St. Ignace is the perfect hub for fall foliage chasers traveling to the Upper Peninsula. If you stay in St. Ignace you’re just a day trip away to the best fall colors that Michigan has to offer. Keep reading to learn about the best places to see fall colors in the U.P.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise. MI
Just 73 miles north of the Mackinac Bridge lies gorgeous golden colored trees preparing for colder weather. From the moment you arrive at this state park you’ll be surrounded by fall-colored trees from both sides of the road. The park stretches over 13 miles and offers beautiful sites to be seen year-round, but nothing beats the area during the fall color season.
Not only will you experience some of the most glorious golden colors that lie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you can also experience one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. The park itself houses two waterfalls, the Upper and Lower Falls that flow from the Tahquamenon Falls. Take a hike for an up-close look at the falls and the fall colors via the over 40 miles of trails available in the park.
Kitch-iti-Kipi – Manistique, MI
Take a 99-mile drive along the south end of the Upper Peninsula coast from St. Ignace to experience the largest natural freshwater spring in the state! Kitch-iti-Kipi or better known as The Big Spring is surrounded by large trees that make up the Pals Book State Park. In the fall, the green trees turn to vibrant yellows and oranges making a tunnel of gorgeous fall colors to be seen.
Mackinac Island
A short 16-minute ferry ride is between you and gorgeous fall colors surrounded by Lake Huron. The island boasts with glorious fall colors when the temperature drops past the hot summertime heat. One of the best ways to experience these colors is by taking an 8-mile hike around the perimeter of the island. If you’re a more experienced hiker, take the steep climb on the Tranquil Bluff Trail for the ultimate vantage point that sits high above the island and overlook all the fall foliage and Lake Huron.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Munising, MI
For the ultimate fall color road trip takes travelers 110 miles northeast to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising. This lakeshore houses the most glorious sites in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The sandstone cliffs may be composed of colorful fragments of quartz, quartzite, and slate that can be seen year-round. However, the vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow that paint the tree line of the Pictured Rocks Nation Lakeshore are a must-see in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These fall colors are best seen from the water with Pictured Rocks Cruises.
Cut River Bridge Roadside Park – Naubinway, MI
Along the south coast of the Upper Peninsula about 25 miles from St. Ignace is the Cut River Bridge that stands 147 feet above the Cut River. This bridge was originally constructed in the 1940’s that overlooks the Lake Michigan shoreline. With 230-plus steps to the top, this roadside park offers pristine fall foliage to take in at multiple vantage points.
Before you plan your trip, request a visitor guide, sign-up for our newsletter, and book your fall trip today!