2023 Michigan In Fall: 10 BEST Places in Michigan to See Breathtaking Fall Colors This Autumn | Best Fall Road Trips in Michigan | Upper and Lower Peninsula | Map
2023 Michigan In Fall: 10 Best Places in Michigan to See Breathtaking Fall Colors this Autumn | Best Fall Road Trips in Michigan | Michigan Fall Colors Map
Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Updated October 1, 2023
If you are searching for great Michigan in fall vacation ideas, fall color tours or fun places to go in Michigan to see the fall colors (leaf peeping!), you will love our ideas below!
We update our page weekly in fall season!
Each destination is perfect day trips or road trips in Michigan during fall, so pack up the family and head out!
Interactive Map to See Michigan Fall Colors 2023
1. Largo Springs Is An Incredible Place to Visit for Michigan in Fall Colors This Autumn
Largo Springs, located in Oscoda, Michigan is a breathtaking place to go to see the Michigan in Fall Colors 2023.
It's lovely in the winter too!
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a lovely scenic view from the top (very close to the parking lot). If you are feeling adventurous, head down the several flights of stairs to explore the bubbling rivers and woods along a well kept boardwalk.
The entire lower area is comprised of scenic elevated boardwalks, so you won't get wet but the stairs can be slippery if wet or icy.
It's so worth the effort as you will be rewarded with incredible views of the lake and springs! Largo Springs is one of our favorite places to visit in Michigan during the fall!
FYI: You can visit Largo Springs, Lumberman's Monument and enjoy the AuSable River River Queen all in one day.
Visiting Largo Springs is free so be sure to visit this lovely Michigan tourist attraction during your next Michigan vacation.
2. Enjoy a Michigan in Fall Color Tour Aboard the AuSable River Queen
Oh my gosh you guys, if you want a great Michigan vacation idea or fun places to go in Michigan, your family will absolutely love this riverboat cruise!
It's the ultimate Michigan color tour and one of the best places in Michigan to see the fall colors.
It's family owned and run, so it's great to support Michigan local businesses. Plus, look how cute this riverboat is! I mean, seriously!
It's one of the best places to visit in Michigan in the fall.
There is an upper and lower level, so you will be in the shade. They have snacks, hot dogs and drinks so you can grab lunch while floating down the scenic and peaceful AuSable river.
There is also a restroom on the lower level.
I thought this bar was really cute. A bartender was always mixing drinks so you can enjoy a few beverages along the river (extra cost).
The captain narrates along the way and tells jokes, so you will never be bored!
My parents had a great time on the boat! My dad was especially ready to get going! It's a super fun way to view Michigan's fall colors and is the ultimate Michigan color tour!
We hope this inspires your next Michigan fall vacation or road trip.
3. Lumberman's Monument is an Explosion of Color and Perfect for a Michigan Fall Color Tour
Views from the upper level of Lumberman's Monument
If you love incredible overlooks and boardwalks you will love Lumberman's Monument.
It's one of my favorite places to go in Michigan as there are hiking trails, beautiful natural scenery, sparkling lake and not a lot of people.
During the busier summer months, a small gift shop is open, flush toilets are available and the campground houses excited campers. Lumberman's monument is perfect for last minute Michigan getaways and fall color tours!
Lumberman's Monument and Highbanks Trail Address: 5401 Monument Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750.
There are pit toilets near the camping area.
The 14 foot Lumberman's Monument is a sight to see! The visitor's center teaches you all about the industry that helped develop northern Michigan.
12.7 mile out and back trail has outstanding views! The trail is dirt.
There is also a boardwalk that leads down to another trail. Take note, it's 500 steps!
The views from the bottom of the boardwalk are just glorious. You can hear geese honking, birds flit amongst the trees and fish dart between the weeds.
Be sure to sit on the boardwalk near the pond and hang your feet over the side. It's a lovely way to spend a couple hours.
Visiting Lumberman's Monument is free so be sure to visit this lovely Michigan tourist attraction during your next Michigan vacation.
Idea For a Fantastic Michigan Fall Vacation
If you are looking for a fantastic Michigan fall vacation or fun fall getaways in Michigan, you can...
- Book two nights in East Tawas + Book your trip on the AuSable River Queen.
- Explore Tawas for one day...Grab our in-depth East Tawas Travel Guide and explore the marina, downtown and state park.
- The next day, explore and hike Lumberman's Monument and Largo Springs.
- Hop aboard the AuSable River Queen for a lovely afternoon boat ride to see Michigan's fall colors.
This is a very cost effective, incredibly scenic and fun Michigan fall vacation or fall getaways in Michigan!
4. Boyne Mountain Michigan-See Fall Colors From the Ski Lift!
Ski lifts aren't just for winter skiing! You need to visit Boyne Mountain Michigan! It's one of the best places in Michigan to see fall colors!
