10 Top Places To Visit In Michigan This Fall
Michigan is a Northern US state known for its diverse natural landscapes, which include everything from the Great Lakes to sandy shorelines, vast wilderness areas to iconic peninsulas. And while Michigan has a reputation for four-season getaways, it is during the autumn that the Great Lake State truly shines, as pristine waterways and dramatic sandstone bluffs become iconic backdrops for a riot of bright reds, rusty oranges, and sunshiny yellows. With something for everyone looking to enjoy the season's best scenery, activities, and peak fall foliage, the following are the ten top places to visit in Michigan this fall.
The Porcupine Mountains
A vast wilderness dominated by dramatic peaks, forested landscapes, and expansive waterways like Lake Superior, the Porcupine Mountains are one of Michigan's top places to visit this fall. Affectionately known as “The Porkies,” the picture-perfect mountain range comes alive in early October during—a vibrant backdrop for all the best autumn activities.
One of the best ways to explore the Porcupine Mountains is to visit the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s largest state park has an abundance of ways to experience fall: from viewing the brightest foliage and best views at Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak Observation Tower to exploring scenic hikes like the Presque Isle River Trail and the Escarpment Trail. Porcupine Wilderness is also home to more than 90 waterfalls, including local favorites like Agate Falls and O-Kun-de-Kun Falls, the perfect accompaniment to the park’s multi-hued forests. The park’s miles of Lake Superior shoreline are also a great backdrop for foliage viewing.
The Turtle Mountains host many small towns that are ideal for celebrating the season. Nearby Ironwood—just 35 minutes from Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park—is home to its share of natural beauty that shines in October. Favorite local activities include admiring the views at Copper Peak, exploring waterfalls at Ottawa National Forest, and hiking at Black River Recreation Area, all wonderful ways to enjoy the Upper Peninsula’s stunning autumn atmosphere. Explore more pretty Turtle Mountains towns like Ontonagan, Rockland, and Silver City on scenic drives like the Lake Superior Circle Tour, the Ontonagan-Lake Superior Route, and the Porcupine Mountains-Lake Gogebic Loop.
Marquette
Known for its lush, picturesque landscapes and abundant outdoor recreation, Marquette is one of the best places in Michigan to visit in the fall. Marquette’s Lake Superior location is an idyllic backdrop for vast forests set ablaze by autumn's richest colors. Additionally, its bustling downtown area has plenty of fall activities, from sipping seasonal brews at local spots like Barrel + Beam to enjoying October events like the UP 200 Dryland Dash, Downtown Marquette Farmer’s Market, and the Fresh Coast Film Festival.
The best way to experience fall in Marquette is by visiting during peak foliage season, which typically arrives by the second week of October. Destinations like Presque Isle Park and Lake Superior come alive in fall, when everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to leaf peepers can find joy in the crisp Michigan air with activities like hiking, biking, and iconic Upper Peninsula views awash with color. Scenic overlooks are another wonderful way to bask in the region’s scenic beauty. Local favorites offering splendid seasonal backdrops include the Thomas Rick View, the CR 510 Bridge View, and the Sugarloaf Mountain View just minutes from downtown Marquette.
Marquette is also a wonderful base camp for exploring the unparalleled beauty of the Upper Peninsula, and many picturesque drives throughout the surrounding area showcase autumn’s splendor beautifully. Soak up the Lake Superior scenery with a trip to Big Bay; travel US-41 to the lovely small towns of Negaunee and Ishpeming; and indulge in fall’s brightest colors at Hiawatha National Forest—from short treks to longer journeys, there is always something to discover. Visits to Hayes Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (Rock) and Getzloff’s Corn Maze (Wilson) are also great road trips featuring signature autumn activities.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
With its diverse natural landscapes and spectacular Lake Superior setting, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the best places in Michigan to visit this fall. Come mid-October, the park’s forested landscapes become awash in peak fall colors; while hundreds of miles of trails make it easy to explore. Pictured Rocks’ prettiest treks include The Miners Castle Overlook, the Miners Falls Trail, the Sable Creek Trail, and the Beaver Basin Wilderness Loop. Fishing and hunting are also popular activities throughout the fall season.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (and the surrounding area) are home to stunning cliffside views in the Great Lakes State—and there are many popular routes for enjoying the full spectrum of autumn hues. Travel County Road H-58 from Munising to Grand Marais to scope colorful Lake Superior scenery and popular viewing spots like the Log Slide Overlook and the Grand Sable Lake Scenic Overlook before heading south on M-77 to Seney National Wildlife Refuge, a great place for hiking, sightseeing, wildlife watching, and birding.
However, October at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is more than scenic hikes, drives, and overlooks; travelers can also look to the water’s edge and the night sky for some of its most dazzling sights. Fall is also the peak season for once-in-a-lifetime spectacle when park destinations like Grand Portal Point and Miner’s Beach become front-row seats for viewing the Northern Lights.
