outside of Hubbell and between Lake Linden.  These eerie buildings and structures are great places to see how the fall colors can transport them into artwork.  Along the way let the glimmering waters of Torch Lake be a great canvas to showcase colors on the opposite side of the lake.  

Fall Colors in Lac La Belle

After leaving Gay, MI you make first contact with Lake Superior while driving along the shorelines of the Keweenaw.  There are plenty of roadside parks and pull-offs to get amazing photos of colors alongside Lake Superior.  Entering into the picturesque town of Lac La Belle the colors up and down Mount Bohemia are breathtaking.  There are plenty of hiking opportunities to the top of the mountain for glorious views. However, a popular destination to stop in is Bear Bluff which is perhaps of the best spots in all of the Keweenaw to see the colors alongside Lake Superior.

Fall Colors in Copper Harbor

The next destination is Copper Harbor. The drive to Copper Harbor is worth all the tour.  Driving between the town of Delaware and Copper Harbor are the famously covered roads.  You will literally feel like you are driving in a “Color Tunnel”.  Your heart will fall in love with this drive and you will remember this stretch of miles forever.  Once in Copper Harbor, you may want to pursue the many stores and restaurants in the city, stop in at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, or check out the harbor.  However, the must stop at this destination is the drive-up Brockway Mountain.  This is the epicenter of the entire trip.  There are 360-degree views of the Keweenaw, Lake Superior, and on a clear day Isle Royale.  

Fall Colors in Eagle Harbor and Eagle River

The next two stops will bring you down the west side of the Peninsula.  The features of this side of the shoreline are much rougher and rugged as compared to the east side.  There are plenty of pull-offs and little places to fall in love with.  The towns of Eagle Harbor and Eagle River are all postcard-worthy with colors that embrace the vibrancy of the color season.

Keweenaw Fall Color Tour Photo Gallery

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Michigan fall drives: Muskegon to Ludington color tours

• by Marla R. Miller
• October 13, 2021 October 31, 2021

“Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the rustling leaves.” – Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

It’s color tour time! Although I’m always sad to see summer go, Michigan’s fall season helps soften the blow as we move into the gloomy months of November and December.

Michiganders live for football rivalries, harvest festivals, wine tours, and weekend drives to scope out the best color tours. Since we usually spend summer at the beach or on a boat, and we met in September, fall is typically the time we set off to explore Michigan.

Some of our favorite color tours are short trips from home – Frankfort, Traverse City, Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas – but the entire state puts on a leaf show.

Color tours across the state 

The vast stretches of wilderness in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula usually start to change in late September, creating a kaleidoscope of color as trees turn bright shades of yellow, orange, and red. The stunning display of color moves south throughout October, spreading across the Lower Peninsula as the nights get cooler.

The fall color is behind a week or two this year because the warm weather keeps holding on. I’m not complaining! So, you still have plenty of time to plan a weekend road trip. We headed north last weekend. The landscape is still very green on U.S. 31 north to Ludington. 

Look up where you live

The beauty of fall is you can admire the trees pretty much everywhere: walking in your neighborhood, sitting on your deck, or driving to work. I used to live in downtown Muskegon, and the mature trees provide a picturesque backdrop for fall walks. It’s a great time to discover places on foot or bicycle in your own community.

You can read more about Muskegon’s many attractions in my blog, Living History: Take a walking tour in downtown Muskegon . I even had a professional photo shoot done in downtown during the fall.

Even if the colors are drab, we never tire of Lake Michigan’s stunning scenery and visits to quaint coastal towns. I’m sharing a few favorite color tour drives and destinations to soak in the season of change in a three-part series.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Muskegon: Depot-to-Depot color tour

A favorite local color tour is up Scenic Drive from Muskegon to Whitehall. We usually do this drive at least once a season to check out the latest color. The local CVBs have billed this the Depot to Depot color tour. There are various stops you can make at area parks, businesses, and attractions. You can even win prizes!

Some highlights include Muskegon’s South Pierhead Light and Pere Marquette Beach, Muskegon State Park’s hiking trails and Blockhouse, and White River Light Station . The allegedly haunted lighthouse, built in 1875, remains open for tours until Oct. 25.

Woodsy color tours: Hike among the falling leaves 

An added bonus is we have several state parks in the area, including Hoffmaster , Muskegon , and Duck Lake , that have great hiking trails if you want to immerse yourself in the experience. I’m a firm believer regular walks in nature can improve mental health. Going for a walk or hike always makes me feel better, especially since I dread the drop in temperature and dark days to come. It’s nature’s last hurrah – join the party!    

Hoffmaster and Muskegon state parks have wooded campgrounds that are lovely for fall camping. Venture out on a trail. You’ll find plenty of foot-powered color tours. And Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park in Muskegon State Park offers year-round activities. You can enjoy summer and winter luge tracks, dual zip line adventure, archery, rock climbing wall, ice skating, groomed ski and snowshoe trails, and more.  

Muskegon to Ludington color tour 

A 60-minute drive up U.S. 31 to Ludington also offers plenty of scenic highway views. Or you can make your own color tour and veer onto county roads that lead to Shelby, Mears, Hart, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and Pentwater. A bicycle ride on the 22-mile Hart-Montague Trail , Michigan’s first linear state park, is another way to take in the changing leaves at a slower pace.

Ludington is a quaint coastal community that’s worth a visit in any season. Ludington State Park is one of the busiest in the state. Book early if you want to snag a campsite. Or enjoy off-season rates at a local motel or historic Bed & Breakfast. Whether you visit for the day or plan an overnight stay, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do on a fall color tour.

I really enjoyed exploring downtown, and soaking in the surroundings at Waterfront Sculpture Park , during my visit in May. I made some surprise discoveries while on assignment for my Legends of the Lake story for the fall issue of Michigan BLUE.

Top attractions include the historic S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry , Stearns Park Beach , Port of Ludington Maritime Museum , Big Sable Point Lighthouse , and Sandcastles Children’s Museum . I also wrote a feature on Big Sable Point Lighthouse’s 150th anniversary, Guiding Light , and a story highlighting the maritime museum’s opening, Port of Call , back in 2017.     

Walkable downtown with social district 

I was pleasantly surprised to find several mom-and-pop motel options plus historic B&Bs within walking distance of Ludington’s waterfront and downtown shopping district. We made our first stop Stearns Park Beach, the city’s free beach, and spent an hour basking in the surprisingly warm late-spring sun.

After that, we headed for downtown to check out the city’s shopping and dining district. Most of the restaurants, bars, and stores are concentrated on Ludington Avenue and James Street in the city’s new Outdoor Social District.   

As craft beer lovers, we enjoy visiting local breweries across Michigan. But I recently made some dietary changes – giving up gluten and craft beer – so it was a bittersweet visit to Ludington Bay Brewing . My SO intended to try a beer (purely to help me with my story), but we looked over the menu and decided to eat dinner. After two months without pizza, one of my favorite foods, I couldn’t resist ordering my first gluten-free pizza!   

