Now’s the time to celebrate autumn in Michigan
Oct. 16, 2021 PLYMOUTH VOICE.
Plymouth Michigan News
Fall color is advancing as autumn secures its place in Michigan—the trees are about to light up with bright yellows, oranges and reds all across our state. For most of Michigan, peak color is still a few weeks away, but check out what each region has to offer in the coming weeks for a fall color get-away.
Leaf color saturation for most Southeastern Michigan communities is reported to be between 26-50 percent, with prime viewing to be as much as two weeks away. Ann Arbor gained the nickname “Tree Town” as a result of its dense woodlands, its 150+ area parks and its tree-lined streets. Fall is one of the best times to visit. Within the city of Ann Arbor, Huron Parkway, Geddes Road and Dixboro Road are known for having great colorful foliage views. Old US-12 also offers picturesque views from Chelsea through Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti.
Colors are peaking in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The rugged shores of Lake Superior and the elevational changes throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula provide the perfect backdrop for a range of outdoor activities. Scenic drives, exceptional mountain-biking, expansive ATV trails, countless hiking opportunities, and spectacular waterfalls make the Keweenaw Peninsula perfect for your fall escape. Brockway Mountain Drive is consistently ranked as one of the top scenic drives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In fact, it is included in the Fox News article featuring “The Best Scenic Drives For Fall Color in America And When to Go.” Brockway Mountain Drive is reported to be the highest paved point between the Rockies and the Alleghenies. There are several lookout points along the way that offer panoramic views of Lake Superior and surrounding forests. Right now, the maples are turning from green to yellow, gold, and vibrant orange, filling the forests with more color each day. Specific Keweenaw locations will peak at different times, with Copper Harbor and Isle Royale peaking a bit later than areas farther south. The next few weeks will be full of changing fall colors that you won’t want to miss! For more information about planning your trip, visit: www.keweenaw.info/ten-ways-to-experience-fall-color-in-the-keweenaw/
Sault Ste. Marie, in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, is very close to peak. Right now, the area has about 75 percent prime color and is expecting peak colors within the week. The downtown Soo area has many trees that are peaking, with bright red maples easy to spot. Driving westward along the Curly Lewis Highway is one of the most colorful experiences in the region. That highway should peak within the week as well.
Alger County has peak color now. The Munising-Pictured Rocks area is also at peak this week; however, some of the area’s trees have already past peak. Still, the area continues to offer a beautiful drive throughout the prime viewing window.
Though many of the scarlet maples of Dickinson County have begun dropping their golden leaves, many others are just now coming into color. Aspens and poplars are turning to yellows and golds, too. The tamaracks are just beginning to transform into stunning golden tones also. Peak in and around Dickinson County is anticipated to arrive this coming weekend (October 15-17).
The Oscoda area is one to two weeks from peak saturation. This coming weekend is the perfect time to take that long-awaited crisp air walk with breathtaking views throughout Oscoda and the surrounding area. Be sure to check out The Sunrise Side Top 5 when planning your next east central Michigan fall getaway. Don’t wait too long—peak color is just around the bend!
Peak for Petoskey and Charlevoix are one to two weeks away, while the Cadillac region is less than one week. After another balmy and wet week, the colors here haven’t changed much over the last several days. This week was originally projected for peak color, but the area is just not there yet, which is good news for those who have not yet come to explore the Cadillac region! Temperatures are coasting downward as the region heads into the weekend, which should spur more color progression. Be sure to check out the area’s two new color routes to hit all the destinations for fall fun! With Halloween now just around the corner, it is a great time to pick up U-pick pumpkins and gourds for your doorsteps!
Whitehall, the Silver Lake Sand Dunes-Hart, Mount Pleasant, Saugatuck-Douglas, and the communities of the Southwestern Michigan are reporting to be one to two weeks from prime color.
Colorful Michigan Fall Events:
Pumpkin Weekends on the Farm
Now thru October 24, 2021
Harbor Springs
Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch @ Stickley Family Farms
Now thru October 24, 2021
Colon
Fall Zoo-tacular
Now thru October 24, 2021
Lansing
Great Lakes Ghoul Golf
Now thru October 26, 2021
Grand Rapids
Pumpkin Train
Now thru October 30, 2021
Coopersville
Crane Orchards Corn Mazes
Now thru October 31, 2021
Fennville
Harvest Festival
October 15-17, 2021
Holly
Spooky StoryWalk
October 20, 2021
Eaton Rapids
Legend of Sleepy Howell
October 22, 2021
Howell
Spooktacular Night Out
October 22, 2021
Muskegon
Murder Mystery Weekend
October 22- 24, 2021
Mackinac Island
Boo Bash Kids’ Night Out
October 23, 2021
Grand Rapids
Pumpkin Weekends on the Farm
Now thru October 24, 2021
Harbor Springs
Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch @ Stickley Family Farms
Now thru October 24, 2021
Colon
Fall Zoo-tacular
Now thru October 24, 2021
Lansing
Great Lakes Ghoul Golf
Now thru October 26, 2021
Grand Rapids
Pumpkin Train
Now thru October 30, 2021
Coopersville
Crane Orchards Corn Mazes
Now thru October 31, 2021
Fennville
Harvest Festival
October 15-17, 2021
Holly
Spooky StoryWalk
October 20, 2021
Eaton Rapids
Legend of Sleepy Howell
October 22, 2021
Howell
Spooktacular Night Out
October 22, 2021
Muskegon
Murder Mystery Weekend
October 22- 24, 2021
Mackinac Island
Boo Bash Kids’ Night Out
October 23, 2021
Grand Rapids
Plymouth Voice.
© Michigan Economic Development Corporation
