13 Top Places To Visit In Michigan In The Fall
Many plan a visit to the best fall places in Michigan to witness leaves transition and to explore wildlife. With so many opportunities to experience in Michigan, things like leaf-peeping through the paths to Hungarian Falls and watching the beautiful waterfalls flowing into the pool are the start of what is at one’s fingertips. Beautiful colored rock cliffs of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore look ravishing as paddled through the waters or by hiking along the lush forests. Taking time to explore the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, known for its radiance in the peak of red-orange colors, is vital to view the reflection of the rustic hues on the upper falls.
Thick forests and natural wilderness of Isle Royale National Park involve exploring natural treasures, backpacking, and birding. Bustling cities in the fall with attractions that keep you wandering, consist of Petoskey State Park and Little Traverse Bay in Petoskey, doused with adventurous flair with all of the activities made available. These 13 top places in Michigan are a must-visit in the fall.
Leelanau State Park
Leelanau State Park is located at the tip of Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan, spanning over 1,300 acres. It houses the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, a historic lighthouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also has 8.5 miles of hiking and skiing trails covered by hills, wetlands, and forests, excellent for watching green leaves transition as you hike through the trail. The park's southern end also grants visitors a memorable time at Cathead Bay, featuring 1.5 miles of shoreline, sandy beaches, and a rock hunting opportunity accessible through the Lake Michigan Trail. You could spend a few nights here at the park's camping site, home to three rustic mini cabins and a soothing campground to wake up to beautiful red foliage daily.
Hungarian Falls
History comes pretty in Hungarian Falls, presenting a glimpse into its historic dam and Keweenaw Fault while offering arguably one of the best sceneries in Michigan, especially during fall. Hungarian Falls is in the middle of the Keweenaw Peninsula in Copper County. This place is a great destination to experience nature mixed with history in the fall, hosting rustic hiking areas and a collection of waterfalls, including the upper, middle, and lower falls. Navigating these areas through hiking is best, so it'll help if you're already a hiking genius. However, walking through the different paths equally affords you the refreshing feeling of the natural area in the warm weather. While the upper and middle falls offer the best views crashing from a sandstone ledge into a waiting pool below, the lower falls give you a pleasant view of Torch Lake.
Petoskey
Petoskey is a small city in Northern Michigan, part of the Lower Peninsula, on the Southern shore of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. The area has long been a vacation spot and is usually bubbling with visitors in the summer, so if you're seeking a calm getaway, fall is the best time to visit here when the noise is quieted. The town has various scenic areas and charming natural trails, including Little Traverse Wheelway, where you can drive or bike through the paths flanked by yellowed grasses and vegetation. You may also visit the Petoskey State Park on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, with a mile of beach along Lake Michigan and red vegetated sand dunes for an optimal fall experience. Bear River Valley Recreation Area allows for a walk through the 1.5-mile path along the Bear River with bird peeping opportunities.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a popular attraction listed as a National Historic Landmark. However, what you may not know is that it's a perfect destination for red leaf peeping and reveling in nature's preserve. Featuring limestone bluffs, Mackinac Island State Park is rich with vibrant red-colored forests and soothing views of sparkling water. The Island is notably Michigan's first state park and is exploding with history. There is a lot to learn from the historic Fort Mackinac, dating as far back as the 18th century. Arch Rock, a geological natural limestone arch formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period, is 146 feet above Lake Huron. The paths leading to this area include paved roads and trails for walking or biking, and enjoying the perfect fall vegetation. Upon reaching the rock, the site gives an aesthetic view overlooking the pristine lake.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a picture-perfect destination popularly known for its gorgeous dramatic sandstone cliffs towering 50 to 200 feet above Lake Superior. The cliffs stretch about 15 miles along the Lake, from Sand Point to Spray Falls. It obtained its colors from mineral stains and alternates between red and orange (iron), brown and black (manganese), blue and green (copper), and white (limonite) colors when the water crashes into the rocks trickling down the rock's face. You can view the beautiful cliff with tips of red vegetation atop the water through boats and cruises, enjoying the relaxing feeling of the refreshing waters while being mind-blown by the view. The lush forest and paths carpeted by fallen red leaves accompanied with the backcountry camping in the specified campgrounds also provides for a unique outdoor experience.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is the second largest Michigan State Park, spanning almost 50,000 acres on the borders of Lake Superior. The Park dazzles in red and yellow foliage, providing several scenic opportunities, which include housing 13 inland lakes, about 20,000 acres of nature area, 24 miles of the Tahquamenon River, and 35 miles of hiking trails. The stunning views at the upper and lower falls on the Tahquamenon River are surrounded by pristine forest emitting natural brown rustic colors. Walking or hiking through the woods reveals the homes to several wildlife animals such as wolves, white-tailed deer, porcupines, and various bird species. The history of timber is embedded in the Tahquamenon Logging Museum and tours of the area are available on the Tahquamenon Falls Riverboat and the famous Toonerville Trolley
Frankfort
Various attractions in Frankfort highlight the glory of the fall, including hiking trails, beaches, and other landmarks. Adventure begins in the 54-mile-long Betsie River housing the Point House Lighthouse, a restored 19th-century lighthouse and museum with a picturesque view of the overhead beach and landscape. Tours through the area while hiking on Betsie Valley Trail are open on paths layered by crunchy fallen leaves.
