When the heat of summer begins to subside, when the morning air turns crisp and the days shorten, it is time to get ready for fall. This off-season is known for travel deals and offers, as well as low prices, not to mention magical fiery foliage and wonderful natural splendor! Only Michigan can combine all of these amazing features in one place. Due to the state's varied environment, rich history, and iconic city of Detroit, the most popular tourist spots in Michigan cater to a wide range of interests. There are countless options for visitors and tourists who want to appreciate nature, particularly around the Great Lakes coasts, where you may see freshwater dunes and inland coastal ecosystems. Travelers should grab the opportunity to discover all of this bewitching beauty at this perfect time of the year. With this in mind, here is a list of Michigan’s best Fall foliage tours according to Pure Michigan.
10 Tour Houghton Passing By Eagle River And Copper Harbor
The display of reds, oranges, and gold creates vibrant tunnels covering the slopes and peaks of this splendid area, especially in and around Houghton. As they go north, visitors may see the astonishing Copper Harbor Lighthouse and Maritime Museum as well as the light keeper’s home. Recently, the Michigan Scenic Heritage Route was made a National Scenic Byway. To get a sense of the area's heritage, tourists can visit the Calumet Theater and the downtown commercial district's red sandstone structures. Before getting there, they will pass by Eagle River, a charming community that flourished as a port city when copper was at its prime. They may also stop and take a little walk to visit Eagle River Falls.
- Length: 100 miles/160.93 Km
- Best Time: Mid-September to early October
9 Get Enchanted By The Magnificent Foliage Of Detroit, Algonac, Lake Orion, And Port Huron
An exceptional excursion embraced by Michigan's marvelous fall foliage departs from Detroit. To get to Port Huron, where the amazing St. Clair River and Lake Huron converge, tourists should take M-29 north. They can also choose to go on short excursions through uncommon grasslands and lake plain oak savannas from Algonac State Park. Along their way, they can visit the unique Lighthouse Park, where the Peche Island Rear Range Light was installed in 1908. Then, they can continue their road to reach the beautiful village of Romeo. Finally, to see miles of fall foliage, they can take the glass-enclosed elevator to the Coach Insignia restaurant.
- Length: 195 miles/152.88 Km
- Best Time: The best time to see the colors of fall in a variety of parks and canyons is in October.
8 Discover The Splendor Of Grayling, Torch Lake, And Lake City In Different Ways
The Au Sable River is the ideal body of water for paddling while taking in the colorful splashes against the soaring evergreens. With 4,800 acres (19.42 Km2) of inland lakes stocked with amazing fish, Grayling and Lake City provide a gentler pace. Tourists can visit one national and two state forests to contemplate the mesmerizing touch of the fall. After the nature trail, they can rest and observe animals in the Manton Pathway and Garden. In addition to this surrounding beauty, visitors can enjoy Torch Lake, rated by National Geographic as the third most beautiful lake in the world. The captivating hue of the lake is a rich Caribbean blue. It is the second biggest lake in Michigan and is the state's longest lake.
- Ways to tour the area: By canoe, car, or/and on foot
- Length: 170 miles/273.5 Km
- Best Time: From late September to mid-October is the best time to visit the area
7 Get Lost On The Dazzling Road Of Hillsdale, Homer, And Sturgis
This route through the fall foliage is cut down the middle by the Sauk Trail. The landscape of Hillsdale is embroidered with hills and dales, and the soil is fertile. Tourists can attend the exciting Weekend Fall Family Fun at Nottawa Fruit Farm in Sturgis, which includes pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a petting farm. Then, they shall enjoy the historic Homer and discover a Greek revival-style Hammond House Museum and a momentous downtown.
- Recommended place to stay: The Munro House Bed and Breakfast
- Location: 202 Maumee St, Jonesville, MI 49250, United States
- Cost: $179 per night for two persons in George's Jacuzzi Room
- Trip length: 155 miles/249.44 Km
- Best Time: Mid to end of October
6 Experience The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage Of Jackson, Ann Arbor, And Monroe
On this journey, tourists will see an early tavern, a fiery vineyard, a battlefield, and historic Indian paths. They will discover Jackson, where the inaugural Republican Convention in Michigan was held “Under the Oaks," and later, they can stroll in Walter J. Hayes State Park to see Wamplers Lake. They will also have the opportunity to visit one of the oldest towns in the state, Monroe. The town is the hub of the magnificent wetlands of Sterling State Park, which lies near the River Raisin. For an additional enchanting fall panorama, travelers can also cruise to Ann Arbor.
- Length: 195 miles/313.82 Km
- Best Time: Mid-to-late October to mid-November
5 Take A Journey To Lansing And Ionia Passing By Alma
An ideal starting point for a mid-mitten autumn color journey is Michigan State University’s arboretum-like campus in East Lansing. Visitors can hike pathways that wind through prairie and forest at Sleepy Hollow State Park. Then, they can head to Ionia for additional treks surrounded by the fiery fall foliage and to Lansing, where Fenner Nature Center provides a tranquil setting for unwinding and enjoying a taste of the countryside.
- Length: 155 miles/249.44 Km
- Best Time: October
4 Enjoy A Tour To New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, and Paw Paw
While taking this tour, tourists can stop at cider mills, farms, roadside markets, vineyards, and peaceful hiking paths. They can pass by the wonderful Warren Dunes State Park, which provides recreational activities along the stunning Lake Michigan shore. They can also contemplate the untamed dune formation and breathtaking views and visit the Fernwood Botanical Gardens & Nature Preserve near Niles.
- Length: 170 miles/273.58 Km
- Best Time: Mid to late October
3 Explore The Natural Beauty Of Rogers City And Indian River, Then Spend The Day At Cheboygan
When the fall foliage is at its most vivacious, it’s the finest time to visit the Lower Peninsula and its two gorgeous waterfalls. Tourists can start their tour on the Indian River, where they will be mesmerized by the views and lakes. Later, they can pass by Cheboygan, a port town, which is a wonderful location for shopping, dining, and waterfront strolling. Next, they can go to the largest open pit limestone quarry in the world in Rogers City.
- Length: 200 miles/321.86 Km
- Best Time: Late September to mid-October
2 Feel Like In Japan In Saginaw And Enjoy Bay City And Frankenmuth’s Attractions
During this tour, tourists can discover one of the few Great Lakes lighthouses that are still in function, and that is located near Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron at the thumb's edge. When they arrive at Frankenmuth, The Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Johnson's Giant Pumpkins, and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland are a few recommended attractions.
- Other attractions: The Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House, antique and collectibles vendors.
- Length: 230 miles/370.14 Km
- Best time: Early to mid-October
1 Drive Through The Bewitching Ironwood And Discover Silver City And Wakefield
This autumnal driving trip offers the ability to stroll along the beach of Lake Superior as well as stunning panoramas, waterfalls, and rural roads. Around every corner, a rainbow of fall colors is created by the foliage of mountains and bluffs reflected on the clear waters of lakes.
- Attractions: Black River Parkway, Lake Superior, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Lake Gogebic State Park, and others.
- Length: 100 miles/160.93 Km
- Best time: Mid-September to early October