Tag Archives: fall color tour

West Michigan fall color tours

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living, Travel, ,
Courtesy Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


As the days get cooler, the autumn landscape blooms with golds, oranges, and reds of the changing leaves. From scenic drives along the Lake Michigan shoreline to winding trails through the inland forests, West Michigan celebrates the colors of the season with color tours, unique viewing experiences, and special fall stops along the way. 

Driving, biking, and walking color tours 

Jump into the car, onto a bike, or motorcycle and wander along the Harbor Country Fall Motor Tour. You’ll find easy stops to shop, pick a pumpkin or grapes, and ease back with great eats and an end-of-ride drink along the routes that runs between New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, and Bridgman in Southwest Michigan.


The best places to view the fall colors in South Haven are on the nature trails. Hike or bike the Kal-Haven and Van Buren Trails, or kayak the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail under a canopy of fall colors. 


Around the Saugatuck/Douglas area, the best way to tour the colors is by taking a hike in the woods — literally. Here are the Top 4 Favorite Fall Hikes near Saugatuck.


Experience the fall colors of the Holland area as you climb Mount Pisgah, a towering dune east of Holland State Park, which is accessible via a boardwalk and stair system. With its apex 157 feet above Lake Michigan, the boardwalk culminates with scenic views of Lake Macatawa, Lake Michigan, and Big Red Lighthouse, surrounded by a heavily wooded area in vibrant hues of orange, red and, yellow. Or view the fall colors from the comfort of your car — here are a variety of driving routes around the greater Holland area. 


Whether you are driving, hiking, biking or paddling, Ludington is a great place to explore the beauty of the fall season.


For the first three Saturdays in October, Muskegon and White Lake invite you to celebrate the vibrant colors of the area woods, dunes, and water with the Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour. Drive your car or ride your bike along this self-guided route that stretches from the Muskegon South Pierhead Light to the White River Light Station. Travel on some of Muskegon’s most scenic roads along Lake Michigan and the West Michigan Pike Byway. This tour is free and participants will receive fall refreshments and coupons to area businesses. There are also free pumpkins for the children and complimentary Visit Muskegon postcards for the grownups (while supplies last). Stamp your map at the designated stops and enter to win 2 round-trip passes for the Lake Express High-Speed Ferry between Muskegon and Milwaukee to use in the 2020 season. Check in on social media for chances to win weekly giveaways using #VisitMuskegon, #D2D19, and #LiveWhiteLake. 

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association


To celebrate the changing of the seasons, check out Mt. Pleasant Area Visitors Bureau’s list of the best places to catch fall colors in the Mt. Pleasant area. 


With Fall on its way, so is the Mecosta County Fall Color Tour. The 2nd Annual Fall Color Tour is being coordinated by Jeep Freakz of Michigan, and they’ll be riding with the Reed City Trail Rides Off Road Group. On Saturday, Oct. 5th, from 11:30am-5:30pm, the groups plan to travel to Hungerford before exploring other local trails throughout Big Rapids and Mecosta County.


You can also enjoy a Mecosta County Color Tour through self-guided canoe and kayak trips down the Muskegon River. Stop in to the Welcome Center at 127 South State Street in Big Rapids, or visit BigRapids.org to pick-up/download the Color Tour brochure.


Manistee County has two fall color seasons: Inland and Coastal. Check out the latest fall color tour routes and videos for weekly fall color updates live from around Manistee County and Northern Michigan. 


Great color, beautiful scenery and interesting places to stop — you’ll find it all in the Petoskey Area. Five suggested routes take you in and around Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Boyne City — some offer lake views and all are known as favorite places to enjoy fall’s splendor.


The drive around Lake Charlevoix is a great color route; this journey will take you on the Breezeway through both East Jordan and Boyne City. The surrounding countryside is full of gently rolling hills and abundant foliage that is sure to satisfy that fall color trip you’ve been waiting for.


The contrasting evergreen and hardwood forests of the Grayling area are spectacular in autumn. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a leisurely drive down the back roads, biking or hiking through Hartwick Pines State Park, or taking in the riverside colors while canoeing down the world famous AuSable and Manistee Rivers.


