By Molly Buttleman
Every October, the hardwoods along Lake Michigan turn orange, red, and gold, and the whole region seems to glow. I love how many ways there are to take it in, from a winding forest road to a dune overlook to a seat on a winery shuttle. The right route depends on your timing, your pace, and how much driving you want to do.
I pulled together the stops that come up most so you can plan a day that fits.
Key Takeaways
- Peak timing: Pure Michigan’s 2026 map points to peak color in most of the northern Lower Peninsula around October 19 to 24.
- Tunnel of Trees: The roughly 20-mile M-119 drive links Harbor Springs and Cross Village under a heavy tree canopy.
- Dune views: The national lakeshore near Glen Arbor offers the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive with twelve stops.
- Winery rides: Shuttle tours around the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas let you sip while someone else drives.
Peak Color Falls in the Second Half of October
An August 2026 Axios guide cites Pure Michigan’s fall color map, which shows leaves changing in the northern Lower Peninsula in early October. Most of that region peaks around October 19 to 24, according to the same guide.
How to Plan Around the Colors
- Check the map: Pure Michigan updates its color map through the season, so look again before you leave.
- Stay flexible: Weather and wind can shift peak timing by several days.
- Choose weekdays: The Leelanau Ticker reports that weekends draw the most winery visitors.
Visit Traverse City notes that color often arrives in mid-October in the Grand Traverse area, though that guidance may be dated. Allow a few spare days in your schedule if you can.
The Tunnel of Trees Winds From Harbor Springs to Cross Village
M-119 is about 20 miles long, running from just outside downtown Harbor Springs to Cross Village. The road is twisting and heavily shaded, and parts of it run along a bluff above Little Traverse Bay.
What to Know Before You Drive
- Narrow pavement: The road is often barely wide enough for two cars to pass.
- Slow curves: Northern Express lists a speed limit of 45 mph or less and warns about the sharp Devil’s Elbow curve.
- Closure checks: Axios reported that flooding has caused detours, so confirm the route before you go.
Many drivers start in Harbor Springs for coffee and finish at Legs Inn in Cross Village, which serves Polish cuisine. Give yourself extra time for photo stops along the way.
Pierce Stocking Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes Adds a One-Way Loop
The National Park Service lists Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive as a one-way loop of about 7.4 miles. It has twelve informational stops, and visiting every one takes about two hours.
Details From the Park Service
- Season: The drive is generally open to vehicles from late May until late October.
- Pass: An entrance pass is required, though the page does not list prices.
- Vehicle rules: Trailers are not permitted, and maximum clearance is 13 feet 6 inches.
Overlooks include Lake Michigan Overlook and Sleeping Bear Dune Overlook. The posted speed is 20 mph, which leaves plenty of time to enjoy the view.
Old Mission Peninsula Pairs Colors With Vineyards
Visit Traverse City describes a drive of about 45 miles up M-37 past orchards and vineyards, with a viewpoint near Chateau Grand Traverse and a stop at Mission Point Lighthouse. The loop takes roughly two hours of driving.
Ways to See the Peninsula
- Self-guided drive: The route follows M-37 north and returns along Peninsula Drive beside West Bay.
- Shuttle tour: The Magic Shuttle Bus lists a five-hour tour of four Old Mission wineries with transportation included.
- Cost and schedule: The listing shows $80 to $110 per person, not including wine samples, so confirm current details.
A shuttle tour lets everyone in your group enjoy the tastings and the view. Book early to hold a spot on fall dates.
Leelanau Peninsula Offers a Longer Drive and Many Wineries
Visit Traverse City suggests a Leelanau loop of about 75 miles that passes Suttons Bay, Northport, and Leland. It reaches Leelanau State Park and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, with an optional extension toward Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Winery Notes
- Winery count: A 2020 Leelanau Ticker article cited 27 member wineries in the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association.
- High season: The association’s president described the busy period as mid-September through the end of October.
- Shuttle options: There are several wine tour transportation options, including Grand Traverse Tours, Lakeshore Shuttle and Tours, TC Wine Girl, and more.
Plan for 3 hours or more if you want to complete the full drive. Pick a designated driver or book a shuttle before you start tasting.
FAQs
When should I plan fall colors tours in Northern Michigan?
Most of the northern Lower Peninsula is expected to peak around October 19 to 24 in 2026, based on Pure Michigan’s map. Check the map again close to your trip, since timing can shift.
Do I need a pass for Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive?
The National Park Service says an entrance pass is required. The page does not list the price, so check before you visit.
What options are there for tour transportation?
The Magic Shuttle Bus lists a five-hour Old Mission tour with transport between four wineries. Confirm dates and pricing directly with the operator. Several companies, Magic Shuttle Bus included, offer wine tours of both Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, depending on the region you’d like to see. Other companies include Grand Traverse Tours, Lakeshore Shuttle and Tours, TC Wine Girl, and more.
Reach Out to Molly Buttleman
If these views make you wonder what it would be like to live nearby, reach out to
Molly Buttleman to talk about homes in Northern Michigan. I would love to share what I know about the area and help you find a setting that speaks to you.