Plenty of places to eat, drink

We also stopped in Sportsman’s Restaurant & Bar to check out the local pub scene. One of Ludington’s oldest dining establishments, Sportsman’s has been a family tradition since 1955. This historic Irish-themed pub adjoins The Mitten Bar and was surprisingly busy. But I can see why – the prices are cheap!

Ludington has several bars and restaurants to eat, drink, and be merry. Or you can take a drink to-go and walk around the Social District. But make sure to get back outside and explore the area.

Other top picks for food include: Crown and Cork, unique menu items, waterfront view, and live music; Jamesport Brewing Co., pub fare and entrees, craft beer, and an outdoor deck; House of Flavors for ice cream and breakfast; Luciano’s Ristoranti for Italian fare; and Timbers Steak & Seafood for steaks, seafood, and craft cocktails.

A+ for waterfront access

Besides watching the S.S. Badger cruise into port on her maiden voyage, I really enjoyed our sunset pier walk. It’s worth the walk if the lake is calm.

Walk the channel, learn about Ludington’s history

The next morning I woke up to blue skies and sunshine and saw the Badger pass through the channel and out to Lake Michigan. Next up: A walk along the water, passing the marinas on Pere Marquette Lake and reading the historical signs along the channel.

The Ludington Maritime Heritage Trail gives visitors the chance to explore the waterfront before or after a visit to Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. The museum and nearby Historic White Pine Village closes for the season Oct. 23.

If you run out of time like I did, you can walk along Pere Marquette Lake and the Lake Michigan channel and still learn about Ludington’s rich history. These interactive signs detail different eras and industries that made Ludington what it is today. At each stop, you can scan a QR Code with a smartphone or dial a phone number to hear stories related to the sign. 

Lift your spirits at Waterfront Sculpture Park 

Waterfront Sculpture Park turned out to be one of my favorite discoveries. This is a beautiful public park with waterfront access, nine bronzed sculptures, two playgrounds, a band shell, and plenty of green space. With views of the marinas and Ludington channel, I relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. It was time to refuel with coffee from Red Rooster Coffee and tacos from The Q Smokehouse.

Seriously, sitting in this park will make you feel happy. Kids laughed and played on the nearby playground while I admired the views and diverse public art. Each sculpture tells a story that relates to Ludington’s unique history. And the trees should be beautiful in the fall. If I lived in Ludington, I would walk here daily. 

Locals, tourists love Ludington

“Michigan as a whole is beautiful, but there is something really special about Ludington and all the public access to the shoreline,” said Brad Reed, a Ludington photographer who owns a downtown gallery with his father, Todd. “I always get the vibe in Ludington that both the locals and visitors here are very kind to everybody around them. I think that’s one of the reasons that everyone loves Ludington.”

You’re on to something, Brad! As a native Hoosier, I prefer down-home folks who are friendly and unpretentious. 

End the color tour with some shopping 

Before heading home, I stopped in a few shops downtown including Grateful Home & Heart , Evergreen Natural Foods Market , The Giving Tree Garden Center , and Todd & Brad Reed Photography . My lone souvenir: a magnet from the Reeds’ gallery of the Badger with a pink-and-orange sunset sky and North Breakwater Light in the background. I put it on the front of my refrigerator.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Ludington is an easy drive from Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Manistee. Make your own self-guided color tours on foot or bicycle or sightsee from the car. You can take U.S. 31, backroads, or two-lane highways and explore the country and farms along the way. Whether you visit for a day, a weekend or a week, you definitely won’t get bored!

Both Muskegon and Ludington state park campgrounds stay open year-round, so there is still time to plan a weekend adventure that includes fat-tire bike riding, hiking, or snowshoeing. There are so many trails to explore. Dress for the weather and enjoy a quiet walk in the woods.

Read more in my BLUE feature on winter fat-tire bike trails, Snow Coaster , in the area. Or you can join a guided snowshoe hike in Ludington State Park, detailed in my snowshoeing feature Timeless Tradition, Fresh Tracks , or Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.   

There are so many great fall drives and color tours as you head north along the Lake Michigan coast. Read my other color tour blogs here: Michigan fall drives: M-22 Manistee to Leelanau color tours and Michigan fall drives: Traverse City, Old Mission color tours . 

Marla R. Miller is an award-winning journalist, travel writer, and content marketing writer who lives in Norton Shores. Please “like” or follow me on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , or LinkedIn .

Northern Michigan Fall Color Tour Itinerary

by Brenda Sodt Marshall | Nov 15, 2020 | Hiking , History , Michigan , Travel

Our Northern Michigan Fall color tour itinerary is a menu of colorful options. How you arrange the order of the various hikes, landmarks, and UP delights is your choice. Our itinerary focuses on five areas of Michigan we thought would have the best color in early October. You could think of the locations as the sections of a restaurant menu:

• The Appetizers: Nahma and Ishpeming  
• Soup and Salad: Ontonagon
• The Main Course: Keweenaw  
• Dessert: The Tip of the Mitten  
• After Dinner Drink: Charlevoix  

Michigan Fall Color Tour

If you’ve got a short weekend, skip the first two courses and jump right into the main course. This is a meal you should savor, so I recommend at least 10 days and start with the appetizers. Chuck spent hours optimizing the list so we could see the best color, leave Ishpeming on a Sunday morning, and have lunch at Legs Inn on a Friday.

The Appetizers — Nahma and Ishpeming

Our first course of our Michigan Fall Color Tour has many options. I recommend tasting all of them.

Check into a haunted inn in Nahma, Michigan.

If Chuck mentioned the Nahma Inn was haunted, I tucked that tidbit away in the back of my brain and forgot about it. Dianna Stampfler, the author of the Michigan Haunted Lighthouse suggested we stay at Nahma Inn so it makes sense it is haunted. I was reminded it was haunted when I was lugging my small but mighty and slightly overpacked suitcase across the foyer where a few guests were standing.  “You know Nahma Inn is haunted?” One of the guests decked out in a plaid flannel shirt and sporting a huge smile said. I could tell he wanted to share more, so I asked, “Any particular rooms?” 

Grinning he said, “room 16.” I burst into laughter but Angie wasn’t laughing. 

Angie had just spent 10 minutes changing from the room next to ours to room 16. I guess she didn’t like the bed in the room she was first assigned. Plus the room at the end of the hall had better windows. We later learned these were the same windows Nell Fleming would watch for her lover, Captain Charles E. Good, the owner of Bay de Noquet Lumber Company, to sail into the harbor. Apparently, the good captain thought he was too good for Nell. After all, she was just hired help in the kitchen. He dumped her and it broke her heart, so the story goes.

