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Fall Color Update: September 13-20, 2024
While there are only hints of fall color peeking out from our forests, make no mistake that fall has arrived in Pure Michigan. Now is the perfect time to plan your fall getaway to experience iconic seasonal attractions, incredible outdoor adventures and memorable festivals.
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Fall color is just starting to pop in the Keweenaw Peninsula, with peak fall color expected from September 29 through October 5. This week, visitors can enjoy a dash of color along their Portage Canal waterfront walks in the heart of the peninsula, and there are teases of more color to come near Agate Beach in Toivola.
Right now, the Keweenaw’s warm weather makes for great days on outside patios – like Keweenaw Brewing Company deck and The Den Restaurant overlooking the Portage – or walks in the LoHo social district with an adult beverage. It’s also a great time to mountain bike on the region’s incredible trail network or take a relaxing walk at Nara Nature Park with the family. There’s still time to squeeze in a few beach days at Misery Bay, Great Sand Bay or Hunter's Point Park. When fall arrives in its full splendor, visitors can look forward to birds-eye views with Isle Royale Seaplane Aerial Color Tours, Fall Color Chair Lifts at Mount Bohemia, as well as boat tours along the canal, Lake Superior and Jacobsville Sandstone cliffs.
Plan your trip around one (or more) of the Keweenaw Peninsula’s fall events like Yoop! Fest (September 20-22), Parade of Nations & Multicultural Food Festival (September 21), Plaidurday (October 4) and Brew Street (October 4). See a full list of fall festivals and events in the Keweenaw Peninsula here.
In the western Upper Peninsula in the Ironwood area, hints of color are starting to emerge in a sea of lush green on the area’s maple and birch trees that can be found at iconic locations like Copper Peak, the Porcupine Mountains, Black River Harbor, Wolf Mountain and Bald Mountain. While peak color isn’t expected until September 29 through October 5, visitors to Ironwood can experience the beginning of the fall season with an incredible outdoor adventure that includes scenic waterfalls, hiking, mountain biking, paved trail biking, ATV/UTV, Copper Peak Adventure Rides, Lake Gogebic boating, fishing and canoeing at Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area and unrivaled Porcupine Mountains views. Plan your trip around one of the area’s seasonal celebrations like Plaidurday (October 4) and Bessemer Pumpkinfest (September 27-29).
In the central Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Superior, Munising is starting to see indications of fall color with peak color expected October 6-12. The coming week will be warm and beautiful, perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Don’t forget to take a scenic boat tour to view Pictured Rock National Lakeshore and color over Lake Superior, as well as an unforgettable drive down the famous H-58 corridor.
Home of the famous Soo Locks in the eastern Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie is expecting peak fall color from September 29 through October 5. When creating your itinerary, some must-stop attractions include Monocle Lake Hiking Trail, Mission Hill Overlook, Point Iroquois Lighthouse, kayaking in the St. Marys River, Big Pine Picnic Area, or check out downtown and the Soo Locks Park. A trip to the Sault Ste. Marie area isn’t complete without a visit to Tahquamenon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. If a seasonal festival is more your style, upcoming events include Bird's Eye Outfitters Oktoberfest (September 28).
If you’re looking for an island escape to slow down and enjoy the season, catch a ferry to Mackinac Island. Peak color is expected to arrive October 13-19, but all season long the island is perfect for hiking and biking 70 miles of trails, horse-drawn carriage tours and water activities like Great Turtle Kayak tours, Sip N’ Sail Cruises and Brown Eyed Girl Charters. Celebrate fall on the Island during the annual Halloween Weekend, which includes the Great Turtle Trail Run, trick or treating for kids downtown and adult costume parties and live music in the evenings.
Photo: South Range, courtesy of Visit Keweenaw
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In the northwest Lower Peninsula, Traverse City is starting to see spots of fall color along Grand Traverse Bay and in the surrounding region. Peak fall color is expected October 6-12, and visitors can enjoy a drive on scenic M-22 or Old Mission Peninsula, watching the colors change from nearly 50 wineries and hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Find more family fun on the farm at the corn maze at Jacob's Farm or the kids’ play area at Myrtle & Maude's Farm. Visit Frankfort this weekend to spectate one of Michigan’s iconic sporting events, the Ironman 70.3 Michigan.
The Petoskey Area is still mostly green with a few pops of red and orange, and peak fall color is expected October 6-12. Home to one of Michigan’s iconic fall drives, the Tunnel of Trees, there are plenty of seasonal attractions in the area to create the perfect itinerary from pumpkin patches and fall markets to scenic chairlift rides. For real-time updates on fall color to time your trip perfectly, check out the region’s live webcams. Round out your trip with a must-visit fall event like Balloons Over Bay Harbor (September 20-21), Biketemberfest (September 20-22), Petoskey Wine Region Harvest Showcase (Sept 21), Fall Festival Weekends at Pond Hill Farm (September 21 - October 27) and Boyne City Harvest Festival (September 28).
Further south on the shores of Lake Michigan and beautiful Lake Charlevoix, Charlevoix is also mostly green with pops of color. Here visitors can experience charming boutique shops and local dining options downtown, as well as the famous Earl Young Mushroom Houses and Castle Farms. Full fall color is expected October 13-19.