Set on the shores of Lake Superior, Travel Marquette has partnered with Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN), the leading trail network in the Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to deliver ‘Trail Talks’, enriching and engaging talks and expert led tours of the region throughout the 2019 summer and fall season. On Oct. 16 from 6:30-8:30pm, Travel Marquette and NTN will host a Picture This Trail Talk where expert photographer Shawn Malone shows trekkers how to capture the beauty of fall foliage with all levels of equipment including smartphones. Register for free to help organizers plan for the event. Location to meet the group: Marquette Board of Light and Power, 2200 Wright Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

Unique ways to view the fall foliage

Watch as Benzie County transforms into a kaleidoscope of color during Fall Chairlift Rides at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Fall Chairlift Rides are available select dates through the month of October.


Enjoy the beautiful fall colors from the deck of the 77′ schooner Inland Seas as she sails around Suttons Bay. Fall is a relaxing season in northern Michigan as temperatures are comfortable and traffic is light. On this sail, participants can help the crew in raising the sails and steering the ship, or just sit back and relax while taking in the wonder our Great Lakes provide us. Cost is $30 for adults and $20 for children. For more information, visit schoolship.org/buy-tickets. 

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association

Two of the Mitten’s premiere paddlesport rivers, the Pine and the Big Manistee, wind their way through beautiful river valleys, revealing new color palettes at every bend. The Pine River Paddlesports Center in Wellston is here to make your fall color tour on the river an absolute breeze.

Experience Mother Nature’s fall color show from a different perspective. Hop on the Blue Chairlift in Shanty Creek Resort’s Schuss Village in Bellaire for a colorful ride to the top of Schuss Mountain. Just $5 per person, Chairlift Rides take place from noon-4pm on Saturdays through Oct. 19th.


Take a fall foliage tour via the Chippewa River by kayak or canoe and explore the fall foliage or hike to the “elusive” mountain in Mt. Pleasant, Bundy Hill Preserve, home to the highest point in Isabella County. 


Home to more than 100 lakes, including two chains of lakes, getting out on the water in Coldwater Country is the best way to see the fantastic fall foliage. Launch a boat, kayak, or canoe at one of the many public access points or rent a boat from one of the area marinas to get out on the water.

Stops to add to your color tour

Looking for the perfect spot to take in the fall color with a glass of wine in hand? Located on the 16th floor of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Williamsburg, Aerie Restaurant & Lounge gives you 360-degree views of Northern Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. Best of all, Aerie is a three-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner, so whether you’re looking for an Old World classic or a local favorite, you’ll find the perfect bottle.


The Courtyard by Marriott Petoskey is your perfect beginning and end to your fall color tour. Only 15 minutes from M-119, the new property offers refreshing rooms and a bistro to share with family, friends, and loved ones alike.


After a day of exploring Northern Michigan, stop in downtown Charlevoix for dinner, a craft beer, or a tasty treat. Explore downtown boutiques for fall discounts and one-of-a-kind merchandise. While taking a fall color tour, celebrate nature’s harvest at the annual Apple Festival, Oct. 11th-13th, where you can enjoy an art and craft show, a variety of food vendors, and family friendly events. Stop at Friske’s Farm Market in Atwood to enjoy numerous tasty treats like a slice of apple pie, you-pick apples, and apple cider.


Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo in New Era is the perfect place to stop for all your fall favorite goodies along the beautiful drive up US-31 between Muskegon and Ludington. Stop in the market for apple cider and fresh donuts, pick up some delicious Michigan apples, or grab a bag of our homemade kettle corn to snack on along the way.


Crane’s is a family owned, family run business that has been a treasured travel destination in West Michigan for decades, nestled in the lush, rolling hills of their family’s fruit farms just minutes from Lake Michigan’s shore.

Special events to celebrate autumn colors

An annual celebration of autumn, Chrysanthemums & More, on display now through Oct. 27th at Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, is the largest show of its kind in Michigan, featuring expansive chrysanthemum displays, fall foliage and family friendly activities. Mum Day, Oct. 20th will provide members and guests an opportunity to interact with horticulture staff and learn more about the fascinating chrysanthemum and fall themed plantings.

Courtesy West Michigan Tourist Association


Gaylord’s Treetops Resort will be holding a Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner on Oct. 5th and a Farm 2 Fork dinner on Oct. 12th. 


Celebrate the vibrant fall colors of Southwest Michigan. Maple Row Sugarhouse is one of the stops on the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Color Tour, which takes place Oct. 13th from 10am-5pm. Tour the Sugarbush and learn how maple sap is collected, enjoy samples of many different maple products, and learn how the French colonials made maple syrup and maple sugar.