That night Jeff held a vigil in their room hoping to see Nell. All he managed was to stay awake most of the night and feel groggy in the morning. He did not see Nell, but I’m positive Nell was hanging out in the bar while we were there. After dinner, we played several hands of euchre, guys against the girls. We win occasionally. That night Angie was on fire and we shut them out. This never happens and hasn’t happened since. I’m pretty sure Nell was helping Angie. 

The Nahma Inn staff and the other guests all assured us, their ghost was a friendly spirit. I would agree and I think she likes playing euchre. 

Savor a bit of history at the Fayette Historic State Park. 

Do you love history? And Michigan? And hiking? Then put Fayette Historic State Park on your list. You may want to call it Fayetteville, but there is no “Ville” at the end of Fayette. This state park has been on our list for a while. It is located on the shores of Big Bay De Noc on Lake Michigan, not too far from Escanaba. For a taste of this delicious piece of history, check out Chuck’s post with lots of fun facts and stunning pictures.  

Intrigue in Ishpeming. 

Besides being fun to say, Ishpeming makes for a fantastic launchpad for our next adventure in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We stayed for two nights and have plenty to say about our intriguing experience in Ishpeming. Chuck has rounded up some fun facts; shares some food, beer, and Bloody Mary recommendations; and as usual took plenty of gorgeous pictures from our walking tour. Check it out!   

Hiking Hogback Mountain, again. 

Every time we set out to hike near Marquette, we are drawn to Hogback Mountain. This lovely mountain (ok, folks from the Western states will call it a hill, but whatever) holds a special place in our hearts . Within the heart of the ancient Huron Mountains, Hogback is a gem . I’m sure that Chuck chose Hogback over nearby Sugarloaf because Hogback makes you work for its gorgeous views. We used to think of Hogback as our very own secret. Yet when we arrived, we found a parking lot with plenty of people ready to get up to the top and enjoy a beautiful fall day.

Introduction to Yooperlites  

While having a beer with our friend Jay Clancy at Cognition Brewing in Ishpeming we stumbled upon the topic of rock hunting. Thank you Jay for introducing us to Yooperlites and lending us your special Yooperlite flashlight. It has a special UV light. Although Jay hasn’t personally had time to search for them, he didn’t want us to miss an opportunity to stumble around in the dark looking for glowing rocks. Did you say, hey I want to know more about Yooperlites? You are in luck, I found an online guide.

We found a few Yooperlites and even tried to invent a drinking game using them. It didn’t pan out. We got a hot tip about a section of Lake Superior beach where Yooperlites are plentiful. The instructions were pretty vague, between 5 Mile Point Rd and Calumet. We didn’t find it. If you’ve got specific directions, please leave a comment below. 

Dead River Falls – The First of Many Waterfalls 

Dead River Falls is off U.S. Highway 41 West, west of Marquette. It is a fun hike. I would rate as moderate because there is a bit of scrambling over trees and avoiding shin bitters. (AKA tree roots trying to trip you.)  I read on the Great Lakes Waterfalls & Beyond site, “This is one of the best waterfall adventures in Michigan.”  

Bond Falls – Tourist Attraction

Unlike the Dead River Falls hike, Bond Falls falls in the category of tourist attraction. It reminded me of Disney World. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it out, but expect lines to take pictures. It was swarming with professional photographers waiting for the perfect light and way too many folks leaf peeping . 

Agate Falls – Don’t Miss

Not too far from Bond Falls is Agate Falls. It was our last extrusion before checking into our sweet AirB&B in Ontonagon for the night. The trail is an out and back hike, with a lovely parking lot, restroom, and only a handful of folks leaf peeping. We opted to view the falls from the train trellis above the falls. It was spectacular.  

Soup and Salad — Ontonagon

The next course of our Northern Michigan Fall color tour has just two entrees, both are found in the Porcupine Mountains State Park . 

Lake of the Clouds 

For several years Chuck has salivated over the gorgeous pictures of Porcupine Mountains Lake of the Clouds online. Our mission for this visit was colorful trees. We thought we had it planned so we could see the peak color, but we were a week off. We got to see lots of fall color, but unfortunately, It was just mostly on the ground. We’ve got a Troll’s Guide to the Porcupine Mountains with lots of helpful hints if you are planning a trip.

Presque Isle River Waterfall Loop

The Presque Isle River area is one of my favorite hikes in the Porcupine Mountains. It is a little crowded, but there are boardwalks, a suspension bridge, and three main waterfalls. Plus the Presque Isle River is so impressive. You can feel it as you cross the bridge. If you follow the trail out to the mouth of the river, you’ll have an added bonus of excellent rock hunting. We met Taz during our visit. I thought about dognapping him but figured it might make the rest of the trip rather complicated. 

The Main Course – Keweenaw

The main course of our Michigan Fall Color Tour has lots of ingredients to make it perfect.

Covered Road Pictures

Everyone talks about the Tunnel of Trees on M-119 north of Petoskey, but they should be talking about the Covered Road in the Keweenaw. It is hands down more beautiful. It is a dirt road west of Houghton and the trees are stunning.

The Perfect Whitefish at Peterson’s Fish Market

Eating whitefish while in the UP is like eating popcorn at the movies. You can’t avoid it and once you taste it, you can’t stop eating. When mentioning to any proper Michigander you are crossing the Mighty Mac, they will give you recommendations for the perfect whitefish. So when a friend who lived in the UP and graduated from Northern University says, “You must stop at Peterson’s Fish Market just north of Hancock. I promise you they have the best whitefish”, you make a point to go. I texted Chuck immediately to add the stop to the itinerary. She was right, it was delicious.  

Finding Hungarian Falls 

Is anyone keeping track? Hungarian Falls is the fourth waterfall hike on this trip. Chuck’s directions were a bit sketchy so there was some confusion when we arrived. Thankfully fellow hikers were super friendly and eager to share pointers and tips. The Keweenaw Land Trust has lots of helpful information regarding parking and access. I highly recommend you check it out. We hiked along the gorge which is a moderate hike. If you’ve got less experienced hikers along, you may want to consider parking near the upper access trail. The experience is a little different from the previous 3 waterfall hikes – the terrain is a bit more rugged. 

Check into the Fitz 

One of my favorite memories from my teenage years is sleep-overs at my best friend’s house — binging on pizza, playing games until the wee hours, maybe sneaking a beverage or two from their dad’s liquor cabinet. Staying at Fitzgerald’s Hotel & Restaurant is like that, but better. Unless your best friend’s house is perched on edge of Lake Superior, then it is a tie. 

We make a pilgrimage to the Fitz as often as possible. One of the first times was in 2015 during our Keweenaw Peninsula Adventure . COVID-19 made this year’s visit a bit different. For instance, they delivered our BBQ dinners to our room. Sadly we couldn’t hang out in their bar sampling from their excellent whiskey and craft beer choices. No worries we managed. 

