There’s nothing like fall in West Michigan. With the cooler weather comes the changing leaves in stunning shades of brown, red, yellow, and orange, creating scenic views all across the state. There are so many ways to see the fall foliage before the winter comes, and we’ve got different ways you can witness their beauty. Whether it’s by car, bike, foot, boat, or even chairlift, you won’t want to miss these opportunities to see fall color in West Michigan.
South West Michigan
Embrace the vibrant hues of Autumn at Binder Park Zoo. Celebrate every weekend in October with a burst of bonus seasonal activities complementing your zoo visit. From the magical adventures of Kid's Adventure Weekend to the cozy autumn ambiance of Fall Fest, each weekend offers unforgettable experiences for all ages. Don't miss out on making the most of this enchanting season - the zoo is the BEST place to see the fall colors!
One way to enjoy the vibrant fall colors in Greater Lansing is by kayaking the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. It's such a fun and unique way for the whole family to experience the beauty of the autumn season. River Town Adventures will hook you up with everything you need for an awesome day on the water. They also offer bike rentals, so you can explore the scenic 20+ mile Lansing River Trail along both rivers.
River cruise aboard the historic river launch, Lindy Lou, at the Michigan Maritime Museum for a Fall Color Tour. Lindy Lou is a replica of a Truscott Fantail River launch and is made of fiberglass and formed on a mold taken from an original Truscott launch. All the finishing work on the launch, including crafting her mahogany and cherry wood interior and building a structure to support the craft’s canvas top, was done by Museum staff and volunteers in the Padnos Boat Shed on the Museum’s campus. Christened in July 2011, the Lindy Lou was named after longtime Museum member and supporter Linda Lou Winkel. This launch takes passengers up and down the river, giving them a perspective of South Haven from city to country, from the present into the past.
The changing leaves of red and gold, as seen from the water, are an unforgettable way to experience a fall color tour in Saugatuck/Douglas. The Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat offers cruises down the Kalamazoo River on weekends through October. Stunning views of the beautiful fall landscape can be enjoyed on the open upper deck or the enclosed lower deck, along with an offering of fine wines, domestic beers, and signature cocktails. Or experience the magic of a Michigan fall in Saugatuck/Douglas on foot. Hike through the Saugatuck Dunes State Park trails and wind your way along sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and a 300-acre natural area. To take in the colors along the lakeshore, walk along the world-renowned Oval Beach and the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. Or, for a stunning aerial view, hike up to the top of Mount Baldhead with a 303-step climb. Sure, it’s a challenge, but the unique birds-eye view of the foliage is well worth the effort.
Central West Michigan
The changing landscape surrounding inland lakes and rivers, as well as Lake Michigan, has no match when it comes to fall color tours. Beautiful views of red, orange, and yellow colors await you in Ludington - and you can take a front-row seat to them all. Peak colors are predicted for mid-October when you will want to explore Pure Ludington’s unspoiled natural resources and unrivaled outdoor recreation. Fall is a great time to leave no stone unturned. Whether driving, hiking, biking or paddling, they have opportunities for you to take in the changing scenery and vibrant fall hues.
Take in the maroon & gold hues of Mt. Pleasant by foot or by water. With over 1,000 acres of parkland and 20 miles of trails, they have beautiful areas to witness the fall foliage. Walk around Central Michigan University’s campus, a park, or a conservancy preserve. Or take your kayak and look at the changing colors as you paddle down a river. If the weather is too cold for you, get in the car and turn the heat up as you drive through the ‘tunnel of trees.
Come to Grand Haven on Saturday, October 26th from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. for the Duncan Park Fall Drive-Through. The Park's paved drive will be open for one-way vehicular traffic from Lake Avenue to Sheldon Avenue so the public can conveniently enjoy Mother Nature's splendor in Duncan Park.
Holland is a beautiful base for your fall color tour. A gorgeous circular route begins in the historic downtown and continues to Kollen Park with its view of Lake Macatawa framed by fall foliage. The southern portion of the loop winds through blazing backroads and offers lakeshore hikes in Sanctuary Woods and Saugatuck Dunes State Park, then continue to Crane’s Orchards for cider and donuts. After a short side trip to Fenn Valley for some wine tasting, Mt. Pisgah is the spot for the grand finale – a panoramic view of the shoreline in all its colorful glory.
