Where to See Fall Colors in Michigan (2023)

Michigan is one of the best places in the world for fall colors. Even though I no longer reside full-time in The Great Lakes State anymore, I always attempt to make a return for the fall season. Since I started this blog in 2014, I've chased Michigan fall colors to nearly every corner of the state, including a fun project with Pure Michigan back in 2017.  

Along the way, I've come up with a list of where to see fall colors in Michigan. This includes the best towns for fall colors and the best places in the Upper Peninsula for fall colors, but also things like the best winery for fall colors and the best hotels with view of fall colors.  I hope this guide inspires your next Pure Michigan fall color road trips!

Where to See Fall Colors in Michigan in 2023

Southern Lower Peninsula: October 10th - 24th, 2021 

Northern Lower Peninsula: October 1st - October 13th, 2021 

Upper Peninsula: September 20th - October 5th, 2021

Note: These are time estimations and could change based on weather and location. It is important to note the colors near the lakeshore change last, while Michigan fall colors inland will be the first to erupt and fade out. 

 

Where to See Fall Colors in the Lower Peninsula 

 

Top Choice: Torch Lake 

Imagine if the Caribbean had fall colors and, well, that's precisely what Torch Lake is like in the fall. The brilliant turquoise blue water compliments the bright orange, yellows, and reds found around the shoreline. 

Runner Up: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a National Lakeshore, but it should be a national park. It is a must-visit in every season but my favorite time to drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is in the fall. There's something about the leaves blowing over the blacktop on a chilly autumn day and driving under the National Park Entryway under a blanket of fall colors.

 

Best Places to See Fall Colors in the Upper Peninsula 

 

Top Choice: Copper Peak Ski Jump 

Copper Peak Ski Jump is where I've seen the best fall colors in all of Michigan. It's more than worth the long trek for most Michiganders to the remote western edge of the Upper Peninsula. The first step to getting to the top is a ski lift to the base of the jump; from there, visitors can either take an elevator to the top or climb the side of the ski jump. I recommend climbing the jump for the full experience. 

Runner Up: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Coming up with the best place to see Michigan fall colors in the Upper Peninsula was tough. In the end, I had to go with my heart on this one. Pictured Rocks earn the top spots for their endless hiking trails, insane views, and lack of crowds in the fall compared to busy summer months.

Runner Up: Brockway Mountain 

If there is a place to watch Michigan fall colors at sunset, I chose Brockway Mountain. I first visited the location while touring the Upper Peninsula with Pure Michigan. The sunset that night at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula moved me in more ways than I can write about. Magic happens on top of that mountain, especially in the fall. 

 

Best Place to Camp Under Fall Colors 

Top Choice: Eastern Upper Peninsula 

Camping in the fall is becoming increasingly popular in Michigan, but the Eastern Upper Peninsula remains highly underrated and empty once Labor Day festivities subside. If you're looking for a place to camp that's remote, wild, and filled with endless two tracks under canopies of colorful trees, cross the bridge and turn right on US 134. 

Runner Up: Huron National Forest 

Did you know camping in National Forests in Michigan is free with a stay limit of 14 days? That includes RVs, too! Huron National Forest encompasses over 430,000 acres of remote land with endless opportunities for fall camping. This earns one of the top spots for Michigan fall colors because of its dense woodlands, easy access, and brilliant fall colors. 

 

Best Town for Michigan Fall Colors 

Top Choice: Marquette, Michigan 

I love Marquette for many reasons - the people, the area, the shoreline. It's wonderful all year round – but I think fall is my favorite. It makes places such as Sugarloaf Mountain and Presque Isle State Park even more magical. But I think my favorite fall moments in Marquette aren't on the lovely clear fall days; they are the moody September and October evenings that anger Lake Superior. Nature shows its true power, and a dark storm cloud + Lake Superior shoreline + bright yellow trees = one grand show.

 

Runner Up: Bellaire, Michigan

It's a tiny blip of a town in the Northern Lower Peninsula, but it always reminds me of a Hallmark movie. Main Street is also home to Shorts Brewery, which hosts a great series of fall concerts and events. They are also hosting an Oktoberfest the weekend of September 25th, just as the colors should be starting to pop!  

Best Hikes for Michigan Fall Colors

Top choice: Porcupine Mountains

The Porcupine Mountains have skyrocketed to fame over the past couple of years for their fall colors. If you stop at the main parking overlook, chances are it will be pretty crowded, but visitors rarely leave the paved paths. After strapping on your hiking boots, it doesn't take long to have this pristine area to yourself. The state park has 26 total hiking trails, ranging from under one mile to over 30 miles. Choose your adventure!

 

Runner up: Manistee River Trail 

The Manistee River Trail is located in Manistee National Forest near the town of Mesick. The entire loop trail is 19.2 miles long, but even a couple-hour excursion on the trail makes it worth the stop. If you ARE looking for a hike + camping trip under fall colors, this spot is known to be one of the best backpacking areas in the state.

