Best Places to See Fall Colors in the Upper Peninsula

Summer is the perfect time to soak up the sun, while winter can be great for romping in the snow. Still, few things compare to seeing fall colors in the Upper Peninsula!

Imagine sipping on a hot mug of mulled cider as you take in the natural splendor of leaves, changing from green to red, orange, yellow, and gold on a misty morning in early October! Hike up a scenic forest trail on a crisp fall morning as you breathe in the fresh air and watch the light ripple through the trees. The aesthetic just doesn’t get any better than this.

So where are the best places to stop on your autumn tour of the UP? That is exactly what we are here to explore!

What to Know About Autumn in the Upper Peninsula

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has been voted by USA Today as the Number One Fall Foliage Destination in the United States. To Michiganders, this doesn’t come as a surprise. After all, every year, local Yoopers engage in familiar fall fun with a stunning spectrum of autumn colors all around them!

However, if you want to catch this breathtaking display of natural splendor, the timing of your visit is key. From mid-September to the end of October, different local areas in the region seem to catch fire with the colors of the changing leaves. Whether you plan on driving through the UP, hiking the trails, or taking an ATV tour through the woods, you’ll want to schedule your visit sometime after September 15th but before Halloween.

When to visit the Upper Peninsula for autumn colors and fall activities?

The peak season for fall colors is typically during the last week of September or the first two weeks of October. Sometimes, annual weather patterns impact these dates slightly. Not to worry, plenty of Upper Peninsula travel websites are on top of the local forest changes. Reports are done every week throughout the fall color change season to help travelers from all over pinpoint the perfect time to plan a trip.

Top Five Best Places to See Fall Colors in the Upper Peninsula

So where are the best spots to view annual fall colors in the Upper Peninsula? The top destinations for autumn color changes include Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Fayette Historic State Park, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park near Ironwood, and the Black Water Scenic Byway.

Nevertheless, these are just a few awesome spots to consider. That’s why we’ve narrowed things down to five top-notch autumn color destinations to help you more easily plan your next trip to the Upper Peninsula.

1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Near Ironwood, Michigan

One of the best towns to visit in the Upper Peninsula for those seeking stunning autumn scenery is easily Ironwood, Michigan. From here, you can take a quick drive (about 30 minutes) into Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park!

Once you get to the park, you can head to Summit Peak, the highest point in the Porcupine Mountains. This is truly an exceptional place to take in a full, panoramic view of the Porcupine Mountains, locally known as the “Porkies”. There’s a 40-foot Summit Peak Observation Tower from which you can regard miles of fall colors spread out like a landscape painting. On clear days, visitors may even be able to see the Apostle Islands from this vantage point!

Or, check out the colors of the changing leaves anywhere else in this 60,000-acre wilderness area. Secluded lakes, remote landscapes, and the “Lake of the Clouds” make this natural area one of the top “must-see fall color destinations” in all of Michigan.

Not to mention, stopping or staying in Ironwood is a great way to get plenty of fall fun for the whole family. Take a tour of the famous Stormy Tour Factory and Outlet, catch a show at the Historic Ironwood Theater, or plan a day trip to Copper Peak, which is number two on this list!
Ironwood also hosts Plaidurday on the first Friday of every October, which is an Upper Peninsula staple. Everyone wears the best plaid in their closest, meets on Mainstreet, and we celebrate fall, Lumberjack style!

2. Copper Peak on the Black River Scenic Byway in the Western Upper Peninsula

Copper Peak is easily one of the most visited spots to see fall colors in the Upper Peninsula. Here, you can get uninterrupted 360° views of fall forests as you survey Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the entire world.

In the vicinity of Copper Peak, one of the largest ski jumps in the entire world exists. Plus, there’s the Copper Peak Adventure Ride, which continues to draw in thousands of visitors annually to soak in the views and have lots of Yooper fun. Lodging won’t be a problem, either. Copper Peak is near Ironwood, one of the top Upper Peninsula towns to stay in if you love charming resorts and quaint mountain accommodations.

3. The Black River National Scenic Byway

So how should you get to Copper Peak? Via the Black River National Scenic Byway, of course! Indeed, the Black River National Scenic Byway is a top-rated fall color spot in and of itself. Driving along this route, you will get to take in all sorts of U.P. fall splendor. On your travels, you can truly appreciate the peaceful tranquility of the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
It may be wise to plan to make a few stops on this route, like at Black River waterfalls or near the Black River harbor. This is a great way to get the most out of local autumn landscapes on your way to Copper Peak or anywhere else in the area.

4. Upper Waterfalls in Tahquamenon Falls State Park

If you want to submerge yourself in vivid fall colors in the Upper Peninsula, you can’t miss Tahquamenon Falls State Park. This stunning area has many distinctive stopping points, perfect for immersing yourself in a world of unforgettable foliage and coloration.

In the autumn, changing leaves display stunning colors, which include red, orange, burgundy, amber, and yellow hues. These gorgeous colors stand out starkly against the waterfall and rock formation backgrounds. Experience miles of tranquil hiking between each waterfall stopping point and see the colors firsthand!

5. Fayette Historic State Park and Harbour

Take a stroll through time at Fayette Historic State Park. Located on the shores of Big Bay de Noc, along Lake Michigan near Snail Shell Harbor, this Southern Upper Peninsula spot is great to investigate. Visitors can find historic town sites, campgrounds, and more, with views from towering 90-foot-high limestone cliffs above the harbor and five miles of trails to walk.

The Fayette Historic Townsite represents the industrial past, with many buildings that have been standing for well over 150 years. This is a great place to go to learn about how life once was in the 19th century! Though many of the area’s seasonal self-guided tours end after the summer months, it’s still fun to check out these historic locations from afar as the foliage nearby changes colors for autumn.

See the Fall colors in the Upper Peninsula in Ironwood, MI

Ironwood, Michigan, is easily one of the best places to see fall colors in the Upper Peninsula. Conveniently positioned near scenic waterfalls, sprawling mountains, ancient forests, and rushing rivers, you simply can’t go wrong! Excellent accommodations, restaurants, historic sites, and many other awesome travel spots make this a top-rated fall Upper Peninsula travel destination!

Whether you are trying to learn more about the best towns to visit in the Upper Peninsula, find fun places to explore, book lodging, or simply want to discover what northern Michigan has to offer, Travel Ironwood can help. Travel Ironwood is here to help you uncover tons of year-round and autumn fun in quaint Upper Peninsula towns. Let’s make your next getaway to Michigan an unforgettable one! Simply click here to learn more.