North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula
Hop on a scenic chairlift ride at Crystal Mountain for an unforgettable experience. A must for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a bird's-eye view of the fall foliage. Visitors are invited to sit back and relax on a quiet chairlift ride to the top of the mountain where panoramic views, more than 1,000 feet above sea level, looking over four counties await.
Take a Wine Wagon Tour & Tasting at Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery during your fall color tour on the Old Mission Peninsula. Explore the 155-acre estate on a 7-passenger electric shuttle while enjoying wine samples, views of the vineyard, and beautiful fall colors along the way. Tours are held on Saturdays through October 12th, but options for private weekday or Sunday tours are available by request.
As the fall leaves begin to change, it’s time to head outside and explore nature’s amazing beauty. Whether you take a driving tour, or boat on Lake Charlevoix, or grab your bike, walking shoes, camera, family, and friends, head out to explore Charlevoix’s natural wonders. While exploring all that Northern Michigan has to offer, visit area apple orchards to enjoy numerous tasty treats like a slice of apple pie, you-pick apples, and apple cider.
There is no better place to see fall colors than Treetops Resort. Tour their most scenic spots in a golf cart while you enjoy craft beers, wines, and seasonal dishes. End the evening with dinner at the top of the hill overlooking the Pigeon River Valley.
Mackinac Island is a stunning destination for fall color as the island transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Enjoy the views from Arch Rock, Leslie Avenue, or the stunning vistas from Tranquil Bluff Trail. The interior trails can’t be missed, with over 80% of the island being State Park. And don’t miss the panoramic views from Fort Holmes, the highest point on the island, or maybe from the water’s edge along M-185, the only car-less highway in the US. No matter where you choose to explore, you’ll love the island’s slower pace, changing colors, and historical charm.
Explore Cadillac from your car, bicycle, kayak, canoe, motorcycle, or by foot for breathtaking views that can be seen from any path. Explore their two color tour routes: in town and around town, to see it all.
Embark on an Estate & Wine Tour on one of Black Star Farms Fall Wagon Rides. Tour highlights include the vineyard, Inn, Centennial Barn, and wine cave. During the tour, you will learn the history of their treasured 160-acre estate, about the incredible journey from grape to glass, and what makes their unique wine region so special. An informative wine and spirits tasting hosted by your guide follows the tour.
The Petoskey area is home to the famous Tunnel of Trees scenic route on M119. There are tons of stops along this route to make it a full day of fun like Trillium Woods Coffee, scenic overlooks, and Pond Hill Farm for their Fall Festival events. They have several other great fall color routes and fun fall hiking trails with amazing overlooks. Check out Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City or Skybridge Michigan for a unique look at the fall colors across the treetops.
What better way to experience the fall colors of Michigan than from the beautiful Pine River valley? Through October 27th, the Pine River Paddlesports Center in Wellston is offering guided fall rafting trips down the Pine River. These safe, guided trips last about 1 hour and 15 minutes - the guide does the majority of the work so you can sit back, sip a hot drink, watch the leaves fall gently into the river, and take in the beauty of autumn. Reservations are required since these trips are guided. Call 231-862-3471 to book a guided fall color tour you won't soon forget.
Add a visit to Mission Point Lighthouse for your colors tour this Fall, where the colors peak at the lighthouse later in the 2nd and 3rd week of October. All visitors are encouraged to do the self-guided tour to the top of the lighthouse. It is well worth the small fee required and directly supports the restoration, maintenance, and historic displays.
Marquette County is home to multiple hiking, biking, and driving trails and overlooks for leaf peeping. Notable points include the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, a 47-mile multi-use interpretive trail, Thomas Rock, a hidden gem scenic lookout, and CR 510 Bridgeview, an overlook that offers views of copper and auburn leaves. For visitors looking for a quick trek with an exceptional view, head out to Harlow Lake and soak in the reflections of autumn on the glassy lake.
