Autumn paints the landscape for experiences just as intense as a Kaleidoscope of brilliant hues. Immerse yourself in the season and its bounty -- on the road, along a trail, at a farm, with a glass of wine. These are just a few of the great ways to color your world in Michigan. Now through the end of October, the colors of autumn peak at varying times in the state. Use the current color report and the peak color map below to guide you toward the best time to view Michigan's fall color show.
This week, Michigan's fall color display continues to make a slow, but graceful, advance across the Upper Peninsula, where peak conditions are still two to three weeks away. Many of the region's trees are stressed, however, only a hint of color change is reflected in the area.
Broad intermittent strokes of color can be found along US-2 between Escanaba and Iron Mountain, where the Maples are sporting vivid golds, reds and some yellows along the Black River National Scenic Byway located in the Ottawa National Forest.
Traveling along M-28, you'll find that the Maples have just started to turn red and yellow along Chippewa County's North Country Trail, progressing towards the shoreline region of Whitefish Bay.
Fall color watchers looking for the best viewing opportunities can call Travel Michigan at (888) 78-Great (784-7328) for color updates provided by local convention and visitors bureaus and Michigan State University Extension each Wednesday through October.
Use the peak color map below or check out other michigan.org fall color information at the links below to guide you toward the best time to view Michigan's fall-color show.
Michigan Fall Color Tours
Nature's Show
Pure Michigan Fall Ads
Deals & Packages near This Week's Peak Color Region
Soo Sampler Package
Budget Host Crestview Inn/Saulte Saint Marie
Now thru October 15, 2009
Enjoy two nights' lodging and tickets to the Valley Camp Museum Ship, the Tower of History and the Soo Locks Boat Tour, as well as other sightseeing and recreational activities in the Sault Ste. Marie area. The package starts at $191 per couple. For more information, call (800) 955-5213.
Couples Massage Package
Sault Ste Marie/Best Western Sault Ste Marie
Now thru December 30, 2009
The relaxing couples massage package includes two nights' accommodation in a king Jacuzzi room with remote fireplace and wet bar, champagne, two keepsake glasses, chocolates, and two one-hour massages by an on-site nationally certified massage therapist. For more information, call (800) 297-2858 or (906)632-2170.
Gourmet Golf Package
Drummond Island/Drummond Island Resort & Conference Center
September 7, 2009 thru October 31, 2009
This popular package includes overnight accommodations at The Lodge, 18 holes of golf on The Rock, free replay, a $30 nightly dinner credit at Bayside Dining and an $8 daily breakfast credit at Pins. Available weekends only for rates starting at $141.50. Package price is per person per night, plus applicable taxes, based on double occupancy. For more information, call (906)493-1000.
Fall Special
Grand Marais North Shore Lodge
Now thru October 15, 2009
Book a room, mid-week (Sun thru Thurs) for only $54.99. Rate includes a $10 gift shop voucher. Call now to book, there are limited rooms available. Mention "Fall Special" when making reservations. For more information, call (906) 494-2361.
For additional specials at other locations around the state visit our michigan.org eSpecials for September.
Events & Festivals near This Week's Peak Color Region
Happy Apple Day Scarecrow & Antique Festival
DeTour Village, Sept 19 -- This charming Upper Peninsula community stages a celebration of early fall with an apple theme featuring antiques scarecrows, scarecrow, games, food, entertainment, and an auction. For more information, call (906)297-3231.
Big Rig Truck Show
St Ignace, September 18-20 -- See awesome semi trucks featuring customized cabs, extraordinary paint, and art work with neon light displays. The event includes a neon light competition, and displays during the day and a parade of lights across the Mackinac Bridge on the final evening. For more information, call (906)643-8087.
Au Sable Day
Grand Marais, September 19 -- This stately sentinel located on the south shore of Lake Superior opens its doors to welcome visitors of all ages to the 135-year old light station. For more information, call (906)387-3700.
Antique Tractor Parade & Show
St Ignace, September 18-20 -- It's an event for the whole family to enjoy as over 700 tractors parade across the Mackinac Bridge crossing into St. Ignace for a grand finale at Kewadin Shores Casino. For more information, call (906)643-7071.
For a complete list of events taking place this season, click here.
Connect and get the inside scoop on where color is peaking at the newly launched blog,
Pure Michigan Connect. Take a minute to comment on the blog posts, or submit one of your own. Follow @
PureMichigan on Twitter for the latest fall color news. Join the
Pure Michigan Fan Page on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest events in Michigan and talk to others with the same love for Michigan.