Petoskey Area
On the Lower Peninsula’s Northwest coast, the Petoskey Area is often called a “Michigan Treasure” because of its signature combination of spectacular natural scenery and one-of-a-kind outdoor recreation. Comprised of seven distinct waterfront communities—Petoskey, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Bay Harbor, Bay View, Harbor Springs, and Alanson—the Lower Michigan gem shines in fall with its unforgettable seasonal experiences and destinations.
One of the most unforgettable Petoskey Area experiences is a journey on the renowned Tunnel of Trees. Also known as the M-119 scenic route, the Tunnel of Trees comes alive during peak foliage season in mid-October, when its leafy canopy blooms into one of Michigan’s prettiest places. Scenic stops along the Tunnel of Trees include the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve and Pond Hill Farm (home to Fall Fest Weekends) in Harbor Springs; Bear River Valley Recreation Area and Petoskey State Park in Petoskey; the Crooked River in Alanson, and the North Western State Trail, a regional trail network connecting several local towns.
Though famed for the Tunnel of Trees, the Petoskey Area is also home to many other scenic drives connecting visitors with scenic overlooks, local waterways, and quaint communities perfect for autumn exploring. Some of the area’s most popular routes include the Tri-County Tour from Petoskey, the Jordan River Valley Tour from Boyne Falls, the Lake Charlevoix Circle from Boyne City, and US-31 from Traverse City to Petoskey.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” by ABC’s Good Morning America, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the best places in Michigan to visit in the fall. In the Lower Peninsula, the park includes 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Manitou Islands, and a backdrop of diverse natural landscapes that beautifully showcase autumn’s brightest colors throughout October. Hundreds of miles of trails—including popular treks like the Empire Bluff Trail, the Shauger Hill Trail, and the Platte Plains Trail—provide opportunities for extraordinary leaf-peeping and scenic overlooks, including views of Lake Michigan.
There are also plenty of visually inspiring drives outside of Sleeping Bear Dunes, perfect for anyone looking to embark on an enchanting fall adventure. Less than an hour away in Traverse City, Jacob’s Farm hosts a variety of autumn activities, including a corn maze, u-pick orchard, and live music. Royal Farms in Ellsworth is another day trip less than two hours from Sleeping Dunes and a family-friendly destination known for its fall market, tasting room, hayrides, and more. Ellsworth is also home to Friske Farm Market and its Harvest Festival, the perfect way to celebrate October in Michigan.
The Leelanau Peninsula
The Leelanau Peninsula is a bustling hub on the northern end of the state’s Lower Peninsula. The perfect combination of breathtaking scenery, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures, the picture-perfect peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Michigan this fall. From adults-only activities like the Leelanau Wine Trail to family-friendly destinations like the Magoon Creek Natural Area, Leelanau has something for everyone.
One of the prettiest ways to explore the Leelanau Peninsula is with a scenic drive—and there are plenty of picturesque routes to choose from. Noted as one of the most scenic stretches in Michigan, the M-22 takes visitors around the Lake Michigan shoreline through vast forests painted with fall’s brilliant brush. Along the way, towns like Manistee, Leland, Northport, and Traverse City offer plenty of opportunities for autumn activities, including sightseeing vivid colors along the Big Manistee River, taking a ferry from Leland’s Fishtown to the pristine Manitou Islands, and visiting Northport, home to an area favorite, Leelanau State Park.
Surrounded on three sides by Lake Michigan, Leelanau State Park is a beautiful place to view autumn’s most colorful backdrops. Here, visitors can indulge in many seasonal activities, such as basking in the lakeside scenery via the beachy Lake Michigan Trail, viewing the multi-hued forest surrounds on the Cathead Bay Trails, and enjoying the stunning panoramas from the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. The M-22 also leads to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the best places in Michigan to view October’s vivid colors.
Huron-Manistee National Forests
Nature lovers and leaf-peepers alike will enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes of the almost one million-acre Huron-Manistee National Forests. In the Lower Peninsula, between the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, the vast wilderness area comes alive in October with abundant, brightly colored settings. Known for its four-season recreation, the area is especially welcoming to fall explorers looking to enjoy the crisp air and the best outdoor activities.
Hiking is one of the most popular pastimes in the Huron-Manistee National Forests, with miles of trails for everyone from experienced backpackers to casual daytrippers. Some of the best places to enjoy peak foliage include shorter treks like the Forest Discovery Trail, the Loda Lake Trail (including the Loda Lake National Wildlife Sanctuary), and the Island Lake Nature Trail, and longer journeys like the Wolf Creek Trail and Eagle Run. The forests are also home to a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail and include access to many trailheads, scenic overlooks, and loop trails like the Manistee River Trail.
