When and Where to See Fall Colors in Michigan
It’s time to plan your Michigan fall color tour. According to meteorologists, fall colors are on track to peak early this year, thanks to cooler than normal nighttime temperatures in September. You don’t want to miss the Mitten State’s shortest, but most spectacular season. Here’s when and where to see fall colors this year.
Upper Peninsula
When: Estimated Peak Fall Color – October 1 – 7
Where: Copper Peak – Ironwood
Copper Peak is a ski flying hill located in the western Upper Peninsula, but you don’t have to put on skis to enjoy the amazing view. First, you’ll ride up 800 feet on a ski lift. Then an 18-story elevator transports you to the main observation deck. The view from there is already pretty amazing, but the truly adventurous can climb steps another 8 stories up to the starting gate at the very top. From there, you’re treated to an unobstructed vista of the Upper Peninsula’s forests, ablaze in fall’s deep orange, yellow and red colors. On clear days, you can see as far as 2,500 square miles, three states and even Canada.
Northern Michigan (Upper Lower Peninsula)
When: Estimated Peak Fall Color – October 7 – 14
Where: The Tunnel of Trees
The Tunnel of Trees is located on M-119, between Harbor Spring and Cross Village. This 20-mile stretch of road is lined with hardwoods that form a canopy of color overhead in the fall. You’ll also catch glimpses of sparkling, blue Lake Michigan and Beaver Island as you drive along the bluff. You can stop and explore the old-fashioned general store in the small town of Good Hart along the way. When you get to Cross Village, be sure to stop at the famous Legg’s Inn, known for their Polish cuisine and interesting decor.
The Thumb
When: Estimated Peak Fall Color – October 7 – 14
Where: Port Crescent State Park
Port Crescent State Park is at the tip of the thumb near Port Austin. It has three miles of shoreline along Lake Huron. Trails at the park take you along Saginaw Bay, through forests and over sand dunes. The white sands and blue water make a stunning backdrop for fall colors.
West Michigan
When: Estimated Peak Fall Color- October 10 – 17
Where: Hart-Montague Trail
This 22-mile, paved, linear trail originates in Hart and travels through hardwood forests, passing through Shelby, New Era, Montague and Whitehall. Hiking, biking and inline skating are permitted. Scenic overlooks and picnic areas provide plenty of opportunity to enjoy the fall scenery along the way.
Southwest Michigan
When: Estimated Peak Fall Color – October 14 – 21
Where: New Buffalo to Coloma, via Red Arrow Hwy
For this drive, skip the I-94 expressway, and take scenic Red Arrow Hwy (M-63) from New Buffalo to Coloma. You’ll travel along lake Michigan, passing through the lakeshore towns of Union Pier, Bridgman, Stevensville, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor and end in Coloma. You’ll seen plenty of fall color along the way. Each town has restaurants, shops and galleries to visit. At Grand Mere state park near Stevensville, you can climb sand dunes for an amazing view of Lake Michigan. You’ll also want to stop at St. Joseph, a resort town with an incredible beach, lighthouse and beach side carousel.
Southeast Michigan
When: Estimated Peak Fall Color – October 14 – 21
Where: Belle Isle
Even in metropolitan Detroit, Michigan’s fall colors are on full display. Belle Isle is a 987 acre island sitting in the Detroit River. One hundred fifty acres of woodlands and three lakes make a lovely show of fall colors with the city’s beautiful skyline for a backdrop. You can also visit the zoo, conservancy and aquarium while you’re on the island.
*Dates are just estimates. You can get week-by-week updates on fall color at the Fall Color Blog.
