Take a Michigan Fall Color Tour

UPDATE: I created a new page with the latest Michigan Fall Color updates and a rather comprehensive listing of Michigan Corn Mazes and Michigan Apple Orchards - Michigan Fall Colors. Taking a Fall Color Tour in Michigan is a great way to really get familiar with our state. You don't partake in a fall color tour by zipping up the freeway. You take the roads less traveled. I personally recommend taking U.S. 31 out of Traverse City on up to 119 (the tunnel of trees) out of Petoskey for one of the most beautiful color tours you will ever take. For just a glimpse of the beauty of this drive, see this wonderful photo.

U.S. 2 along the northern shore of Lake Michigan is excellent as well. There are a plethora of great spots to pull off and enjoy the view as well as take pictures. The Cut River Bridge has a nice picnic area and trails that take you down to the beach. Walk across to the middle of the span and take an awesome photo (like this one).

Another favorite of mine is along the shore of Lake Superior on M-28 in the U.P. Head in to Marquette and on up to Mount Marquette for a breathtaking view of autumn colors with Lake Superior as the backdrop (see this great photo). Take 550 out of Marquette on up to Big Bay to see some of the most beautiful country around (you have to see Yellow Dog Falls in the fall). I can't believe more people don't visit the U.P. So much to offer, yet so few take advantage.

Plan when you want to go using this Michigan Fall Color Map that projects when the color reaches its peak across the different parts of Michigan -

If you choose one of the three routes I mentioned above you will get the joy of stopping in towns like Elk Rapids, Cross Village, Naubinway, Manistique, Munising, Marquette and Big Bay. Places unique to Michigan that you probably wouldn't have set out to stop in as a destination, but you're glad you found them.

Peaceful views of Michigan's fall color display

I found this two-minute video on YouTube that was shot at the West Lake Nature Preserve in Portage, Michigan. Don't you just love the wonderful display of a myriad of colors across Michigan in the fall? At the end of last week we took a wonderful (but short) trip up to the Straits. If you get up that way this weekend or next week you have to take County Road 81. It parallels U.S. 31 to the east and passes through such burgs as Bliss, Heils Corner, and Pleasant View. The view is most definitely "pleasant" and the drive is relaxing.

If the video player does not display you can view it at YouTube right here.

Get your fall color fix in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Want to get a jump on the fall color season? Head on up to Michigan's U.P. and take in the explosion of color that has its peak around the first week of October in the central and western portions of the Upper Peninsula. An article in The Mining Journal today suggests the last week of September and the first couple weeks of October as the "prime viewing season" for fall foliage in our Upper Peninsula.

My wife and I went to the U.P. around the last week of September once and the colors were spectacular. We stayed at the Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast and were in awe of the wonderful fall colors and the deep blue backdrop of Lake Superior.

We took a day trip up in the Yellow Dog Falls area and up to a hill (I doubt it is considered a mountain) called, I believe, Gobblers' Nob or something of the sort. Just simply amazing blends of color contrasted with the deep green of the pine trees.

So, fill up on some of that cheaper gas, grab your camera and binoculars, bring some cash so you can stuff your face with pasties, and Go North.

Websites of interest: Official Directory of Michigan Fall Color Tours

Fall Color Tour information via www.NewsUpNorth.com