The West Michigan Tourist Association has done a deep dive on the fast changing landscape of Fall Colors in our half of the state—and produced this extensive summary of the routes you might want to consider if you are on a Color Tour mission in the near future:
There’s nothing like fall in West Michigan. With the cooler weather comes the changing leaves in stunning shades of brown, red, yellow, and orange, creating scenic views all across the state. There are so many ways to see the fall foliage before the winter comes, and we’ve got different ways you can witness their beauty. Whether it’s by car, bike, foot, boat, or even chairlift, you won’t want to miss these opportunities to see fall color in West Michigan.
Northern West Michigan & Upper Peninsula Color Tours
From hiking, biking or even driving – there are multiple trails and overlooks for leaf peeping in Marquette County, from the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, a 47-mile, multi-use, interpretive trail, to Thomas Rock, a hidden gem scenic lookout. For visitors looking for a quick trek with an exceptional view, head out to Harlow Lake and soak in the reflections of autumn on the glassy lake, or take to the accessible trail at Thomas Rock for an underrated panoramic view of Marquette County. Adventure over to CR 510 Bridgeview, for an overlook that is drivable and offers views of copper and auburn leaves with deep greens.
Want to see fall color from a new vantage point? Head to Sault St. Marie’s Point Iroquois Light station where you can have a bird’s eye view of the area’s fall foliage – be sure to bring your cameras to capture the scenery! Visitors can also enjoy the views from a walk along the area’s beaches.
Northwest Lower Michigan is well known for its scenic beauty. That’s why it’s been such a popular destination for families for generations. What better way to see all the region has to offer than by getting in your RV or towed vehicle and traveling to these chosen destinations? This 287 mile driving tour put together by the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) begins near Ludington and works its way north, primarily following the coast, which is a scenic drive in and of itself.
Traverse City’s orchards, vineyards, forests, and villages create a beautiful patchwork of orange, crimson, scarlet, and gold. Adventure on over to West Grand Traverse Bay at Bonobo Winery for views of fall colors and sip on some wine as well.
Fall foliage is a must-see on Mackinac Island throughout late September and October, whether you explore by foot, bicycle, or carriage, you’ll be sure to experience some of the most stunning fall colors in Michigan. Grand Hotel guests will find something new to explore while still experiencing traditional favorite activities.
For many travelers, autumn is their favorite time to visit the Keweenaw Peninsula. As the summer temperatures wane, the Keweenaw’s landscape experiences a vibrant change from a sea of green to waves of orange, red and gold. A variety of fall color experiences make the Keweenaw the perfect destination for leaf-peepers. Enjoy a scenic drive to the top of Brockway Mountain, cruise along the Keweenaw Waterway with Keweenaw Boat Tours, or enjoy a classic fall chairlift ride at Mont Ripley to see the hills of Houghton-Hancock ablaze with color. It’s time to get outside and enjoy this fleeting, yet magical season in the Keweenaw.
Petoskey Area has many scenic routes to take that are amazing for viewing fall color, one of which being the infamous ‘Tunnel of Trees’ that goes along M 119 north of Harbor Springs. Experience more scenic tours here.
Enhance your Fall Color Tour experience this season at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Take a Scenic Chairlift Ride to the top of the mountain and gaze over three counties full of bright orange, gold, and scarlet. Or immerse yourself in the colors while riding along the trails of a Fall Color Bike Tour! Take a stroll through Michigan Legacy Art Park, a 30-acre wooded preserve that creates the perfect autumn backdrop for dozens of Michigan-inspired sculptures and other works of art. Learn more here.
What better way to experience the fall colors of Michigan than from the beautiful Pine River valley? New this year, the Pine River Paddlesports Center in Wellston is offering guided fall rafting trips down the Pine River. Reservations are required since these trips are guided. Call 231-862-3471 to book a guided fall color tour you won’t soon forget!
Experience the brilliance of autumn in Northern Michigan at Hotel Walloon. Travel through the Petoskey Wine Region from their central location, or wake up to stunning views on Walloon Lake from your private lakeside balcony. Reserve your experience here!
With scenery in every direction at the 5,500-acre Northern Michigan resort, you can’t miss taking in the fall color at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. With fresh air options like scenic chairlift rides, hiking at Grass River Natural Area and Glacial Hills, or a leisurely drive around the Chain of Lakes, fall is the perfect time to spend up north.
Central West Michigan Color Tours
Experience Michigan’s beautiful Autumn – and a fun fall tradition! Throughout the month of October Muskegon County invites you to celebrate the vibrant colors of their woods, dunes and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour.
Discover scenic towns and villages with plenty of options to be outdoors along your fall color tour in Ludington! Find nature walks, U-pick farms, and picnic and recreation areas. It’s an ideal time of year to enjoy cooling temperatures, hear the crackle of leaves underfoot, take in stunning foliage and lake views, and treat yourself to a caramel apple or cider. Find four different Ludington area color tour routes here.
