September 29, 2026 | View as Webpage

Fall Color Report: September 29 – October 5, 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 Keweenaw

Bond Falls Area 

Fall Color: 40-60%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: September 30 – October 7

Bond Falls Scenic Site is a wonderful stop on your fall color viewing destination list, view this picturesque accessible waterfall, walk the boardwalk and trails or just relax on the benches listening to the roar of the waterfall!

Events

Campground Information 

Keweenaw

Fall Color: 20-40%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 2-10

Canal Colors Festival takes over Houghton and Hancock – usher in autumn with a plethora of fun activities that get you outdoors and in the community! Join the record-breaking Plaidurday photo, head to Brew Street, find Oktoberfest fun and bring the family to Fall Festival!

Events

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

Munising

Fall Color: 20-40%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 12-20

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 → 

Sault Ste. Marie

Fall Color: 20-40%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 11-17

Take in panoramic views of Sault Ste. Marie and the first hints of fall color from the Tower of History.

Events

Fall Color Tours | All Events → 

Escanaba

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: September 28 – October 6

Visitors can enjoy an early fall drive along Delta County’s Lake Michigan shoreline and backroads, where the first hints of autumn color are beginning to appear.

Events

Fall Fest (October 3) | All Events → 

Manistique

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 11-17

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

Fayette Fall Fest (October 3) | All Events → 

Mackinac Island

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 11-17

Experience fall on Mackinac Island with crisp bike rides, vibrant autumn hikes, scenic horse-drawn carriage tours, cozy waterfront views and plenty of seasonal fudge. 

Events

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

Northern Lower Peninsula

Photo Courtesy of Crystal Mountain

Gaylord

Fall Color: 20-40%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 15-23

The farms in Gaylord are open for hayrides, pumpkin patches and unique events; Wilderness Valley Farm is hosting their apple fest and Fleming Farm is opening for the annual pumpkin patch festivities.

Events

Fall Progressive Dinner (October 3) | All Events → 

Crystal Mountain

Fall Color: 20-40%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 7-14

Get the ultimate fall color experience with scenic fall chairlift rides, fall golf, Fall Spa Days and Fall Fun Weekends in October!

Events

Fall Fun Weekends (October) | All Events → 

Houghton Lake

Fall Color: 20-40%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 5-16

Fall season is in full swing with a water-fowl hunting contest! Also enjoy trails for hiking and off-roading.

Events

Fishing Contests | All Events →

Cadillac

Fall Color: 20-40%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 18-24

Meet up at Mitchell State Park for the Second Annual Harvest Festival or register to be part of this weekend's guided ORV ride departing from Coyote Crossing Resort!

Events

Harvest Festival (October 2-4) | All Events → 

Petoskey

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 13-20

Visit Pond Hill Farm during their Fall Fest Weekends each Saturday and Sunday for all things Pond Hill plus some more activities. Here you will experience things like pumpkin bowling, pumpkin smashing, hayrides, a corn maze, apple cannon, squash rocket and more!

Events

Skitoberfest (October 2) | All Events → 

Alpena

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 7-14

Visitors can still enjoy comfortable temperatures here in the 60s, which are perfect for hiking and biking through our trails at Norway Ridge Pathway and Rockport State Recreation Area.

Events

Fall Harvest Festival (October 3) | All Events → 

Grayling

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 3-17

Wellington Farm Park is a great fall destination with tractor rides, pumpkin patches and more!

Events

Downtown Grayling Harvest Festival (October 3) | All Events → 

Manistee 

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 16-22

Fall in Manistee County means scenic M-22 drives, colorful farm markets, pumpkins, apples and fresh cider. Explore the autumn beauty by day, then get a little spooky at Ghost Ship after dark. It’s the perfect season for a coastal getaway.

Events

Manistee Ghost Ship (October) | All Events → 

Central Lower Peninsula

Photo Courtesy of Go Great Lakes Bay

Great Lakes Bay Area

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 25 – November 1

Visit Johnsons Pumpkin Farm this fall for corn mazes, delicious treats, pumpkin patches, weekend events and more. 

Events

Big Country Fest (October 2-3) | All Events → 

Mt. Pleasant

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 15-24

Enjoy outdoor adventures by taking a trip down or around the Chippewa River to see the start of fall color in Central Michigan.

Events

VHS Night: Halloween 1978 (October 3) | All Events → 

Frankenmuth

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 16-22

From corn mazes to festive fall activities, there’s plenty of seasonal fun waiting for you in Michigan's Little Bavaria!

Events

MI’s Big Country Fest (October 2-3) | All Events → 

Southern Lower Peninsula

Photo Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor

Saugatuck

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 20-25

Enjoy the taste of fall at Crane's Pie Pantry Restaurant or visit Cranes Orchards for U-Pick fun, corn mazes and hayrides.

Events

Saugatuck Film Festival (October 3) | All Events → 

South Haven

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 25-31

The South Haven/Pure Michigan Trail Town Challenge invites trailblazers to explore 10 South Haven area parks and preserves to earn awesome swag, sign up is free!

Events

DeGrandchamp Farms Cranberry Harvest Days (October 3) | All Events → 

Southwest Michigan Area

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 18-24

Fall fun is ripe for the picking at the Four Flags Area Apple Festival in Niles, October 1-4. Bring the whole family for carnival rides, tasty festival eats, 100+ arts and crafts booths, parades, contests, free entertainment and plenty of apple-season fun!

Events

Harvest Festival (October 2-4) | 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

Fall Color Trails | All Events → 

Ann Arbor

Fall Color: 0-20%

Estimated Peak Fall Color: October 19-23 

Make the most of fall at Wiard’s Orchards and Country Fair. From fresh cider and donuts to apple and pumpkin picking, there is something for the whole family. You can also enjoy the corn maze, Old West Wagon rides and a petting farm.

Events

Apple Daze (October 3) | 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 → 

Pure Michigan 20th Anniversary

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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