Best Places to See Fall Colors in Traverse City
Quick answer: The best places to see fall colors in Traverse City are the scenic drives up the Old Mission Peninsula (M-37) and the Leelanau Peninsula (M-22), the overlooks and trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and easy in-town spots like the TART Trail. Color usually peaks around mid-October, and our homes in Traverse City and Leelanau County put you close to all of it.
When do fall colors peak in Traverse City?
Traverse City Tourism says peak color usually arrives around mid-October, but temperatures can shift the timing by several weeks in either direction. A warm fall pushes peak later, and a cold snap pulls it earlier. Not every tree turns at once either, so you get a window of good color instead of a single perfect weekend.
In some years, complete peak color in the Traverse City area has been forecast for the week of October 20 to 26, so a late October trip can still pay off. Traverse City Tourism posts color updates on its Facebook and Instagram pages, so check those before you pick your day.
Best scenic drives for fall color
Old Mission Peninsula (M-37)
This narrow peninsula runs nearly 20 miles into Grand Traverse Bay, with water on both sides and a patchwork of orchards, vineyards, and forest in between. Michigan.org recommends stopping at the peninsula’s wineries, including Brys Estate, Two Lads, and Chateau Grand Traverse. Keep going to the Mission Point Lighthouse at the tip, then head back on Peninsula Drive for bay views toward Power Island and the Leelanau hills.
M-22 and the Leelanau Peninsula
M-22 traces the edge of the Leelanau Peninsula and gives you glimpses of Lake Michigan through the color. Villages like Suttons Bay, Northport, Leland, and Glen Arbor make easy stops for lunch or a wine tasting. If you want more, take the 8-mile detour on M-201 to Leelanau State Park near Northport. For a shorter version, drive the stretch from Empire through Glen Arbor to Leland.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear is where golden dunes, blue water, and red and orange hardwoods all show up in the same view. Color along the park roads begins in late September and can last into late October depending on the year.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: A loop of roughly 7.5 miles through maple, beech, and birch forest, with a covered bridge and big overlooks. The park closes it for the season in late fall, so check current conditions before you go.
Empire Bluff Trail: About 1.5 miles round trip through beech and maple forest to a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
Pyramid Point: A short hike to a sandy overlook with Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands out front.
Alligator Hill: A quieter option with views over Glen Lake.
Park pass: Sleeping Bear charges $25 per private vehicle, valid for 1 to 7 days. The park is cashless, and you need to display the pass in your vehicle. You can buy it at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center or online through the National Park Service.
More trail ideas are in our guide to the best hikes near Traverse City.
Easy fall color close to town
TART Trail: Walk or bike it. Traverse City Tourism calls it an easy way to take in the scenery.
Village at Grand Traverse Commons: The natural area here is one of the first places in town to show color. Pair it with the shops, which we cover in our Traverse City shopping guide.
Crystal Mountain chairlift ride: A popular fall outing in the region, with treetop views of the color.
Worth the drive: SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain
For a fall color view from above the treetops, head north to SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, about an hour and a half from Traverse City. The bridge is roughly 1,200 feet long and 118 feet high, and it’s billed as the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. Part of the middle is glass, so it’s not for anyone nervous about heights.
You ride the Hemlock chairlift to the summit, and the ride itself is a great view of the color. According to Treetops Resort, a ticket includes one lift ride up and down plus about three hours at the top, so you can cross as many times as you like. The bridge closes for lightning and high winds, and hours and prices change by season, so check Boyne Mountain’s website before you go.
A simple fall color weekend
Day one: Drive the Old Mission Peninsula, stop at a winery or two, finish at the lighthouse, and have dinner back in town.
Day two: Head out M-22 to Sleeping Bear Dunes for the scenic drive and one short hike, then make the loop back through Leelanau County.
Where to stay for fall color
After a day outside, a hot tub and a fire pit make the trip. Every home below is bookable direct, which skips the service fees you’d pay on third-party booking sites.
Near Sleeping Bear Dunes: Empire Therapy sleeps 8, with a hot tub, indoor and outdoor fireplace, and game room. Read about it here.
In Leelanau wine country: Suttons Bay Therapy sleeps 8, with a hot tub, game room, and indoor and outdoor fireplace. Read about it here.
On the water: Green Lake Therapy has a hot tub, outdoor fire pit, and private dock. Read about it here.
Close to downtown: Traverse City Therapy sleeps 8, with a hot tub, indoor and outdoor fireplace, and an easy start for the Old Mission drive. Read about it here.
For couples: Little Ranch Therapy sits on 8 private acres with a hot tub and fire pit, and sleeps 2 to 4. Read about it here.
For Larger Groups: Both TC Ranch Therapy and Lake Leelanau Therapy sleep 12. TC Ranch Therapy sits on 8 acres, about 15 minutes from downtown, with a hot tub, private sauna, and game room. Read about it here. Lake Leelanau Therapy has a hot tub, fire pit, and pond views, just minutes from Lake Leelanau. Read about it here.
Bringing a dog? Our dog-friendly activities guide covers trails, beaches, and patios. Not sure which home fits? Start with what to look for before you book, or see what past guests say.
Want first dibs on last-minute openings? Text GETAWAY to (231) 440-8778 for special offers and openings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see fall colors in Traverse City?
Peak color usually lands around mid-October, though weather can move it earlier or later by several weeks. Late September through late October gives you a good chance of catching strong color somewhere in the region.
What is the best scenic drive for fall colors near Traverse City?
M-22 through the Leelanau Peninsula and M-37 up the Old Mission Peninsula are the two most popular. Old Mission is the easier half-day. M-22 pairs well with Sleeping Bear Dunes for a full day.
Do I need a pass for Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Yes. A private vehicle pass is $25 and valid for 1 to 7 days. The park is cashless, so bring a card or buy online ahead of time.
What are the best easy hikes for fall color near Traverse City?
Empire Bluff (about 1.5 miles round trip), Pyramid Point, and Alligator Hill at Sleeping Bear Dunes are good picks. For something flatter and closer to town, try the TART Trail.
Where should I stay to see fall colors in Traverse City?
Pick a home that fits your route. Empire Therapy is closest to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Suttons Bay Therapy and Lake Leelanau Therapy sit along the Leelanau drive, and Traverse City Therapy puts you near downtown and the Old Mission Peninsula.
