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Fall Color Report: September 23-29, 2025
Fall has officially arrived in Pure Michigan! As vibrant hues of red, orange and gold begin to cascade over our 19 million acres of forest, learn where you can find incredible fall foliage and receive peak color predictions from destinations throughout our two peninsulas.
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As Michigan’s most northern region, the Upper Peninsula is where leaf-peepers can find beautiful fall foliage earlier in the season. With coastline along three of our four Great Lakes and a dramatic landscape covered in lush forests, autumnal adventures can be found around every corner in the UP. |
 Copper Peak / Photo courtesy of Travel Ironwood/Brad Vaara
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Ironwood
Fall Color: 40-60%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: September 28 - October 4, 2025
Experience fall foliage from new heights on the Copper Peak Adventure Ride, where you can ride a chairlift 800 feet up to the hilltop, then take an elevator up another 18 stories to the main observation deck for breathtaking, panoramic views. Or go on a relaxing drive along Black River Harbor Scenic Byway and Harbor, which includes five majestic waterfalls. Outdoor adventurers of all skill levels can also take advantage of the western UP’s terrain on the Miners Park Mountain Bike Trails.
Events
Plaidurday (October 3)
The Keweenaw Peninsula
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: September 28 - October 4, 2025
Visitors can experience scenic chairlift rides in the treetops at two mountains in the Keweenaw Peninsula – Mont Ripley, near Houghton, and Mount Bohemia, near Copper Harbor. At Zwart Farms, celebrate the harvest season and find family fun with homemade donuts, cider, pumpkins and more!
Events
Music in the Mine (September 25-26) | Harbor Haus Oktoberfest in Copper Harbor (September 27) | Canal Colors Festival (October 4) | Haunted Mine (October 23-25)
Marquette
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 6-10, 2025
Find an idyllic autumnal getaway in the historic college town of Marquette. Explore seemingly endless hiking trails for all skill levels through forests of fall foliage, including the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain which offers panoramic views of the Upper Peninsula landscape and Lake Superior. Or go biking along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail that connects five towns and brings some of the region’s iron range history to life.
Events
Lasers on the Ore Dock (September 25-27) | Bigfoot & Bluegrass (September 26-27) | Marquette Fall Enduro (October 3-5)
Munising
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 9-21, 2025
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Munising offers beautiful fall color trails along the Munising Bay Trail Network (MBTN), as well as within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Hiawatha National Forest. After a day of exploring the area’s trails, take a relaxing drive along H-58 to view vibrant fall foliage contrasted against deep green evergreens.
Events
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks: National Public Lands Day (September 27)
Sault Ste. Marie
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 5-11, 2025
Visitors can experience the Soo Locks and see freighters with fall trees serving as a beautiful backdrop. Nearby in Paradise, Tahquamenon Falls – the largest waterfall in Michigan – is even more incredible when the fall colors are at their peak. Downtown Sault Ste. Marie offers small-town charm, complete with coffee, sweets and treats that match the season's vibe.
Events
Sault Ste. Marie International Festival of Races (September 27-28)
Manistique
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: September 25 - October 3, 2025
On the shore of Lake Michigan, Manistique is full of history and charm. Soak up coastal views and fall foliage along the boardwalk, which will lead you to the bright red, iconic East Breakwater Light. Inland, head to Palms Book State Park to visit the stunning Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan’s largest freshwater spring.
Events
Westside Flannel Fest (September 27)
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The harvest season has arrived, and the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan is serving up incredible fall flavors with U-pick farms, wineries and craft breweries as forests throughout the region start to pop with fall color. |
 Petoskey / Photo courtesy of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau
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Charlevoix
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 15-22, 2025
Experience autumn’s splendor in Charlevoix this season. Immerse yourself in fall color along hiking trails, savor seasonal flavors while tasting local craft beer, and celebrate the season with unique events and festivals.
Events
Apple Fest (October 10-12)
The Petoskey Area
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
In the Petoskey Area, visit Pond Hill Farm for fun farm activities, choosing the perfect pumpkins, a great meal at their café, and wine and beer sampling for adults. For coastal views along Lake Michigan, go on an early fall bike ride along the Little Traverse Wheelway. Toast to the harvest season at a Petoskey Area winery, many of which are open year-round and have gorgeous views from early fall to peak fall color season. Try Boyne Valley Vineyards or Petoskey Farms Vineyard, Winery & Coffeehouse.
