Is the iconic Tunnel of Trees ablaze with color yet? How about our favorite Up North spots like Traverse City and Gaylord – and what about fall colors in our wild and beautiful Upper Peninsula?
To help travelers across the state track the gorgeous fall color this season, our friends at Pure Michigan are posting a weekly Fall Color Report.
An interactive map shows when peak color is expected across both of our state’s peninsulas. Right now, there are lots of peak color spots flashing in the U.P., while downstate color is doing a slow burn. You can find the map on their website here.
In their weekly update, Pure Michigan is reporting the estimated percentage of fall color at dozens of spots across the state.
We’re sharing some of their highlights here, concentrating on the sites now reported to be at 40% or more of their autumn colors:
Upper Peninsula
“Fall color is taking its time along the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the Upper Peninsula – but inland, the trees are starting to display some of their most vivid hues,” Pure Michigan staff said.
Keweenaw Peninsula: 20% to 40% (Estimated Peak Fall Color: Oct. 3-10)
Keweenaw Travel Tips from Pure Michigan: “Fall colors are popping in the mid-central region of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Other parts of the Keweenaw are still developing, but visitors can enjoy the free tour at Open Skies Project– a former Air Force Station – which has incredible views! Warm fall days are made for easy hikes to Keweenaw waterfalls with more water flowing from recent rains. Must-visit waterfalls include Hungarian and Eagle River falls. The lovely weather and warm winds off the lake are stirring up the shorelines, creating perfect conditions for hunting agates.”
Try this trip: This U.P. drive takes you 700 feet above Lake Superior, where epic fall color stretches out in every direction
Marquette: 20% to 40% (Estimated Peak Fall Color: Oct. 10-17)
Munising: 20% to 40% (Estimated Peak Fall Color: Oct. 12-19)
Northern Michigan
Gaylord: 20% to 40% (Estimated Peak Fall Color: Oct. 6-13)
Gaylord Travel Tips from Pure Michigan: “This is also peak season for viewing elk activity. The new viewing platform and trail at Elk View Park give you a great view of the herd, and their bugling calls are something you won’t forget. Aspen Park is another great spot for a quiet walk with a chance to see them. Scenic drives are another fall highlight in the northern Lower Peninsula, with backroads and rolling hills full of color this time of year.
Antlers Ahead: Up North’s newest elk viewing platform lets you see 800-pound animals up close
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville: 20% to 40% (Estimated Peak Fall Color: Oct. 13-20)
Crystal Mountain’s fall color chairlift ride is spinning with a panoramic 4-county view
Mid-Michigan
Mount Pleasant: 20% to 40% (Estimated Peak Fall Color: Oct. 13-20)
Frankenmuth: 20% to 40% (Estimated Peak Fall Color: Oct. 13-20)
Southern Michigan
Lenawee County: 20% to 40% (Estimated Peak Fall Color: Oct. 13-20)
Monroe: 20% to 40% (Estimated Peak Fall Color: Oct. 3-10)
Monroe Travel Tips from Pure Michigan: “On the coast of Lake Erie, Monroe offers beautiful fall color paired with waterfront views along hiking trails at Sterling State Park – Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie. Visitors can also glide in a canoe down the scenic River Raisin as fall color begins to paint the landscape, or get lost in Farmer J’s World Record Corn Maze.