Leaf-Peeping Weekends: Northern Lower Peninsula
Few autumn drives rival northern Michigan's legendary Tunnel of Trees. Stretching 20 miles along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, the trees along this lakeside route transform into a blaze of crimson, amber and gold each fall.
Historical towns tucked between forest and shoreline offer cozy stops for cider, pie and fresh goods, making this corner of the state a perfect hub for a fall weekend getaway. With its winding curves, stunning views of the coast and leafy canopy, the Tunnel of Trees distills all the best of fall in Michigan into a short cruise.
Use Harbor Springs as your base camp to explore color-drenched backroads, sample seasonal flavors and breathe in the crisp air rolling off Lake Michigan.
Outdoor adventure framed by fall color
Just minutes from downtown Harbor Springs, Thorne Swift Nature Preserve offers quiet trails through cedar swamps and hardwood forests, along with shifting dunes and a sandy beach. Boardwalk paths lead to a Lake Michigan beach overlook, where you can breathe in the crisp air and watch the surf roll against a backdrop of red and gold trees. If you prefer to take in fall colors on two wheels, the Little Traverse Wheelway is one of the most scenic cycling routes in the state. This 26-mile paved trail connects Charlevoix, Petoskey and Harbor Springs, hugging Lake Michigan's shoreline. Pedal underneath fiery canopies, and then stop in Petoskey for coffee or lunch before riding back along the sparkling bay.
Farm fresh and festive
Autumn weekends mean harvest celebrations, and nowhere captures that better than Pond Hill Farm. Their annual Fall Festivals fill October weekends with hayrides, pumpkin patches, apple cider, a corn maze and more. Children can meet barnyard animals and adults are invited to sip wine, hard cider or craft beer from the farm's tasting room. No Tunnel of Trees cruise is complete without a stop at Good Hart General Store for a serving of one of their famous pot pies, baked fresh with chicken, beef, vegetables, and rich gravy.
Cozy towns and timeless stops
The Tunnel of Trees ends in Cross Village, home to the iconic Legs Inn. Decorated with Polish folk art, the restaurant serves hearty pierogi and whitefish alongside sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Just two blocks away, Three Pines Studio showcases artwork, pottery and jewelry that make for unique souvenirs from a diverse group of local artists. Back in Harbor Springs, wander the marina, browse shops or relax in cafés that line the historic downtown. In nearby Petoskey, the Gaslight District features boutiques, bookstores and coffee shops to explore. And for a dose of evening excitement, try your luck at the Odawa Casino, which features table games, slots and entertainment under one roof.
Sip the season
Northern Michigan's Petoskey Wine Region sits along the 45th parallel, sharing latitude with Europe's great vineyards. More than a dozen boutique wineries dot the area, with tasting rooms offering Riesling, Chardonnay and other cool-climate varietals. Try Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery for views across rolling hills, or try something new at Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery, which offers a selection of wines made from maple syrup. If you're in the mood for a different flavor of fall, stop at Otis Lounge for a selection of cocktails made from local liquors and served around a fieldstone fireplace.
For more travel inspiration, explore the Petoskey region, find more stops along the Tunnel of Trees or discover a selection of road trips across Michigan this fall.