Traverse City Fall Colors
A Guide to the Best Scenic Drives
There’s something special about fall in Northern Michigan. The forests turn brilliant shades of gold, orange and red, vineyards take on their autumn colors, and scenic roads wind along the water and through small towns.
For a fall getaway, Traverse City is an ideal home base. From the Old Mission Peninsula to Leelanau County and Sleeping Bear Dunes, there are plenty of ways to experience the season by car, on foot or by bike.
Peak fall color in the Traverse City area typically arrives around mid-October, although timing can shift from year to year depending on weather. Because different areas reach peak color at different times, you can often find beautiful scenery throughout the region even if you miss the exact peak.
Old Mission Peninsula
One of the easiest ways to experience fall color from Traverse City is to head north along the Old Mission Peninsula.
The drive offers a beautiful combination of vineyards, orchards, forests and views of Grand Traverse Bay. Make a day of it by stopping at local wineries, grabbing lunch and taking your time along the peninsula.
The changing leaves make the familiar roads feel completely different from summer, especially when the colors are reflected against the water.
Leelanau Peninsula
For a longer scenic drive, head west toward the Leelanau Peninsula.
The area is known for its winding roads, small towns, vineyards, orchards and stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline. Fall is an especially beautiful time to explore the peninsula, with colorful forests surrounding many of the area's scenic roads.
Allow plenty of time for stops. Part of the fun of a fall color drive is getting out of the car when you see a view worth enjoying.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Fall is a wonderful time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The combination of Lake Michigan, towering dunes and surrounding forests creates scenery that looks completely different as the leaves begin to change. Cooler temperatures can also make fall hiking more comfortable than a warm summer afternoon.
Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the area, and bring layers since temperatures can change throughout the day.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is another beautiful option for taking in Northern Michigan's fall landscape.
The route winds through forest and includes overlooks with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. It's an easy addition to a day exploring the dunes and Leelanau Peninsula.
Explore the TART Trails
You don't have to get in the car to enjoy fall color.
The TART Trails provide opportunities to walk or bike through the Traverse City area while enjoying the changing scenery. For visitors who want a slower way to experience autumn, spending part of a morning or afternoon on the trails can be a great addition to a fall itinerary. Traverse City Tourism also highlights the TART Trail as an easy way to experience the area's fall scenery on foot or by bike.
Tips for Planning a Traverse City Fall Color Drive
A little planning can make your fall color trip much more enjoyable! See below for a few of our tips:
Give yourself extra time. Scenic drives are meant to include stops. Leave room for photographs, hiking, wineries, farm stands and unexpected viewpoints.
Check the forecast. Fall weather in Northern Michigan can change quickly, so layers are always a good idea.
Don't plan around one exact date. Fall color timing changes each year. Check current local color reports before heading out.
Start early. Popular destinations can become busy during peak color weekends.
Choose one area per day. Trying to cover the entire region in a few hours can leave you spending more time in the car than enjoying the scenery.
Where to Stay for a Traverse City Fall Color Getaway
A convenient home base can make exploring Northern Michigan much easier.
Tamarack Lodge sits directly along East Grand Traverse Bay, offering a waterfront setting just a short drive from downtown Traverse City and the area's many fall attractions.
Choose from brand-new hotel rooms designed for shorter stays or one-, two- and three-bedroom condominium suites with separate living spaces, kitchens or kitchenettes, and private balconies or patios.
After a day spent exploring fall colors, return to the lodge to enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, private beach or a quiet evening overlooking the bay.
Ready to plan your fall color getaway? Explore rooms and suites at Tamarack Lodge and make Traverse City your home base this autumn.