Michigan Fall Colors – The Best Spots in Michigan for Fall Colors

If you are looking for Michigan fall colours, we have some exciting news.

The 2022 Michigan Peak Fall Color Map has been updated to give you more time to plan your Michigan leaf-peeping trip. It’s not much different from last year. As you attempt to find the best spots to capture the Michigan’s amazing fall foliage, pay attention to Michigan weather reports.

Michigan Fall Color Report: Michigan Autumn Color Season 2022 Predictions

The Farmer’s Almanac has predicted that Michigan’s Fall Color Season could kick-off a little earlier this year due to the warm days and rainy conditions. We are giving them the benefit-of-the-doubt because their predictions for Michigan’s 2022 wet winter and spring were correct.

We’ve combined those predictions with what we know about how the heat and rain affect the changing leaves. We’ve also factored in other past peak fall color prediction maps from the TheSmokyMountains.com, the ultimate fall color guide in the United States. To get the best estimation of peak fall color, we also used our own experiences as Michiganders. “>

More vibrant fall colors in Michigan for 2022

One thing is certain, Michigan’s fall season will be a memorable one in 2022.

Warm weather forecasts also suggest a brighter color palette for Michigan leaves. Think bright golds and oranges combined with deep reds.Fall Color Update 2022: Where and When to See Michigan’s Fall Colors

The Michigan Fall Color Report has been released. It is clear that fall foliage viewing will be spectacular this year. Use our Michigan Fall Color Map for near peak and peak conditions to help you navigate Michigan as you seek out the red, yellow, and orange colors that make our autumns so stunning.

We are sharing our top spots to see Michigan’s fall colors. A simple map will help you locate the best spots for your autumn tour.

How to use the Michigan Fall Color Map

It is important to keep in mind that Michigan’s fall colors can’t be predicted with any accuracy. They are also subject to changes due to weather conditions.

These dates refer to fall color change predictions, based on meteorological forecasts. may be changed . Keep your ears and eyes open for Michigan weather forecasts as September approaches. Keep an eye out for changes in temperature or precipitation. This will allow you to see the best Michigan fall colors.

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has some great places to see fall color

The Porcupine Mountains

In Michigan’s western upper Peninsula, you’ll find more that 60,000 acres of beautiful fall colors. Porcupine Mountain is a great place to spend the fall. You can ride in vibrant reds and oranges or watch the leaves change from a chairlift. The Lake of the Clouds Overlook offers stunning views of the changing colors. This overlook is easily accessible and is a great spot to see the changing leaves. Bring your camera.

If you’re going: Peterson’s Cottages is your best option for accommodation. This collection includes comfortable, one- and two-bedroom cottages and chalets. This is a great spot for couples and families, as it’s only a few minutes from Lake Superior Beach. This four-bedroom, updated home is ideal for groups or families who are traveling together. It’s located in quiet neighborhoods. The location is ideal for exploring the Porkies which are only 25 miles away.

Copper Harbor

This small community in the Keweenaw Peninsula looks out onto Lake Superior. It packs a lot of beauty into its small size. You might consider a trip to Isle Royale if you are feeling adventurous. While you’re right at the top Michigan, the incredible natural beauty will make it feel like you are at the top. You should not miss Brockway Mountain or Copper Harbor Liighthouse.

If you go: The Lake Fanny Hooe Resort, a two-bedroom condo that overlooks Copper Harbor, is perfect for you. You can enjoy the natural beauty and dip your toes at the beachfront.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks transforms into a new world when the leaves change and the air cools. Pictured Rocks is a towering limestone cliff topped by bright fall leaves against the wild and beautiful Lake Superior. Pictured Rocks has more than 34 miles of coastline, with many waterfalls and sand dunes. There are also endless hiking trails.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Comfort Inn & Suites Munising is a great choice. It overlooks South Bay and is clean and modern. There are standard rooms as well as lakefront suites available and a gym. The Pictured Rocks Inn & Suites is another favorite place to stay in this incredible national park. They are located in central Munising and within walking distance of great shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, and a beach.

Tahquamenon Falls

Tahquamenon’s “Root Beer Falls”, the title of Tahquamenon, works beautifully in fall when orange shades surround the water cascades in a seamless display of Michigan beauty. This is the Michigan fall must-see.

If you’re looking for a place to stay all year, the Paradise Cottage has a lake and trail access. The cottage is charming, clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. We have stayed there in the summer, winter, and spring. The fully-equipped kitchen includes a microwave and dishwasher. This is a great location to explore the Tahquamenon Falls region.

Marquette

We love autumn to visit this hip, vibrant city along the shores on Lake Superior. Its proximity to the natural beauty that surrounds it and its coexistence with nature make it a great spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Marquette’s Black Rocks Cliffs offers breathtaking views.

If you’re looking for a place to call home, we have three favorites in Marquette. Each spot is exceptionally clean, comfortable, and has a unique feature. With stunning views of Lake Superior, the Hampton Inn Waterfront can be found on Lake Superior. The Ramada Inn, which is dog-friendly, has an indoor pool and a gym.