The Frankfort Public Beach and Playground features natural dunes, walkways, and swings for a playful exploration and peaceful time watching the crashing waves of the azure-coloured waters. Crystal Lake is 2 miles northeast of Frankfort and connected to Lake Michigan. It has a pleasant view with divable waters that surround transitioning red trees due to seasonal change.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The National Lakeshore is in Michigan's Lower Peninsula on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan, characterized by sand beaches, lush forests, clear inland lakes, and dune climbs. The area is a gorgeous destination with its rich, deep-gold foliage in the fall surrounding the lakes. Lake Leelanau and Glen Lake are popular local and tourist locations to relax, and also available are the beach shores overlooking the crystal clear waters. Water activities involving a quick boat tour or fishing in the waters assist in enjoying the best of nature. The nearby Manitou Islands are also worth exploring, where the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserves with wrecks of Francisco Morazan, docks at Platte Bay, and more. Outdoor recreational activities such as hiking through the lush forests are perfect for bird watchers and nature lovers to go peeping at fall foliage.
Ludington
Ludington is the largest city in Mason County, with over 7,000 population, located at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River at Lake Michigan. This small community is packed with attractions that shine in the fall, including the Ludington State Park, 7 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline with beautiful natural resources. The Park's significant highlights are the Hamlin Lake dam, a 5,300-acre man-made lake, and Big Sable Point Light, a 112-foot lighthouse on Lake Michigan shores, boasting gorgeous natural views of the lake and red-yellow vegetation. Leaves fall into the clear waters when riding with boats or kayaks on the Pere Marquette River flanked by close-up leaves and trees. Tranquility can be found in the soothing waves in Stearns Park, or the vegetation-covered Ludington Waterfront Park, holding recreational opportunities—particularly picnicking and biking.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Fondly called "The Porkies," Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park stretches nearly 60,000 acres of lakes, rivers and forests in the northwestern upper Peninsula near the Lake Superior shores. The Park preserves one of North America's most extensive old-growth northern hardwood forests across over 31,000 acres. It offers an irresistible view in its vibrant red in the fall. One of the place's most famous attractions is the Lake of Clouds in the heart of the mountains, proposing a mesmerizing vista of natural wonders surrounded by lush, thick forests and cliffs with pallets of orange, yellow, and red old-growth trees. You can reach this area by hiking along the Big Carp River Trail and the Escarpment Trail while enjoying the perfect view of the forest and watching birds frolicking overhead. Pristine waters of Lake Superior on a nearby beach like Silver City Beach are frequently populated to enjoy the view and breathe in the great outdoors.
Saugatuck
This small town in Allegan County is all you need to enjoy an adventure-filled fall getaway. Its panoramic award-winning beaches are exclusive places to be, including Oval Beach, perfect for soaking in the weather and watching the waters on the sandy shore. The Saugatuck Dunes State Park grants you a close touch with nature with 2.5 miles of beach, 200-foot tall wooded dunes and views of red fall scenery depositing outdoor activities at your disposal such as backpacking, hiking, and biking. A challenging fitness journey to Mt. Baldhead will end with treating you to satisfying autumn vegetation and a mile loop trail for hiking, running, and walking. Enriched with adventure at Crane Orchard is an apple-picking and a corn maze challenge; the place also serves fresh doughnuts and cider.
Alpena
Alpena is one of the perfect cities you should visit when you think of fall because it is the county seat of Alpena County, located at the head of Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary preserves one of America's best collections of shipwrecks spanning 4,300 square miles. The beautiful waters and elegant tinted landscape in Rockport State Recreation Area along the shore of Lake Huron comes with limestone formations, Devonian fossils, a protected deep water harbor, and an abandoned limestone quarry. The park beams in the surrounding vibrant gold color of the season as you walk through the paths overlooking the calm waters. Other natural environments with stunning scenery, notably Bayview Park, Beaver Lake, and Island Park & Wildlife Sanctuary, give more exploration opportunities to the beauty of nature that Michigan holds.
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park is a remarkable island cluster in Lake Superior with forests, lakes, and waterways. The Island is only accessible by boats, seaplanes, ferries, or watercraft, making the experience more unique. The area exudes a sort of coziness and calmness in its 165 miles of hiking trails and 36 campgrounds. Hikes through the natural wilderness between lines of colored trees allows for the discovery of wildlife and taking delight in the fascinating wonders of nature. Adventurous nights on the Park's campgrounds grants the ability to properly soak in the gorgeousness and treasures in the wilderness. Boats are easy to rent and spend the day touring in the calm waters and fishing, treating yourself to a pristine perspective away from the city's noise. The area's historic lighthouses and shipwrecks are just a couple more of the best spots to observe wildlife.
Have you discovered your favorite recreational activity yet? These top places in Michigan will fetch out your adventurous skills. The gorgeous views of nature on the shores of Little Traverse Bay paired with the chromatic cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or the Arch Rock in Mackinac Island sum up the beauty of nature in these rural areas. Outdoor activities like hiking along scenic paths of Leelanau State Park allows for the absorption of nature within the rustic areas of Hungarian Falls and Betsie Valley Trail in Frankfort. Options of the best campgrounds are found at Leelanau State Park's camping sites, Pictured Rocks Campgrounds, or around the forests of Isle Royale National Lakeshore.
You'll also find iconic stories and history embedded in the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, Keweenaw Faults, and Fort Mackinac. From checking out farms and orchards merging adventure with agriculture at Crane Orchard in Saugatuck to shipwrecks preserved at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena or Isle Royale National Park there are many things to do in these unique places.
