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Fall Color Tours

Fall spans a multitude of seasons. Imagine warm Indian summer days with brilliantly colored leaves against an azure sky mirrored in the stillness of a quiet inland lake. The crisp air invigorates. It’s time to relax and enjoy life. Plan a leisurely color tour; the drive along US-2 is rated one of the top ten color tours in the nation by USA Today.

November is a brisk bridge between fall color and the winter snows. An occasional snowfall and stark, bare-limbed trees set the perfect stage for hunting.

Fish, hike, hunt, browse our shops. Special fall accommodation rates are available throughout the St. Ignace area.

PLEASE NOTE: Our Fall Color Tours are not paid tours or tied to specific dates. These “tours” are thoughtfully curated routes designed to help you experience the breathtaking fall foliage of the Upper Peninsula at your own pace.

Violet Fall Color Tour

πŸπŸ‚ Explore the Enchanting Violet Color Tour πŸ‚πŸ

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Michigan’s fall foliage with our Violet Color Tour. This 122-mile journey takes you on a captivating route filled with stunning landscapes, vibrant colors, and exciting stops along the way.

Route Highlights

The Violet Color Tour begins in the charming town of St. Ignace and takes you on an unforgettable adventure:

  • Start: St. Ignace
  • US2 along Lake Michigan: Enjoy picturesque views of Lake Michigan and sandy dune beaches.
  • 117 North near Engadine: Head north and experience the deep mulberry and wine-dark fall foliage.
  • M28 East near Newberry: Loop back eastwards through beautiful autumn scenery.
  • M123 South: Complete the loop as you head south, passing through the Hiawatha National Forest.
  • Sunset Views: If timed right, catch the different sets of the sun along US2, creating a magical end to your day.

This leisurely 2-hour drive allows plenty of time to capture the beauty with your camera, making it a photographer’s dream.

What You Will See

As you start your journey on US2, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Lake Michigan and its sandy dune beaches. On the other side, the landscape transforms into a canvas of deep mulberry and wine-dark fall foliage. Be sure to cross the magnificent Cut River Bridge, an engineering marvel that spans the Cut River Valley 147 feet below. The route takes you through forests, over rivers, and along the Hiawatha National Forest.

The Science Behind the Colors

Ever wondered where the violet and red hues of autumn leaves come from? It’s all thanks to anthocyanin, the same chemical that gives color to cranberries, strawberries, and plums. The bright summer light prompts leaves to produce more anthocyanin, resulting in the vibrant autumn colors you’ll witness. Common trees like dogwood, sugar maple, red oak, white oak, red osier, and red ash in northern Michigan are known for their rich burgundy hues.

Stops Along the Way/Places to See

Enhance your journey by visiting these fascinating attractions along the Violet Color Tour:

🍁 Deer Ranch – St. Ignace
🍁 Mystery Spot – St. Ignace
🍁 Hiawatha National Forest
🍁 Cut River Bridge State Roadside Park – Naubinway
🍁 Cut River Inn Restaurant – Epoufette/Naubinway
🍁 GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park – Naubinway
🍁 Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum – Naubinway
🍁 Oswald’s Bear Ranch – Newberry
🍁 The Gourd Barn – Moran
🍁 King’s Fish Market and Restaurant – Moran

Accommodations

Extend your adventure and consider spending the night at one of these recommended accommodations:

Willow Cover Cottages, Moran: Enjoy beautiful views of Brevort Lake.

Β Accommodations along US2:

  • Normandy Motel
  • Straits State Park
  • Cedar Hill Lodge
  • Voyager Inn Saint Ignace
  • Quality Inn (N561 Boulevard Drive, Saint Ignace, MI)
  • Super 8 by Wyndham St. Ignace
  • Sunset Motel

Uncover the magic of the Violet Color Tour and immerse yourself in Michigan’s autumn splendor. Start your journey today!

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the brochure.

CrimsonΒ Fall ColorΒ Tour

πŸπŸ‚ Discover the Exquisite Crimson Tour πŸ‚πŸ

Embark on a captivating journey through the radiant crimson landscapes of northern Michigan with our Crimson Tour. This scenic route promises a dazzling display of red and crimson foliage, taking you on a remarkable adventure filled with natural beauty.

Route Highlights

πŸ‚ Start: Begin your journey northbound on I-75, setting your course towards Cedarville.
πŸ‚ M134 Towards Cedarville: Head east on M134, embracing the stunning autumn colors.
πŸ‚ 129 Towards Sault Ste. Marie: Continue north on 129, with views of Saint Martin Bay in Lake Huron and the Les Cheneaux Islands.
πŸ‚ Return via I-75: Conclude your loop by heading south on I-75, making your way back to St. Ignace.

The Rich Crimson Colors

The Crimson Tour celebrates nature’s transition as vibrant green chlorophyll in leaves diminishes, revealing the spectacular crimson hues. These stunning colors are brought to life by the same anthocyanins found in cherries, red apples, and plums.

Common northern Michigan trees, including red oak, white oak, red maple, red osier, and red ash, consistently display magnificent crimson shades. Depending on weather and sunlight, some may even exhibit deeper reds and purples.

What You Will See

Throughout your journey, you’ll be surrounded by trees adorned in breathtaking crimson colors. On your left, you’ll witness striking autumn foliage, while on your right, Saint Martin Bay in Lake Huron unfolds its sublime beauty, marking the beginning of the Les Cheneaux Islands.

