Beginning mid-September and stretching through the end of October, the colors of autumn peak at varying times in the state. Use the peak color map and the current color report to guide you toward the best time to view Michigan's fall color show.
Fall Color Update - October 9-15, 2008
For color driving tours statewide, click here.
Fall deals and packages
Great Fall Activities
Fall Color Update
October 9-15, 2008
Fall Color Peaking in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
This weekend may be the prime time to head for Michigan's Upper Peninsula to view fall color in all its glory. Fall color across much of the U.P. is near or at peak conditions, reports AAA Michigan. The quality of the annual color show is reported as "excellent" in popular viewing locations such as Copper Harbor, Ontonagon and St. Ignace.
AAA's weekly survey of state parks and regional visitor's bureaus shows that peak color is still a week away in most areas of the Northwest Lower Peninsula. Naturalists at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, Orchard Beach State Park in Manistee and Petoskey State Park in Petoskey report color development between 40 and 50 percent in those regions, with plenty of red, yellow and orange hues to complete the palette.
In the Northeast, excellent fall color is reported at Alpena, Harrisville, Mackinaw City and Rogers City, with the highest abundance of color at Otsego Lake State Park in Gaylord (80-90 percent development), followed by Wilderness State Park in Mackinaw City and Hoeft State Park in Rogers City (60 percent).
On the West side of the state, color development ranges between 10 and 30 percent, with the highest level of color reported at Muskegon State Park. In Grand Rapids, Hastings, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph, full color development is still a couple weeks away.
In the East and Southeast, the fall color peak is still two weeks away, with the highest level of color reported at Bay City State Park in Bay City (30 percent).
For Michigan fall color driving tours, click here.
For additional information on Michigan fall color conditions, travelers may visit michigan.org or call (888) 78 GREAT (784-7328). Information is updated weekly by AAA Michigan during the fall color season. Travel Michigan is a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Fall Deals and Packages
C'mon up and enjoy the Fall Colors - Oscoda
Canoe, kayak and tube the famous AuSable River, take a leisurely ride on a Louisiana style paddlewheel boat, enjoy world class charter fishing on Lake Huron or salmon river fishing, play nationally ranked golf courses, hike, bike, ORV, ski and horseback ride on hundreds of miles of Huron National Forest trails. Enjoy the beauty of our River Road Scenic Byway and visit attractions like Lumberman's Monument and Iargo Springs.
Come on up and enjoy the breathtaking color along the famous Au Sable River via route of the scenic River Road Byway. We are sure it will be a trip you will always treasure.
Book a room for a minimum of two nights with any of our CVB members from and receive a $20.00 gas card.
Package available thru October 31, 2008.
Captain's Quarters Inn B&B - Lexington
Apple Picking Package
The Captain's Quarters Inn B & B is located in beautiful Victorian Lexington, Michigan. The Inn is located within walking distance to the beach, harbor, tennis courts, shopping in unique shops, the new theater and close to a 36 hole golf course. Choose one of these activities or relax on our wrap around porch and forget your cares.
Enjoy an apple picking weekend with a stay at the Captain's Quarters Inn and an apple picking excursion Lexington's Moeller's Orchard. Package starts at $130 a night double occupancy based on availability and includes a bushel of apples.
Package available thru October 31, 2008.
For more deals and packages, click here.
Great Fall Activities
Are you looking for things to do during this fall? Here are some suggestions!
10/10/08 - 10/11/08
BESSEMER
Pumpkin Fest
Pumpkinfest offers craft fair, kids games, fall treats, live music, contests and prizes, sports, Klassic Kars and spectacles for all ages!
10/10/08 - 10/11/08
DAVISON
Davison Pumpkin Festival
Join us for the 19th Annual Pumpkin Festival in downtown Davison! Friday, October 10 is the Do Da Parade, where all entries are dressed up in costume! Afterwards, gather in the entertainment tent for the Do Da Dude/Darlin' Pageant that will be sure to leave you in stitches as business sponsored contestants vie to become 2008's Do Da Dude or Darlin'! Saturday kicks off with the Country Breakfast, then enjoy the many crafts, activities, entertainment, contests, demonstrations and fun we have to offer! Be sure to watch the giant pumpkin splat at 6:00pm from the top of the fire truck ladder - it's a Davison tradition!
10/10/08 - 10/11/08
MACKINAW CITY
Fort Fright
Colonial Michilimackinac will be transformed into a haunted habitat where werewolves, witches and other legendary characters roam. Operating under the name "Fort Fright" for these two nights from 6:30pm to 9pm. The 18th century fort and fur trading village will be a frightful adventure for sure.
10/10/08 - 10/12/08
CHARLEVOIX
Annual Apple Festival
The Apple Festival is held yearly to honor local orchards and growers who, in the spirit of the season, line Bridge Street to bring the fall harvest to you. Enjoy fall harvest items such as pumpkins, squash, jam, honey, maple syrup, and cider. Activities include a holiday art & craft show, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo and more.
10/11/08
PORT HURON
Happy Apple Days
A harvest celebration filled with family activities including horse and carriage rides, pie-eating contests, craft show, free apples and cider at participating stores and much more.
For more events around the State of Michigan, click here.