Experience the fall colors as you climb Mount Pisgah, a towering dune east of Holland State Park. With its apex 157 feet above Lake Michigan, the boardwalk culminates with scenic views of Lake Macatawa, Lake Michigan, and Big Red Lighthouse, surrounded by a heavily wooded area in vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow. Should you prefer to view the fall colors from the comfort of your car, there are a variety of driving routes within the Holland area to enjoy the scenery.
Tours Around Michigan recommends taking a tour of Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. The campus has the largest variety of trees in Michigan, and is named one of most beautiful campuses in the U.S.
The Mecosta County Visitors Bureau has put together a Fall Color Tour for the Big Rapids Region to Explore and Enjoy! Vibrant colors are exploding in the Big Rapids Region! Escape with a relaxing ride down the Muskegon River or Experience Michigan’s Dragon, White Pine and Riverwalk Trails while enjoying breathtaking color and abundant wildlife. Explore the Mecosta County Color Tour highlighting vibrant countryside views and area points of interest today! Fall in love with Mecosta County as Mother Nature puts on her “Coat of Many Colors” for all to enjoy. Click here to view more tours!
West Michigan’s abundant forests helped fuel Grand Rapids’ rise as “furniture capital of the world” in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. While many hardwoods were sacrificed to sawmills in those years, Grand Rapids remains a tree-lover’s paradise with great ways to view the beautiful trees and colors.
South West Michigan Color Tours
Experience the beauty of fall in South Haven’s beautiful countryside. Hike or bike under a canopy of oranges, crimsons, scarlets, and golds on the Kal-Haven and Van Buren Trails. Or see the fall foliage while on a kayak adventure on the Black River. And, for a view you won’t forget, climb to the top of the dune at Van Buren State Park. South Haven’s diverse landscape has something for everyone to enjoy.
Bundy Hill Offroad in Jerome is 300+ acres full of beautiful fall colors. As you ride your ORV through the different trails, you will get to experience stunning scenery. Fall color tours can be booked by calling Bundy Hill’s team at 517.917.0493.
There are so many great ways to see the fall colors in the Battle Creek area. In the countryside of Marshall, drive along Gorsline Road, N Drive North, L Drive North, and Verona Road to catch some pretty leaves. Drive through tree tunnels and pass farm stands, and be sure to stop by nearby Cornwell’s Turkeyville for a dinner theater performance and a delicious meal! Or go for a stroll on the Marshall Riverwalk. This peaceful path will take you through a wooded area along the Kalamazoo River, where trees line the path displaying the most beautiful colors.
Adventure to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings for their Learning the Land Series. Take a tour of some of the Institute’s many habitats this fall. Learn what flora and fauna inhabit them and what makes each one special and unique. Enjoy the Fall Forest Color Walk on Saturday, October 22nd from 1 – 3 pm., and learn about the various forest types and how to identify different tree species, all while enjoying a kaleidoscope of fall colors.
As the weather begins to cool, the adventures in Kalamazoo heat up! Whatever your interests are, one thing is certain; the number of ways to witness and discover vibrant fall foliage are endless in Kalamazoo! Find your unexpected way to enjoy fall color in Kalamazoo.
The changing leaves of red and gold, as seen from the water, is an unforgettable way to experience a fall color tour in Saugatuck/Douglas. The Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat offers cruises down the Kalamazoo River on weekends through October. Stunning views of the beautiful fall landscape can be enjoyed on the open upper deck or in the enclosed lower deck, along with an offering of fine wines, domestic beers, and signature cocktails. Hike through the Saugatuck Dunes State Park trails and wind your way along sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and a 300-acre natural area. To take in the colors along the lakeshore, walk along the world-renowned Oval Beach and the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. Learn more here.
Celebrate the vibrant fall colors of Southwest Michigan at the 2022 Maple Row Sugarhouse Fall Color Tour – part of the Three Rivers Area Fall Color Tour. Maple events begin October 9th at 10:00am and end at 5:00pm. Tour their Sugarbush and learn how they collect maple sap. Enjoy samples of many different maple products and learn how the French colonials made maple syrup and maple sugar. Horse drawn carriage rides will run from 1pm – 3pm (weather permitting). Their unique maple food trailer will be serving all kinds of maple products for you to purchase and enjoy. For more information please visit their website. You won’t want to miss it!
There are so many great ways to experience the season of fall. The Greater Lansing area has you covered by compiling the perfect list of things to do to find all the best spots to see the changing of the leaves. View the list here.
Looking for a new way to experience the beauty of fall color? Look no further than south-central Michigan’s Coldwater Country! Home to more than 100 lakes including two chains of lakes, it’s easy to spend the entire day on the water. Launch a boat, kayak, or canoe at one of the many public access points, or rent a boat from one of the area marinas to get out on the water for a fresh, new, and naturally distant, perspective of Mother Nature’s magnificent fall color show.
Statewide
From larger cities to smaller communities, many markets are still going strong in West Michigan. Whether you’re seeking out apples and pumpkins or other fresh produce and artisan gifts, make a market part of your perfect fall day while you’re out experiencing the beauty of fall in Michigan. Find your Michigan Farmers Market here.
Photo credit: West Michigan Tourist Association