 

Best Michigan Beer to Enjoy While Viewing Fall Colors 

Top Choice: New Holland Pumpkin Ale 

I lived in Holland for a year and probably spent too much money at New Holland Brewing Company on 8th street. I've also been the biggest fan of their Dragonmilk (that I can still buy in WY!), but recently my friend Kaylee introduced me to their Pumpkin Ale' Ichabod.' It's all the Michigan fall feels perfectly packaged into cans of happiness.

Runner Up: Saugatuck Pumpkin Chai 

Pumpkin and Chai are not only two of my favorite flavors, but they are also two flavors that perfectly define fall in Michigan. That means when they are combined and turned into beer, it must be magic. The flavor isn't a typical 'beer' flavor, but one that I think almost anyone can enjoy next to a bonfire on a chilly October evening. 

Best Beach for Michigan Fall Colors + Adventures 

Top Choice: Empire Beach + Empire Bluff Trail

Moody fall sunsets with many clouds and lots of fall colors are among the best Michigan fall color moments a person can have. If you have a weekend in Empire, spent the first sunset at the town beach and the second hiking up the Empire Bluff Trail for an elevated view of the fall colors accented by Lake Michigan.  

Runner Up: Turnip Rock, Port Austin

Okay, this one isn't technically a "beach," but it's worth a fall visit. Before you head to Port Austin, make sure you pack warm clothes and prep for a three-mile kayak to the iconic spot. The rock is surrounded by private property and can only be accessed via Lake Huron. Once you are to Turnip Rock, you can park your kayak along the rocks and enjoy one of Michigan's most unique features, complete with an epic fall flare. 

 

Best Winery for Fall Colors 

Top Choice: Chateau Chantel 

Chateau Chantel has one of the best views and balconies for wine tasting on the Mission Peninsula, which is why it quickly falls into the top spot on my Michigan fall color guide. Bundle up in your favorite flannel with your friends and enjoy wine tasting overlooking Michigan's premier wine country. You won't be disappointed! 

Runner up: Bowers Harbor Vineyards 

Bowers Harbor might not have an elevated view like other Michigan wineries, but damn, does it have an epic patio. The outdoor seating space perfectly blends directly into the vineyards, often sprinkled with colorful fall leaves on the ground in mid-September. It has a welcoming "home-for-thanksgiving" vibes that make me want to curl up in a sweater with a spiced wine for hours on end. 

 

Best Scenic Drive for Michigan Fall Colors 

Top Choice: Lake Superior Road Trip

To be honest, I think it is pretty challenging to do a Lake Superior road trip the wrong way. I am leaving out any direct route on this one, but you can visit my top Michigan road trips here for inspiration. The key here is not to be set on a route. Start somewhere like Grand Marias, drive west, take random dirt roads whenever possible, and end up in the tippy-top of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The photo below was taken on a random dirt road in the Upper Peninsula. I have people ask me all the time where it was. The truth is, I don't have the slightest clue. I took a left down a random road and ended up sitting for over an hour with my camera shooting without seeing another car or person. I have Michigan fall colors all to myself.

Runner Up: M-22  

If I didn't include M-22 on this list somewhere, I think there would be a Michigan petition against my blog - ha! Everyone in Michigan is familiar with the famous route from Manistee to Suttons Bay along the Lake Michigan coastline. Drive down any Michigan road for 15 minutes, and you're bound to see a branded M-22 sticker on the back of a car or two. We're proud of our state - and rightfully so. M-22 will be undoubtedly crowded for Michigan fall color season, but it also deserves all the hype and fame. Hit the road early for sunrise to enjoy warm fall lighting without the heaps of crowds. 

 

Best Place to Pick Pumpkins 

Top Choice: Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill (Armada, MI)

I mean, I have to choose the orchard that can get you drunk with some of Michigan's best cider + offers epic pumpkin picking to hold the top spot. There are also hayrides, farm animals, donuts, fudge, and apples to pull together the whole experience. Blake's is it if you are looking to get all the best Michigan fall experiences while surrounded by Michigan fall colors.

Runner Up: Hearty Harvest (Remus, MI)

Heart Harvest is a small family-owned farm in mid-Michigan that pulls out all the tricks to make fall fun and festive. It might not be the most prominent patch in the state, but it sure is one of the best. Beyond pumpkins, they'll have everything from Mum's to butternut squash for sale. Kids will enjoy picking out pumpkins of all sizes while jumping in the bounce house or racing through the inflatable haunted maze. 

 

Best Hotels With Michigan Fall Color Views 

Top Choice: Grand Traverse Resort 

There's no doubt that elevation impacts fall colors, which is why Grand Traverse Resort takes the cake when it comes to the best hotels for Michigan fall colors. Their rooms include giant glass windows that allow guests to see both fall colors and the Grand Traverse Bay. 

Runner Up: Epoufette Inn 

In contrast to Grand Traverse Resort, the Epoufette Motel along US-2 in the Upper Peninsula is all about character and views. I remember staying here as a kid with my family, and we'd jump on the trampoline with the owner's kids next door. Don't expect amenities, but expect a low price for one of the best motel decks high on a bluff over Lake Michigan.