Interactive Ways to See Fall Foliage

Michigan bursts with color in autumn. The reds, yellows and oranges contrast beautifully with the blue and turquoise of the state’s many lakes, ponds and waterfalls. A natural wonder as majestic as Michigan in the fall is worth exploring – and there are many ways to peep the leaves besides going for scenic hikes and drives (still great, but why restrict yourself?).

Take a daring climb for one-of-a-kind views.

If you do opt for a fall hike, pick one that’s sure to deliver vibrant vistas. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is home to 60,000 acres of old-growth forest that puts on an autumnal show every year with plenty of scenic trails for taking in the spectacle. Climb a half-mile up Summit Peak Observation Tower to see the entire park from a staggering 1,958 feet above sea level. Or catch bright hues with views of Lake Superior and Lake of the Clouds on the 2.7-mile-long Overlook Trail. The park also offers EnChroma-enabled viewers to visitors who are colorblind to enable everyone to enjoy fall colors in Pure Michigan.

See the season in a whole new light.

Lighthouses provide amazing vantage points for taking in the season’s show. At Point Iroquois Lighthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, the 65-foot tower built in the mid-1800s gives visitors a unique view of the area and of the past. Explore the grounds or take a stroll on the boardwalk along Lake Superior to indulge in nature and plenty of fresh, crisp air.

This unique overlook allows you to see for miles and miles.

For a truly breathtaking vista, embark on a journey to the top of Copper Peak near Ironwood – the largest artificial ski jump in the world. After an 810-foot chairlift ride and 18-story elevator, you can climb the last eight stories (if you’re daring enough!) to the top of the ski jump for a 360-degree view of three states, Lake Superior and even Canada on a clear day. At 1,180 feet above Lake Superior, Copper Peak provides an unparalleled panorama of Michigan’s autumnal glory.

Take a remarkable journey through fall’s radiance.

While Michigan is home to beautiful drives throughout the state, try something new with a scenic train and riverboat ride to fully immerse yourself in as much autumn as possible. Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat Tour & the Famous Toonerville Trolley take passengers on a 6.5-hour tour from Soo Junction to a private view of Tahquamenon Falls that includes a ride on a narrow-gauge train, narrated riverboat cruise and nature hike.

Find yourself filled with awe over autumn’s hues.

To discover an even fresher birds-eye views of fall, hop on a helicopter tour! With standard and customizable tours departing from Grand Rapids, Detroit, Mackinac Island, St. Ignace and Traverse City, you can find your perfect fall view while taking in all the sights of the Great Lakes State.

There is no wrong way to see the splendor of autumn in Michigan. From the seat of a chairlift or the back of a horse to the dirt path of a trail or out the open window of a car, Pure Michigan’s beauty transcends in fall.