Peak Color for September 23-30, 2022

Saddle up and blaze your own path along groomed trails or at a state park. Plan an Isle Royale Seaplanes Fall Color Tour for a matchless bird’s-eye view of nature’s splendid color palette, or a Fall Color Boat Tour to explore the vibrant shoreline of the Keweenaw Peninsula decked in the season’s glory. In Michigan, there are so many ways to celebrate and experience fall color. 

As summer cools to fall, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan sees a vibrant change to orange and red hued trees before the rest of the state, due to its chillier temperatures. Local meteorologists are predicting a later than usual peak this year due to warmer temperatures into September. Looking towards the weekend, locals across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are reporting only slight change among area tees with pops of bronze, red, russet and gold among the maples and oaks.

Fall color continues a slow advance across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this week, with peak conditions three to four weeks away. Although the annual fall display of color is showing only slight change, viewers to the area will find stunning scenery along the Brockway Mountain Drive between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor, Lake of the Clouds in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore between Munising and Grand Marais in Alger County. When driving out towards Big Bay on County Road 550 in Marquette, you will start to see pops of vibrant orange, red and yellow speckled throughout the forest.

Heading south towards the Northwest Lower Peninsula, the trees in and around the Charlevoix area are just starting to show a hint of color. It is estimated that peak will arrive in one to two more weeks. Alpena and the communities in Michigan’s Northeast region are also at least two weeks away. In the Grand Traverse Bay area, leaf peepers will find maples are now starting to turn various shades of red and yellow, while a few other tree varieties are displaying slight hues of gold and yellow. Peak is still three or four weeks away. Isabella and Oceana counties are reporting early change among the area’s beech and oak trees. Peak color is one to two weeks away.

Fall color is still very sporadic in the Ottawa and Allegan counties. This weekend, visitors the Holland area will find color among the local fruit, produce and area farm markets. Another favorite is the Holland Farmer's Market, which is brimming with fall goods each Wednesday and Saturday. Crane's Orchard in Fennville is open for u-pick apples, and traditional fall favorites like donuts and cider.

As you travel through Bay City, Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Midland and Saginaw region, the early changing shrubs and trees are showing glimpses of seasonal color. Whether walking, hiking, biking, kayaking or driving, you'll experience the beauty of autumn. Area fields, farms, orchards and gardens are showing off the bounty of the season with crops, produce, flowers and leaves changing colors. Hints of fall color is visible now whether you visit area cities and towns, or you venture out to the great outdoor spaces along rivers, trails, backroads and along highways. Peak is expected in two to three weeks.

Still weeks from prime viewing conditions, Michigan's Southwest communities welcome visitors to sample its fruits, vegetables and wines. Over the next several weeks, visitors will see touches of color traveling along the beautiful Lake Michigan lakeshore. Fall color should be at its best October to early November.

The Ann Arbor area is full of seasonal fall attractions. The Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan! This seasonal cider mill serves up fresh apple cider, donuts, caramel apples, must-try apple nut bread and other baked goods. Enjoy your tasty treats while peeping the fall colors on the shaded a patio along the Huron River. Locals anticipate peak color in about four weeks. The rest of the state continues to have mostly summer foliage with peak at least three to four weeks away.

Fall Takes Center Stage

Fall is the best time to savor quiet pleasures at beaches, fine restaurants, farm markets and art galleries. Bite into fresh produce at farmers markets across the state. Explore our wineries, roadside produce stands, hiking and biking trails, botanical gardens and state parks. Discover places to relax and reconnect—take a deep breath of crisp Pure Michigan autumn air.

6 Scenic Stops for Fall Color in the Upper Peninsula

As summer cools to fall, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan sees a vibrant change to orange and red hued trees before the rest of the state, due to its chillier temperatures. Take the scenic route as you explore some wonderful stops in the Upper Peninsula this fall.

Beautiful Places in Michigan to Visit in the Fall

When summer’s heat begins to wane, when the air grows crisp in the morning and the days grow shorter, it’s time to gear up for a Pure Michigan getaway amid a kaleidoscope of orange, yellow and crimson.

Check out This Week’s Festival Highlights

The excitement of Michigan events continues all year long in 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.

Spooktacular Harvest Festival

September 23 - September 24, 2022

Cedar River

Michigan Antique Festivals - Midland

September 24 - September 25, 2022

Midland

Northern Michigan Fiber Festival

September 24 - September 25, 2022

Alpena

Pumpkinfest

September 24 - September 25, 2022

South Haven

Michigan Renaissance Festival

September 24 - October 2, 2022

Holly

The Red Jacket Jamboree with guest Jetty Rae

September 25, 2022

Calumet

Sounds of the Zoo

September 26 - October 2, 2022

Kalamazoo

Wednesday Night Cruise-In

Wednesdays Now thru September 28, 2022

Hickory Corners

Ella's Patio Parties

September 29, 2022

Jackson

American Speed Festival

September 29 - October 2, 2022

Pontiac

Oktoberfest

September 30, 2022

Sterling Heights

South Higgins Lake State Park - 19th Annual Harvest Fest

September 30 - October 1, 2022

Roscommon

Proud Lake Recreation Area - Harvest Festival

September 30 - October 2, 2022

Lansing

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park - Harvest Festival

September 30 - October 2, 2022

Traverse City

Autumn Getaway Packages Near This Week's Peak Color Region

We have deals and vacation packages that make your Michigan vacation planning easier—and maybe even cheaper! Here, you’ll find deals on attractions, resorts, hotels and dining—plus packages that combine all your favorite things to do in Michigan. While many packages and deals center on Michigan resorts, you may notice that just as many seek to acquaint you with things to do and places to visit in Michigan. Check out these offerings and start saving here!

Garden Grove Inn: Bed & Breakfast

Sunday Funday

Deal Valid Through: October 1, 2022

Grand Hotel

Fall Michigan Golf Live Package

Deal Valid: October 9, 2022 - October 12, 2022

Island House Hotel

Fabulous Fall Getaway

Deal Valid Through: October 15, 2022

Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center

Drummond Island Resort - Fall Color Tour Package

Deal Valid Through:  October 22, 2022

Niles Haunted Houses and Associated Properties

Spooky Savings

Deal Valid Through: October 30, 2022

Radisson Plaza Hotel Kalamazoo

19th Hole Golf Package

Deal Valid Through: October 31, 2022