Hunters Point

The Pure Michigan website describes it as a “narrow finger of land that protects Copper Harbor from the storms of Lake Superior.” We visited Hunters Point in 2017 during our UP Winter Adventure . I described it as “stepping into Narnia.” I personally think my description is better but whatever. It is a magical spot even without snow. 

Montreal Falls Hike

Chuck professed on the drive to the east side of the Keweenaw, that our next hike was a last-minute addition. He had done very little research on it, but he had directions. His travel companions were all happy he had a plan and were enjoying the beautiful scenery. I’m sure we’re all smiling and most likely humming along to the music. (There is always music on a road trip with Chuck.) 

Then we turned left on to the Smith’s Fisheries Road. A large traffic sign warning us of large trucks greeted us. I could smell the anxiety seeping into the truck. Add to that, Smith Fisheries Road is rough. Parts of it are washed out and are curvier than Marilyn Monroe. For the next 5 and a half miles, I held my breath fearing a huge semi-truck loaded down with trees would barrel around every corner and squash us. (Picture in your mind a scene from Mad Max.) 

At some point during the trek down Smith Fisheries Road, someone asked timidly, “Where are we going?” Chuck said, “ Montreal Falls .” It was at this point Angie offered, “Oh I read this morning the Montreal Falls hike is really hard.” There was silence in the car. Somehow the music had stopped. 

It felt like a lifetime, but in reality it was only 15-20 minutes before we reached the end of the road and found parking. There were no large trucks. We were obviously not squashed. We passed 3 vehicles – a Jeep, a 4-wheel drive truck, and a Subaru. Their passengers all waved. We encountered a few other hikers on the trail. No one was carrying technical gear or looked like they were ready to hike Mount Everest. A few had dogs and one couple were birders. Almost everyone was over 50. We started to think the trail wouldn’t be too bad.

I’ve looked for the review Angie mentioned and couldn’t find it. If you find it, don’t believe it. The hike is maybe a moderate hike and it is lovely. Bring a picnic! Spend the afternoon enjoying this beautiful oasis in the Keweenaw. But don’t drive a small Fiat. That would be a bad idea. 

Brockway Mountain Drive

We have traversed Brockway Mountain Drive many times on our way to Copper Harbor but it is most beautiful during the peak color of fall. Yes, the pictures are beautiful, but you really need to stand on the windy mountain top and soak in the color. 

Jampot – The Home of the Poorrock Abbey  

For YEARS the Jampot near Jacob’s Falls in Michigan Keweenaw Peninsula has been an elusive destination to visit. Mostly because it is only open May through mid-October on Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Finally, there was a tiny opening on our itinerary after the Montreal Fall hike when our schedule would overlap with the Jampot. I said, drive fast! I need to buy some holy jam! We arrived with just minutes to spare. The monks were happy to share the fruits of their labor. 

Dessert – The Tip of the Mitten 

Finally the sweet part of our Michigan Fall Color Tour. 

A view of the Mackinac Bridge 

Overnight in Mackinaw City with a view of the Mackinac Bridge. Yes, I spelled them correctly. This is a quintessential Michigan Experience. 

Headlands International Dark Sky Park 

Stargazing and leaf peeping aren’t necessarily two activities you’d combine but we did. Michigan is lucky to have an International Dark Sky Park near Mackinaw City and we’ve been curious about it. We were hoping the Northern Lights would be active during our trip but were not that lucky. We had a clear night and wished upon a couple of shooting stars. 

Lunch at Legs Inn

Much of the planning for this trip was done so we could have lunch at Legs Inn on Friday. Why? The lines are insane and during Michigan’s peak color season, customers have been known to wait for 3 to 4 hours to get a table. You may be asking why are the lines so long? They serve the best Polish Food in the State of Michigan.

We arrived at 11:20 am. They opened at noon and there were already people in line. We jumped in line and got a table right at noon. All the planning paid off!   

After Dinner Drink: Charlevoix

You’ve made it to the end. I hope you’ve enjoyed our Michigan Fall Color Tour. Let us know the best spots to find Petoskey stones in the comments below. 

Finding our first Petoskey stones. 

Finding a Petoskey stone is so Michigan. I’ve spent hours, probably years on Michigan beaches and I’ve never found one. Angie found a great online guide for finding them and it suggests 6 beaches and provides some tips. Since all these beaches were all near Charlevoix, we made it our last stop. We had the best luck on Fisherman’s Island State Park ’s beach. Bring a bucket and water shoes.

Feel free to wander in our galleries which includes images from our Northern Michigan Fall Color Tour. Enjoy the images. Contact us regarding any use. Here are links:

• The Appetizers: Nahma and Ishpeming 
• Soup and Salad: Ontangana  
• The Main Course: Keweenaw 
• Dessert: The Tip of the Mitten 

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• Family Stuff

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

As we inch closer and closer toward my favorite time of year…peak fall season begins to slowly awaken. Do you notice the slight changes in color on the tips of the trees? Can you begin to feel and smell the crispness in the air outside? Can you feel the cool breezes begin to sprint down the streets? Before you know it, autumn will just jump right out with a giant “howdy!”

Peak colors are due to arrive here in the mitten state in less than a few short weeks. Do you have your plans for your fall color tour? Well, let me please be of assistance in helping you plan where you’re going to enjoy your fall color tour.

What is a fall color tour, you say? Think about a small road trip. A serene yet brilliant drive down some secluded winding roads during peak fall color season. A chance to drive slow, wearing hoodies, with the windows down to catch the cool breezes of the season, just to enjoy this vibrant show nature has prepped all year to perform.

It’s not worrying about the hustle bustle of our busy, busy daily lives. It’s taking in the little things that we miss in our normal state of being. It’s smiling and laughing about your children’s foozled attempts at their first steps as a toddler but picking themselves up and trying over and over again to success. It’s reminiscing at past family trips and vacations, watching the kids grow inch after inch, month after month, year after year. It’s bonfires and gatherings of years past with those friends and family nearest and dearest to you, with the redolence of burnt mallows, melting off the tips of the campfire sticks and the steam rising off the mugs of hot cider and cocoa, with soothing tunes in the background, muffled from the resonance of laughter. It’s the dreams of growing old with your soulmate, the one person you feel complete ease and tranquility with, who can make you smile or take your breath away with just a simple gesture or look, whose voice can soothe any pain away in an instant. It’s time spent creating memories with your loved ones instead of wasting it away on things unimportant like working or binge-watching shows on the boob tube.

Getting away, even if just for a weekend or a day trip, removing yourself from the stresses of your usual crazy daily routine can be revitalizing, medicinal even. It restores the mind and renews the soul. It calms the body and allows a system refresh to take place. The bright colors and cool, fresh air will stimulate your senses in some unimaginable ways.

