Your 2025 guide to leaf-peeping in Michigan: When and where to see fall colors
If you’re ready for a break from the heat and wildfire smoke, we hear you. We’re gearing up for fall with this ultimate leaf-peeping in Michigan guide.
It’s almost that time of year! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already noticed the slight change in the air, the yellowing of the leaves and fields, and that shift in the way the light hits the ground, all signaling one thing: Fall is on its way!
Michigan has been an interesting place this summer, to say the least (read: Hotter than blazes, while cloaked in wildfire smoke everywhere you look). So I don’t think it’s a stretch to say we’re all ready for a break. I believe that fall is a state of mind that you can enjoy no matter what, whether that’s in your living room with a pumpkin candle and a hot cup of coffee, or outside enjoying the changing colors of the leaves.
If you’re more of an outdoorsy fall enthusiast, here are some places to add to your Michigan leaf-peeping bucket list. We may have you bopping around the state with these suggestions, but we promise the views will be worth it. And, as a bonus, we included the best times to catch the colors.
Bay Area
Bay City State Park
Location: 3582 State Park Dr., Bay City
When to go: September through October
My favorite of Michigan’s historic bed and breakfasts, The Webster House, in Bay City, encourages its guests to visit the nearby Bay City State Park as it “comes alive” in the fall with colors for leaf peeping in Michigan. The park’s unique mix of wetlands, woodlands, and meadows sets the scene for the colors to dazzle, especially if you plan to walk along the water. The Saginaw Bay shoreline provides twice the beautiful views with the colorful leaves reflecting in the water.
As a bonus, there is also a modern campground if you want to make a weekend of leaf peeping, a mix of trails for hikers and birdwatchers, and a spray park (best to be prepared if this hot weather sticks around). Families can check out the Visitor Center for educational and entertaining exhibits or book a trip with BaySail, which offers a way to view the foliage like no other: Through a sailing excursion on the winding Saginaw River.
Northern Michigan
Traverse City
When to go: Late September to mid-October
If there’s one place synonymous with fall in Michigan, it’s definitely Traverse City. The rolling hills, the sweeping views over the water, the countless wineries and trails to traverse—it’s the perfect place to visit in autumn. Traverse City was even featured on The Pioneer Woman last year as one of the top places in the United States to visit in the fall, and for good reason.
My husband and I love visiting Traverse City in the fall, when the city hosts an array of annual fall events, such as the Shop and Sip Fall Festival, Beer Week, and, of course, trick-or-treating through downtown for Halloween. You can bike, hike, or stroll through scenic trails and sample all of the wine and snacks at the local wineries and vineyards. Chateau Chantal is a beautiful must-visit, and if you have time, be sure to book a Tapas Tour. The tours pair six food courses with the winery’s wine and a guided tour of the estate and wine-making process, and it remains one of my top life events ever.
Need a recommendation on where to stay? Chateau Chantal is an inn, but it books up fast, so if you need to look elsewhere, we recommend booking Lakemore Resort, located on Arbutus Lake. It’ll be a luxurious visit surrounded by nature, just a few miles from downtown.
Tunnel of Trees
Location: Harbor Springs
When to go: Early to mid-October
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Harbor Springs just might be the most idyllic place to spend fall in Michigan. The small town is the real-life equivalent of Stars Hollow from “Gilmore Girls,” complete with strollable streets, charming cafés, and gorgeous tree-lined scenery.
The Tunnel of Trees is the “it” spot for leaf peeping in Michigan, as a 20-mile scenic route best known for its appeal to fall color seekers. There’s even a fall color map to keep track of the weather, so visitors can find the best time to spot those bright yellow, orange, and red leaves along the roadside during their peak season.
Mackinac Island
When to go: Early to mid-October
I am partial to Mackinac (pronounced Mack-in-aw) in the fall because I happened to get engaged on the island in the middle of October, but if you haven’t visited Mackinac in the fall, you absolutely need to plan a trip during the autumn months. Mackinac is glorious in the fall, and riding or biking around the island, hiking, or going up to the top of Fort Mackinac are the best ways to take in the colorful views all around the island.
As a bonus, there are slightly smaller crowds in the fall than during the busy summer tourist season. However, most businesses close near the end of October on the island, so plan accordingly.
Tri-City Area
The Tridge
Location: Midland, Michigan
When to go: Mid to late October
The Tridge is a Michigan engineering marvel—a three-legged wooden footbridge over the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers in Chippewassee Park, Midland. The three legs stretch over Chippewassee Park, the St. Charles Park Softball Fields, and the Downtown Riverfront area. As a popular tourist attraction, the Tridge makes for wonderful leaf peeping in the fall on its own, but it also kicks off the start of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail.
You can follow the famed trail all the way from the Chippewa Nature Trail through Marquette in the Upper Peninsula, though it’s no small feat. If you prefer to stay local, Midland also offers shopping, dining, and plenty of fun fall events, such as the Apple Blossom Orchard, Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch, Fall Farm Flea Market, and the annual Fall Walk with the Chippewa Nature Center.
Frankenmuth
When to go: Mid to late-October
Check out the newly reopened Frankenmuth Aerial Park, fun for ziplining, climbing, and being in the middle of all the color-changing action. Or, for an off-land experience, sail along with Frankenmuth FunShips on a relaxing river boat tour to experience the full breadth of colors along the water.
Dow Gardens
When to go: Early October
Explore the colors and textures of the gardens where nature and horticulture blend together for an unforgettable visit. Seasonal events include garden tours, Fall Tea at the Pines, Floral arrangements, Poe on the Porch, Fall walk, and more!
Upper Peninsula
Marquette
When to go: Early October
My family and I visited Marquette, Michigan, for the first time this summer, and it’s hard to do justice to the beautiful scenery that exists in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Just picture endless acres of trees set by the shoreline, and you can start to imagine the stunning views the changing leaves will produce in the fall.
“Autumn is one of the most special times to visit Marquette County,” says Susan Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette. “The landscape comes alive with color, and our community shines through a range of events that celebrate everything from outdoor exploration to local flavor. Whether you’re here for the views, the vibes, or the variety of experiences, fall is a season you won’t want to miss.”
Stop by the CR 510 Bridge View for leaf peeping with your family and furry friends (dogs permitted and car accessible), take advantage of Marquette County Color Cruises, or hike up Sugarloaf Mountain View for panoramic overlooks at 470-feet elevation. Our entire family, the five-year-old included, easily did this hike, and I promise it’s so worth it! You can also look for fall events in Marquette, like the U.P. Fall Beer Festival on September 6, 2025, or the Queen City Trick or Trot 10K/5K and Kids Monster Mile on October 25, 2025.
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