As you pass Cedarville, the fall trees harmonize with picturesque family farms, creating a scenic contrast. On your return journey from Sault Ste. Marie, the landscape becomes even more vibrant as the trees grow thicker, engulfing you in the splendor of autumn colors.

Must-Visit Stops

Make the most of your Crimson Tour by exploring these captivating attractions along the way:

🍁 Castle Rock
🍁 Kewadin Shore Casino
🍁 Les Cheneaux Islands
🍁 Woods & Waters Tours
🍁 Soo Locks
🍁 Point Iroquois Light Station

Plan Your Crimson Adventure

The Crimson Tour promises a journey through a sea of red and crimson hues, offering a unique perspective on Michigan’s fall splendor. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or an adventurer, this tour has something for everyone. Begin your journey today and immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn’s crimson embrace!

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the brochure.

Gold Fall Color Tour

πŸπŸ‚ Explore the Glorious Gold Tour πŸ‚πŸ

Embark on a journey through nature’s golden palette with our enchanting Gold Tour. This scenic route promises a captivating display of yellow and orange foliage, taking you on an unforgettable adventure through Michigan’s picturesque landscapes.

Route Highlights

  • Start: Begin your adventure northbound on I-75, setting your course towards Allenville.
  • M123 Towards Seney: Head northwest on M123, meandering through charming scenery towards Seney.
  • M28 Towards Roberts Corner: Continue west on M28, immersing yourself in the autumn beauty.
  • M123 To Paradise: As you head north on M123, you’ll approach the stunning Paradise.
  • Return via I-75: Conclude your loop by heading south on I-75, making your way back to St. Ignace.

The Radiant Colors

The Gold Tour showcases nature’s transition as the vibrant green chlorophyll in leaves begins to fade, allowing the splendid yellow-orange carotenoids to shine through. This transformation is responsible for the golden hues that grace trees during the autumn season.

Common northern Michigan trees, including bur oak, sugar maple, bigtooth aspen, white ash, golden birch, white birch, and cottonwood, all contribute to this breathtaking golden spectacle.

What You Will See

Throughout your journey, you’ll be surrounded by trees adorned in stunning golden colors, creating a mesmerizing ambiance along the entire route. As you approach Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the golden trees draw closer, almost forming a canopy of autumn beauty over the road.

Prepare to be awestruck as you traverse an incredibly narrow road, with the majestic Lake Superior on one side and the beginnings of the Tahquamenon River on the other, offering you a unique blend of natural wonders.

Must-Visit Stops

Make the most of your Gold Tour by exploring these fantastic attractions along the way:

🍁 Castle Rock
🍁 The Toonerville Trolley Train
🍁 Oswald’s Bear Ranch
🍁 Tahquamenon Falls and State Park

Plan Your Gold Adventure

The Gold Tour promises a breathtaking journey through Michigan’s golden landscapes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a serene escape, this tour has something for everyone. Begin your journey today and immerse yourself in the splendor of autumn’s golden embrace!

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the brochure.

Munising Fall Color Tour

πŸπŸ‚ Discover the Beauty of Munising on a Scenic Color Tour! πŸ‚πŸ

Looking for an unforgettable autumn adventure? Join us on a captivating color tour that leads you to the picturesque town of Munising. This route promises breathtaking fall foliage, scenic views, and exciting stops along the way.

Tour Highlights

πŸ‚ Route
Begin your journey on US2 through Manistique, turning onto 149 in Thompson and heading north to the stunning Kitch-iti-kipi. From there, hop onto 94 to 28, leading you straight into Munising.

πŸ‚ Scenic Drive
Covering 142 miles, this route takes approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes one-way, accounting for stops to capture those Instagram-worthy photos.

πŸ‚ Lake Michigan Beauty
Experience the vibrant autumn colors along the shores of Lake Michigan, a sight to behold during this time of year.

οΈπŸ‚ Hiawatha National Forest
Drive through the enchanting Hiawatha National Forest, surrounded by colorful foliage on both sides of the road.

πŸ‚ Multiple Return Options
While we showcase this as a one-way route, you have the flexibility to choose different return routes. You can even include the Gold or Crimson tours on your way back to St. Ignace, making it an all-day adventure.

The Science Behind the Colors

Ever wondered where the violet and red hues of autumn leaves come from? It’s all thanks to anthocyanin, the same chemical that gives color to cranberries, strawberries, and plums. The bright summer light prompts leaves to produce more anthocyanin, resulting in the vibrant autumn colors you’ll witness. Common trees like dogwood, sugar maple, red oak, white oak, red osier, and red ash in northern Michigan are known for their rich burgundy hues.

Add Exciting Stops Along the Way

🍁 Kitch-iti-kipi – Manistique
🍁️ Pictured Rock Cruises – Paradise
🍁 Riptide Rides – Munising (Closing Date: Sept. 30, 2023)
🍁 Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours – Munising (Closing Date: Sept. 30, 2023)

This tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the autumnal magic of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscapes. And if you choose to embark on one of the boat tours, you’ll get a whole new perspective on the vibrant shoreline colors.

Prepare to be enchanted by the vivid colors of fall in Munising. Start planning your adventure today!

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the brochure.

Need assistance planning your route or have questions? The Chamber is here to help!