Peak Color for September 29, 2023
Explore Michigan’s Fresh Fall Experiences
Be memorized by billions of blazing trees. Be dazzled by magnificent autumnal views along highways, coastlines and open fields. Fall for perfect stargazing nights, extraordinary outdoor adventures and the mystic lure of our lakeshore sentinels.
Discover the colorful history of our earliest inhabitants at intriguing Native American Cultural events and attractions.
Join us for the 14th Annual Skitoberfest in Boyne Falls, Muskegon’s Tricks and Treats Fall Fest, Ann Arbor’s 5th Annual Holy Bones Festival, or dare to explore five decks of fright aboard the Manistee Ghost Ship.
Fall Color Update
If you're traveling in the Upper Peninsula this coming week, the best viewing continues to be the area around Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the Lake of the Clouds, which should reach peak conditions next week or the following. The entire Eastern Upper Peninsula is also nearing prime viewing conditions, especially along the interior routes. However, closer to the Lake Superior shoreline, peak color is still two to three weeks away.
Driving west from Marquette toward the towns of Ishpeming and Michigamme, leaf peepers will find vibrant oranges and reds lining the highway. The colors peak west to east, so the best viewing areas are on the west end of Marquette County right now. Take a trip to Jackson Mine Park in Negaunee to learn about the mining history of the region and soak in the fall colors. Afterward, be sure to stop at Campfire Coffee in downtown Negaunee for a delicious fall treat.
Trees in and around Manistique are at the cusp of change, as their leaves are beginning to shimmer with the promise of magnificent jewel-tone hues. Splashes of crimson, gold and amber start to paint the landscape, as if nature herself were an artist at work. This can all be seen at Kitch-iti-Kipi (The Big Springs) and Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in the Manistique and Schoolcraft County area. Viewers are also reporting the drive along M-61 from Gladwin to Standish as a must-see fall spectacle.
In Fayette, located between Escanaba and Manistique, the much-anticipated fall transformation has begun. Trees are showing the first signs of change, with leaves gradually shifting from their summer greens to hues of red, orange and gold. Visitors to the historic Fayette Historic State Park will discover a unique blend of history and nature as they explore the well-preserved townsite amidst these evolving autumn colors.
Notably, the tamarack trees gracing the scenic Stonington Peninsula are beginning to embrace a warm, inviting shade of yellow, adding to the area's picturesque beauty. As you travel along the nearby roadways and take in the sights, you'll witness nature's canvas slowly coming to life.
Discover scattered forests of peaking maples, some of which are already dropping leaves in Dickinson County. Other areas in the county have yet to turn. Near Iron Mountain, travelers can catch beautiful views from the top of Pine Mountain, where you can also visit the Upper Peninsula Veterans Memorial. Locals advise that the drive along Upper Pine Creek Road should peak in the next 7-10 days.
The entire Upper Peninsula is very near peak color, making it the perfect time to plan your visit and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery.
While touring Northwest Michigan, take time to indulge in the activities of 23rd Annual Harvest Fest at Chateau Chantel in Traverse City. Locals also recommend a drive along the famous The Tunnel of Trees for some of Northern Michigan’s most spectacular color of the season.
Leaf peepers in Benzie County are encouraged to utilize live cameras throughout the county to gauge their color preference before a visit. You’re also invited to Take a Fall Color Tour Through Manistee County, where you’ll find details about the most popular routes for the best color.
Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Emmet, Antrim, Charlevoix, Benzie, Manistee, Mackinac and Wexford counties are between three and four weeks away from peak color.
Northeast Michigan’s Grayling currently has slight color transformation throughout the area. For a relaxing drive this weekend, consider taking Old US-27 to May Lake Road and County Road 612 to Mancelona, continuing to County Road 571 to M-72 West.
In the Cadillac area, leaf peepers can explore the area’s color from their car, bicycle, kayak, canoe, motorcycle or by foot. In just a few weeks, fall color along Cadillac’s river basins is second to none! Explore the city’s many and diverse fall experiences.
Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon counties anticipate peak conditions in one to two more weeks.
Southwest Michigan’s Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties are reporting to be three to four weeks from prime viewing conditions.
In the coming weeks, visitors to the Lansing area will find stunning color along the Lansing River Trail, which traces the banks of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers for over 13 miles through Lansing and East Lansing. You’ll also find color along country roads and in city parks and gardens.
The Ann Arbor area comes alive with fall colors when autumn descends upon the picturesque town. As the leaves on the city's numerous trees transform from vibrant shades of green to a breathtaking spectrum of reds, oranges and yellows, Ann Arbor becomes a haven for leaf-peepers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors and locals alike can revel in the beauty of the Huron River, which meanders through the city, reflecting the fiery foliage in its serene waters.
Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Jackson, Ingham, Livingston, Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties are mostly reporting to be about three weeks from peak viewing.
Great Fall Events
Fall is not just for jeweled tones leaves, breathtaking shore scenery or plash vineyard tours. The season is packed with festivals, hayrides and balloon rides, corn mazes, pub crawls and tasting tours. You’ll find the season perfect for foot races and rowing challenges, food fests and murder mystery weekends. In Michigan, there’re a festival for just amount everything.
October 2-7, 2023
Frankfort Beer Week
Frankfort
October 6, 2023
HOPStoberfest Beer Tasting
Port Huron
October 6-7, 2023
Handmade Music Festival
Chesaning
October 7, 2023
Dexter Cider Mill Hard Cider Tasting Room
Dexter
October 7, 2023
Annual Fall Color Tour
Gaylord
October 7, 2023
14th Annual Skitoberfest
Boyne Falls
October 7, 2023
The 5th Annual Holy Bones Festival
Ann Arbor
October 7, 2023
The Great Lakes Comic Expo
Mount Clemens
October 7, 2023
Hog Warts & Toad Bellies Fairy Tale Festival
Tipton
October 7, 2023
Fayette Historic State Park - Annual Fayette Fall Fest
Garden
October 7, 2023
The Highlands Harvest Fest
Harbor Springs
October 7-14, 2023
Battle Creek Restaurant Week
Battle Creek
October 13-14, 2023
Tawas Point State Park - Harvest Festival Weekend
East Tawas
October 14, 2023
UPtoberfest
Escanaba
Find a full list of Michigan’s fall events here.
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