When is the Best Time for Peak Fall Colors in Michigan?

I know it can be sad to think about summer ending, but if I'm being honest, I've been thinking about fall for weeks.

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And as we begin to usher in another era of apple cider and pumpkin spice, it's good to think about the future, and I'm not just talking about seasonal beverages or Halloween...

Read Related: Is Lansing Team Pumpkin Spice or Team Apple Cider?

I'm talking about fall colors!

Michigan is chock full of gorgeous destinations that are made even more beautiful when the leaves start to turn colors for the fall. If you want to make the most of fall foliage this year, it's time to start planning your trip.

When are Peak Fall Colors for Michigan 2023?

But, when should you plan your trip? Well, that all depends on your destination.

My Michigan Beach & Travel put together this interactive map of when and where peak fall colors are happening in Michigan.

Peak Fall Colors for Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula

Say you're headed up into the Upper Peninsula to visit Pictured Rocks or Tahquamenon Falls, or even staying in the Lower Peninsula and checking out Petoskey; peak fall colors will happen between October 1st and 18th.

Peak Fall Colors for Mid-Michigan

Maybe your travels will take you to mid-Michigan to places like Holland, Frankenmuth, or Port Huron. If that's the case, you'll want to plan your trip for sometime between October 3rd through 20th.

Peak Fall Colors for Southern Michigan

If you're staying in or headed to parts of southern Michigan like Ann Arbor or Detroit, you'll want to make your calendar for October 5th through 22nd; that's when the best fall colors will be.