Events
Harbor Springs Farmers Market (September 27) | Pond Hill Farm’s Fall Fest Weekends (September 27-28) | Boyne City Harvest Festival (September 27)
Rogers City
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 7-14, 2025
Located on the shores of Lake Huron, Rogers City offers time-honored autumnal traditions like navigating a corn maze at Moltke Maize Maze and tasting cider and donuts (and wood-fired pizza) at Knaebe’s Mmmmunchy Crunchy Apple Farm and Cider Works, which was recently voted one of the top apple orchards in the nation by USA Today. For beautiful fall foliage and Lake Huron views, take a bike ride or stroll along the 11-mile, paved Huron Sunrise Side Bike Trail.
Events
Hops in the Hole (September 27) | Fall Art Walk (September 27)
Alpena
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 12-25, 2025
Located on Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary – which is the resting place of nearly 100 historic shipwrecks – visitors can experience small-town charm, maritime history and outdoor adventure in Alpena this fall. Go hiking at Norway Ridge Pathway for fall foliage and trekking sandy ridges, or explore and Rockport State Recreation Area for coastal views and starry skies after dark.
Events
The Old Presque Isle Lighthouse Pumpkin Stroll (October 11) | 2nd Annual Fall Bazaar & Family Fun Day (October 11) | Witches Night Out (October 17)
Gaylord
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: September 29 - October 10, 2025
The local elk herds in the Gaylord area are at their most active in the fall. They can be viewed in the wild in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, or in captivity at Elk View Park. Temperatures are staying pleasant and it's a great time for a peaceful paddle and relaxing fall color tour along the shores of Gaylord's inland lakes or rivers. Early fall is also a great time to hit the trails! Hike and bike through Gaylord’s vibrant forests as the leaves start to change.
Events
Elk in the Pigeon River Country (September 25) | Garland Golf Resort – Fall Scramble Tournament (September 27) | Fire in the Valley – Otsego Resort (September 27)
Manistee County
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 1-7, 2025
Discover beauty inside and out in the Manistee area this fall. Located in the historic Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, visitors can explore the DOUBBLE TAKE art exhibit now through October 26. Here you can enjoy dual displays of photography and paintings of the same or similar images by friends and artists Fred Niles and S.A. Habib.
Events
Onekama Fall Festival (October 4) | Manistee's Fall Festival (October 25) | Ghost Ship on the SS City of Milwaukee (Fridays and Saturdays in October)
Cadillac Area
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-27, 2025
Explore the Cadillac area with a self-guided fall color tour along hundreds of miles with dozens of stops, in and around Cadillac. Discover family fun on the farm to make lasting memories and celebrate the harvest season, or take advantage of golf and lodging specials this fall in the Cadillac area.
Events
Cadillac West Hay Days (October 4) | Cadillac's KISS50 Anniversary Weekend (October 9-12)
Crystal Mountain
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 10-16, 2025
At Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, take a Scenic Chairlift Ride to enjoy rolling hills, fresh air and panoramic views of the surrounding four counties. If you’re looking for a great game, many golfers will argue fall golf is the best golf because of the cooler temps, fewer people, better rates, more availability, and the beautiful pops of color. After enjoying the outdoors, indulge in seasonal spa treatments such as the Honey Harvest Glow body treatment or Crystal Glow facial, for great prices during Crystal Spa Days.
Events
Scarecrow Walk (October 10-26) | Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic (October 18) | Longevity Challenge (October 24-26)
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In the central Lower Peninsula, cheer on college football in the crisp fall weather, take a colorful river cruise to enjoy autumn from a different point of view, and experience world-class events in our cities. |
 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park / Photo courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids
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Mount Pleasant
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-28, 2025
Take in the colors of fall and play a round of disc golf at Deerfield Nature Park, which also has over 8 miles of hiking and biking trails that weave around the Chippewa River. Fall means getting fired up with the Central Michigan Football team! Mark your calendars for CMU homecoming against Massachusetts on October 25!
Events
Zonta Applefest (September 27) | Shepherd Pumpkin Display (October 26-31)
Frankenmuth
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-19, 2025
Discover a variety of relaxing and unique fall color tours in Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Take a fall color cruise along the Cass River on the Bavarian Belle or Frankenmuth FunShips. Or, hop along for a ride on the Golden Ticket Trolley or Fantasy Carriage throughout Main Street and around town.
Events
Frankenmuth Fire Arts Festival (September 26-27)
Grand Rapids
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-27, 2025
ArtPrize has kicked off in Grand Rapids, bringing the world’s most attended art event to life across downtown. With over 1,100 artists from 39 states and 18 countries showcasing their work throughout downtown, guests get to explore incredible creativity and vote for their favorite pieces.