Visit Cadillac, a Pure Michigan Trail Town, which has access to the Big Manistee River, Pine River and numerous inland lakes. Cadillac is home to forests of a wide variety of trees, some of which are just barely starting to change, and peak color is expected October 20-26. Add one of Cadillac’s fall festivities to your trip, including the Earthwork Harvest Gathering (September 20-22), Cadillac’s Craft Beer Festival (September 28) and Fall Color Jeep Run (October 11-13) Find more fall events in Cadillac here.
In the heart of the northern Lower Peninsula, Gaylord is showing signs of fall color, with peak fall color expected October 6-12. Here visitors can experience river rafting, scenic drives, hiking and biking and some of the state’s best golf. If you’re heading east toward the beautiful waters of Lake Huron, the Oscoda Area is perfect for ORV/trail riding, hiking, biking, camping, canoeing and fishing. The area is expecting spectacular fall color October 13-19.
Photo: Cadillac, courtesy of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau
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One of Michigan’s largest cities, Grand Rapids is seeing a tiny bit of red peeking through on select trees. Fall is a perfect time to plan your trip to this artsy city with the arrival of ArtPrize (September 13-28), a citywide art gallery that draws visitors and artists from around the world. A fall trip to Grand Rapids isn’t complete without a visit to the area’s apple orchards, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and tasting the city’s fall and pumpkin craft beers. More seasonal events include Fiesta Mexicana (September 13-15), African American Arts & Music Festival (September 14), Fallasburg Arts Festival (September 14), Oktoberfest GR (September 27), Red Flannel Festival (October 5) and Día de los Muertos Festival (October 26-27). Find more fall trip ideas in Grand Rapids here.
Visit Mt. Pleasant for family fun at Papa's Pumpkin Patch for fresh apple cider and donuts – and to find your next jack-o-lantern. While peak fall color isn’t expected until October 13-19, visitors can see pops of color as they paddle down the 72-mile Chippewa River and hike or bike over 1,000 acres of parkland and over 20 miles of trails. Add a fall event to round out your trip with a seasonal event like Mt. Pleasant Annual Applefest (September 28), Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest (October) and Maroon & Gold Express (October 12).
Head east to the Blue Water Area, also known as Michigan’s Thumbcoast, along 140 miles of shoreline to experience family fun all fall long and more than 60 events to celebrate the season. Peak fall color is expected in the region October 6-12.
Photo: Grand Rapids, courtesy of Pure Michigan
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Experience autumnal sunsets along Lake Michigan in South Haven. Fall foliage is just beginning to grace the landscape, with ungrouped patches forming. More solid fall color is expected in early-mid October, with peak color arriving October 6-12. In South Haven visitors can explore 11 unique natural attractions just in time for fall with the South Haven Pure Michigan Trail Town Challenge. From the dunes of Van Buren State Park to the deep ravines and winding waters of the Black River Preserve, each location has been carefully chosen to showcase the natural beauty of the area. Check-in at each location by hiking, biking or paddling across town to receive a limited-edition hat to wear with pride as you explore the Great Lakes State and beyond. Find more seasonal events here.
Experience the excitement of Detroit this fall with peak color expected to arrive October 20-16. Experience the outdoors in and around the city at cider mills and apple orchards, outdoor trails, metroparks, Glenlore Trails, Belle Isle and the award-winning Detroit International RiverWalk. Continue your getaway with events that celebrate the season, kicking off in September with Detroit Month of Design, Halloween celebrations in October and the famous America’s Thanksgiving Parade in November.
South of Detroit on the shores of Lake Erie, fall in Monroe is just getting started with peak color expected October 13-19. Visitors can experience the beauty of the season outdoors by hiking, kayaking down the River Raisin and biking on local trails. Find fun on the farm by visiting a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch like Erie Orchard & Cider Mill, Duke Petting Farm and Carriage Company, Calder Dairy & Farm, Bennett’s Orchard, Harnica Kid's Pumpkin Farm, Trabbic's Pumpkin Farm, Gust Brothers Pumpkin Farm, Kackleberry Farms and Farmer J's World Record Corn Maze. There are plenty of fall festivals to complete your trip like Flower & Fall Festival (September 14), Downtown Monroe Craft Beer Fest (September 21), Harvest Of Splendor (October 4-6), Pumpkin Palooza (October 5). Find more events in Monroe here.
Located on Michigan’s southern border, Lenawee County is expecting peak fall color October 13-14 – but visitors don’t have to wait to experience an abundance of fall festivals. These include River Raisin Wine Trail’s Harvest Flavors Fare & Pair (September 14), Artalicious Fine Arts Fair (September 21-22), Clinton Fall Festival (September 27-29), October First Friday – Fall Fest (October 4), Morenci Fall Fest (October 5), Appleumpkin Festival (October 12-13), Southern Michigan Railroad Fall Colors Tour (October and November) and Hidden Lake Gardens Fall Foliage Festival (October 19). Find more events in Lenawee County here.
Photo: Van Buren State Bark in South Haven, courtesy of Pure Michigan
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From flavorful autumn festivals to concerts and cultural celebrations, discover exciting events in Michigan that celebrate the season. Find our full calendar of events here >
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Use our new and interactive Fall Color Map to see projected peak color throughout Michigan’s two peninsulas this fall. Discover your peak fall color prediction >
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Photo: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise
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