Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Michigan Like Never Before
Robin Jarvis
Author
Fall in Michigan brings the promise of so much more than just the changing colors of the trees. It also means fall festivals and everything pumpkin-spiced and colorful. It’s a season that offers a unique set of sensory treats, from a color palette brimmed with scorching reds, golds, and oranges to the olfactory delight of drying leaves. Michigan in the fall is also the perfect time to take a road trip to experience these things firsthand. Michigan is so big that, with the help of PureMichigan, we’ve put together three regional road trips where you can delight in the new fall colors, smell the leaves and experience some local flavors. Pick the fall foliage road trip in Michigan nearest you and enjoy the best colors in the state!
ROAD TRIP #1: UPPER MICHIGAN
We call this the “Lighthouse and Parks Fall Foliage Excursion.” If you love Michigan lights (who doesn’t?) and have an affinity for the great outdoors, then you’ll love this fall foliage road trip in the UP. Here’s a link to the Google Map that you see below. Have fun!
Now, go have breakfast or lunch at another Escanaba landmark....
Enjoy exploring this step back in time in one of Michigan's old iron smelting towns. There is much to see here so put on the walking shoes and enjoy!
If you enjoy this fall foliage road trip through the UP and want more autumn colors, there are two more road trips below!
Take this road trip if you're up for adventure and trying new things. You'll start off at a lighthouse, but in Michigan that's no surprise. Here's a link to the Google Map below to guide you along the way. Have fun!
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Experience life in Mason County as it was 100 years ago by immersing yourself in this interactive historic village of 30-plus buildings and exhibits. Fall is a great season to learn more about Michigan's past here at Historic White Pine Village.
If you still haven't had your "fill" of fall colors in Michigan yet, you may want to take the third road trip below!
Named the "Cities and Attractions Fall Foliage Tour," this journey will take you through some cities in Michigan when they are alive with color and show you some attractions in each that you may not have found on your own.
Take this road trip if you're up for discovering new things in old places. Here's a link to the Google Map below. But hurry, don't miss the fall foliage window!
Arrive early in the morning for easier parking opportunities, and then hit the road for the next stop on this fall foliage excursion in Michigan.
Enjoy the charming Main Street of Eaton Rapids as you pass through. Stop for breakfast or lunch at this downtown eatery right on Main. Enjoy the fall colors of the tree-lined street as you sit inside and refuel at Aunties. Then, hit the trail headed for more fall colors in Michigan and the next stop.
Founded nearly 40 years years ago, the American Museum of Magic has amassed a huge collection of amazing, quirky and just plain bizarre tricks of the trade. Enjoy the autumn colors of Marshall as you make your way to this unique museum you'll only find in Michigan.
This 72-acre oasis should be even more stunning with the colors of fall lighting the landscape! You'll see some of the best fall foliage in Michigan here.
Autumn in Michigan offers stunning vistas and amazing color transformations. Take any of these three amazing road trips to enjoy the most splendid fall colors in Michigan. These routes will take you to the best fall foliage in Michigan and show you the best our state has to offer this season.
If you’re raring to go on one of these trips but are baffled about how to pack, check out our ultimate road trip packing guide. It’s got everything you need for the trip of a lifetime!
What are your favorite things to do in the fall in Michigan? We’d love to know in our comments!
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More to Explore
Best Fall Foliage In Michigan
What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Michigan?
Fall colors first arrive in Michigan in mid-September and last until the end of October. The upper peninsula sees autumn colors before the rest of the state, but the exact dates vary year to year.
Where are the best places in Michigan to see fall foliage?
The Leile Arboretum, located in Battle Creek, is the perfect place to experience Michigan’s amazing fall colors. Albion College is another place to visit when you’re craving a bit of fall scenery. You’ll also see stunning sights at the Michigan State Capitol.
What are the best Michigan hikes to take in the fall?
Some fantastic Michigan hikes to take in the fall include:
- The Porcupine Mountains waterfall hike. Along this 11-mile journey, you’ll see breathtaking trees and feel the crisp autumn air.
- Chapel Loop in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is another beloved fall hike. This 6.5-mile loop is packed with incredible sights. Bring your camera! You’ll want to document every last bit.
- The Tahquamenon Falls Trail is also worth exploring. This trail is a bit shorter, only 4.5 miles long, and it looks especially colorful at the beginning of October.