If you're craving adventure and stunning autumn scenery, Michigan's Upper Peninsula just claimed the top spot as USA Today’s Best Fall Foliage Destination for 2024! This accolade, voted on by explorers, nature enthusiasts and lovers of vibrant fall landscapes, highlights the U.P.'s unmatched beauty during autumn.
A Celebration of Autumn’s Finest
This year, the Upper Peninsula was once again officially crowned the best fall foliage destination. Its votes surpassed some of the most iconic locations across the country, including:
- Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
- Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
- Hocking Hills, Ohio
- White Mountains, New Hampshire
- Stowe, Vermont
- Finger Lakes, New York
- The Berkshires, Massachusetts
- Adirondacks, New York
Thanks to expert panels and the collective votes of travelers, the U.P. proved its fall magic is second to none! Boasting brilliant colors, from forest canopies to scenic overlooks, it’s a landscape that inspires awe with every turn.
Discover the U.P.’s Autumn Adventures
From mid-September to mid-October, the Upper Peninsula transforms into an autumn wonderland perfect for explorers. The peak color shows arrive at different times across the region so follow the weekly fall color reports to see what is happening where you are staying. If your fall plans are in mid-to-late October, the tree canopies along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior will awe you.
For top viewing, try these favorites:
Scenic Drives
Set out on Brockway Mountain Drive near Copper Harbor for sweeping vistas of the Keweenaw Peninsula’s scarlet and orange foliage and Lake Superior’s brilliant blues. At every turn, you will pull off to stand in awe and take more photos.
Or journey M-28 between Marquette and Munising for some jaw-dropping leaf and Lake Superior views. Pull off in Au Train to walk the beach at the mouth of the Au Train River.
Iconic Landmarks
There is a long list of must-sees in the U.P., but one of the most spellbinding is Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. If you have seen fall photographs of the U.P. in its full glory, they were likely taken here, where the fall colors create a striking contrast against the lake's tranquil blue surface.
Further west, experience the incredible thrill of taking the Copper Peak Adventure Ride, a historic Michigan site and the world’s largest artificial ski-flying jump. This time of year, its summit tops the viewing charts by offering the Midwest’s highest and most breathtaking panoramic view. Visitors can see parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Canada — and thousands of trees — on a clear day.
To the east, sign up for a Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore boat cruise to enjoy a very different fall color tour seen from the water. It is one of the best ways to view the colorful sandstone cliffs and forests and one of the most soul-stirring boat rides you will ever take.
When you travel in the southern U.P., visit Kitch-iti-kipi, “The Big Spring” near Manistique, for a beautiful color display. Float across this gushing spring surrounded by hardwood and coniferous trees on a hand-cranked raft, peering down into the clear, ethereal waters at the giant trout and ancient fallen trees.
Waterfalls
Over 300 waterfalls in the U.P. are surrounded by fall’s gorgeous hues. Make sure to see the grandeur of the Upper Falls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park between Newberry and Paradise. The root beer-colored water thundering in a vivid fall landscape is mesmerizing. But don’t miss the Lower Falls, where you can row a boat or walk across a pedestrian bridge to stand next to the five smaller cascades.
Great Lakes Shorelines
The U.P. stretches along three of the world’s greatest freshwater seas, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Their beauty is enhanced tremendously in the fall — some days they are mirror smooth while other days the waves wildly rise and crash with enormous force. It is exhilarating to be by them in the fall.
There are over a thousand miles of Great Lakes shoreline to explore, but if you need to narrow your choices, consider going to these four this fall:
- Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie: Visit the Soo Locks to watch the Great Lakes and international, ocean-going freighters go between Lakes Huron and Superior. Take the express elevator to the top of the Tower of History for a 360-degree view of the world’s busiest inland shipping channel, historic Sault Ste. Marie (Michigan’s oldest city) and the colorful Canadian wilderness.
- Sugarloaf Mountain, Marquette: The half-mile trail to the observation platforms may be short by most hikers’ standards but it is long on fantastic fall views. Choose between a moderate or very challenging trail to look at panoramic views of brilliant forests and Lake Superior.
- Tobin Harbor, Isle Royale National Park: Isle Royale National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country — but that’s not because this isn’t a wonderful place to spend a few fall days immersed in nature. The Wall Street Journal named Isle Royale the Best National Park, outranking Denali, Yellowstone, Big Bend and others. National Geographic even added it to its “Best of the World” picks!
- Its remoteness makes it the perfect silent travel destination with plenty of hiking and kayaking opportunities. Besides savoring the fall hues and Lake Superior and secluded inland lake views, keep an eye out for moose and listen for the howling of wolves at night.
- International Dark Sky Park, Copper Harbor: This is one of Michigan’s three designated dark sky parks and it is a premier place for stargazing and seeing the Northern Lights. It is a fall color experience you will never forget when you watch the night sky dance with neon green, orange, pink, red, yellow, purple and blue.
The Upper Peninsula’s fall colors are fleeting but spectacular. Embrace every moment of this vibrant season and experience why the U.P. is the ultimate destination for autumn explorers. For more fall ideas check out 13 Breathtaking Fall Destinations in the U.P.
Plan Your Fall Expedition
Start planning your adventure now to experience the U.P.’s acclaimed fall brilliance. With its recent recognition as the top fall foliage destination, expect others across the United States to join you. Choose your lodgings with the amenities you want then book your stay today to get the dates that match your travel plans.
We will see you in our 8.7 million acres of fabulous forests soon!
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