Boyne Mountain Resort Address: 1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
Bop out to Boyne Mountain for unparalleled views of the Michigan's fall colors. It's so fun to ride the ski lift both ways as the view is different! Boyne Mountain is one of our favorite Michigan vacation spots and fun places to go in Michigan.
Once you are at the top, stop inside the chalet and enjoy a tasty cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the birds eye views! There are also a few trails to follow if you would like more adventuring.
Boyne Mountain is one of the most beautiful places in Michigan to visit for a birds eye view of the Michigan fall colors.
Grab a hot chocolate at the chalet at the top of the ski hill! We highly recommend visiting Boyne Mountain as we think it is one of the best places in Michigan to visit in the fall.
5. Manistee Forest and Suspension Bridge Is Such a Beautiful Place to Visit in Michigan in Fall!
If you love hiking, suspension bridges and leaf peeping, you need to check out the Suspension Bridge in Manistee Forest!
This Michigan suspension bridge is so beautiful! Spend some time at the center of the bridge viewing the Manistee River and taking a few photos. It's one of our favorite fall road trips in Michigan!
We love crossing over the bridge and continuing along the Manistee River Trail for a couple miles just to explore. Per the USDA, the Huron Manistee National Forest is almost one-million-acres!
There are so many fantastic outdoor things to do in Michigan!
Isn't it gorgeous? I'm just in awe.
Be sure to visit this Manistee Suspension Bridge in Michigan in fall, you will absolutely love it!
See the location on the Michigan in Fall map above!
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6. Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route in Harbor Springs is One of the Best Places to Visit in Michigan in Fall!
We absolutely adore driving the smooth road along the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route along 119 in Harbor Springs, Michigan. It's one of the best fall road trips in Michigan!
The paved road takes you though Harbor Springs and heads north through Middle Village, Good Hart and Cross Village.
There are cute shops to explore along the way, so make sure you have about 2 hours to explore! It's a lovely way to experience Michigan in fall.
7. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is Breathtaking in the Fall (Michigan's Upper Peninsula)
Visiting Tahquamenon Falls in the fall is breathtaking!
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is located at 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768
Michigan temperatures are cooler so you can hike, take photos, boat and enjoy yourself without overheating. Plus, it's one of the best fall road trips in Michigan!
There are still lots of tourists as the Michigan fall colors make an incredible backdrop behind the magnificent waterfall.
Tahquamenon Falls is one of the best vacation spots in Michigan's upper peninsula during the fall.
8. Pictured Rocks Cruises is a Lovely Way to View Michigan's Fall Colors (Leaf Peeping!) in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
We absolutely love going on the Pictured Rocks Cruises, especially in the fall.
Why?
Well, the weather is sunny and fantastic and more importantly, no pesky bugs or high heat. This boat tour is a photographer's paradise!
TIP:
Be sure to buy your tickets several days in advance as they sell out quickly. Two years in a row we decided to head to the Michigan's Upper Peninsula on a last minute getaway and couldn't get tickets either time.
So plan ahead, my friends!
The boat has an inside area with bathrooms and the top is covered. You can wander around during the cruise to see all the glorious sights.
Ultimate Guide to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
We've spent a lot of time exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and I have to say, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Munising are two of my favorite places to see in Michigan.
Oh, and there's so much to do! Hiking, biking, boat tours, waterfalls and breathtaking scenery galore!
9. Log Slide Overlook in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is A Great Place to Travel in Michigan
Seriously, isn't this view incredible?!
There's a bit of walking to get to the Log Slide Overlook but the walking trail is breathtaking. I'd recommend wearing hiking boots and layers of clothing, even if it's fall. I ended up in a tank top by the time we got to this view.
The views of Lake Superior from the top are unparalleled.
The Log Slide Overlook is located near Grand Maris and overlooks beautiful Lake Superior.
It is located at Highway 58, Grand Marais, MI 49839
10. Robert McQuisten Recreational Area (Michigan's Upper Peninsula)
We accidently discovered the lovely Robert McQuisten Recreational Area while staying in Munising (Michigan's Upper Peninsula). We were out for a drive near the home we were renting for the week in Wetmore Michigan and was wowed the beauty of boardwalks, pond and scenery.
It's free to wander the Robert McQuisten Recreational Area, so be sure to check it out! You will love it! There are porta johns in the parking area.
See the location on the Michigan in Fall map above!
Keep Reading! ;)
45 Upper Peninsula Waterfalls and Jaw Dropping Scenic Spots to Visit in Michigan
Michigan Fall Foliage Color Predictions-When Will the Leaves Change Color?
Top 10 Fun Michigan Fall Activities
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