Celebrate fall in Grand Rapids with visits to local farms like Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, offering apple picking, hayrides, cider, donuts and a corn maze. Other great stops include Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm, The Orchards at Red Barn, and Farmhaus Farms. Just minutes away from downtown, explore additional farm markets on the Fruit Ridge, one of the world’s top apple-growing regions.
Events
Arborialis at ArtPrize (now through October 4) | The Power of Pollinators at John Ball Zoo (now through November 23) | Mums at Meijer Gardens (October 1-31) | Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism (opening October 24)
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Whether you’re looking for excitement in Michigan’s cities, enjoying fresh cider at a U-pick farm, or a quiet hike between forests and shoreline, visitors can create an incredible autumnal getaway in the southern Lower Peninsula. |
 Wiard's Orchards and Country Fair / Photo courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor
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Saugatuck/Douglas Area
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 18-25, 2025
Located along the beautiful Kalamazoo River as it meets the Lake Michigan coast, visitors can enjoy fall foliage and waterfront views in the Saugatuck/Douglas area. Take a guided hiking trip in the Oval Beach and surrounding Saugatuck area, or learn about and taste wines on the Star of Saugatuck while cruising Lake Michigan.
Events
Apple Fest at Virtue Cider (September 27) | Blue Coast Artists Tour (October 4)
South Haven
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 1-8, 2025
There's no better time to hit the trails in South Haven than autumn. From Van Buren State Park south of town, to Casco Township Nature Preserve's panoramic overlook of Lake Michigan, there are countless ways to soak up the sun while exploring the many natural attractions to be found in this Pure Michigan Trail Town. Find more essential fall experiences in South Haven here.
Events
Cranberry Days at DeGrandchamp Farms (October 4, 11)
Kalamazoo
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 26 - November 5, 2025
Visitors can experience all things fall at Gull Meadow Farms with apple-picking, fresh apple cider donuts, farm animals, an epic corn maze, and weekly events. Kalamazoo also offers a multitude of stunning, scenic locations to hike, bike and walk among the gorgeous colors of fall.
There are also haunted houses, fall festivals, plenty of delicious foods to try, and many more cozy and spooky events to look forward to in Kalamazoo. Check out the full events calendar to plan the best fall trip!
Events
Free Admission Day at the Kalamazoo Nature Center (September 27) | Flavors of Fall: Color Tour, Buffet, and Bourbon Tasting (October 18) | Haunted History of Kalamazoo Walking Tours (October 24)
Ann Arbor
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-19, 2025
Located on the banks of the Huron River, Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan and features wood-pressed blended cider, an award-winning apple cookbook, trademark pastry mixes, and homemade apple pies, donuts, caramel apples, apple butter, and jellies.
At Wiard's Orchards and Country Fair, visitors can pick an apple from the orchard, watch cider being pressed at the cider mill, pick their own pumpkin, take a stroll through the country store, or get lost in a corn maze.
Events
Downtown Milan Beer Walk (September 26) | Chelsea Backyard Beer Garden 2025 (October 3)
Brighton Howell Area
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
In the Brighton Howell area, go horseback riding with a beautiful backdrop of fall colors by booking with the Brighton Recreation Riding Stable. For time-honored, autumnal traditions, discover a hidden gem and family-owned pumpkin patch, Chamber’s Family Farm in Pinckney. Visitors can also experience fall foliage at one of the area's state parks, including Pinckney Recreation Area, Brighton Recreation Area, and Island Lake Recreation Area.
Events
Fall Festival at the Kensington Metropark (October 11-12) | Legend of Sleepy Howell (October 18)
Lenawee County
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-14, 2025
Experience small-town charm and beautiful fall color in Lenawee County this fall. Explore the 755 acres of nature at Hidden Lake Gardens, glide down a river of color with Tecumseh Paddling Company, or tee off at Hills of Lenawee Golf Club.
Events
Clinton Fall Festival (September 26-28) | Tecumseh's Appleumpkin Festival (October 11-12) | Fall Foliage Festival at Hidden Lake Gardens (October 18)
Monroe
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-29, 2025
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, explore the “Walleye Capital of the World” this fall. Stroll the shoreline while enjoying fall color at William C. Sterling State Park, or explore the historic River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
Events
Octobernight at Territorial Park (October 3-4)
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Discover More Travel Inspiration
Experience Fall at Michigan State Parks
Michigan is home to 103 state parks where you can create your perfect adventure this fall. Explore thousands of miles of trails, paddle or fish Michigan’s waters, and enjoy seasonal events like Harvest Festivals and spooky happenings. After a day of adventure, enjoy the aroma of a crackling fire under the stars. Explore Michigan state parks →
Interactive Fall Color Prediction Map
Use our 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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