2024's Towns In Michigan That Come Alive In The Fall
As the autumn chill sweeps in and the leaves take on vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, small towns throughout Michigan transform into perfect destinations for a fall getaway. From unmatched fall foliage viewing to spooky Halloween events, these charming locales offer a unique blend of natural beauty and seasonal festivities. Explore Petoskey, Niles, Munising, Marquette, Frankenmuth, Copper Harbor, and Houghton, each showcasing the best of autumn in the “Great Lakes State.”
Petoskey
Set on Little Traverse Bay near the northern edge of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Petoskey is renowned for stunning fall foliage during its peak season in mid-October. The scenic drive along M-119, known as the "Tunnel of Trees," is a must-see, offering breathtaking views of colorful leaves against the backdrop of Lake Michigan. You can also enjoy the fall colors and waterfront views while collecting “Petoskey stone,” which is actually fossilized coral, in Petoskey State Park. Meanwhile, Petoskey’s nearby neighbor, Boyne City, hosts a fun Harvest Festival (September 28, 2024) that celebrates the local harvest with art exhibits, craft vendors, and delicious food.
Niles
The southwestern Michigan community of Niles is home to the annual Four Flags Apple Festival, with the 2024 edition running from September 26 to 29. This delightful event features apple-themed treats, crafts, carnival rides, and live entertainment, all enhanced by the town's beautiful autumn scenery. The St. Joseph River passes through town and offers a picturesque backdrop for fall strolls, where you can immerse yourself in nature's vibrant palette. As late October approaches and the fall foliage reaches its peak in southern Michigan, the town also hosts the Niles Fall Festival and Halloween Ball (October 27, 2024), with costumes, music, food, and more.
Munising
Munising has a colorful natural palette all year round, thanks to the famous sandstone cliffs of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The mesmerizing effect is further amplified as the surrounding trees change color, peaking in early-to-mid October. Take a scenic boat tour or hike the nearby trails to witness the breathtaking foliage along the cliffs. You can also enjoy the fall colors on a hike to see Munising Falls, or any of the several other waterfalls in the Munising area. Additionally, October and November are typically two of the best months for observing the Northern Lights in the skies above Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Marquette
Marquette’s population of 20,000 makes it the “big city” of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but the town’s light pollution is still minimal enough that you can see the Northern Lights in the autumn skies from the lakefront Presque Isle Park. Along with colors in the sky, Marquette offers fantastic opportunities to experience peak fall foliage in early-to-mid October, particularly along the Sugarloaf Mountain and Hogback Mountain trails. Back in town, the Fall Phantasm Festival (October 5, 2024) includes art installations, live music, and theater performances, while the Fresh Coast Film Festival (October 17-20) showcases the work of local filmmakers.
Frankenmuth
Known as Michigan's “Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth is a delightful destination for fall festivities. Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest (September 19-22) has already kicked off the fall season for 2024, but there is still plenty of autumn cheer to be had before winter arrives. As October rolls in, the town welcomes country music fans to the Big Country Fest (October 5) and Halloween lovers to the family-friendly Scarecrow Fest (October 19-20, 26-27). Late October is also the perfect time to admire peak fall foliage at the town’s town’s covered wooden bridge (Zehnder's Holzbrücke). And, you can get a jump start on the winter holidays at Bronner’s, the “World’s Largest Christmas Store!”
Copper Harbor
If you want to really get away from it all for your autumn experience, Copper Harbor offers breathtaking fall views of Lake Superior from the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in the far north of the Upper Peninsula. This far north, peak fall color typically happens in early October, with Fort Wilkins Historic State Park providing just one of Copper Harbor’s many fantastic leaf-peeping vistas. If you prefer a fall foliage driving tour, follow Highway M-26 westward to Brockway Mountain Drive, climbing up and then back down to Copper Harbor.
Houghton
Houghton is situated about 45 miles down the Keweenaw Peninsula from Copper Harbor, making it slightly less isolated but equally fantastic for leaf-peeping. Houghton’s central location makes it the hub for the peninsula’s autumn festivals, including “Plaidurdary” (October 4, 2024), Fall Fest (October 5), and the 41 North Film Festival (November 7-10). Houghton is also perfect for fall foliage driving tours of the entire peninsula, including the spectacular “tunnel of trees” along Covered Drive, just off of Houghton’s Canal Road. Be warned—you may fall in love with Houghton so much that you decide to come back in the freezing weather (February 5-8, 2025) for the annual Winter Carnival!
Michigan’s small towns are lively all year long but probably hit their peak in fall, offering a vibrant array of colors, flavors, and festivities. Whether you are enjoying a scenic fall foliage drive, celebrating an authentic Oktoberfest, or embracing the spooky spirit of Halloween, these towns provide unforgettable experiences that exemplify the beauty and charm of autumn. So grab your sweater and embark on a delightful journey through Michigan’s picturesque landscapes this fall!