A fall color tour is exemplary when you plan it for the right time, just when the colors in the leaves reach their boldest and brightest. An intertwined color palette everywhere you look. Both sides of the road, with the limbs of the trees on either side reaching over the top of you toward the other side of the road as if they were holding each others’ hands constructing a burrow, created solely for you. Natural, colorful tunnels created by nature’s static giants showing off their true beauty before dropping their leaves to decompose into the soil below.

Autumn is the exquisite gateway to rebirth, renewal, renascence. A stunning snapshot of the cycle of life, a blaze of glory just before death, only in order to be renewed with new life in the springtime, after the bitter winters of our region. Let’s get started in finding an amazing Fall Color Tour for you and your friends or family.

M-119; Tunnel of Trees

Drive time: 45 minutes.

If you haven’t heard of it, there is a 20-mile stretch of road that hugs the shore of Lake Michigan from Harbor Springs, just north of Petoskey, to Cross Village. Some call it spectacular, some say iconic, many say breathtaking. For just a short 20-mile piece of pavement, it is anything but boring. It will take you to another world. Just take the drive slow and let it whisk you away as you meander along the curves of this narrow 2-way byway with no shoulders and a missing, forgotten center line. Towering hardwoods and evergreens that grow right up to the sides of the road, knitted together atop for nearly the entire drive, only allowing small bursts of sunlight to peek through when the leaves are still full.

During peak fall color time, it is a dream drive that you just cannot duplicate in many other places in our region. Take in the simplicity it provides…take it all in.

Notable Stops: Gurney’s Harbor Bottle Shop (try the Train Wreck sandwich), Pond Hill Farm (fresh produce and homemade preserves, wine tasting room, and brewery), Legs Inn (iconic historic inn that sits on a bluff overlooking the great lake, perfect for sunsets).

M-37; Old Mission Peninsula

Drive time: 1 hour.

Just under 20 miles from Front Street in Traverse City, M-37 takes you north through the heart of the thin Old Mission Peninsula all the way to the Old Mission Lighthouse on this one-way and back ride. You will wind your way along multiple orchards and vineyards, with plenty of opportunities to stop for wine-tasting at any of the 9 wineries on this piece of land jutting out into Grand Traverse Bay. The road will take you up hills for grand views of the bay’s bright blue waters and meander down along the shoreline.

Once you arrive at the northern terminus of the peninsula, make sure to visit the Old Mission Lighthouse and take some time to hike some of the many hiking trails winding through old orchards and woods.

Notable Stops: Old Mission Lighthouse , Chateau Chantal (beautiful views from one of the highest points of the peninsula).

M-22; Traverse City to Empire

Drive time: 2 hours.

For 116 miles, beginning downtown Traverse City, head north on M-22, traversing the eastern edge of the Leelanau peninsula up to Northport and continue south down the west coast of the peninsula to Empire. You will find a plethora of wineries and vineyards (there are 25 wineries in all), art galleries, scenic overviews, and small towns. When you arrive in Empire, take some time to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes by bringing your tent and setting up camp, hiking the trails, or if you’re up to it, climbing the dunes for some gorgeous views.

Notable Stops: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore .

US-23; Sunrise Coast (Pure Michigan Byway)

Drive time: 4 hours.

This 200-mile stretch from Standish to Mackinaw City, along the east coast of Michigan’s lower peninsula, is an undoubtedly beautiful drive if you have the time. Beginning in Standish, US-23 takes you north, hugging the coast of Lake Huron through many gorgeous small towns such as Omer (donned Michigan’s smallest city), Whitestone Point, Tawas City, Oscoda Township, Harrisville, Alpena, Ashland, Rogers City, Cheboygan, Grand View, and Mackinaw City. Also named the Sunrise Coast Tour, this stretch of gorgeousness will also take you along Thunder Bay River State Forest, Rockport State Recreation Area, and Thompson’s Harbor State Park. Make sure to make it a point to stop at some of the many, many small state parks right on the great lake for some amazing views, but you will want to make sure and bundle up as the winds can kick up quite a bit.

Notable Stops: Tawas Point Lighthouse in Tawas City, Sturgeon Point Lighthouse in Harrisville, Ocqueoc Falls and 40 Mile Point Lighthouse in Rogers City, and the Cheboygan Crib Lighthouse in Cheboygan.

Gaylord to Charlevoix to Boyne City

This 91-mile loop will take you through a number of small towns in the northern lower peninsula. It almost loops the entirety of Lake Charlevoix, through the woods backdropped with tall pines and exploding in bright yellows, oranges, reds, and browns of the hardwoods.  You will meet up with the shores of Lake Michigan for a beautiful view of the great lake waters, then head back toward Gaylord, but on a different road that will take you through the beautiful town of Boyne City.

Notable Stops:   Gaylord’s City Elk Park , Fisherman’s Island State Park , Charlevoix South Pier Light Station , Boyne Mountain Resort .

Copper Country Trail National Byway

A 47-mile drive from Houghton to Copper Harbor will take you to Michigan’s upper peninsula’s northernmost reaches. The drive alone will take 2 hours to drive, but you will want to plan much more time to stop and explore in these areas. You will see lighthouses, beautiful parks, local breweries, and many small-town businesses. The wilderness is aplenty in these parts of the state, and you can’t help but enjoy all of the natural beauty that surrounds you here.

Notable Stops: Brockway Mountain Drive (10-mile stretch from Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor, the highest paved road above sea level between the Rockies and the Alleghenies), Keweenaw Brewing Company in Houghton, The Jampot Bakery in Eagle Harbor, Brickside Brewery , Manganese Falls and Copper Harbor Lighthouse in Copper Harbor.

H-58; Grand Marais to Munising

This amazing 50-mile drive along the UP’s northern coast is a can’t miss. It will take you through and along the iconic Pictured Rocks, America’s first National Lakeshore. This winding, twisted drive has been updated within the last 10 years to make much more accessible than it once was, but the rustic beauty of the land it traverses is just as spectacular as it has always been.

Notable Stops: Dunes Saloon/Lake Superior Brewing Company in Grand Marais, Sable Falls just outside of Grand Marais, The Old Logslide at Grand Sable Dunes, The White Birch Forest about 15-16 miles west of Grand Marais, Warner Falls and Scott Falls in Munising.

River Road National Scenic Byway

Drive time: 40 minutes.

From Hale to Oscoda, this 30-mile drive with take you high upon the bluffs, overlooking many of the attractions along the route. The trip takes you into the Huron-Manistee National Forest, along the beautiful Au Sable River and will take you back into time when the lumberjacks ruled these parts.

Notable Stops: Iargo Springs in Oscoda (from the road, take the 294 stairs down or view from the overlook), Canoer’s Memorial and Lumberman’s Monument in Oscoda (the official home of Paul Bunyan), Eagle’s Nest Overlook on the outskirts of Oscoda.

H-513; Black River National Forest Scenic Byway

Drive time: 25 minutes.