Northern Michigan’s Best Places to View Fall Color

Tunnel of Trees

Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees, a great spot to take a Michigan fall color tour, is also worth visiting in the summer or winter. You can drive 22 miles under a lush canopy of reds, golds, and yellows while enjoying stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Charlevoix

Charming Charlevoix, the Beautiful is located between Lake Michigan and Round Lake. In the fall, the beautiful autumn foliage around the lakes lights up with color. The beauty of downtown is enhanced by the fall flower baskets bursting with brightly-colored mums that spill from the planters.

Petoskey

Petoskey is a place you can’t help falling in love with, especially in fall. This charming “city by bay”, nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay is bursting with autumn color and charm.

If you’re going: The Cottages at Bay Harbor look amazing: they are spacious, comfortable, and beautifully decorated. You can also have full kitchens in the cottages, which is great for families traveling together. The Bayview Inn has a similar charm. It is a popular destination for autumn foliage tours due to its beautiful grounds and delicious food.

Old Mission Peninsula Traverse City

This beautiful sliver in Traverse City, Michigan is just 18 miles long by 3 miles wide. It also contains some of the most picturesque land in Michigan. It’s the perfect place to travel in autumn, with its pristine bay waters and hilly terrain that rises or falls just right.

IF You Go: The Traverse City Hotel Scene is a new addition. It is breathtaking. This hotel on the beachfront is located in Traverse City’s heart. It’s a great location for Old Mission. Our honeymoon was spent in the historic Park Place Hotel. The hotel is a boutique luxury hotel that boasts Minerva’s restaurant.

Suttons Bay

Suttons Bay is located directly on the bay shoreline. In autumn, it lights up with bright colors. The autumn colors are vibrant and vivid, with the green leaves changing to brilliant reds and goldens. Even the bark of birch trees is whitened against a background of blue skies.

Leland, Fishtown

Leland, a small piece of land located between Lake Michigan & Lake Leelanau on the scenic Michigan highway with stunning views and breathtaking views, is particularly beautiful in fall when the trees along the shoreline glow with color. In cool weather, it’s fun to stroll along the boardwalk and stop by the adorable shops.

Glen Arbor

Glen Arbor is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Michigan. You should plan your leaf-peeping trip to Glen Arbor with care. There is so much beauty in the area that you will want to take time to enjoy each spot.

IF You GO: The Sylvan Inn Bed and Breakfast has a large front porch that you can sit on and take in the beautiful Michigan scenery. Sleeping Bear Point

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes is an excellent summer getaway, but the natural beauty of the area continues all year, especially in autumn. The rolling landscape is lit up when the leaves change colors and the turquoise Lake Michigan behind it.

If you’re going: The M22 Empire Inn is located right in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It offers Victorian-style motel and inn accommodations. It is located on the southern shore of Little Glen Lake and is clean and comfortable. The Empire Lakeshore Inn can be found in the heart of Empire. It is extremely clean and comfortable. Each room comes with a fridge and a balcony or patio.

Ocqueoc Falls

This hidden gem is home to one of Michigan’s most beautiful waterfalls, surrounded by lush hardwood forests. Not only is Ocqueoc Falls the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, it also is the ONLY universally-accessible waterfall in the United States.

Presque Isle

Lighthouse-lovers should visit Presque Isle, which is in Michigan’s northeast corner. It’s easy for lighthouse-lovers to visit the two lighthouses located within a mile of one another. The beautiful views of Lake Huron are made possible by the shallow bays that give the water a pale aqua hue. The effect is stunning when compared to the bold fall foliage.

Alpena

Alpena, located on the shores Lake Huron’s picturesque Thunder Bay is a haven for outdoor adventurers in the fall. You can enjoy beautiful inland lakes, natural harbours, thickly forest preserves, and clear Lake Huron waters.

If you’re going: The Days Inn has spacious, comfortable rooms and an indoor swimming pool. The Holiday Inn Express is also available. It’s a short walk from the beach and the clean rooms are large. You can also enjoy a hot, free breakfast and an indoor pool.

Oscoda

Each year, the autumn foliage colors and fun fall opportunities explode at the seams of north east Michigan’s Au Sable River, near Oscoda. The river’s picturesque landscape of color changes reflects in its surface. Big Sable Point

West Michigan’s Best Places to Get Fall Color

Ludington

This stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline is perfect for fall foliage. It boasts wide, open views of the bright, blue Lake Michigan. This is one of the top Michiugan attractions for fall. It boasts three picturesque and charming lighthouses.

If you go:

Grand Haven

Grand Haven, Michigan’s top beach town, is still beautiful even in autumn. Nothing beats exploring downtown shops before heading to Grand Haven State Park to see the beautiful fall colors of Lake Michigan. You might be able to spot a kitesurfer on the waves, if you’re really lucky.

