Michigan is renowned for its beautiful fall color tours, offering scenic drives through the state’s vibrant autumn landscapes. Some of the most famous roads for fall color tours in Michigan include:
1. M-22 (Leelanau Peninsula)
- Route: Runs along the Leelanau Peninsula, skirting Lake Michigan from Manistee to Traverse City.
- Highlights: You’ll experience breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and charming small towns like Glen Arbor, Leland, and Suttons Bay. This area offers rolling hills, orchards, and vineyards set against brilliant fall colors.
2. US-41 (Keweenaw Peninsula)
- Route: Winds through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, from the town of Houghton up to Copper Harbor.
- Highlights: Dense forests of maple, aspen, and birch trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Along the way, you’ll pass Lake Superior, waterfalls, and historical mining towns. Brockway Mountain Drive, an offshoot, offers sweeping views of the Keweenaw and Lake Superior.
3. M-119 (Tunnel of Trees)
- Route: This scenic route runs from Harbor Springs to Cross Village in northern Michigan.
- Highlights: True to its name, M-119 takes you through a dense canopy of trees, forming a “tunnel” of colorful foliage. The route hugs the coastline of Lake Michigan, offering glimpses of the lake and passing through quaint towns like Good Hart and Cross Village.
4. M-37 (Old Mission Peninsula)
- Route: Located in the northwest part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, this road runs up the Old Mission Peninsula, north of Traverse City.
- Highlights: M-37 takes you through scenic vineyards, orchards, and rolling hills, surrounded by Lake Michigan on both sides. The contrast between the deep blue waters and the golden and red leaves makes for a stunning view.
5. M-25 (Thumb Coastal Drive)
- Route: Circles the “thumb” of Michigan, following the shoreline of Lake Huron from Bay City to Port Huron.
- Highlights: You’ll pass charming small towns, lighthouses, and coastal scenery with the vibrant backdrop of autumn leaves. This route is particularly beautiful near Port Austin and Caseville.
Each of these routes provides a unique experience, whether it’s rolling vineyards, towering dunes, or the rugged shores of the Great Lakes. Mid-to-late October is typically the peak time to catch the fall foliage in Michigan, but this can vary based on the region.