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Fall Color Report: September 30 - October 6, 2025
Fall is beginning to find its rhythm across Michigan’s two peninsulas. Whether you prefer the bright crimson hues of sugar maples, the shimmering gold leaves of aspen and birch trees, or even the contrast of the enduring shades of emerald evergreens, learn where you can find a kaleidoscope of colors to create lasting memories this season in Pure Michigan.
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Fall color is taking its time along the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the Upper Peninsula – but inland, the trees are starting to display some of their most vivid hues. Learn where you can find outdoor adventure, exceptional seasonal events, and beautiful fall foliage this week in Michigan’s most northern regions. |
 Mountain biking in Marquette / Photo courtesy of Travel Marquette.
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The Keweenaw Peninsula
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 3-10, 2025
Fall colors are popping in the mid-central region of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Other parts of the Keweenaw are still developing, but visitors can enjoy the free tour at Open Skies Project – a former Air Force Station – which has incredible views! Warm fall days are made for easy hikes to Keweenaw waterfalls with more water flowing from recent rains. Must-visit waterfalls include Hungarian and Eagle River falls. The lovely weather and warm winds off the lake are stirring up the shorelines, creating perfect conditions for hunting agates.
Events
Canal Colors Festival (October 3-4) | Palosaari Corn Maze (weekends through October) | Haunted Mine (October 23-25) | Fall Farmers Markets (October)
Marquette
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 10-17, 2025
Explore seemingly endless hiking and biking trails for all skill levels through forests of fall foliage. This includes the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the landscape and Lake Superior, and the Ore Heritage Trail that brings the region’s iron range history to life. Discover more stops for finding fantastic fall foliage here.
Events
UP200 Dryland Dash (October 11-12) | Lake Superior Performance Rally (October 16-18) | Fresh Coast Film Festival (October 16-19)
Munising
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 12-19, 2025
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Munising offers coastal views and beautiful fall foliage. Go hiking along the lakeshore of Lake Superior, or explore the Munising Bay Trail Network (MBTN). If Munising is a stop along a fall road trip, take a relaxing drive along H-58 or I-94 to view fall colors. Before the sun sets and a spectacular stargazing show begins, go on a Pictured Rocks sunset boat tour with Pictured Rocks Cruises.
Events
Shipwreck Coast Guided Tour (Fridays through October 4) | Au Sable Lighthouse Climbs (daily through October 15)
Manistique
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 3-10, 2025
On the shore of Lake Michigan, experience a relaxing fall getaway in Manistique. Hike trails in the Rainey Wildlife to immerse yourself in fall colors, or glide down the Manistique River on a canoe to admire changing foliage from the water. At Palms Book State Park, board the self-operated observation raft on Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as the Big Springs, to peer down into the crystal clear waters of Michigan’s largest natural spring.
Events
Walk For The Wild 5K Challenge at Seney Wildlife Refuge (October 18) | Seul Choix Pointe Haunted Lighthouse (October 25)
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Explore Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula as fall color begins to emerge across the landscape. Visit local farms and orchards to savor the flavors of the harvest season, join in local celebrations, or enjoy incredible scenic drives and winding trails that are popping with trees displaying red, orange and gold against the lingering green. |
 Fall on the farm / Photo courtesy of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau.
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The Petoskey Area
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
In the Petoskey area, inland areas have more fall color than trees closer to the lakeshore. Visit Uncle Frank's Apple Town north of Alanson for some fresh apple cider, cinnamon donuts, pumpkins and try your luck navigating their corn maze! Near Charlevoix, take a Fall Color Cruise on Round Lake or Lake Charlevoix with Little Traverse Bay Ferry Co. For some harvest season excitement, stop by Pond Hill Farm to smash pumpkins and go pumpkin bowling – and afterward take a scenic drive to see the color progression in the area.
Events
16th Annual Skitoberfest at Boyne Mountain Resort (October 4) | 6th Annual Colors by the Lake Art & Chili Cookoff (October 4-5) | Yoga in the Sky on SkyBridge Michigan (October 4)
Oscoda
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 12-19, 2025
Located along the eastern edge of the Huron-Manistee National Forest on the shore of Lake Huron, Oscoda offers endless opportunities for exploring fall foliage. Visit Lumberman's Monument for unforgettable views above the Au Sable River and hike the Highbanks Trail – a designated Pure Michigan Trail. Or, climb the stairs along the Iargo Springs Interpretive Area to discover natural springs, interpretive signs and stunning river overlooks.
Refresh and enjoy a meal and homemade Apple Crisp or Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake at Desi's Family Dining and Cocktails on your fall color tour of The River Road Scenic Byway in the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Events
Fall events in the Oscoda area →
Gaylord
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 6-13, 2025
Fall in Gaylord is all about traditions and seasonal favorites. Local farms, both generational and new, offer hayrides, pumpkin patches, cider, donuts, farm animals and even unique animals like yaks.