Otsego Resort in Gaylord will host Wine & Cheese Color Tour Saturday, Oct. 19th, beginning at 2pm.



Stretch your budget with West Michigan’s fall lodging specials

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Recreation, Senior Living, Travel, ,

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

Fall is the perfect time to plan a getaway in West Michigan. With all the fall colors tours, Halloween happenings, and events throughout the state, you’ll want to get out and see everything. Take advantage of fall lodging specials and packages to make it easier when planning your fall adventure.

Lodging Specials in Southern West Michigan

The Boulevard Inn & Bistro in St. Joseph has a variety of packages to help you plan your next stay. Choose between Romance on the Boulevard, Fueling Around, and Sweet Dreams, each offering something completely unique. More information on these packages is available on their website.

 

Plan a getaway to Marshall with a stay at the National House Inn. This bed and breakfast is the oldest operating inn in Michigan. The serenity is contagious, the sense of history infectious, and the number of events and special packages numerous. Drive through the country roads for a spectacular fall color tour and relax at this cozy nineteenth-century inn complete with modern conveniences.

 

Within the picturesque village of Saugatuck, as well as the surrounding southwest Michigan countryside, there are ample choices for lodging. From bed & breakfasts, hotels, motels, resorts, cottages, beachfront vacation homes, and vacation rentals, there is something for everyone. For a full list of places to stay, including lodging specials, visit their website.

 

Find out what fall’s all about in Saugatuck with a Lakeshore Lodging stay. With beautiful natural spots to take in the fall colors, a variety of great apple orchards and pumpkin patches, and Lakeshore Lodging’s selection of cozy places to call home, the Saugatuck area is perfect for an autumnal retreat.

Lodging Specials in Central West Michigan

The DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center in Holland has discounts and specials throughout the fall for your entire group. Through December, they’re providing free breakfast for groups booking more than 40 room nights and 25% off the best available rate for groups of 10 or more rooms. If you book a meeting space in November, you’ll receive 50% off of room rental fee and 10% off food and beverage catering. Take advantage of these offers and stay well within budget for your upcoming event or tour.

 

Enjoy the pre-holiday season with a getaway to Grand Rapids, just in time for the 11th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, which is November 15th to 17th at DeVos Place. The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and JW Marriott are both offering stellar overnight packages during the festival. The festival features over 1,500 wines, beers, ciders, spirits, and other beverages, as well as food from some of the area’s finest restaurants.

 

Just minutes from Gerald R. Ford International Airport and the downtown Grand Rapids city center, the Crowne Plaza Hotel of Grand Rapids is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. With exceptional service and amenities, these upscale room accommodations have everything you need for a memorable trip. Find savings and specials on their website.

 

Hart House Bed & Breakfast in Hart has teamed up with a local sports outfitters to offer an enriching experience on the water. Explore the natural resources of the area’s beautiful waterways, learn about the flora and fauna, unplug, relax, and restore. Let owners Greg and Bonny know your interest at the time of your reservation and they will customize a float for you.

 

The Ultimate Romance Package at the Holiday Inn in Spring Lake makes it easy to celebrate an anniversary or get out of town with a loved one. Your stay includes chocolate covered strawberries and champagne in your room, roses, and breakfast and dinner for two.

 

This fall and winter, take advantage of the Ludington area’s lodging specials and packages. The area’s hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, resorts, and cottages offer discounted room rates and enticing packages that will make your stay in Pure Ludington both more enjoyable and more affordable.

 

The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast in Ludington has partnered with local shops, restaurants, golf courses, and boating charters to bring you exclusive experiences and upgrades. Enhance your stay and do something extra special to make your time in Ludington even more memorable.

 

Muskegon lodging facilities offer full-service hotels in downtown Muskegon and the brands you know and trust throughout the county. Quaint bed and breakfasts and seasonal vacation rentals line the lakes, with specials and packages offered throughout the year.

 

Michigan’s Central Swing has fall golf discounts in the Mt. Pleasant area! Choose from 11 champion style courses and 11 relaxing retreats to create your perfect golf getaway. All you need to do is tell Michigan Central Swing what you want, and they’ll do the rest for you! Stay in comfort and leave the planning to the professionals, giving you more time to perfect that golf swing.

