Michigan Fall Colors You Can't Miss This Year (2022)
Find peak Fall Colors in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the rest of the state this year!
Chasing Fall Colors is in Michigan should be on everyone’s bucket list. Why?
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was Named Best Destination for Fall Foliage in the United States, that’s why!
Whether you’re in Marquette, elsewhere in the Upper Peninsula or downstate, read this guide to help you understand where you should go to see the best fall colors in Michigan this year!
MI Fall Colors Guide Overview
Best Places to see Michigan's Fall Colors in the Upper Peninsula
Marquette, MI
Experiencing peak Marquette, MI Fall colors is easily one of the best fall experiences you can have in Michigan.
If you’ve never chased fall colors in the Upper Peninsula, base yourself here for an unforgettable fall road trip. The central location allows for the best access to other upper michigan fall color hot spots.
If you’re looking for the best fall colors in Marquette Michigan, make sure to visit the Mount Marquette Overlook for starters!
Browse below for all the other top Marquette Fall hot spots
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon
The Porkies will take your heart and steal your soul the first time you get a fall colors tour up here. The best way to visit the Porcupine Mountains in the fall is too experience the Lake of the Clouds viewpoint!
Fall Colors at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising
Exploring Pictured Rocks should be mandatory in the fall as the already dramatic scenery turns into one of the best displays of color anywhere in Michigan.
If you can, make a trip to Pictured Rocks in October to get an amazing glimpse of some of Michigan’s best fall colors
Fall Foliage at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise
Tahquamenon Falls is the largest waterfall west of Niagara Falls, and is one that becomes even more grandeur as new colors start filling in around it.
Expect large crowds here as it’s one of Northern Michigan’s top place for fall colors!
Mackinac Island Fall Colors
Michigan’s favorite island only gets better with more color when fall comes through. Make sure to book early as this place gets full fast!
The best places to see the fall colors on Mackinac Island are at:
- Point Lookout
- Fort Holmes
- Arch Rock
- Biking the Interior of the Island
The beauty of Mackinac island is that the island is dense with trees alongside stunning lakeshore views. Get on a bike and explore the interior of Mackinac Island this fall!
Keweenaw Peninsula Fall Colors
In the northernmost part of the Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula is an isolated paradise of vibrant foliage. If you have the time and ability to make it this far north, go!
Copper Harbor and Houghton should be mandatory stopping points when venturing this way as they are easily some of the best places to find fall colors around Lake Superior.
Where are the Best fall colors in Marquette?
Now that you know Marquette is one of the best fall destinations, here is where the best fall colors in Marquette can be found at:
- Sugarloaf Mountain
- Hiking Hogback Mountain
- Presque Isle
- Top of the World
- Wetmore Landing
- Marquette Mountain
Additionally, roaming the streets of downtown Marquette will have you speechless with the brilliant display of fall beauty. Peak Fall Colors in Marquette were scheduled for late September, but as of now, it is looking more like early October.
When is the best time to chase fall colors in Michigan?
The best time for fall colors in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is late September – early October . Peak foliage for Michigan’s lower peninsula is usually mid to late October
The Upper Peninsula will have earlier colors because of it’s northern latitude as colors tend to turn north to south!
What can I do in Marquette in the fall?
Marquette is a city tailored for the adventurous and outdoorsy. So if you need something else other than just snapping photos of some of Michigan’s fall foliage, and dreamy landscapes, the city will keep you busy.
Here is what you can do in Marquette in the fall:
- Biking – Marquette is one of the Nation’s top rated bike cities
- Hiking – Read about my Marquette hiking guides
- Surfing Lake Superior in the Fall
- Kayaking – Paddle Lake Superior
- Fishing – Charters are readily available
- Drinking – Marquette Breweries are abundant!
- Fill yourself up at Marquette’s Best places to eat
Marquette is a TOP place for fall foliage in Michigan and the Midwest. Not just this region but the entire USA too.
The beauty is that Marquette isn’t just an excellent place for fall but for other seasons as well. Winter can be rough but for the right person, charming.
Best Fall Colors in Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula
Northern Michigan’s fall colors are another incredible way to enjoy the fall season if you can’t venture up to the Upper Peninsula. The Petoskey, Charlevoix, Traverse City area all will keep you happy and busy.
Here are some Northern Michigan fall spots you should definitely not miss.
Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route in Fall
Historically, the Tunnel of Trees has been the number one spot to visit for Michigan’s fall colors. Officially known as, Highway M-119, this 30-mile road runs adjacent to Lake Michigan and starts and or ends in Petoskey or Cross Village depending on your direction.
Leelanau Peninsula - M-22 Color Tour
Follow Highway M-22 through Traverse City and wind your way through small lakefront towns until you reach Northport at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. This remote area is incredible for its dense forests and smaller crowds. This is easily one of the more underrated places you can end up in Michigan.
Fall at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in fall is the ideal time to visit because of the amazing display of colors and decreased bug activity. The cooler temps & smaller crowds always make this one of my favorite places to experience around the October time.
Make the Most of your Michigan Fall Colors Experience
How Can I track Fall foliage in Michigan this year?
One of the best ways to track Michigan’s peak fall foliage is by using the fall foliage prediction map. (above).
Where can I find fall colors if it's past peak?
Leaves turn colors inland to the shoreline. If colors are past peak in the interior of your location, head towards the coast
Midwest Fall Roadtrip Ideas
Duluth, MN Fall Road Trip
Along the Northshore of Lake Superior, Duluth is one of the Midwest’s top fall color destinations. With miles of shoreline running along Lake Superior, Duluth is the perfect place to start your northern Minnesota fall road trip!
OTHER Great Places to See Fall Colors in the United States
Some of the best places to see fall foliage in the United States are:
New Mexico – Northern New Mexico like Santa Fe and Taos, are blessed with an abundance of Aspens in the southern rockies range. Don’t miss the vibrant yellows!
Vermont
New Hampshire
Colorado – Aspen, Colorado is home to one of the most photographed mountain ranges in the world, the Maroon Bells
Minnesota – The North Shore of Minnesota is gorgeous in all seasons, but it really shines during the turning of the colors. Drive North from Duluth and have yourself an empty camera battery in no time.
Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas – THE OZARKS. Check the Talimena National Scenic Byway off of your bucket list during the best time to visit!
Need help Planning your Upper Peninsula of Michigan Fall Trip?
Planning your fall trip soon? Please contact me if you want me to be your Michigan Fall colors trip planner
Where are you chasing fall foliage this year? Are you flying out of Marquette’s Sawyer International Airport? That might be one of the top ways to see the incredible change of colors up north.
Get up here now as winter is slowly making its way up here. If you want to see some other cool things like the Northern Lights in Marquette, you might just be lucky enough to time it right in Fall!