This is also peak season for viewing elk activity. The new viewing platform and trail at Elk View Park give you a great view of the herd, and their bugling calls are something you won’t forget. Aspen Park is another great spot for a quiet walk with a chance to see them. Scenic drives are another fall highlight in the northern Lower Peninsula, with backroads and rolling hills full of color this time of year.
Events
Witchin' Night Out (October 11) | Events at Fleming Farm, The Farm at Legacy Acres, Wilderness Valley Farm and Prusakiewicz Farm (weekends in October)
Manistee County
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
Enjoy a colorful mix of outdoor adventures and seasonal traditions this autumn in Manistee County. Scenic drives along M-22 and through the Manistee National Forest will showcase brilliant fall foliage, perfect for leaf-peeping and photography. Charming farm stands dot the entire county, so pick up some apples, pumpkins and fresh baked goods.
Hikers can explore trails like the Manistee River Trail or Old Baldy, where crisp air and golden leaves create unforgettable views. For a festive touch, visitors can pick pumpkins, enjoy corn mazes or take part in seasonal events like the Ghost Ship on the SS City of Milwaukee, blending fall fun with local charm.
Events
Onekama Fall Festival (October 4) | Manistee's Fall Festival (October 25)
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 of scenic drives 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 13-20, 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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With fall foliage continuing to grow across the central region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, visitors will find outdoor adventure along trails for every skill level, rivers adorned with vibrant fall color, and local happenings ranging from a country music festival to spooky pumpkin displays. Whether you’re looking for small-town charm or the excitement of cheering on college football teams, find your perfect weekend getaway. |
 Mount Pleasant / Photo courtesy of the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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Mount Pleasant
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
Take a fall float or paddle down the 72-mile-long Chippewa River in Mount Pleasant to soak up beautiful fall color. If you don't have your own equipment, use Buckley's Mountainside Canoes to rent for all of your trip needs. Or play a round of disc golf at Deerfield Nature Park, which offers over 8 miles of hiking and biking trails that weave you around the Chippewa River and two disc golf courses.
Events
Central Michigan University Homecoming against University of Massachusetts (October 25) | Shepherd Pumpkin Display (October 26-31)
Frankenmuth
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
In Michigan’s Little Bavaria, explore outside to get lost in the Frankenmuth Corn Maze at Weiss Centennial Farm – or enjoy some Fall Fun and Farm Fright Nights at Grandpa Tiny's Farm. Visitors can also take a relaxing fall color cruise along the Cass River on the Bavarian Belle or Frankenmuth FunShips.
Events
Michigan's Big Country Fest (October 3-4)
Silver Lake
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 15-22, 2025
In nearby New Era, celebrate autumn on the farm at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo, which offers more than 46 farm attractions like a pumpkin house, unique animals, jumping pillows, a carousel and tasty treats. Savor more flavors of the harvest season at a variety of farm markets in the Silver Lake and Hart areas.
Events
Shoreline Horseback Riding at Silver Lake State Park (November 1-30, registration required)
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Find pops of fall foliage around every corner in Michigan’s vibrant city centers and lakeside communities in the southern Lower Peninsula. Enjoy downtown festivities and spooky events throughout the region, or slow down and make lasting memories with the whole family during the fleeting fall season at charming apple orchards and farms. |
 Fall in Kalamazoo / Photo courtesy of Discover Kalamazoo.
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Saugatuck/Douglas Area
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 15-22, 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
Blue Coast Artists Tour (October 4) | Alpacas in the Vines at Michigan Wine Company (October 4) | Oktoberfest Weekend (October 10-12)
Kalamazoo
Fall Color: < 20%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 26 - November 3, 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
Flavors of Fall: Color Tour, Buffet, and Bourbon Tasting (October 18) | Haunted History of Kalamazoo Walking Tours (October 24)
Lenawee County
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20, 2025
Experience the flavors of the season and beautiful fall color in Lenawee County this autumn. Explore local farmers' markets and orchards like SiBurke’s Orchard, Forever Acres Farm and Orchard, and Kapnick Orchards for tasty treats and fresh-picked apples.
Events
Nite Lites Halloween Drive-Thru (now through October 31) | Tecumseh's Appleumpkin Festival (October 11-12) | Fall Foliage Festival at Hidden Lake Gardens (October 18)
Monroe
Fall Color: 20-40%
Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 3-10, 2025
On the coast of Lake Erie, Monroe offers beautiful fall color paired with waterfront views along hiking trails at Sterling State Park – Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie. Visitors can also glide in a canoe down the scenic River Raisin as fall color begins to paint the landscape, or get lost in Farmer J's World Record Corn Maze.
Events
Octobernight at “Terror-torial” Park (October 3-4) | Harvest on the Raisin (October 18)
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Discover More Travel Inspiration
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 →
Explore Michigan's 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.
Visitors who have red-green colorblindness can use EnChroma-enabled scenic viewers to see fall color more clearly and vibrantly this season. These scenic viewers are located in numerous state parks, including Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula. Explore Michigan state parks →
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