Peak Color for September 16-22, 2022

This week, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is reporting to be three to four weeks away from peak conditions with just a few communities displacing sporadic patches of color near the water. If you’re traveling in the area over the next several days, you’ll find pops of orange, yellow and red leaves as you drive along County Road 550 towards Big Bay in Marquette County. Iron Mountain, Munising and the area around the Pictured Rocks as well as most of the Eastern Upper Peninsula are all estimated to be three to four weeks from prime color conditions currently.

Traveling through Michigan’s Northeast, Indian River, Alpena and Oscoda are about four weeks away from peak color. Lakeshore drives, as well as the Oscoda’s River Road Scenic Byway, prove to be some of the best areas to catch a glimpse of early color in the coming week. Crisp, clean and refreshing air, quaint towns and historic attractions like the largest outdoor crucifix in the world in Indian River, Presque Isle Lighthouses in Presque Isle and Lumberman’s Monument in Oscoda make for an enjoyable fall afternoon drive. As color develops, plan to take a ride on the AuSable River Queen to admire the color by day or trek the stairs at Largo Springs at night.

Muskegon and other Michigan Beachtown-communities are displaying mostly summer foliage, with very slight changes along the water. Inland, trees are beginning to show slight red and brown tones along roadsides. Peak conditions are more than four weeks away.

September brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, yet summer blooms are still going strong with shades of green on trees and shrubs throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region of Saginaw, Midland and Bay counties. At the region's farms, orchards and gardens, you'll find fragrant fall flowering, perfectly ripe fruit, amazing fall produce—and a hint of fall color. It is estimated that the region will reach peak color in three to four weeks.

Meander along the Lake Michigan shoreline on the West Michigan Pike, traversing through Southwestern Michigan towns for a lovely drive with stunning sunsets and amazing glimpses of the lake surrounded by green summer foliage this week. Depending on the weather, breathtaking peak fall color will start in mid-October and run to November 1.

As you wait for the shore-to-shore fall color explosion, we’d like you to experience the splendor of fall in Michigan virtually. Watch and reflect as vibrant colors and the pleasure of taking a breath of Pure Michigan's autumn air tease your senses with our inspiring fall video: Deep Breath: Michigan Fall Colors Video.

Pure Michigan Fall-Winter Travel Guide Available Online

Autumn in Michigan is the time of year when fall-color seekers find mile after mile of color-draped trees. Winter’s plentiful snow brings a fresh new vibe to Michigan, as it blankets our slopes and trails, providing a winter wonderland for skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and dogsledders. Whether it's fall or winter, you’re sure to find great seasonal experiences to explore in the 2022 Pure Michigan Fall-Winter Travel. Download a copy today.

Your Ultimate Fall Bucket List

We invite you to embrace the robust colors of the season as you sample fresh and locally-grown seasonal treats at apple orchards and cider mills throughout the state. Breathtaking colors make the perfect backdrop for fall horseback riding, fishing and golf.

When fall rolls around, Pure Michigan dresses itself in the boldest colors. Hardwood forests grow brilliantly with reds and yellows. The low-slanting rays of the sun turn the Great Lakes a deep turquoise blue. U-pick farms and vineyards explode with the ripe flavors of fall, and Michigan’s cities celebrate the season with fall festivals. Want to experience the thrill of fall in Michigan, check out our 20+ Things to Do in Michigan: Your Ultimate Fall Bucket List.

Check out This Week’s Festivals Highlights

The excitement of Michigan events continues all year long with Pure Michigan. Get the details on upcoming fall events happening over the next week and join the fun. Build your next getaway around one of these autumn events.

Sault Film Festival

Sault Ste Marie

Now thru September 18, 2022

Michigan Irish Music Festival

Beaver Island

Now thru September 18, 2022

Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster

Holland

September 17 - September 18, 2022

North American International Auto Show

Detroit

September 17 - September 25, 2022

ArtPrize 2022

Grand Rapids

September 17 - October 2, 2022

Hops and Lock Festival

Sault Sainte Marie

September 24, 2022

Harbor Haus Oktoberfest

Copper Harbor

September 24, 2022

Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta 2022

Grand Haven

September 18 - September 24, 2022

Artisan Weekend at the Square

Berrien Springs

September 24 - September 25, 2022

Visit michigan.org for a complete list of great statewide events.

Deals & Packages Near this Week's Peak Color

Need a last-minute weekend getaway? Looking for a cheap cottage vacation package? You're sure to find the perfect Michigan vacation package to save money for the day or to help extend your stay with Pure Michigan.  Let us help you with some suggestions for fall getaway packages that you can take advantage of this week.

Grand Hotel

Halloween Weekend

Hotel Iroquois

The Great Escape

Hotel Walloon

Fall Military & First Responders

Kalamazoo Area Courses

19th Hole Golf Package

Garden Grove Inn: Bed & Breakfast

Sunday Funday

Visit michigan.org for a complete list of great statewide vacation package deals.

Connect with Us on Social Media

We invite you to connect with Pure Michigan on your favorite social network for the latest travel ideas, insider tips, vacation deals and more. For more information, visit all our Pure Michigan social connections at michigan.org/social.