Best Time to Go
Late September – Mid-October
Color moves south with the season: the western U.P. (Porcupines, Keweenaw) typically peaks last week of September into the first week of October, Northern Lower Michigan follows in the second and third weeks of October, and southern Michigan turns last, into early November.
Exploring Northern Michigan’s Fall Colors one last time is just a drive away
Fall is a wonderful time to explore the beauty of northern Michigan. The changing leaves create a stunning contrast with the blue waters of the Great Lakes, the rolling hills, and the charming towns. Whether you are looking for a scenic drive, a wine or beer tasting, or a cozy overnight stay, northern Michigan has something for everyone. Here are some of the best fall drives to see the colors in northern Michigan, along with some suggestions for wineries, breweries, and hotels to visit along the way.
- M-22 Scenic Drive: This is one of the most popular and scenic routes in northern Michigan, especially in the fall. The 116-mile drive follows the Lake Michigan shoreline from Manistee to Traverse City, passing through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Leelanau Peninsula, and Old Mission Peninsula. You will see spectacular views of the lake, the dunes, the forests, and the vineyards. There are many wineries and breweries to stop at along the way, such as Black Star Farms, Chateau Chantal, Hop Lot Brewing Co., and Stormcloud Brewing Company. You can also find many hotels and bed and breakfasts to stay overnight, such as The Homestead Resort, The Inn at Black Star Farms, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and Hotel Indigo.
- M-119 Tunnel of Trees: This is another scenic drive that showcases the beauty of northern Michigan in the fall. The 20-mile drive runs from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, following a narrow road that winds through a dense forest of hardwood trees. The trees form a canopy over the road, creating a tunnel-like effect. You will see stunning colors of red, orange, yellow, and green as you drive along. You can also catch glimpses of Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay on your way. There are some attractions to visit along the drive, such as Pond Hill Farm, which offers hayrides, pumpkin picking, cider tasting, and more; Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, which has hiking trails and a boardwalk along the lake; and Legs Inn, which is a historic restaurant with Polish cuisine and a garden overlooking the lake. You can also find some hotels and cottages to stay overnight, such as Birchwood Inn, Colonial Inn Hotel, or Trout Creek Condominiums.
- US-23 Heritage Route: This is a scenic drive that follows the Lake Huron shoreline from Standish to Mackinaw City. The 200-mile drive offers panoramic views of the lake, the beaches, the lighthouses, and the fall foliage. You will also pass through many historic and cultural sites, such as Bay City State Park, which has a nature center, a wetland trail, and a beach; Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which preserves shipwrecks and offers glass-bottom boat tours; Ocqueoc Falls, which is the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula; and Mackinac Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. There are also many wineries and breweries to visit along the drive, such as Modern Craft Winery, Stoney Acres Winery, Austin Brothers Beer Company, and Cheboygan Brewing Company. You can also find many hotels and motels to stay overnight, such as DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpena - Downtown, Best Western River Terrace, or Bridge Vista Beach Hotel & Convention Center.
These are just some of the best fall drives to see the colors in northern Michigan. There are many more routes and destinations to explore in this region during this season. I hope you enjoy your fall adventure in northern Michigan!