Leaf-Peeping Weekends in Michigan: The Western Upper Peninsula

This fall, explore the pristine wilds of Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula paired with small-town charm in the heart of Ironwood.

A river flowing through a forest of fall trees and evergreens.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | Pure Michigan

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If you only have a weekend to get away this fall, the western UP offers breathtaking views at every turn. From vibrant foliage painting the rugged landscape of the Porcupine Mountains to the deep blue of Lake Superior, your brief escape will be packed with vivid colors and autumnal adventures in the Western Upper Peninsula.

Fall-foliage views in the Porcupine Mountains

Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains | Pure Michigan


Northeast of Ironwood, experience some of Michigan’s best hiking and outdoor adventure in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Home to its namesake, the Porcupine Mountains, visitors can hike, bike and paddle under a canopy of red, orange, rust and gold. There are multiple stops for enjoying seasonal views of the dramatic landscape, including the iconic Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook. At the Porcupine Mountain Winter Sports Complex, take an enchanting chair lift ride up the slopes to see fall color from above.

Visitors who have red-green color blindness can use adapted scenic viewers with EnChroma lenses to see the fall foliage in full-spectrum color. These viewers are located at the Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook, Nawadaha Falls and the Summit Peak Observation Tower.

Experience fall from above at Copper Peak

An artificial ski jump on a hill surrounded by tress displaying fall foliage.
Copper Peak | Photo Courtesy of Travel Ironwood


For some of the most dramatic autumnal views in Michigan, head to Copper Peak – just a 25-minute drive north of Ironwood. Soon to be the largest artificial ski jump run in the world when restorations are completed, during fall visitors can take a chair lift up 800 feet for a relaxing but thrilling ride. If you’re feeling daring, once you reach the top of the hill you can board an elevator and travel 18 stories to the main observation deck of the ski jump – which towers 1,782 feet above sea level. Here, you can see vibrant fall color dotted with the deep emerald of evergreens across 2,500 square miles of UP forestland and the blues of Lake Superior.

After returning to Earth, visit the gift shop and museum where you can find unique treasures to bring home with you and explore the rich history of Copper Peak.

Local flavors and community at Cold Iron Brewing

Two men talking at at the bar at Cold Iron Brewing.
Cold Iron Brewing | Photo Courtesy of Travel Ironwood


After a day exploring the outdoors, enjoy Michigan-made craft beer at Cold Iron Brewing in downtown Ironwood. Savor a classic Oktoberfest to celebrate the fall season, or try a beer inspired by the surrounding landscape like Copper Peak Ale or Porcupine Light. Whether you’re traveling with children or your beloved four-legged family member, this brewery is proudly dog- and family-friendly so everyone in your group can relax and make memories together.

While Cold Iron Brewing doesn’t serve food, they welcome visitors to bring their own meals and snacks to enjoy with their lineup of craft beverages. For a true taste of the U.P., pick up some pasties – savory, handheld pies filled with meat and root vegetables – from Rigoni’s Bakery or Joe’s Pasty Shop, both located in downtown Ironwood.

Find more weekend getaways to soak up as much Michigan fall color as possible this season below. To see predictions of where and when fall color will be peaking throughout our two peninsulas, check out our interactive fall color map.