Places to stay on your West Michigan fall color tour

3-bottom, Beer, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Travel, , ,

by-kris-balasz
Photo by Kris Balasz

 

Just like clockwork, with Autumn comes the fall colors. When the leaves change, we’re gifted with some of the most beautiful sights in West Michigan. You’ll want to make time in your busy schedule to drive, bike or walk through some of these amazing works of nature.

 

We have a little extra time as the colors have been delayed due to the unseasonably warm weather we’ve had lately.

South

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings has 661 diverse acres where you can see all of the fall colors. Go for a walk or a hike with the whole family and see animals, plants and more, in addition to the colorful leaves. Outdoors education is their passion, so if you have any questions, make sure you take the time to ask.

 

The crisp air and beautiful fall colors are just what you want while wine tasting, and the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail has you covered. Check out the beautiful colors that line the trail as you stop at one (or more) of the 20 wineries and nine tasting rooms. The wineries (and the colors) are close enough to visit for just a day, a short weekend or an extended visit.

 

de-grand-champ-farms
Blueberries at DeGrandchamp Farms

12 Corners Vineyards in Benton Harbor has a beautiful tree line along their vineyard. It provides a look at some of the fall foliage of the area. Next time you’re at 12 Corners Vineyard for some wine, make sure that you explore the vineyard and the fall colors while they’re both looking wonderful.

 

DeGrandchamp Farms in South Haven is having their Cranberry Harvest Day on October 15th from 10am to 4pm. You and your family can go out on their tractor pulled cranberry bog wagons to see the harvest process. Keep an eye out for those fall colors! When you get back, have some cranberry treats and caramel apples at their market.

 

Lemon Creek Winery in Berrien Springs is a great place to stop by on your fall color tour! Guests are welcome to adventure into the orchards and vineyard to pick apples and grapes or sip on some of their award-winning wine while enjoying the beautiful colors of fall. They will also be offering an opportunity for home winemakers to purchase juice and grapes from their harvest.

 

The Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance loves to see the fall colors explode through their town. Awarded Tree City USA since 1996, Marshall’s wide variety of trees will certainly get you in the fall mood. A walk through the historic town and the various nature areas will prove why they have been Tree City USA for 20 years.

 

The City of Hastings invites cyclists of all ages and skill levels to come out and enjoy the beautiful autumn colors in the countryside surrounding Hastings. Foodies, art enthusiasts and leaf-peepers alike will find plenty of opportunities to indulge at the Annual Arts & Eats Tour on October 15th and 16th. This includes a self-guided driving and bike tour of the scenic back roads and out-of-the-way places in Allegan and Barry counties.

 

The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council knows all about color tours in the area. They recommend that you check out the West Michigan Pike, which is the first continuous paved road in West Michigan from the Indiana state line to Mackinaw City. It’s a great way to combine fall colors with unforgettable beaches.

Central

Country Dairy in New Era is in a great area for a color tour. Located right on the Hart Montague Bike Trail and the rolling hills of Oceana County, Country Dairy is the perfect place to stop by on your color tour for some food or take one of their own tours to see the sights.

 

Also in New Era, Rainbow Ranch has several hundred acres of wooded land for horseback riding. When the leaves are changing, the trails are absolutely gorgeous. What better way to see the fall colors than on horseback?

 

Double JJ Resort in Rothbury is hosting their Fall Color Weekend and Open House on October 15th and 16th. The event will feature the resort’s 1200 acres of forested property, comprising a wide assortment of maple, poplar and oak trees. The weekend promises a dramatic sight of autumn gold, scarlet and rust colored leaves.

12-corners-vineyards-fb
At 12 Corners Vineyards

 

The Mecosta County Area has gone above and beyond the call of duty and put together a detailed color tour itinerary for you to enjoy. The thorough guide will take you all around the area to see the changing colors. They even have one designed to see the colors along the Muskegon River via canoe or kayak. They really have put together something wonderful, and you can view it here.

 

Gather your family and friends to experience the vibrant fall colors at the Depot-to-Depot Fall Color Tour from Muskegon to Whitehall! This self-guided tour happens on October 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th from 10am to 4pm. Pick up a map at either the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau or the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce to get started.