Though, only 15 miles long, a there-and-back trip will not disappoint the truly adventurous travelers during the fall season as you will not want to miss any of the majestic falls along this route. From US-2 in Bessemer, take Powderhorn Road north. Make a left onto Black River Road which will begin your journey to where it ends at Black River Harbor, the only harbor and marina operated by the USDA Forest Service in the lower 48 states.

Notable Stops: Gabbro Falls/Bakers Falls , Great Conglomerate Falls , Potawatomi Falls , Gorge Falls , Sandstone Falls , Rainbow Falls .

Huron River Drive; Ann Arbor to Dexter

A little closer to home for many of us metro-Detroiters, this beautiful strip of concrete is a two-lane thing of beauty. It’ll twist and turn through gorgeous woodlands taking on the curves of the Huron River that travels right alongside it. Slow down a bit more than you are used to and just enjoy the ride. Stops at the several parks along the route will make this a real adventurous ride.

Notable Stops: Dexter Cider Mill , Bird Hills Nature Area , Hudson Mills Metropark .

Downtown Detroit/Belle Isle

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Now, for those of you city-dwellers who can’t ponder a long drive away from home for the most beautiful natural areas of our great mitten state, there is still a Fall Color Tour available to you. Our great city of Detroit is filled with wooded tracts and parks. All types of beautiful trees line the streets and yards of our ever-improving downtown area. With a bit of research, I have come up with The Ultimate Detroit Downtown Fall Color Tour. Beginning at Warren and Outer Drive in Rouge Park, the drive takes you along West and East Outer Drive, skirting the northern edges of the city and bringing you back down toward the Detroit River at Jefferson Avenue. From here, it takes you along Jefferson toward the inner city, but veering for a trip through the stunning Belle Isle Park. From here, you will follow Grand River Boulevard East and West. Take your time and enjoy the sights of all the beautiful colors of leaves on the trees during late October within our city limits.

Wherever you choose to enjoy the colors and sights of Autumn in Michigan, it’s tough to do without a smile on your face, a warmth in your soul, and no weight on your shoulder. This is a beautiful time of year that prepares us for the coming winter season by reminding us how beautiful life and nature truly is. Get your loved ones together, pack some snacks and yourselves in the car, and head out for an amazing Fall Color Tour. I also want to hear your stories in the comments below about your own adventure on one of the above-mentioned tours or a tour of your own that I may have missed. Happy Fall everyone!

3 thoughts on “11 Breathtaking Fall Color Tours in Michigan, Including The Ultimate Detroit Downtown Fall Color Tour”

You are an excellent writer. I really enjoy reading your stuff. Thank you for sharing ❣️

Thanks Aunt Sue. I really appreciate it. I’m glad you enjoy my stories. There will be lots more to come.

What a great list of places! I’ve only visited Michigan in midwinter for the U.P. 200 sled dog race, but the Grand Marais area was beautiful then too. I can only imagine how gorgeous it must be with fall colors decorating the area!

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The Tunnel of Trees: Michigan’s Most Famous Color Tour

There are many reasons to visit the Petoskey Area in the fall – from the festivals in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Boyne City, to shopping at Bay Harbor to the chance to see for miles from a scenic chairlift ride at Boyne Mountain or The Highlands . Yet time and time again, visitors flock to the region to take in stunning color, while also enjoying unique points of interest, on a scenic tour through the world-famous Tunnel of Trees.

Snaking its way along the Lake Michigan shoreline from Harbor Springs to Good Hart and all the way to historic Cross Village – a 20-mile trek, the Tunnel of Trees offers unparalleled views of the coast. Along the way you’ll also catch a glimpse of Beaver Island and two lighthouses. And with more curves than Marilyn Monroe (137!) this beautiful route is NOT one to try and rush through – note the 25mph signs are not simply a suggestion.

Be sure your passengers keep their cameras ready, as this route is filled with terrific photo opportunities including overlooks from near Birchwood Farms and just north of Stutsmanville Road.

For those looking for something beyond the beauty, there are historical markers and places of interest including St. Ignatius Church, a Native American burial ground, and Devil’s Elbow, once said to be the home of an evil spirit.

Need to mail a postcard?  You can do that at the Good Hart General Store which also serves as a post office, but we suggest you pick up a souvenir M-119 hat, tee shirt, or one of the store’s famous pot pies . No cooler?  No worries!  Good Hart General Store will ship for you.

Good Hart General Store isn’t the only cool stop along the Tunnel of Trees. Primitive Images/Good Hart & Soul Tea Room serves up more than 50 different teas in an 1850’s log cabin filled with rustic furnishings. Three Pines Studio is a terrific gallery that also offers classes. And Pond Hill Farm is a real working farm that has fun kids’ activities like a gnome house hunt and is also home to Harbor Springs Vineyard and Winery for the over-21 crowd. And no trip on the Tunnel of Trees is complete without a stop at the quirky Legs Inn . This historic landmark destination is just as famous for its interesting architecture as for the incredible views and authentic Polish food.

While we’re still waiting for the bright yellows that grace the Tunnel of Trees – it’s running late everywhere in the Petoskey Area – keep this drive in mind. Go up (or down) M-119 and make the return trip on State Road, which parallels the Tunnel of Trees and puts on its own fiery show of color.

For five breathtaking color tours, including the Tunnel of Trees, download the Petoskey Area Fall Color Guide.

About the author

Diane Dakins is passionate about all of the communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has “been there – seen that” when it comes to virtually every area attraction. She strives to create informative content that gives potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.

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Fall Color Tour

West Michigan's abundant forests helped fuel Grand Rapids' rise as "furniture capital of the world" in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. While many hardwoods were sacrificed to sawmills in those years, Grand Rapids remains a tree-lover's paradise.

You’ll see an explosion of fall colors in 150+ local parks , on tree-lined suburban streets , and even alongside expressways as you cruise around town – including a “mountain” of trees that greets you two minutes west of downtown on I-196.

Each year, the Kent County Road Commission releases four fall color routes that showcase the vibrant colors of the season and the natural beauty of the area.

The County Road Association of Michigan identified these Kent County roads as “don’t-miss” destinations for fall color:

• Honey Creek Avenue from Pettis Avenue to Cannonsburg Road
• Bailey Drive from Vergennes Street to Lincoln Lake Avenue
• Fallasburg Park Drive from Lincoln Lake Avenue to Gavin Lake Avenue
• 5 Mile Road from Lincoln Lake Avenue to Gavin Lake Avenue
• Gavin Lake Road from 5-mile road to Belding Road
• Wabasis Avenue from Belding Road to 12 Mile Road
• Ramsdell Drive from 5 Mile Road to 11 Mile Road

The Grand Ravines' pedestrian bridge is the perfect spot for catching fall color scenery.

Photo by Alina Albin for Experience GR.