Holland

Holland State Park’s expansive beach offers breathtaking views of the Lake Michigan bluffs north. Mt. Pisgah overlooks Holland’s Lake Macatawa. Enjoy the view from the top and the windswept bluffs that sway in the breeze.

Things to do in Michigan during Fall

Michigan’s fall is breathtaking.

This is one of the reasons why so many travelers across the country place Michigan at the top on their MUST-See’s for every autumn…for others, it wouldn’t be fall if there wasn’t a Michigan Fall Color Tour during peak color time.

Michigan’s vivid peak colors require an audience. Our fall foliage map will help plan your scenic drive and outdoor adventures, as well as fall weekend getaways, for a Michigan autumn of pure fun.

Michigan’s autumn is characterized by a multitude of pumpkin patches, cider mills, apple orchards and corn mazes that seem to appear out of nowhere. The colorful foliage stands out against a blue backdrop.

View Fall Foliage Map in Michigan

It’s striking to see the bright reds, yellows, and brilliant blue sky against which the lakes and sky are set, regardless of whether you view them from southwest Michigan, northern Lower Michigan, or high up on a cliff at Porcupine Mountain State Park in western U.P.

For many Michigan residents, just a glimpse of this amazing color explosion is an annual rite of passage.

Fall colors are best seen when they are freshest. You don’t want them to fade so make sure you use the 2022 Foliage Map to guide you through fall in Michigan.

The best time to see fall color in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or Northern Lower Peninsula

The peak fall foliage colors viewing area for this area is September 18-October 8, 2022.

This area includes spots such as Marquette, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls in the upper peninsula, and spots like Petoskey and Charlevoix in the lower peninsula.

The best time to see fall color in Northern Lower Michigan

Peak times color is for northern Lower Michigan. This area includes Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Frankfort. It is also home to Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula.

Best time to see fall color in West Michigan and Mid-Michigan

October 9-October 29, 2022 is expected to view Michigan’s fall colors in places such as Grand Haven and Holland on Lake Michigan, Midland and Frankenmuth (mid-Michigan), and Lexington Port Huron on Michigan’s Thumb Coast.

The Best Time to View Fall Color in Southwest Michigan and Southeast Michigan

October 29-November 12, 2022 is the peak fall color for places like New Buffalo and St. Joseph. It can also be found in South Haven, St. Joseph and Saugatuck on Lake Michigan. Ann Arbor, Metro Detroit, and Belle Isle, in southeast Michigan.

Enjoy Autumn in Michigan

Let’s talk about why we believe autumn is the best season in Michigan before we move on.

Perhaps it’s the crisp, cool air that feels good on your skin. Gone are the hot, muggy, melting days of August. Here are the cool, breezy mornings that gradually warm up to sunny afternoons as each day goes by.

A feeling of celebration is also present due to the anticipation of the fall harvest. There are many local farms that have pumpkin patches and cider mills, and the air is filled with cinnamon. This is pure Michigan fall fun, a red-yellow gold explosion.

Fall colors tours are great for seeing the beauty of Michigan’s fall colors, whether it is a long, meandering drive or a short driving tour.

Michigan Fall Color Drives

The word VIBRANT is the only word that can be used to describe the 2021 Michigan fall foliage viewing season.

As the days get shorter, the colors of Michigan change to a deeper hue.

In our post on Michigan Fall Colours: 21 Spots To See Michigan’s Changing Leaves At Peak Color, we’ve shared our favorite spots.

These posts share our top spots for capturing Michigan’s beautiful colors. We include Petoskey and Harbor Springs on the shores off Little Traverse Bay, Belle Isle Park in southeast Michigan and Ocqueoc Falls north of Alpena.

Michigan’s Fall Colors

It is now the perfect time to catch Michigan at 2022 Peak Autumn Color.

To plan your autumn foliage viewing, use our Michigan Peak Fall Color Map. You can also view Michigan color at its best. Please leave a comment below with your favorite spot to see Michigan’s fall colors.

Michigan Peak Fall Color Questions and Responses

Q. Where are the best places to see fall colors in Michigan?

A. Michigan’s color changes are gradual. They begin in the Upper Peninsula and Norther Lower Peninsula, and progress south over the coming weeks.

Q. When is the best time to see the fall colors in Michigan?

A. Depending on where you live in Michigan, the best time to view fall colors is in September. The fall foliage will change faster if you live in the northern areas of Michigan, or are traveling there. The fall color changes in the southern regions of the state will occur a bit later in the season. Some areas may even see late October.

Q. Where are the colors peaking in Michigan currently?

A. It all depends on when you read this. To determine the peak color of Michigan’s fall leaves and foliage, you can use our Peak Fall Color Prediction Map.

Q. Are Michigan’s Leaves changing?

A. It’s currently August, so within the next few months the leaves will start to change colors.

Q. Do Michigan’s Leaves Stay at Peak Fall Color for a Long Time?

A. This gives you a good window to plan your autumn color-peeping road trip. The season will be extended into October this year, giving us more time for planning your fall color tours or scenic drives.