 

North

Jutting north between the azure arms of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay lies one of Northern Michigan favorite fall color tours. The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula stretches 19 miles and is home to nine distinct wineries. Along with wine tasting, enjoy the fall scenery, beautiful beaches, exquisite restaurants, and historic lighthouse. You can’t beat award-winning wines with an awe-inspiring view.

 

Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire has 4,500 acres of property that is the perfect base camp for a fall fun getaway. Set in the middle of all things Northern Michigan, they are centered around some of the best fall driving tours in the state. If you want to get even closer to the colors, try one of their color tour chairlift rides, which operate every Saturday during the fall color season. These chairlift rides will take you to the top of Schuss Mountain to see Mother Nature’s annual color show.

 

Heart Lake Cottages in Gaylord is perfectly nestled on the shoreline of Heart Lake. Each of their six cozy cottages are newly renovated and accommodate two, four or six people. Make this your headquarters as you travel through Northern Michigan, looking at the amazing changing colors throughout the area. And when you get back to the cottage, the quaint grounds and gardens are the perfect backdrop for your evening.

 

Art Gallery of Algoma is offering a Fall Color Painting Tour this fall. These tours include a guided tour of the gallery’s exhibitions and a mini-painting lesson inspired by the beautiful fall colors. The tour includes painting materials and is a unique way to get out and see how beautiful this season is. In the end, you’ll be able to take home your painting to display even when the colors aren’t orange, brown and gold.

 

Ride the boat over to Beaver Island to see the vibrant fall colors surrounding the island. The boat ride itself, run by the Beaver Island Boat Company out of Charlevoix, is a breathtaking trip as you dock in Paradise Bay in the welcoming autumn colors. Once you’ve arrived, stroll the streets with a cup of cider and learn why island life is so unique.

 

draft-horses-inn
Draft horses at Black Star Farms

This October, Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay is hosting daily tours of their 160 acre estate. Visit the vineyard, inn, horses, orchard, and, of course, the forests with their fall colors. Afterwards, make your way to their tasting room and cafe for some wine and farmstead cuisine.

 

Hotel Walloon on Walloon Lake knows that now that summer is gone and fall is here, that means color tours begin. Their favorite color tours include M119’s Tunnel of Trees, fall chairlift rides, M-22’s Color Tour and more. They’re centrally located between all of these experiences and many more, making them the perfect home base for your Northern Michigan color tour experience.

 

Enjoy a panoramic view of three counties and all the fall colors at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. As you ride the chairlift to the top of the mountain, you’ll be greeted to live music and the beauty of Northern Michigan’s fall color season. Stop by every Saturday in October from 11am to 1pm to take in the sights and sounds of the mountain.

 

Northern Michigan hotels want to ensure that your fall color trip is a huge success. To help with this, they have the Holiday Inn Express Mackinaw City, Days Inn Mackinaw City, Holiday Inn Express in Petoskey and the Apple Tree Inn Hotel, which are all conveniently located near many of the best places to see the fall colors. Travel down highway 131 and I-75 to see all of the changed leaves or visit nearby cities for fall themed events.

 

Arnold Mackinac Island Ferry on Mackinac Island has colorful fall savings for your next color tour. Enjoy discounts on round-trip fares through October 31st. Adults are $15, children 5 to 12 are $8 and bikes are $8. Children 4 and under ride free! The island is a great place to stay and see the fall colors. Ride the ferry over and bring your bike up for a long weekend with these fall discounts.

 

The Portage Point Inn in Onekama has a Fall Color discount to entice you to get out and see West Michigan. Now through November, receive 10% off published rates. Guests can stay on the picturesque Portage Lake before hopping onto M-22 to see one of the most beautiful routes in America.

 

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On the Isle Royale Queen III

Traverse City offers some of the best places for fall colors. Visit the nearby dunes, bluffs and islands where autumn is in full swing. The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula stretch across 20 miles, surrounded by orchards, vineyards, forests and villages. This is the perfect morning or afternoon drive to see the fall colors and beautiful views of the bay.

 

Look no further than Charlevoix to experience Northern Michigan’s fall colors. During the month of October, fall colors are at their peak. The surrounding countryside is full of gently rolling hills and an abundance of foliage that is sure to satisfy that fall color trip you’ve been waiting for. After a day of exploring Northern Michigan, stop into downtown Charlevoix for dinner, a craft beer, or a tasty treat.