Still want to do a fall color tour in Michigan? You still have time…Thanks to the warm September we were having, peak colors have been delayed (from what was first predicted for this year).
The cooler inland areas on both peninsulas will change faster than the lakeshore areas…just something to keep in mind!
Fall Color Maps/Predictions/Updates:
You might want to bookmark this page/post as a resource for next year too!
Annual Fall Foliage Map: https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/
>>> Northern Michigan Fall Color Map & Updates: https://mynorth.com/northern-michigan-fall-color-map/ (This is the most helpful resource I have seen yet!) <<<
You can also look back at the 2020 and 2021 color maps to help you see the trends in peak color here too!
Pure Michigan Projected Fall Color Map: https://www.michigan.org/fallcolormap (This one is pretty great too!)
Do Your Own Color Tour
I listed out some ideas for planning your own fall color tour below…of course (in Michigan) the options are endless though!
The Tunnel of Trees
…is between Mackinaw City and Petoskey along the coast of Lake Michigan.
The tunnel officially starts in Harbor Springs (on M-119) and ends in Cross Village.
The road is narrow and windy, so proceed with caution! Make sure to watch out for pedestrians, bikers, motorcycles, etc.
The tunnel is 20 miles along a spectacular bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Watch for especially sharp twists at Devil’s Elbow (said to be haunted by an evil spirit after dark) and Horseshoe Curve. There are fun shops, must-try local restaurants, spectacular scenery, and fascinating historical stops along the way!
A great resource for the tunnel of trees: https://mynorth.com/2017/05/guide-to-michigans-iconic-tunnel-of-trees-on-m-119/
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Traverse City
Good wine, great food, excellent views
Because of the unique location of TC (which allows them to grow grapes so well), the colors here change a little bit later than in other areas in the north.
Check out my complete Traverse City Guide here along with my recommended place to stay!
There are many places around TC that are rumored to be haunted! You can do a haunted walking tour…fall colors + spooky season = WIN!
Port Austin/Thumb
If you take M-53 North (which is pretty much the only way you can take) you will pass by some extraordinary sunflower fields too! We stopped by the side of the road to take some pics. We did not trespass on the land or take anything. Please be courteous!
Turnip Rock is located in Port Austin in the thumb.
There are also several cool bars, restaurants, and shops to check out! (Pak’s Backyard and Bird Creek Farms were both highly recommended to me by a friend who has a cottage in the area!)
Lexington, MI
Make it a day trip (or a night away if you want)! Eat, drink, shop…
While you’re here, make sure you stop in at 3 North Vines (vineyard & winery) and 3 North Lexington (for drinks and food in an old firehouse)!
The Skybridge at Boyne (Boyne, MI)
Brand New Attraction opening to the public October 15th! (Hopefully just in time for peak color!)
“The Worlds Longest Timber-Towered Suspension Bridge”
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Kitch-iti-Kipi (Manistique, MI)
…is a gorgeous natural spring with clear turquois water. You ride in a clear bottomed pulley-raft 200ft across it.
There are these yurts that I found in St. Ignace (just across the bridge and about 1.5 hour drive to Kitch-iti-Kipi). I haven’t stayed here yet, but I want to!
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Mackinac Island
I have always wanted to see Mackinac in all her glory in the fall!
The island closes down at the end of the month. Take advantage of this beautiful weather and do a last minute trip! (And please take me with you!)
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Leland
…is a picturesque little fishing town kind of in between Traverse City and Sleeping Bear. I haven’t been yet, but I really want to go!
You can take a little ride along M22 for an alternate Tunnel of Trees here too!
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Other Points of Interest:
The Ultimate Keweenaw Peninsula Scenic Drive: In the UP (Copper Country)
Mid-Michigan/Bay Area Things To Do
Twisted Vet Color Ride: Roscommon
