Where to See the Best Fall Colors in Traverse City
Why Traverse City Is a Top Fall Foliage Destination
Traverse City’s fall foliage is magical, fiery, and needs to be seen to be believed. Add in the beautiful weather, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees depending on how late in the season you visit, and you have a vacation you have always dreamed about.
When Is Peak Fall Color Season in Traverse City?
If you are planning a leaf peeping in Traverse City adventure, you’ll want to know that the colors reach their peak during one perfect week in October, sometime around the middle of the month. The leaves begin their change in late September, however, and continue to put on a show through the end of October. There are some factors that could affect the brilliance of those colors, including too warm days and early freezes. In times of drought, the trees may drop their leaves earlier, shortening the season of beauty.
Enjoy a Scenic Drive Through Old Mission Peninsula
We must admit that a drive through the Old Mission Peninsula is popular in any season, but in the fall, it truly becomes a favorite. Stopping at farm stands to purchase a pumpkin to decorate the doorstep of your seasonal sanctuary can make you smile. Lingering at many of the wineries in the area will help you relax. And finally, taking pictures of the family with the fall foliage as a backdrop. These are just some of the reasons you want to add an Old Mission Peninsula drive to your itinerary.
M-37 Ridge Overlook
One of the top scenic spots on the Peninsula is the M-37 (Center Road) Ridge Overlook, also known as the “What a View” pull-off. Offering views of the Mission Point Lighthouse and the wineries that dot the landscape, the photos you take from here will be sublime.
Old Mission General Store
In addition to the wineries on your route, you want to pencil in a stop at the Old Mission General Store, a Michigan tradition since 1839. Selling locally sourced items, including baked goods and wine, it is more than a grocery store; it is a beautiful part of Traverse City’s history.
Address: 18250 Mission Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
Hours: 12 PM to 7 PM
Explore the Leelanau Peninsula During Fall
There are three distinct areas to explore during your Traverse City fall trip. The downtown area, which combines Midwest charm with big city convenience, the Old Mission Peninsula (wineries and stunning landscape), and the Leelanau Peninsula. The latter is a favorite of travelers and locals, offering a beautiful blend of small towns and scenic landscapes.
Top Stops Along the Peninsula
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse & Leelanau State Park offers a scenic, breathtaking adventure, making it one of the top stops on the Peninsula. Recently restored and open to the public, guests can climb the lighthouse tower and explore the history of the keeper’s cottage.
Address: 15500 Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670
Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM Monday-Friday
10 AM to 3 PM Saturday-Sunday
All road trips need a pit stop for food and relaxation, and as you tour the Leelanau Peninsula, you might want to plan yours to be the Village Cheese Shanty. This is a seasonal spot that closes near the end of October, so you might want to plan accordingly, especially as it is known for offering over 60 different cheeses!
Address: 199 W River St, Leland, MI 49654
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
See Fall Colors at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Traverse City’s fall foliage burns brighter at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, making it a must-stop spot during your travels. The contrast between the vibrant trees and sandy dunes makes it a top photo spot as well, and its location actually extends leaf-peeping season through the end of October.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
If you do nothing else, you will want to explore the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Offering 7.4 miles of road that lead travelers to a covered bridge and the Lake Michigan Overlook, where the views of the trees will take your breath away.
Empire Bluff Trail
The Empire Bluff Trail is a moderately easy hike and is where your most cherished memories will begin. Views of Lake Michigan and the fiery fall trees just beg to be photographed and are certain to be worthy of framing and mounting on your wall.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 183 feet
Best Fall Color Experiences on the Water
Leaf-peeping in Traverse City can even be enjoyed from the water, and the places listed here are highly recommended.
Scenic Cruises on Grand Traverse Bay with Traverse Tall Ship Company
Offering scenic sails aboard schooners Manitou & Scout, the Traverse Tall Ship Company is known for its Manitou Fall Evening Sail.
Address: 13170 S W Bay Shore Dr Ste 108, Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (213) 941-200
Kayaking During Autumn with Kayak, Bike & Brew
The water is definitely a bit chilly, should you happen to fall in, but an autumn kayak trip across any of our waterways will be memorable. Kayak, Bike & Brew offers a variety of tours, including its very popular namesake tour, the Kayak, Bike & Brew Tour.
Address: 436 W Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA
Phone: (231) 760-8828
Clinch Park: A Waterfront Park Worth Visiting
Located on Grand Traverse Bay, Clinch Park is one of the best spots for your Traverse City leaf peeping adventures.
Address: 111 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
Fall Winery Tours and Vineyard Views
If summer is for cherries, then fall is about the wine. Fall is one of the best times to visit wine country, and it doesn’t matter if you visit the Old Mission Peninsula wineries or take a journey along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. All will have a good time during your Traverse City fall trip!
Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
There are 11 wineries found on the Old Mission Peninsula, and if you can’t visit them all, we hope that the Chateau Chantal Winery finds its way to your itinerary. In addition to its gorgeous wines, the winery is perched high on a ridge and the views of Traverse City at its fall finest are spectacular from this spot.
Address: 15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: (231) 223-4110
Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM Sunday-Thursday
11 AM to 7 PM Friday-Saturday
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
Featuring approximately 24 wineries, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail isn’t something you can do in a day. Blustone Vineyards, a top winery on the trail, is famed for its hilltop views and modern tasting room.
Address: 780 N Sylt Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
Phone: (231) 256-0146
Hours: 12 PM to 6 PM Sunday-Friday
12 PM to 7 PM Saturday
Tips for Photographing Fall Colors in Traverse City
It is difficult to take a bad picture of Traverse City fall foliage, but there are times when the pictures you take will be even more magical. There are two prime times for photography each day, known as the golden hours. The golden hours refer to the one or two hours after sunrise and one hour before sunset.
It should be no surprise that some of the most popular fall photography locations have already been discussed above: the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the Old Mission Peninsula. Empire Bluff Trail offers breathtaking foliage, with the lake serving as a crystal-clear backdrop.
Where to Stay for the Ultimate Fall Foliage Getaway
Your Traverse City fall trip is going to be spectacular, no matter what part of Traverse City you decide to stay in, but for some travelers, staying in or near downtown is the only place worth living. Our Elevated Stays downtown abodes are located close to the top shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Our fall vacation rentals are spacious retreats filled with luxury amenities and all the comforts of home. Book your favorite Elevated Stays rental today!
