September 23, 2026 | View as Webpage

Fall Color Report: September 23-28, 2026

As you plan your trip to Pure Michigan this season, stay up to date with the latest fall color forecasts across our two peninsulas. Learn where you can immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of fall foliage, celebrate autumnal events, and more in this week’s Fall Color Update. 

Upper Peninsula

Photo courtesy of Visit Sault Ste. Marie

Munising 

Fall Color: 20-40% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 7-15

Start the fall season with Pictured Rocks Boat Tours for incredible scenery that combines fall colors, sandstone cliffs and the blue waters of Lake Superior. 

Events

Pictured Rocks Cruises (ends October 18) | All Events → 

Keweenaw

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: September 30 – October 10

As summer and fall mingle with warm sun and cool breezes, enjoy an excellent day of hiking, mountain biking, beachcombing, and downtown strolling! At night, the stars shine bright along Lake Superior's shores. Too cloudy? Fall's choppier waters churn up fluorescent sodalites–find them with a UV flashlight!  

Events

Canal Colors Festival (October 1-4) | All Events → 

Manistique 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: September 28 – October 2

Experience an Upper Peninsula autumn with a fall walk to Benny the Beard Fisher or bask in the crisp colors of the Big Spring.

Events

Flannel Fest (September 26) | All Events → 

Sault Ste. Marie 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 11-16

Start fall with an adventure by kayaking through the Soo Locks! 

Events

Sault International Festival of Races (September 26) | All Events → 

Mackinac Island 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 11-17

Soak up the first signs of fall on Mackinac Island with scenic bike rides, colorful hikes, horse-drawn carriage tours, and plenty of fudge along the way.

Events

Mackinac Island Fall Fudge Festival (October 2-3) | All Events → 

Northern Lower Peninsula

Photo courtesy of Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau

Cheboygan 

Fall Color: 20-40% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 5-23

Explore our breathtaking inland waterway in autumn and our gorgeous trail system.

Events

Tours and Attractions | All Events → 

Petoskey 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20

Visit Petoskey Area's local wineries for a quieter experience in the countryside. With wineries like Resort Pike Winery & Cidery or Walloon Lake Winery, you will find something for every wine enthusiast.

Events

Boyne City Harvest Festival 2026 (September 26) | All Events → 

Charlevoix

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 11-17 

Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes along the many trails, shop at local businesses and farmers markets, and experience seasonal activities like apple picking and corn mazes at local orchards.

Events

Apple Festival (October 9-11) | All Events → 

Traverse City 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 12-20
 
September is a great time to play one of Traverse City's world-class golf courses.

Events

Pride Week (September 22-26) | All Events → 

Gaylord 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 15-23

The elk at Elk View Park in Gaylord are gearing up for their most active season of the year with their incredible bugling noises and epic antler battles.

Events

Fleming Farms Pumpkin Patch | All Events →

Crystal Mountain 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 9-18

Enjoy scenic fall chairlift rides, golf, Spa Days, and Fall Fun Weekends in October.

Events

Fall Fun Weekends (October) | All Events → 

Cadillac 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 18-24

Kick off the fall season navigating through Dick Family Farm’s Wizard of Oz themed corn maze!

Events

Cadillac’s Craft Beer Festival (September 26) | All Events → 

Houghton Lake 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 5-9

Spend your fall season fishing, hiking, or trail riding at the lake.

Events

Witches Weekend (October 15-18) | All Events → 

West Branch 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 17-24

Explore the trails around West Branch and enjoy crisp air, changing leaves and a little autumn adventure around every corner.

Events

Oktoberfest (September 26) | All Events → 

Central Lower Peninsula

Photo courtesy of Visit Muskegon

Silver Lake/Hart Area 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 15

From pumpkin houses to pumpkin shakes, the whole family will enjoy a fall day at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo. 

Events

Two-Day Fall Getaway| All Events →

Muskegon 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 7-13

Explore downtown Muskegon’s Harvest Hay Bale Trail, featuring creative fall displays made from hay bales. Stroll, snap a photo and vote for your favorite through October 31.

Events

Fall Lighthouse Tours (September) | All Events → 

Mt. Pleasant 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 15-24

Visit Zonta Applefest for fun activities for the whole family, including children’s games, hayrides, crafters, and a bake sale with homemade apple delight, pies, cider, donuts and more. 

Events

CMU Homecoming (October 1-4) | All Events → 

Frankenmuth 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 16-22

Although Michigan’s Little Bavaria is well known for its holiday delights, guests should take time to embrace the JOY of the season before them as Autumn boasts its own charm in Frankenmuth. 

Events

Frankenmuth Fire Arts Festival (September 25-26) | All Events → 

Holland 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 26 – November 1

Explore the greater Holland area one sip at a time during Handcrafted Klomp.  Stamp your way through the Handcrafted Passport while sipping and enjoying the participating establishments. This event is for ages 21+. 

Events

Fall Fest (October 2-3) | All Events → 

Southern Lower Peninsula

Photo courtesy of Discover Kalamazoo

Coldwater 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 12-16

Union City's Farm to Fork Festival features a community harvest dinner down main street, kids' activities, vendors, live entertainment, a pie auction, raffles and more.

Events

Pumpkin Train (September 27) | All Events → 

Kalamazoo 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 25-31

From apple-picking at Gull Meadow Farms to haunted history walks of Kalamazoo, visitors can enjoy all the fall classics and beautiful colors throughout Kalamazoo County. 

Events

269 Fest (September 18-27) | All Events → 

Southwest Michigan 

Fall Color: 0-20% 

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 18-31

Embrace fall in Southwest Michigan at Jollay Orchards by participating in classic fall activities for the whole family!

Events

Harvest Festival (September 25-27) | All Events → 

Discover More Travel Inspiration

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. 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 → 

20 Years of Pure Michigan

For 20 years, the Pure Michigan campaign has captured the essence of a state that’s like no other. No matter what season you're in, there's always something that brings you back. Learn More → 

Sign up for the Pure Michigan Fall Color Report or access your subscriber preferences here.

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