But hiking is not the only way to explore the region’s pristine beauty; there are also many trails for horseback and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding. Mountain biking is also available on the famed Big M Trail Network. However, one of the best ways to experience the forests’ fall splendor is by embarking on one of the forest scenic drives: The River Road National Scenic Byway and the Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour. Both offer access to recreational opportunities, bird and wildlife watching, and scenic overlooks perfect for enjoying the season.
Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie may be the oldest city in Michigan—and one of the oldest in the US. But, during fall, the Upper Peninsula town’s storied history takes a backseat to its splendid autumnal backdrops ablaze with vibrant reds, bright yellows, and burnt oranges. During peak foliage season in mid-October, Sault Ste. Marie area destinations from Port Iroquois Light Station to Soo Locks come alive through picturesque drives, stunning overlooks, and festive activities.
One of the best ways to experience Sault Ste Marie in the fall is with a drive, and there are many picturesque routes to choose from. For a shorter outing, head south to St. Ignace via DeTour Village. Here, scope the best of Lake Huron’s shoreline with a visit to DeTour Peninsula Nature Preserve on St. Mary’s River before taking a ferry to explore beautiful Drummond Island with its colorful foliage, nature preserves, and activities like ATV trails, birding, and golfing. Head west along the shores of Lake Superior (enjoying foliage along the way) before arriving at St. Ignace for a walk on the nearby Mackinac Bridge Overlook.
Another popular leaf-peeping route is a day trip on the M-123, beginning at Lakeshore Drive in Sault Ste. Marie. Several stops along the way include scenic viewpoints, recreational activities, and the state’s prettiest foliage, including the Monocle Lake Hiking Trail and Mission Hill Overlook, Port Iroquois Light Station, and Big Pine Picnic Area. However, the pièce de résistance of this tour is undoubtedly Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan’s largest waterfall.
In Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Tahquamenon Falls is one of the most dramatic settings to enjoy fall foliage in Michigan. Popular seasonal activities include hiking, fishing, birdwatching, hunting, visiting the onsite brewery and pub, and admiring the falls (and foliage) from the pedestrian bridge, boardwalk, and Upper Tahquamenon viewing platform.
Keweenaw Peninsula
On the western Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula may be known as a four-season destination. However, its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and wow-worthy destinations are best appreciated in October when peak fall colors reach their technicolor crescendo.
Experience an unforgettable autumn by visiting one of Keweenaw Peninsula’s many picture-perfect viewpoints for a photo-op. Miles of panoramic vistas await, with popular spots like Brockway Mountain Drive, Mount Baldy, Silver Mountain, and the Hungarian Falls Nature Area offering spectacular views of the surrounding area, scenic drives, and recreation opportunities like hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore the Keweenaw Forest and its breathtaking foliage on the Cliff View Trails at Mount Bohemia Resort. Mount Bohemia is also home to a chair lift ride that provides an unforgettable look at the surrounding area’s best and brightest fall foliage.
The Keweenaw Peninsula is also home to many charming small Michigan towns that are perfect for sightseeing throughout October, including Copper Harbor, Houghton/Hancock, and Calumet. The quaint communities also host plenty of fall-forward destinations, like the Palosaari Corn Maze, Zwart Farm Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Tours at Quincy Mine, and chairlift rides at Mont Ripley.
The peninsula also has several notable drives that make it easy to explore autumn’s prettiest hues. Popular routes include the M-41, including Eagle River Falls and the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, and the M-26 to Copper Harbor and the famed Brockway Mountain Drive viewpoint.
Arcadia Dunes
The 3,600-acre Arcadia Dunes’ sandy shores, lakeside bluffs, and grassland habitats may not seem like an ideal fall destination. However, despite its namesake dunes and coastal atmosphere, Arcadia Dunes (also known as the C.S. Nott Nature Preserve) also hosts vast forests that transform in autumn—a multi-hued backdrop that comes alive when set against a bright blue Lake Michigan backdrop.
Arcadia Dunes is home to several stunning trails where visitors can experience its diverse habitat and unique fall surroundings. Some of its most popular trails include the Overlook Trail, featuring a panoramic view of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscapes; the Dry Hill Trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking; and the Baldy Trails’ lush forests, epic dune-top views, and lakeshore vistas.
Arcadia Dunes’ location just north of the Manistee/ Benzie County Line makes it a great base camp for exploring the surrounding area. For lovely drives that showcase the area’s boldest autumn hues, discover well-known routes like Lakeshore Drive, the M-55 through the Manistee National Forest.
Why Michigan’s Fall Destinations Are Unforgettable
Michigan is home to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the US. As diverse as they are vibrant, the state's most well-known destinations host an array of picture-perfect backdrops for burgeoning fall hues on display throughout October. From the sandy shores of Arcadia Dunes to the dramatic peaks of the Porcupine Mountains, quaint small-town gems like Sault Ste. Marie to renowned national lakeshores, it is easy to see why these are the ten best places to visit in Michigan this fall.
