Pure Michigan Fall Color Update

Fall colors are nearing their sunset or have already peaked in many locations around Michigan. Peak color has passed through most of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, except for Mackinac Island. Locals anticipate that the Island will have stunning peak colors this coming weekend or next.

Michigan’s northwest counties are displaying a full blaze vivid fall color, or rapidly approaching the prime viewing window this week. Although viewers will see these regions draped with bright colors, some areas closest to the shore are slower than interior areas to turn. For this coming weekend, a drive along the Petoskey area’s Tunnel of Trees (M-119) is breathtaking as it nears the season’s end. Viewers in and around the Charlevoix area will find a spectacular burst of color covering the elevated regions and rolling hills of this charming lakeside community. Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Ludington are also reporting peak conditions for visitors this weekend. Cadillac locals suggest viewers check out their fall color website when planning to explore most popular routes for the best color.

The color transformation in Michigan’s northeast counties closely mirrors that of the northwest, with is being the best weekend to catch a glimpse of area color before the season passes.

Central Michigan, as well as southwest and southeast counties, are still reporting to be at least one week from prime viewing this weekend.

Colorful Adventures and Chilling Thrills

Fall is more than tree-lined trails and color routes in Michigan. We also have an assortment of colorful adventures and chilling thrills to round out this electrifying season. We invite you to meet the keepers who remain within our haunted lighthouses, or dare to visit one of Pure Michigan’s spooky places. Families will find plenty to fill an afternoon at some of the great Halloween celebrations throughout the state this weekend.

Michigan is home to Beer City USA: Grand Rapids—as well as beer-centric communities such as Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Traverse City, Detroit, Marquette, Lansing and Ypsilanti. It’s time you see what the buzz is all about with a tour of our trendy breweries.

The wine-curious and wine aficionados will find themselves at home at Michigan wineries and vineyards. With more than 140 wineries to choose from across the state, you’re sure to find the perfect wine-tasting experience for you and that special someone.

Trip Resources

When making your fall color touring plans, be sure to check these resources to shop, eat and stay local, where you’ll find everything you need for your next Pure Michigan fall getaway.

Great Fall Events

Fall is not just for jeweled tones leaves, breathtaking shore scenery or plash vineyard tours. The season is packed with festivals, hayrides and balloon rides, corn mazes, pub crawls and tasting tours. You’ll find the season perfect for foot races and rowing challenges, food fests and murder mystery weekends. In Michigan, there’re a festival for just amount everything.

October 27-31, 2023
2023 Scarecrow Stroll
Mackinaw City

October 27-31, 2023
Brick or Treat: Monster Party
Auburn Hills

October 27-31, 2023
Ooky Spooky Light Show
Flint

October 31, 2023
Brick or Treat
Grand Rapids

November 1, 2023
2023 All Hallows Illumination of Frog Island
Ann Arbor

November 4-5, 2023
Treetops Trifecta
Gaylord

November 4 – December 10, 2023
Iron Fish Holiday Artisan Market
Thompsonville

November 10-12, 2023
The Tina Turner Musical
Grand Rapids

November 10-12, 2023
27th Annual Deal Hunters Weekend
Birch Run

November 10-12, 2023
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Musical
Detroit

November 10-17, 2023
Traverse City Beer Week 2023
Traverse City

Find a full list of Michigan’s fall events here.