Fall Photo Spots

If you want to plan your own driving route, consider these scenic stops for your itinerary. You’ll find all sorts of colorful photo ops as you explore them on foot.

Ada Township Park. This 57-acre park includes a 200-tree arboretum, woodland garden, and nature area with barrier-free warbler trail.

Ada Covered Bridge.  Erected in 1867, this 125-ft. Brown-truss wooden bridge spans the Thornapple River and is open to foot and bicycle traffic. It’s located in Leonard Park , just steps away from the walkable shopping and dining village of Ada .

Blandford Nature Center. An extensive trail network through old-growth forest and a naturalized golf course are ideal for admiring fall’s color palette.

Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens. Hike scenic trails through 100+ acres of forest, wetlands, and a native plant garden for a display of fall finery. Bring binoculars for birdwatching!

Fallasburg Covered Bridge . Opened in 1871, this 100-ft. Brown-truss wooden bridge still accommodates vehicular traffic across the Flat River just north of Lowell. It is adjacent to a forested  county park  crisscrossed with hiking trails . Visit Lowell ’s charming main street, lined with antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants – before or after your tour.

Grand Ravines Park . This Jenison park offers scenic views of the Grand River and a pedestrian bridge, plus a “treehouse” that’s perfect for capturing panoramic vistas of fall color.

Grand River Riverfront Park . Walking paths throughout this Lowell park are lined with fall foliage but the most popular photo spot may be the pedestrian bridge over the Grand River.

Lowell Area Trailway . Staying in Lowell, this 2.5-mile paved pathway connects the Fred Meijer Flat River Valley Rail Trail with the Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience and Environmental Education Center , which offers another five miles of trails through lush forests, rolling prairies, open fields, and wetlands.

Millennium Park . Just five minutes from downtown, this 1,500-acre park boasts 18 miles of tree-lined hiking/biking trails, many alongside small lakes and the Grand River.

Pickerel Lake Park/Frederik Meijer Nature Preserve. Explore a scenic mix of wetlands, sandy woods, and rolling forest hills and valleys alongside a picturesque 80-acre lake. A 900-ft boardwalk crosses a portion of the lake.

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery. This 100-year-old family orchard is a favorite fall destination for purchasing or picking 30+ varieties of apples, enjoying cider and homemade baked goods, and engaging with nature via hayrides, a corn maze, a petting zoo, and a mountain bike trail.

Muskegon State Park and Saugatuck State Park . Hike forested sand dunes on the way to Lake Michigan beachfront (and dazzling fall sunsets) at these parks 40-50 minutes from downtown GR.

September and October are prime apple picking months, making it the perfect complementary activity to your fall color tour.

Photo by Polaris, Courtesy of Robinette's

More Fall Fun

Other ideas to supplement your fall color tour:

• See fall foliage from a different perspective – on a leisurely hike/bike ride , alongside a golf fairway , from a canoe or kayak , or as you fish local rivers (it’s salmon and steelhead season!)
• Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park for a different kind of fall color – its annual Chrysanthemums and More! exhibit spans thousands of multi-hued blooms across 158 acres.
• Head to the family farms of  Fruit Ridge Markets  for apples, pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, and more.
• Pick your own apples at u-pick apple farms and orchards.
• Enjoy some fresh-pressed fall  cider (and perhaps a just-baked doughnut or two). 
• Try a flight of hard cider on the tucked-in-the-woods patio at Farmhaus Cider – it’s one of many Flights of Flavor food & drink pairings available throughout town.
• Tour local breweries for a taste of pumpkin beer and other seasonal specials.
• Soak up the view from an outdoor restaurant patio – you can see great fall colors at Rose’s on Reeds Lake , Blue Water , Bostwick Lake Inn , Third Nature Brewing  and  Pink Barrel Cellars , among others. Visit during Restaurant Week GR (Nov. 1 - 9, 2024) for special deals on special meals.
• Get a bird’s eye view of the city in fall from MDRD restaurant on the 27 floor of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Lookout Park atop Belknap Bluff or a helicopter tour. 
• Enjoy some man-made color – visit ArtPrize Sep. 13 - 28, 2024 to see hundreds of artworks from international arts, all over downtown Grand Rapids.

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Black River Harbor

Fall Color Report

September 17, 2024 Here we are already coming up on mid-September…a lot of folks favorite time of the year. Leaves are just starting to show some color. Looks like this year our color are starting our to be muted. As the month goes on our trees will be getting more and more colorful.

Talking about color to come, be reminded, Copper Peak will be open through the color season. You won’t see these views of color anywhere else like you do at Copper Peak.

For Fall Color Tours check out our website …www.explorewesternup.com.

150 Mile Western U.P. Color Tour Western U.P. Waterfall Color Tour 50 Mile Fall Color Tour Lake Gogebic Fall Color Tour Photo Gallery

Scenic Fall Color Chair Lift Rides

Snowriver Mountain Resort Fall Color Chairlift Rides The Porcupine Mountains Fall Color Chairlift Rides Copper Peak Chairlift and Adventure Ride

150 Mile Western U.P. Color Tour

Porcupine Mountains Fall Color Explosion

Tour Highlights: Cisco Chain of Lakes, Bond Falls, Porkies, and Presque Isle Falls.

This tour takes you to some of the most spectacular scenery this country has to offer. You Start in Wakefield on Hwy 2 heading east. As you travel this road you are driving through the heart of the Ottawa Ntl Forest.

There are several side roads you can travel. Maps are available at the Forest Service offices. At the intersection of Hwy 2 & 45 turn north.

In Paulding, you will see the signs for Bond Falls. This is a good spot for a stop. After Bond Falls you can continue on this road to Hwy M28 the second portion of this road is a good gravel road. Or return to 45 and continue north.

If you continue you will intersect M28 go west and stop at Agate Falls if you like. At the intersection of M28 & 45 go north to Ontonagon, a good stop for lunch and shopping. Here take M64 along the shore of Lake Superior to the West all the way to “Lake of The Clouds” on Hwy M-l07.

Next, take South Boundary Road south. Along the way stop at the Visitors Center. Summit Peak is a great lookout for colors. At the end of South Boundary Road is Cty Rd 519. Go north for 1 mile get out of the car and walk to the waterfalls. There is a boardwalk along the river to the shore of Lake Superior.

Return to Wakefield on 519 to Hwy M28 & turn right and you will find yourself back where you began. This tour is a full day so take plenty of film.

Western U.P. Waterfall Color Tour

This is a simple trip, however, the views are anything but simple. The Black River Scenic Byway is a protected roadway by the Federal Government. It includes several waterfalls, Copper Peak ski flying hill, and a walking suspension bridge over the river. This route while short is a good route to spend most of your time out of the car.

To begin you turn to the north off US-2 at the entrance to Big Powderhorn Mountain. The entrance is marked by the big skier. Follow the road to the main lodge of the ski resort. There the road turns to the right, follows it over the railroad tracks to a T intersection, you turn left onto Black River Road. This will take you out to the waterfalls. Each of the waterfalls has paths leading to them. Potawatomi is barrier-free (from the Gorge Parking Lot) with bathroom facilities. Gorge and Rainbow have steps and observation decks, while Great Conglomerate and Sandstone Falls have natural settings. At the harbor, there is also a bathroom and picnic area. Black River Harbor also includes a campground, cabins, and shopping. Enjoy this trip short in distance long on scenery.

50 Mile Fall Color Tour

Lake Superior Shoreline

Tour Highlights:  Little Girls Point, Lake Superior, Gogebic County Forest, Superior Falls and Saxon Harbor

This tour takes in a little of everything our area has to offer. You begin in Ironwood at the intersection of US and Lake Rd, the Holiday Gas Station is there. Take Lake Road north. You will travel about 15 miles. At this point, you will enter the Gogebic County forest and begin to go downhill. Halfway down this hill is a spring with good drinking water.

As you continue on Lake Rd (513) you will come to Little Girls Point. This park is a great place to get out and stretch your legs. Take some time to walk the beach and listen to the waves of the Big Lake. This stretch of land is rich in history. It was the site of Indian villages and resting points for the Jesuit Missionaries, most notably Father Jacques Marquette, as they traveled from St. Ignace to Madeline Island in 1669.

As you continue west you will come to Superior Falls and the mouth of the Montreal River. This is another good spot to get out and explore. As you cross the Montreal River you will enter Wisconsin. Shortly after this, you will see the signs for Saxon Harbor, a must-see. This place is part of the Old Flambeau Trail serving the Chippewa from LaPointe to Lac du Flambeau. As you Return to the main road you will intersect with Hwy 2 turn left and it will bring you back to Ironwood.

Lake Gogebic Fall Color Tour

Sunset over Lake Gogebic

You can start this tour from either end of the lake. As you drive around the lake take the time to stop in at one of the restaurants for lunch or dinner as your view is over the lake. Lake Gogebic is the Upper Peninsula’s largest lake. 18 miles long and 3 miles wide, the driving distance around the lake is a little over 38 miles. Again take your time and enjoy the colors.

From Hwy 2 east of Marenisco take Hwy M64 north. After a few miles, you will be on the south end of Lake Gogebic. About a mile further you will see hiking signs. This trail leads to a scenic overlook of the lake. As you continue up the west shore there are two restaurants; The Gogebic Lodge and the Fishtales Resort both have great food with dining rooms that overlook the lake.

The west shore also features the parks. Gogebic County Park is the furthest south, the State Park is in the middle and Ontonagon County Park is on the north end. M64 will intersect with M28, go east this will take you into Bergland. Here you will find gas and supplies. About one mile east of Bergland is East Shore Road, turn right and follow the road until it comes to M64 on the south end of the lake. Turn left and you will return to Hwy 2.

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Kaw Valley Farm Tour preview: At Compass Prairie Art Farm, Kansas’ native ecosystem offers ‘a different palette of color’

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Matt Dehaemers, owner of Compass Prairie Art Farm, stands in his remnant 10-acre prairie on Monday, September 23, 2024.

Crickets and grasshoppers sing among the native grasses and flowers on a 10-acre remnant prairie southwest of Eudora. The prairie – located on the Compass Prairie Art Farm – offers numerous seasonal blooms of native flowers, and its highly diverse landscape is hard to find.

“There’s like a different palette of color that seems to sprinkle itself through the prairie,” said Matt Dehaemers, owner of Compass Prairie Art Farm. “Whether it’s coneflowers, a form of sunflower, blazing star or asters, it’s fun to see.”

Today, about 4% remains of the original tallgrass prairie ecosystem worldwide, and The Flint Hills of Kansas make up nearly 80% of what’s left, according to The Nature Conservancy . The Compass Prairie Art Farm is named after the compass plant, which can live for up to 100 years given the right conditions, and there are many of them on the prairie.

The Compass Prairie Art Farm on Monday, September 23, 2024.

“They very much stand out above everything else,” Dehaemers said.

Dehaemers expressed that the most fulfilling aspect of his work and owning the farm is serving as a steward of the prairie, which he said has a documented 105 species of wildflowers and grasses that create the complex ecosystem of the land.

“I feel like a very rich person to have something this special,” Dehaemers said.

While he is a farmer, Dehaemers is also an accomplished artist. He’s been creating art for about 25 years and is known for his large public art installations. One of his works, the galvanized steel sculpture “Seven Sentinels,” is located at Kansas City’s municipal tow lot. His art can be found throughout Kansas City and the Midwest, with significant pieces displayed at Arrowhead Stadium and Operation Breakthrough at 31st and Troost.

His farm was put together over the past year, and Dehaemers said that creating it was an art piece in itself, especially with the flower bouquets.

Growing his flowers to what they are today started on a much smaller scale, where he would cut some flowers and give them to people.

“I enjoy creating a composition, just like an art piece,” Dehaemers said.

Matt Dehaemers has started making butterfly art pieces out of recycled iron chairs. He is pictured on Monday, September 23, 2024.

“It was just joyful to do that,” Dehaemers said. “It’s kind of become my happy place. And last year, I wanted to give it a go and see if I (could) grow a lot of them, and so, I’ve been learning my way through it on this scale.”

The project has since developed into combining his two passions – creating art and growing his farm.

In preparation for the Kaw Valley Farm Tour in the first weekend of October, he has recycled old rotary tines from tillers and welded them onto steel tubes to replicate flowers. Dehaemers is also working on other projects, including using all the parts of four iron chairs and turning them into butterflies.

This is the first time the Compass Prairie Art Farm will be participating in the Kaw Valley Farm Tour, and Dehaemers said he never thought he would have the opportunity to do it after attending several weekends over the years.

“When I started (growing) the flowers, and then the connection to the prairie, I thought you know, this would be really fun if I could do this,” Dehaemers said.

Some prairie blazing star on Compass Prairie on Monday, September 23, 2024.

The 20th annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour will showcase 39 farms this year, inviting visitors to explore local agriculture. The event will take place on Saturday, October 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants can look forward to a variety of farm offerings and activities. For further details, including a map, driving directions, tour tips, and ticket purchases, visit kawvalleyfarmtour.org.

The Compass Prairie Art Farm will host two special walks of the remnant prairie, one on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m. led by Courtney Masterson, proprietor of Native Lands LLC, and the other on Sunday Oct. 6 at 10:30 a.m. with Sheena Parsons, Field Station Manager for the Kansas Biological Survey. Photographer Terisa Morgan will also be available for mini photo sessions on the remnant prairie on Sunday, Oct. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. Additionally, there will be art featured by Holly Swangstu, Troy Swangstu and Anastacia Drake to view during the weekend.

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